manual transmission BMW 323i 1997 E36 User Guide

020-
1
8



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

Fig
.
25
.
Inspect
brake
pads
with
the
caliper
removed
.
Minimum
brake
pad
thickness
shown
by
dimension
(A)
.

NOTE-

The
parking
brake
may
lose
some
of
its
effectiveness
if
it
is
not
used
frequently
.
This
is
due
to
corrosion
build-
up
on
the
parking
brake
drum
.
To
remove
corrosion,
ap-
plythe
parking
brake
just
until
it
begins
togrip,
then
pulí
the
lever
up
one
more
stop
(click)
.
Drive
thecar
approx-
imately
400
meters
(1,300
ft
.)
and
release
the
brake
.
To
recheck
the
adjustment
of
the
parking
brake
see340
Brakes
.

UNDER-CAR
MAINTENANCE

0011920

Manual
transmission
fluid,

checking
and
filling

The
manual
transmission
fluid
leve¡
should
be
checked
at

specified
intervals
.
Check
and
fill
the
transmission
with
the
car

ona
leve¡
surface
.
Transmission
(luid
leve¡
checking
and
re-

placement
procedures
are
covered
in
230
Manual
Transmis-

sion
.

Automatic
Transmission
Service

The
automatic
transmission
is
not
equipped
with
a
dipstíck
.

Therefore,
checking
the
ATF
level
is
an
ínvolved
procedure,

which
includes
measuring
and
maintaining
a
specified
ATF

temperature
during
the
checking
procedure
.

For
more
complete
ATF
service,
including
checking
ATF
lev-

e¡
and
ATF
filter
replacement
procedures,
see
240
Automatic
Transmission
.

Front
suspension
and
steering
linkages,

inspecting

Inspection
of
the
front
suspension'and
steering
includes
a
check
of
all
moving
parts
for
wear
and
excessive
play
.
Also
in-

spect
the
rubber
seals
and
boots
for
cracks
or
tears
that
could

allow
the
entry
of
dirt,
water,
and
other
contaminants
.
See
310

Front
Suspension
.

Exhaust
system,
inspecting



Rear
suspension,
inspecting
Exhaust
system
life
varies
widely
according
to
driving
habits



Final
drive
and
rear
drive
axle
service
consists
of
checking

and
environmental
conditions
.
If
short-distance
driving
pre-



and
changing
the
gear
oil,
inspecting
for
leaks,
and
checking
dominates,
the
moisture
and
condensation
in
the
system
will



the
rear
drive
axle
rubber
boots
for
damage
.
not
fully
dryout
.
This
will
lead
to
early
corrosion
damage
and
more
frequent
replacement
.
The
areas
where
leaks
are
most
likely
to
occur
are
around
the
driveshaft
and
drive
axle
mounting
flanges
.
For
more
infor

Scheduled
maintenance
of
the
exhaust
system
is
limitedlo



mation
on
ídentifying
oil
leaks
and
their
causes,
see330
Rear
inspection
.
Check
for
restrictions
due
to
dents
or
kinks
.
Check



Suspension
.
for
weakness
or
perforation
due
to
rust
.
Check
lo
see
that
all
the
hangers
are
in
place
and
properly
supporting
the
system
and
that
the
system
does
not
strike
the
body
.
Alignment
of
the
sys-



Final
drive
oil
leve¡,
checking

temand
the
location
of
the
hangers
aredescribed
in
180
Ex-
haust
System
.



Check
the
lubricant
leve¡
with
thecar
level
.
Remove
the
oil
filler
plug
.
The
leve¡
is
correct
when
the
fluidjust
reaches
the

edge
of
the
filler
hole
.
Install
and
tighten
the
oil
filler
plug
when
Manual
Transmission
Service



the
oil
level
is
correct
.
See
Fig
.
26
.

Manual
transmissionservice
consists
of
inspectingfor
leaks



The
final
drive
should
be
filled
with
a
special
BMW
lubricant
and
checking
and
changing
the
fluid
.



available
through
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
In
addition,
the
lubricant
type
varies
depending
onwhether
or
nota
limited-slip
Evidence
of
transmissionleaks
is
fkely
to
beseenaround
the



differential
is
fitted
.
driveshaft
mounting
flange
and
at
the
bottom
of
the
bellhousing
.
For
more
information
on
identifying
oil
leaks
and
their
causes,
see230ManualTransmissionand210
Clutch
.



Tightening
Torque

"
Finaldrive
filler
plug
to
final
drive
housing
..................
70
Nm
(52
ft-Ib)

110
Engine
Removal
and
Installation

GENERAL
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
..........
.
...
110-1



Engine,
removing
and
installing
(4-cylinder
engines)
.
..
.....
..
...........
110-1

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION
110-1



Engine,
removing
and
installing
(6-cylinder
engines)
..
...
...
..
.....
..
....
110-4

GENERAL

Some
special
tools
are
required
for
removal
and
installation
of
the
engine
.
Be
sure
to
have
the
necessary
equipment
on
hand
before
starting
thejob
.

CAUTION-

"
Engine
removal
requires
disconnecting
the
bat-
tery
.
This
may
erase
any
system
fault
code(s)
that
havebeen
stored
in
control
unit
memories
.
Check
forfault
codes
prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery
cables
.

"
If
the
Check
Engine
lightis
illuminated
with
the
engine
running,
see
100
Engine-General
for
On-Board
Diagnostics
(08D)
fault
code
infor-
mation
.
"
If
any
other
system
faults
have
been
detected,
as
indicated
by
an
illuminated
ANTI
LOCK,
SRS
or
AST
warning
light,
see
the
appropriate
repair
group
inthis
manual
or
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
for
more
information
on
fault
codes
.

ENGINE
REMOVALAND
INSTALLATION

Engine,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engines)

Cover
al¡
painted
surfaces
before
beginning
theremoval

procedure
.
Asan
aid
to
installation,
label
al¡
components,

wires,
and
hoses
before
removing
them
.
Do
not
reuse
gas-

kets,
O-rings
or
seals
during
reassembly
.

WARNING
-

Due
to
risk
of
personal
injury,
be
sure
the
engine
is

cold
before
beginning
the
removalprocedure
.

1.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
in
luggage

compartment
.



0011969

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION



110-1

2
.
Remove
transmission
from
car
.
See230
Manual
Transmission
or
240
Automatic
Transmission
.

3
.
Remove
enginehood
or
place
hood
in
service
positíon
.
See
410
Fenders,
Engine
Hood
.

NOTE-

tt
is
notnecessary
to
remove
the
engine
hood,
but
it
is
helpful
and
will
make
engine
removal
and
installation
easier
.

4
.
Remove
splash
guard
under
engine,
if
applicable
.

5
.
Unbolt
ignition
coil
assembly
from
bracket
on
strut
tow-er
.
Disconnect
wiring
to
ignition
cofs,
then
place
coil
assembly
on
engine
.

6
.
Disconnect
al¡
cables
and
harness
connectors
at
throt-
tle
housing
.

7
.
Unbolt
andremove
complete
air
cleaner
housing
with

mass
air
flow
sensor,
disconnecting
and
labeling
con-

nectors,
ducting
and
hoses
asnecessary
.
See
Fig
.
1
.

Fig
.
1
.



Intake
air
duct
hose
clamp
(A),
mass
air
flow
sensor
connec-
tor
(B),
and
air
cleanerto
air
flow
sensor
clips
(C)
on
M44
en-
gine
.

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

110-
4



ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

Engine,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engines)

Engineremoval
procedures
for
the
various
6-cylinder
en-

gines
arecovered
in
this
section
.
Most
steps
in
theproce-

dures
are
similar
or
the
same
for
al¡
engines
.
Specific

differences
that
apply
are
noted
at
the
beginning
of
each
step
.

Be
sure
to
cover
all
painted
surfaces
before
beginning
the

removal
procedure
.
As
an
aid
to
installation,
label
all
compo-

nents,wires,
and
hoses
before
removing
them
.
Do
not
reuse

gaskets,
O-rings
or
seals
during
reassembly
.

WARNING
-

Due
to
risk
of
personal
injury,
be
sure
the
engine
is
cold
before
beginning
the
removalprocedure
.

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
in
luggage
com-

partment
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
vi¡¡
.

2
.
Remove
engine
hood
or
place
hood
in
service
position
.

See410
Fenders,
Engine
Hood
.

NOTE-

1t
is
not
necessary
to
remove
the
engine
hood,
but
it
is
helpful
and
will
make
engine
removal
and
installation
easier
.

3
.
Remove
splash
guardunder
engine,
if
applicable
.

4
.
Remove
transmission
from
car
.
See
230
Manual

Transmission
or
240Automatic
Transmission
.

5
.
Remove
vacuum
hosefrom
brake
booster
on
bulkhead
.

Cover
hole
in
booster
and
plug
hose
end
.

6
.
Remove
intake
air
plenum
panel
in
rear
of
engine
com-
partment
.
See
640
Heating
and
AirConditioning
.

7
.
Remove
ground
strap
from
timing
case
cover,
if
appli-

cable
.

8
.
Remove
top
enginecovers
and
disconnect
ignition
coil
harness
connectors
.
Working
at
fuel
injectors,
pry
open
small
wire
clipsat
each
injector
.
Remove
main
harness

hold-down
nuts
and
lift
completeharness
away
.
See
Fig
.
7
.

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

Fig
.
7
.



Remove
mainharnessfrom
top
engine
and
place
at
base
of

windshield
.

0012703

Fig
.
8
.



Mass
air
flow
sensor
connector
air
duct
hose
clamp,
and
air
cleaner
housing
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.

9
.
Unbolt
andremove
complete
air
cleaner
housing
with



10
.
On
cars
with
automatic
transmission,
remove
front
and
mass
air
flow
sensor,
disconnecting
and
labeling
con-



rearbrackets
holding
transmission
cooler
linesto
side
nectors,
ducting
and
hoses
asnecessary
.
See
Fig
.
8
.



of
engine
.

116-
4



CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN

NOTE-

"
The
camshaft
bearing
caps
are
coded
with
a
letter
anda
number
.
Forexample,
'541"is
the
exhaustcam-
shaft
bearing
cap
at
the
front
of
the
engine,
and
`El"
is
the
intake
camshaft
bearing
cap
at
the
front
of
the
engine
.

"
Camshafts
are
stamped
with
a
code
letter-'E"
for
the
intakeside
and
A"
for
the
exhaust
side
.

"
"E"
isfor
Einla3,
(German
for
intake)
and
A"
is
for
Auspuff,
(Germen
for
exhaust)
.

"
The
front
of
the
engine
is
at
the
front
of
the
car
.

8
.
Camshaft
installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
noting
the

following
:

"
Prior
to
installation,
check
all
components
for
wear
as

described
below
underCylinder
Head
and
Val-

vetrain
Reconditioning
.
"
Lubricate
camshafts
prior
to
installation
.
"
Reinstall
timing
chain
sprockets
and
tensioner
and
set
valve
timing
before
reinstalling
rocker
arms,as
spe-

cifically
described
in
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.

"
Be
sure
corresponding
camshaft
lobe
is
pointing
up

before
installing
rocker
arms
.
Note
that
each
rocker
arm
angles
away
from
corresponding
spark
plug
hole
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

"
Wait
at
least
10
minutes
for
hydraulic
cam
followers
to
fully
compress
before
cranking
engine
over
with
start-

er
for
the
first
time
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Camshaft
bearing
caps

to
cylinder
head
(M7)
.............
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)

"
Cylinder
head
cover

to
cylinder
head
(M6)
.............
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

"
Primary
timing
chain
tensioner
plug

to
cylinder
head
.
................
40
Nm
(30
ft-lb)
(sea
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain)

"
Spark
plugs
(M12)
.............
...
23
Nm
(17
ft-lb

Timing
chaincover
(upper)
to
cylinder
head
M6
.....
.
.
...
................
.
10
Nm
(7
.5
ft-Ib)
M7
....
..
.
.
........
.
.....
.
...
.
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)

"
Timing
chain
sprockets
to
camshaft

M6
....
.
.
..
..............
.
..
..
10
Nm
(7
.5
ft-Ib)
M7
....
....
..............
.
..
..
.15
Nm
(11
ft
.lb)
(sea
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain)

Camshafts,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine)

Camshafts
on
6-cylinder
engines
can
be
removed
with
the
cylinder
head
mounted
on
the
engine
.
The
first
step
is
to
re-
move
the
cylinder
head
cover
.
See
113
Cylinder
Head
Re-
moval
and
Installation
.

CYLINDER
HEAD,
DISASSEMBLYAND
ASSEMBLY

Fig
.
4
.



Correct
installation
position
ofrocker
arms
(arrows)
on
M44
engine
.

Special
BMW
service
tools
should
always
be
used
to
re-

move
and
instan
the
camshafts
.
Removal
of
camshafts
with-

outthe
special
tools
can
result
in
personal
injury
and/or
cylinder
head
damage
.

WARNING
-

The
processof
evenly
loosening
the
camshaft
bear-
ing
cap
nuts
is
NOT
en
acceptable
method
of
re-
moving
the
camshafts
.
Special
tools
shouldalways
be
used
lo
remove
the
camshafts
.
Be
sure
to
read
the
procedure
through
before
starting
ajob
.

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpaga
viii
.

516
2
.
Setengine
to
TDC
and
lock
into
position
by
installing
BMW
special
tool
11
2
300
through
transmission
bell-
housing
and
into
hole
in
flywheel
or
drive
platea
See
Fig
.
5
.

NOTE-

Arrows
on
camshaft
sprockets
shouldbe
pointing
up
.
Sea
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.

3
.
Remove
VANOS
control
unit
from
cylinder
head
.
Re-
move
timing
chainsprockets
from
camshafts
.
See117

Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.

4
.
Remove
sparkplugs
and
insta¡¡
BMW
special
tool
11
3
260/11
3
270
to
cylinder
head
.
Tighten
tool
retaining
bolts
in
spark
plug
holes
.
Do
not
ovar-tighten
bolts
.
See
Fig
.
6
.

119-
8



LUBRICATION
SYSTEM

17
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Thoroughly
clean
all
old
gasket
material
from
mating

surtaces
anduse
a
new
gasket
.

"
Applya
small
amount
of
non-hardening
sealer
(3-Bond

1209
0
or
equivalent)
to
oil
pan
gasket
directly
below

joints
for
and
cover
and
front
timing
case
cover
.
See

Fig
.
12
.

"
Tighten
oil
pan
bolts
starting
at
front
first,
working
to-

wardback
(transmission)
end
.

"
Fill
engine
with
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance

Program
.

"
After
addingengine
oil,
start
and
run
engine
.
Raiseen-

gine
speed
to
2,500
rpm
until
oíl
pressure
warning

lampgoes
out
(about
5seconds)
.

OIL
PUMP

applied
(arrows)
.
Apply
a
bead
3
mm
wideby
2
mm
high
.

WARNING
-

"
Always
use
new
bolts
when
mounting
the
sub-

frame
to
the
body
.
The
one-time
only
bolts
should
be
replaced
any
timethey
are
removed
.

"
Special
installation
instructions
apply
when
in-
stalling
the
front
suspension
crossmember
to
the
body
.
See
310
Front
Suspension
for
fastener
specifications
and
tightening
torques
.

Fig
.
12
.
Joint-mating
areas
at
oil
pan
gasket
where
sealer
should
be

Center
the
steering
spindle
to
the
steering
rack
before
in-

stalling
the
steering
column
shaft
.
See
320
Steering
and

Wheel
Alignment
for
more
specific
procedures
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Control
arm
bushing
carrier

to
body
(M10
bolt)
...............
47
Nm
(35
ft-Ib)

"
Engine
mount
to

suspension
crossmember(M10
nut)
..
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

"
Oil
pan
to
engine
block
(M6
bolt)

8
.8
grade
...........
.......
....
10
Nm
(89
in-lb)

10
.9
grade
...........
..
...
...
.
12
Nm
(106
in-lb)

"
Stabilizer
bar
link

to
control
arm
(M10
nut)
.......
....
42
Nm
(31
Ib-ft)

"
Steering
column
universal
joint

to
steering
rack
spindle
(M8
bolt)
....
19
Nm
(14
ft-Ib)

"
Suspensíon
crossmember

to
body
...
...
.
...
..
.
.
See
310
Front
Suspension

OIL
PUMP

Oil
pump,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)

Oil
pressure
on
M42
and
M44
engines
is
generatedbya

gear-type
pump
mounted
to
the
rear
of
the
front
engine
cover

(timing
chaincase)
.
The
pump
is
gear-driven
off
the
front
of

the
crankshaft
.

NOTE-

Oil
pump
removal
requires
lowering
of
the
front
sus-

pension
and
removal
of
the
oil
pan,
as
well
asremoval
of
the
timing
chain
assembly
.

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
from
battery
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
paga
vÍii
.

2
.
Drain
engine
oil
as
described
in
020
Maintenance
Pro-

gram
.

3
.
Withengine
cold,
drain
coolant
.
See
170
Radiator
and

Cooling
System
.

4
.
Remove
top
cover
from
oil
filter
housing
to
allow
engine

oil
to
drain
into
oil
pan
.
Remove
oil
pan
as
described

earlier
.
Reinstall
oil
filter
cover
.

5
.
Remove
alternator
.
Unbolt
power
steering
pump
from

bracket,
then
remove
alternator
mountíng
bracket
.
See

121
Battery,
Starter,
Alternator
.

6
.
Remove
crankshaft
vibration
damper
andhub
.
Then
re-

move
upper
and
lower
timing
chain
covers,
complete

timingchain,
chain
sprockets
and
chain
guides
.
See

117
Camshaft
Tíming
Chain
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM

TROUBLESHOOTING
.............
.
.
.
.
.121-2

Charging
System
Quick-Check
...
.
..
.
...
.
121-2

Static
current
draw,
checking
........
.
...
.
121-2

BATTERY
SERVICE
....................
121-3

Battery
Testing
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
........
.
121-3

Hydrometer
Testing
.
...
.
.
.
...
.
.........
121-3

Battery
Open-Circuit
Voltage
Test
....
.
....
121-4

Battery
Load
Voltage
Test
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

Battery
Charging
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

ALTERNATOR
SERVICE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
...
121-4

Chargingsystem,checking
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-4

Alternator,
removingand
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-5

Alternator,
removingand
installing

(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
121-6

GENERAL

The
charging
system
consists
of
a
belt-driven
alternator

with
integral
voltage
regulator
and
a
battery
mounted
in
the

luggage
compartment
.

Various
versions
of
alternators,
voltage
regulators,
starters,

and
batteries
are
used
in
the
E36
cars
.
It
is
important
to
re-

place
components
according
tothe
original
equipment
speci-

fication
.
Check
with
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
for
specific

application
and
parts
information
.

WARNING
-

"
Weargoggles,
rubbergloves,
and
a
rubberapron
when
working
around
batteries
and
battery
acid
(electrolyte)
.

"
Battery
acid
contains
sulfuric
acid
and
can
cause
skin
irritation
and
burning
.
ff
acid
is
spilled
onyour
skin
or
clothing,
flush
the
area
at
once
with
large
quantities
of
water
.
lf
electrolyte
gets
into
your
eyes,flush
them
with
largequantities
of
clean
wa-
terfor
several
minutes
and
call
a
physician
.

"
Batteries
that
are
being
charged
or
are
fully
charged
give
off
explosive
hydrogen
gas
.
Keep
sparks
and
open
flames
away
.
Do
not
smoke
.

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-1

121
Battery,
Starter,
Alternator

GENERAL
..
.
...
.
........
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
121-1



Voltage
regulator,
removing
and
ínstalling
.
.
.
121-6

Alternator
brushes,
inspecting
and
replacing
.121-7

STARTER
SERVICE
....
.
.
.
.
.
..........
.121-7

Starter
Troubleshootíng



121-7



15
..
.
.
.
.
.
........
.
.
.

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)
....
.
.
.
............
.
121-8

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine
with
manual
transmission)
..
.
...........
.
...
121-8

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(6-cylinder
engine
with

automatic
transmission)
................
121-9

Solenoid
switch,
removingand
installing
....
121-10

TABLES

a
.
Battery,
Starter
and
Charging
System

Troubleshooting
............
.
.
.
.
:...
........
121-2

b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyte
at
80°F
(27°C)
...............
.
.
..
..........
121-3

c
.
Open-Circuit
Voltage
and
Battery
Charge
........
121-4

d
.
Battery
Load
Test-Minimum
Voltage
.
..........
121-4

CAUTION
-

"
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
bat-tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.
"
Disconnecting
the
battery
cables
may
erase
fault
codes
stored
in
control
unit
memory
.

"
Always
disconnect
the
negative
()
battery
cable
first
and
reconnect
it
last
.
Cover
the
battery
post
with
an
insulating
material
whenever
the
cable
is
removed
.

"
After
reconnecting
the
battery,
the
power
window
motors
must
be
reinitialized
.
See
511
Door
Win-
dows
.

"
Never
reverse
the
battery
cables
.
Even
a
momen-
tary
wrong
connection
can
damage
the
alternatoror
other
electrical
components
.

"
Battery
cables
may
be
the
same
color
.
Label
ca-blebefore
removing
.

GENERAL

121-
8



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

1f
the
solenoid
audibly
cliicks
but
the
motor
does
not
turn,



Starter,
removing
and
installing
switch
on
the
lights
andtum
the
key
to
the
start
position
.
lf
the



(6-cylinder
engine
with
lights
go
out
while
attempting
to
start,
the
battery
cable
may
be



manual
transmission)
loose
or
the
starter
may
have
a
short
circuit
.
If
the
lights
stay

on,the
solenoid
is
most
likely
atfault
.
The
starter
on
a
6-cylinder
car
with
manual
transmission
is

Starter,
removing
and
installing

(4-cylinder
engine)



1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.

1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery

disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this

manual
on
page
viii
.

2
.
Remove
guide
tube
for
oil
dipstick
.

3
.
Raise
vehicle
.

WARNING
-

Make
sure
the
car
ís
stable
and
wefl
supported
at
all
times
.
Use
a
professional
automotive
lift
or
jack
stands
designed
forthe
purpose
.
A
floor
jack
is
not
adequate
support
.

4
.
Disconnect
wiring
from
starter
.

5
.
Remove
top
and
bottom
starter
bolts
.
Bottom
bolt
must

be
removed
from
below
car
.
Remove
starter
support

bracket,
if
applicable
.

removed
from
below
.

2
.
Raise
vehicle
.

3
.
Remove
reinforcing
cross
bracefromunder
transmís-

sion,
if
applicable
.

4
.
Remove
cover
from
fuel
filter
and
fuel
lines
on
left
side

underneath
car,
if
applicable
.
Detach
fuel
lines
and
har-

ness
connectors
from
retainingbrackets,
as
necessary

5
.
Disconnect
wiring
from
starter
.

6
.
Loosen
andremove
bolts
and
nuts
fastening
starter
to

transmission
bell
housing
and/or
engine
block
.
Remove

starter
supportbracket
.

7
.
Remove
starter
from
below
.

8
.
Check
starter
pinion
gear
and
flywheel
teeth
for
dam-

age
.

9
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

6
.
Pull
starter
downward
and
turn
until
solenoid
is
at
top,



Tightening
Torques

then
remove
from
car
.



"
Re¡
nforcing
cross
brace

to
chassis
(M10)
..
...............
42
Nm
(31
ft-Ib)

7
.
>Check
starter
pinion
gear
and
flywheel
teeth
for
dam-



"
Starter
to
engine
block
(M10
bolt)
...
50
Nm
(37
ft-Ib)

age
.



"
Support
bracket
to
starter
(M5
nut)
...
5
Nm
(44
in-lb)

"
Support
bracket

8
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.



to
engine
block
(M10
bolt)
.........
47
Nm
(35
ft-Ib)

"
Wire
to
terminal
50
(M6
nut)
.........
6
Nm
(53
ín-Ib)

"
Wire
to
terminal
30
(M8
nut)
.........
12
Nm
(9
ft-lb)

Tightening
Torques

"
Starter
to
engine
block
(M10
bolt)
...
50
Nm
(37
ft-lb)

Wire
to
terminal
50
(M6
nut)
........
6
Nm
(53
in-lb)

"
Wire
toterminal
30
(M8
nut)
...
,
..:.
12
Nm
(9
ft-Ib)

STARTER
SERVICE

170-2



RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM

Cooling
Fans



TROUBLESHOOTING

Belt-driven
coolingfan
.
The
primary
cooling
fan
is
belt-

driven
.
It
is
mounted
to
the
frontof
the
coolant
pump
through
a

fan
clutch
.
The
fan
clutch
is
a
viscous
fluid
coupling
that
con-

trols
the
speed
of
thefan
based
on
engine
compartment
tem-

perature
.

Electric
cooling
fan
.
Models
with
M44
engine
and
stan-

dard
transmission
substitute
an
electric
fan
for
the
belt-driven

viscous
fan
.
This
is
attached
to
the
rear
of
the
radiator
and

controlledvia
the
DME
5
.2
engine
management
system
.

NOTE-

The
electric
cooling
fan
in
these
models
is
activated
by
the
engine
control
module
(ECM)
.

Auxiliary
coolingfan
.
In
al¡
models
a
two-speed
electric

auxiliary
cooling
fan
is
mounted
behind
the
front
grill
and
in

front
of
the
radiator
.
This
fan
is
primarily
used
for
the
A/C
sys-

tem,
but
also
operates
when
the
coolant
temperature
ex-

ceeds
a
predetermined
leve¡
.

Warnings
and
Cautions

The
following
warnings
and
Cautions
should
beobserved

when
working
on
the
cooling
system
.

WARNING
-

"
Atnormal
operating
temperature
the
cooling
sys-
tem
is
pressurized
.
Allow
the
system
to
cool
as
long
as
possible
before
opening-a
minimum
of
an
hour-then
release
the
cap
slowly
to
allow
sale
release
of
pressure
.

"
Releasing
the
cooling
system
pressure
lowers
the
coolants
boiling
point
and
the
coolant
may
boíl
suddenly
.
Use
heavy
gloves
and
wear
eye
and
laceprotection
to
guard
against
scalding
.

"
Use
extreme
care
when
draining
and
disposing
of
engine
coolant
.
Coolant
is
poisonous
and
lethal
to
humans
and
pets
.
Pets
are
attracted
to
coolant
because
of
its
sweet
smell
and
taste
.
Consult
a
veterinarian
immediately
if
coolant
is
ingested
byan
animal
.

CAUTION-

"
Avoidadding
cold
water
to
the
coolant
while
the
engine
is
hot
or
overheated
.
If
it
is
necessary
to
add
coolant
to
ahot
system,
do
so
only
with
the
engine
running
and
coolant
pump
tuming
.

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Most
cooling
system
faults
can
be
grouped
into
one
of
three

categories
:

"
Cooling
system
leaks

"
Poor
coolant
circulation

"
Radiator
cooling
fan
faults

When
investigating
the
cause
of
overheating
or
coolant

loss,
begin
with
a
visual
inspection
.
Be
sure
to
check
the
con-

dition
and
tension
of
the
coolant
pump
drive
belt
.
Check
hoses

for
cracks
or
softness
.
Check
clamps
for
looseness
.
Check

the
coolant
leve¡
and
check
for
evidence
of
coolantleaks
from

the
engine
.

Check
that
the
radiator
fins
are
not
blocked
with
dirt
or
de-

bris
.
Clean
the
radiator
using
low-pressure
water
or
com-

pressed
air
.
Blow
outward,
fromthe
engine
side
out
.

Inspect
the
coolant
pump
by
first
removing
the
drive
belt

from
the
pump
.
Firmly
grasp
opposite
sídes
of
the
pulley
and

check
for
play
in
all
directions
.
Spin
the
pulley
and
check
that

the
shaft
runs
smoothly
.

NOTE-

The
coolant
provides
lubrication
for
the
pump
shaft,
soan
occasional
drop
of
coolant
leaking
from
the
pump
is
acceptable
.
If
coolant
drips
steadily
from
the
vent
hole,
the
pump
should
be
replaced
.

The
cooling
system
becomes
pressurized
at
normal
operat-

ing
temperature,
which
raises
the
boiling
point
of
the
coolant
.

Leaks
may
prevent
the
system
from
becoming
pressurized,

allowing
the
coolant
to
boil
at
a
lower
temperature
.
If
visual
ev-

idence
is
inconclusive,
a
cooling
system
pressure
test
can

help
to
pinpointhard-to-find
leaks
.

If
the
cooling
system
is
full
of
coolant
and
holds
pressure,

the
next
most
probable
cause
of
overheating
are
:

"
Faulty
radiator
fan

"
Loose
or
worn
drive
belt

"
Failed
thermostat
or
coolant
pump

"
Clogged/plugged
radiator
or
coolant
passages
.

NOTE
-

"
Some
early
style
coolant
pumps
were
fitted
wíth
fi-
berlplastic
type
impellers
.
Over
time,
this
impeller
can
wear
away
and
result
in
overheating
.
The
plastic
im-
peller
can
also
slip
or
free-wheel
on
the
pump
shaft
.
If
the
engine
overheats
and
no
other
faults
canbe
found,
theold
style
impeller
may
be
the
cause
of
the
problem
.

"
Only
pumps
with
the
updated
metal
impeller
should
be
used
for
replacement
.

170-
4



RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM
A
quick
testat
the
coolant
temperature
gauge
sender
can



The
auxiliary
cooling
fan
comes
on
when
coolant
tempera

determine
if
the
gauge
is
functioning
correctly
.



ture
exceeds
a
predetermined
leve¡
or
whenever
the
air
condi-

tioning
is
on
.
A
dual-range
temperature
switch
for
cooling
fan
lf
the
gauge
needie
remains
at
the
rest
position
with
theen-



control
is
mounted
on
the
right
side
of
the
radiator
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
gine
warm,
remove
the
harness
connector
from
the
sender
and
jumper
the
correct
terminals
in
the
connector
to
simulate
a
high
engine
temperature
.
See
Table
a
.
Turn
the
ignition
on
.

If
the
gauge
needle
moves
upward,
the
sender
is
faulty
.
If
the

gauge
does
not
respond,
the
wiring
to
the
gauge
is
broken
(open
circuit)
or
the
gauge
itselfis
faulty
.

WARNING
-

1996
and
laten
models
are
OBD
11
compliant
.
Dis-
connecting
electrical
connectors
wíth
the
ignition
turned
on
may
set
fault
codes
in
the
ECM
.
It
is
rec-
ommended
that
you
leave
the
diagnosis
of
faults
in
the
coolant
temperature
sensorsystem
to
the
BMW
dealer
service
department
which
has
specialized
OBD
11
scan
tool
equipment
.

If
the
gauge
needle
reads
too
high
when
the
engine
is
cold,
remove
the
harness
connector
from
the
sender
.
Turn
the
igni-

tion
on
.
lf
the
gauge
needle
position
does
not
change,
the
wir-

ing
or
the
gauge
is
shorted
to
ground
.
If
the
gauge
needle

drops,
the
sender
is
faulty
and
should
be
replaced
.
When
re-

placing
a
faulty
coolant
temperature
sender,
the
gasket
ring
on
the
sender
should
also
be
replaced
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Temperature
gauge
sender
to
engine
18
Nm
(13
ft-Ib)

Cooling
fan,
testing

NOTE-

OnM44
engines
with
manual
transmission,
the
primary
electric
cooling
fan
is
mounted
on
the
engine
side
of
the
radiator
and
is
controlled
by
the
engine
control
module
(ECM)
.
Troubleshooting
thiscircuit
should
be
left
to
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
with
the
proper
diagnostic
equipment

An
otherwise
sound
cooling
system
may
still
overheat,
par-
ticularly
with
prolonged
idling,
due
to
a
failure
of
the
coolíng

fan(s)
.

The
belt-driven
cooling
fan
is
controlled
by
a
temperature
dependent
viscous
clutch
.
A
failed
fan
clutch
may
affect
air
flow
through
the
radiator
resulting
in
overheating
orpossibly
overcooling
.
Speed

Low
sp
High
s

With
the
engine
off,
check
thefan
clutch
by
spinning
thefan
.



eed
The
fan
should
spin
on
the
clutch
with
some
resistance
.



peed
Check
for
signs
of
leaking
fluid
from
the
clutch
.
If
thefan
free-
wheels
with
no
resistance,
cannot
be
tu
rned
by
hand,
or
there
are
signs
of
oil
leakage,
the
clutch
should
be
replaced
.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Fig
.
3
.



Radiatorcooling
fan
temperature
switch
(arrow)
.

WARNING
-

"
Use
caution
when
testing
the
electric
cooling
fan(s)
and
coolant
temperature
switch
.
Keep
hands
and
wires
clear
of
thefan
blades
.
The
cool-
ing
fan(s)
can
run
any
time
the
ignition
is
ON
.

"
For
greatest
safety,
coolíng
fan
and
coolant
tem-perature
switch
tests
shouldbe
performed
on
acoldengine
with
the
air
conditioning
off
.

Table
b
.
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Switching

Temperatures

Switching
temperature
196°F(91°C)
210°F(99°C)

0012506

If
a
faulty
thermostat,
trapped
air,
or
a
restriction
in
the
sys-
tem
is
not
allowing
the
coolant
to
circulate
through
the
radia-
tor,
the
temperature
switch
will
not
close
and
the
auxiliary
cooling
fan
will
not
run
.
Before
making
the
tests
described
be-
low,
make
sure
the
thermostat
is
operating
correctly
as
de-
scribed
earlier
.
The
normal
switching
temperatures
for
the

dual
-speed
switch
are
listed
in
Table
b
.

GENERAL
..
.
......
.
.
.
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Manual
Transmission
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.'
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Automatic
Transmission
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-1

Transmission
ID
Codes
..........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
200-2

GENERAL

E36
models
areequipped
with
a
longitudinal
drivetrain
.
The

transmission
is
bolted
directly
to
the
rear
of
the
engine
.
A

driveshaft
connects
the
output
shaft
of
thetransmission
to
the

final
drive
.
The
final
drive
is
mounted
lo
the
rear
suspension

and
the
body
.
Individual
drive
axles
with
integrated
constant

velocity
joints
transfer
rotational
power
to
the
rear
wheels
.

Manual
Transmission

Due
to
different
power
characteristics
and
performance
re-

quirements,
four
different
manual
transmissions
are
used
in

the
models
coveredby
this
manual
.
Manual
transmission
ap-

plications
are
given
in
Table
a
.

TRANSMISSION-GENERAL
200-1

200
Transmission-General

TABLES

a
.
Manual
Transmission
Applications
..
...........
200-1
b
.
Automatic
Transmission
Applications
...........
200-1

Fig
.
1
.



ZF-manufacturedmanual
transmission
.

For
transmission
gear
ratio
information
and
repair
informa-

tion,
see
230
Manual
Transmission
.



Automatic
Transmission

E36
carswith
standard
transmission
use
a
single-disc
clutch
with
dual-mass
flywheel
.
For
further
information,
see
210
Clutch
.

Table
a
.
Manual
Transmission
Applications

Model
Year
Engine
Transmission
318ifisfC



1992-1995



M42



Getrag
S5D
200
G'

1996-1998



M44



Getrag
S5D
250
G

323is/iC



1998



M52



Getrag
S5D
250
G

325ifsriC



1992-1995



M50



Getrag
S5D
250
G

3281/isfC



1996-1998



M52



ZF
S5D320
Z

M3



1995



S50US



ZF
S5D310
Z

1996-1998



S52US



ZF
S5D320
Z

'The
1992
M42
engine
may
be
fitted
witheither
the
Getrag
SSD
200
G
trans-
mission
or
S5D
250
Getrag
.
The
S5D
200G
was
discontinued
in
production
in
as
of
9/92
.
Thistransmission
is
interchangeable
with
Getrag
S5D
250
G
.

Four
different
automatic
transmissions
are
used,
depend-

ing
on
model
and
model
year
and/or
production
date
.
All
of
the

automatic
transmissions
are
electrohydraulically
controlled

with
either
four
or
five
forward
speeds
.
Automatic
transmis-

sion
applications
are
given
in
Table
b
.

For
automatic
transmission
repair
information,
see
240Au-

tomatic
Transmission
.

Table
b
.
Automatic
Transmission
Applications

Model
1
Year
1
Engine
1
Transmission

318i1is/1C



1992-1995
~
M42
323isfiC



1998



M52



A4S
310
R
3251/is/1C
1992-1995
M50

3181/isfC



11996-1998



M44



A4S
270
R
328i/is/1C
1996-1998
M52

M3



1996-1998



S50US



I
A5S
310
Z
S52US

GENERAL