Starter BMW 328i 1997 E36 User Guide

14
.
Unbolt
power
steering
fluid
reservoir
from
íts
mounting
bracket
.
Use
stiff
wire
to
hang
reservoir
to
one
side
.
Do
not
disconnect
fluid
lines
.

15
.
Remove
power
steering
pump
drive
belt
and
remove
pump
from
its
mounting
bracket
.
Use
stiff
wire
to
hang
pump
from
body
.

16
.
On
cars
with
automatic
transmission
remove
front
and
rear
brackets
holding
automatic
transmission
cooler
linesto
engine
.

17
.
Remove
A/C
compressor
from
its
mounting
bracket
without
disconnecting
any
refrigerantlines
.
See
Fig
.
5
.

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION



110-
3

21
.
Remove
front
exhaust
pipefrom
exhaust
manifold
.
See

Fig
.
6
.

22
.
Install
an
engine
lifting
device
and
raise
engine
until
its

weight
is
supported
.
Remove
nuts
and
ground
strap

from
left
and
right
engine
mounts
.

0011967

Fig
.
6
.



Front
exhaustpipe
to
exhaust
mounting
nuts
(arrows),
as
viewed
from
below
on
4-cylinder
engine
.

23
.
Carefully
raíse
engine
out
of
car,
checking
for
any
wir-
ing
harnesses,
fuel
lines,
or
mechanical
parts
that
might
become
snagged
as
engine
is
removed
.

24
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
noting
the
following
:

"
Replace
all
gaskets,
O-rings
and
seals
.

"
Change
engine
oil
and
filter
and
check
al¡
other
fluid
levels
.
See020
Maintenance
Program
.
"
Refill
and
bleed
cooling
system
.
See
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System
.

"
Insta¡¡
the
front
exhaust
pipes
using
new
gaskets
and

self-locking
nuts
.
Use
copper
pasteon
threads
.
See

180
Exhaust
System
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Coolant
drain
plug
to
cylinder
block
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)

Fig
.
5
.
A/
C
compressor
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.



"
Engine
mount
to
subframe

M8
......:...
..
..
..
......,:..
22
Nm
(17
ft
-
1b)
,

18
.
Move
A/C
compressor
out
of
way
without
distorting
or



M10
.
...
.



..
...
.
.
...........
45
Nm
(33
ft'-Ib)

damaging
any
lines
.
Support
compressor
by
hanging
it



"
Intake
manifold
to
cylinder
head

from
chassis
using
stiff
wire
.



M7
.....
.
..
...
..
..
...........
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)
M8
...
.
.
.
..
..
...
..
...........
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

19
.
Disconnect
wiring
from
starter
and
alternator
.
Move



`
"
Radiator
cooling
fan
to
coolant
pump40
Nm
(30
ft-Ib)

wiring
harness
out
of
way
.
See
121
Battery,
Starter,



"
Radiator
drain
screw
to
radiator
...
2
.5
Nm
(22
in-lb)

Alternator
.



"
Wiring
to
alternator
(M8
nut)
........
12
Nm
(9
ft-1b)

"
Wiring
to
starter

20
.
Remove
oil
dipstick
guide
tube
.
Note
O-ring
at
base
of



M6
nut
..
.
..
..
...
..
...........
.
:5
Nm
(44
in-lb)

tube
when
removing
.



M8
nut
..
.
..
..
...
..
............
12
Nm
(9
ft-Ib)

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

22
.
Move
A/C
compressor
out
of
the
way
without
distorting



26
.
Carefully
raise
engine
out
ofcar,
checking
for
any
wir-
or
damaging
any
lines
.
Support
compressor
by
hanging



ing,fuel
lines,
or
mechanical
parts
that
might
become
it
from
chassis
using
stiff
wire
.



snagged
as
engine
is
removed
.

23
.
Disconnect
wiring
from
starter
and
alternator
.
Move



27
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
noting
the
following
:
wiring
harness
out
of
the
way
.
See
121
Battery,
Start-
Replace
al¡
gaskets,
O-rings
and
seals
.
er,
Alternator
.



"
Change
engine
oil
and
filter
and
check
all
other
fluid

24
.
Remove
Fontexhaust
pipe
fromexhaust
manifold
.
See



levels
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
"
Refill
and
bleed
cooling
system
.
See
170
Radiator
Fig
.
16
.



and
Cooling
System
.

"
Check
that
engine
drivebelts
properly
engage
the
pul-

ley
grooves
.

"
Install
the
Font
exhaust
pipesusing
new
gaskets
and
seif-locking
nuts
.
Use
copper
paste
on
threads
.
See
180
Exhaust
System
.

0012525

Fig
.
16
.
Front
exhaust
pipeto
exhaust
manifolds
mounting
nuts
on
6-

cylinder
engine
(arrows)
.

25
.
Install
an
engine
lifting
device
and
raise
engine
until
its

weight
is
supported
.
Remove
nuts
and
ground
strap

from
left
and
right
engine
mounts
.

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION



110-
7

Tightening
Torques

"
Coolant
drain
plug
to
cylinder
block
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)
"
Engine
mount
to
subframe
M10
..
.
.
.
...
..............
..
.
45
Nm
(33
ft-Ib)

M8
..
..
.
..
................
...
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)

"
Intake
manifold
to
cylinder
head

M7
..
..
..
...
................
.
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)

M8
...
.
..
...
................
.
22
Nm
(16
ft-Ib)
"
Radiator
cooling
fan
to
coolant
pump40
Nm
(30
ft-Ib)

"
Radiator
drain
screw
to
radíator
...
2
.5
Nm
(22
in-lb)
"
Wiring
to
alternator
(M8
nut)
........
12
Nm
(9
ft-Ib)

"
Wiring
to
starter

M6
nut



.
..
...
..................
5
Nm
(44
in-lb)

M8
nut
.....
..
.
.
.
.
.............
12
Nm
(9
ft-Ib)

ENGINE
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

113-4



CYLINDER
HEAD
REMOVAL
AND
INSTALLATION

20
.
Disconnect
main
engine
wiring
harness
connector
.
La-

bel
and
disconnect
harness
connectors
for
crankshaft

and
camshaft
sensors
.
See
Fig
.
8
.

0012504

Fig
..
Crankcase
vent
valve
(A),
camshaft
and
crankshaft
sensor
harness
connectors
(B),
locating
bushings
(C),
main
engine
wiring
harnessconnector
(D)
.
M44
engine
shown
.

NOTE-

Early
engines
do
not
havea
maín
disconnect
at
the
lower
intake
manifold
harness
.
lf
necessary,
remove
the
cable
ducting
bolts
and
set
harness
ducting
aside
.

21
.
Remové
lower
section
of
intake
manifold
.

"
Remove
Y
shaped
supportbracket
from
underside
of
manifold
.
(See
Fig
.
6
.)
"
Unbolt
support
brackets
from
alternator
and
starter
.
"
Remove
nuts
holding
manifold
to
cylinder
head
and
pull
manifold
back
until
harness
connectors
for
oil

pressure
switch
and
coolant
temperature
sensorare

accessible
.
Label
and
disconnect
connectors,
then
re-

move
manifold
and
set
aside
.

Timing
chains,
uncoupling



26
.
Lock
crankshaft
in
TDC
position
by
insertíng
BMW
spe-

22
.
On
M42
engines,
remove
thermostat
housing
from
up-



cial
tool
no
.
11
2
300
through
bore
and
into
hole
infly-

per
timing
chaincover
.



wheel
or
driveplate
.
See
Fig
.
11
.

23
.
On
late
M44
engines
(January
1997
and
later),
remove



NOTE-
secondary
air
injection
check-valve
from
front
of
engine



"
If
necessary,
remove
plug
from
locating
bore
in
lower
and
lay
aside
.



edge
of
bell
housing
to
insert
locking
tool
.

24
.
Remove
cylinder
identification
sensor
from
upper
tim-
ing
chaincover
.
Remove
upper
timing
chaincover
.
See
Fig
.
9
.

25
.
Set
engine
to
approximate
TDC
by
rotating
in
normal
operating
direction
until
camshaft
lobes
at
cylinder
no
.
1
are
facing
each
other
.
See
Fig
.
10
.

CYLINDER
HEAD,
4-CYLINDER

Fig
.
9
.



Upper
timing
chain
cover
bolts
(arrows)
.
Remove
secondary
air
injection
check
valve
fromhose
(A)
on
M44
engine
.
Re-
move
cylinder
identification
sensor
from
chaincover
(B)
.

0011998

Fig
.
10
.
Engine
set
to
approximate
TDC
.
Cylinder
no
.
1
camshaft
lobes
face
in
and
arrows
on
sprockets
poínt
up
(arrows)
.

"
Confirm
that
the
locking
tool
has
been
correctly
in-
stalled
by
trying
to
rotate
the
crankshaft
.

27
.
Lock
camshafts
at
TDC
by
mounting
BMW
specíal
tool
no
.
113
240
over
square
ends
of
camshafts
.
See
Fig
.
12
.

NOTE-

Check
that
tool
is
squarely
seated
on
cylinder
head
gasket
surface
.
If
necessary,
rotate
camshafts
slightly
using
an
open-end
wrench
at
hex
oncamshafts
.

Camshaft
installation
waíting
times

"
Ator
above
68°F
(20°C)
............
.
..
10
minutes

"
50-68°F
(10-20°C)
................
..
.
30
minutes

"
32-50°F
(0-10°C)
.
.......
.
.........
..
.
75minutes
"
Reinstall
timing
chain
sprockets
and
tensioner
as
spe-

cifically
described
in
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.



i

"
Wait
at
least
10minutes
before
cranking
engine
over

with
starter
motor
for
the
fi+



1
1/
/~~
.0
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-Ib)

(see
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain)

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

"
Timing
chain
cover
(upper)

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

"
Timing
chainsprockets
to
camshaft

M6
........
.
...
.
..
.



..........
10
Nm
(7.5
ft-Ib)

M7



............
.
..
..
...........
15
Nm
(11
ft
.lb)

(see
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain)

Camshafts,
removing
and
installing

(M44
engine)

Special
BMW
service
tools
should
always
be
used
to
remove

and
install
the
camshafts
.
Removal
and
installation
of
the
cam-

shafts
without
the
special
tools
can
result
in
camshaft
and
val-

vetrain
damage
.

1.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
battery
cable
.

CAUTION-

Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this

manual
on
page
vi¡¡
.

CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN



116-
3

2
.
Remove
spark
plugs
.
See
1201gnition
System
.

3
.
Rotateengine
until
a
pair
of
camshaft
lobes
are
point-
ing
up
.
Using
BMW
special
tool
115
130,
depresseach
valve
and
valve
spring
enough
to
remove
rocker
arms
.

Rotate
engine
for
the
next
pair
of
rocker
arms
.
See
Fig
.

3
.

cover
.

Fig
.
3
.



BMW
special
tool
no
.
11
5130
(arrow)
being
used
to
depress
valve
stem
to
remove
rocker
arm
.

WARNING
-

Removed
rocker
arms
must
be
reinstalled
in
the
same
locations
.

4
.
Remove
primary
timing
chain
tensioner
from
right
side

of
cylinder
head
.

The
camshafts
can
be
removed
with
the
cylinder
head



5
.
Remove
upper
timing
chaincover
.

mounted
onthe
engine
.
The
first
step
is
to
remove
the
cylinder

head
cover
.
See
113
Cylinder
HeadRemoval
and
Installa-



NOTE-

tion
.



lt
is
not
necessary
to
remove
the
lower
timing
chain

6
.
Remove
timing
chain
sprockets
with
timing
chains
from

front
of
camshafts
.
See
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.

Remove
upper
timing
chain
guide
from
cylinder
head
.

WARNING-



7
.
Remove
camshaft
bearing
caes
and
remove
cam
The
process
of
evenly
loosening
the
camshaft
bear-



shafts
.
ing
cap
nuts
is
NOT
an
acceptable
method
of
re-

moving
the
camshafts
.
Be
sure
to
read
the



CAUTION-
procedure
through
before
starting
the
job
.
Camshaft
bearing
capsmust
be
reinstalled
intheir

original
locations
.

CYLINDER
HEAD,
DISASSEMBLYAND
ASSEMBLY

116-
6



CYLINDER
HEAD
AND
VALVETRAIN

9
.
Camshaft
installation
is
reverse
of
removal,noting
the

following
:

"
Prior
to
installation,
check
al¡
components
for
wear
as
described
below
under
Cylinder
Head
and
Val-

vetrain
Reconditioning
.

"
Crankshaft
must
be
at
least
45°
away
from
MC
before

installing
camshafts
to
cylinder
head
.

"
Lubricate
camshafts
prior
to
installation
.
"
Insta¡¡
camshafts
into
cylinder
head
with
lobes
for
cyl-
inder
no
.
1
pointing
up
and
towards
each
other
.
See
Fig
.
8
.

"
After
installing
camshaft(s),
observe
specified
waiting

time
for
hydraulic
cam
followers
to
fully
compress
be-

fore
bringing
crankshaft
back
to
TDC
.

Fig
.
8
.



Camshaft
correctly
positioned
for
reassembly
so
thatcylinder
no
.
1
lobes
(arrows)
face
each
other
.

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
chaintensioner
to
cylinder
head-see
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
"
Spark
plugs
(M12)
.............
.
.
23
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)

"
Timing
chain
sprocket
to
camshaft
flange
(M6)-see
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain

CYLINDER
HEAD,
DISASSEMBLYAND
ASSEMBLY

Valves,
removing
and
installing

1
.
Remove
cylinder
head
as
described
in
113
Cylinder

HeadRemoval
and
Installation
.
Remove
exhaust

manifold(s)
.

2
.
Remove
camshafts
using
special
tools
as
descríbed

earlier
.

3
.
On
M42
and
al¡
6-cylinder
engines
:
Remove
camshaft

carriers
by
pulling
them
straight
up
off
mounting
studs
.

CAUTION-

"
Do
not
let
the
hydraulic
cam
followers
fa¡¡
out
as
the
camshaft
carrier
is
removed
.
Special
suction
cupsare
available
from
BMW
to
hold
the
hydrau-
lic
cam
followers
in
place
during
carrier
removal
.
Camshaft
installation
waiting
times

"
at
or
above
68°F
(20
0
C)
....
..
.
..
......
10
minutes

"
50-68°F
(10-20°C)
...
.
..
....
.
..
......
30
minutes

"
32-50°F
(0-10°C)
....
.
..
....
.
..
......
75
minutes
4
.
On
M44
engines
:
Remove
all
hydraulic
valve
adjusters
.
See
Hydraulicvalve
adjusters,
checking
and
re-
"
Reinstall
timing
chainsprockets
and
tensioner
as
spe-



placing
(M44
engine),
later
in
this
section
.
cifically
described
in
117
Camshaft
Timing
Chain
.
"
Waít
at
least
10
minutes
before
cranking
engine
over



CAUTION-
withstarter
motor
for
the
first
time
.



Hydraulic
valve
adjusters
should
be
stored
in
an
upright
position
.
lf
necessary,
use
amagnetic
tool
to
aid
in
removal
of
the
adjusters
.

"
Hydraulic
cam
followers
shouldbe
stored
in
an
upright
position
.

5
.
Remove
valves
using
a
valve
spring
compressor
.

NOTE-

"
The
M44
cylinder
head
has
recessed
valve
stems
.
This
requires
the
use
of
a
special
valve
spring
com-
pressor
tool
.

"
Label
each
valve
assembly
as
it
is
removed
so
it
can
be
installed
in
its
original
position
.

6
.
Remove
and
discard
valve
stem
oil
seals
from
valve
guides
.
See
Valve
stem
oil
seals
later
in
this
section
.

7
.
Valve
installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Reinstall
exhaust
manifold(s)
with
new
gaskets
.
Use
Molycote
HSC'
5
or
equivalent
anti-seize
thread
com-
pound
on
fasteners
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Exhaust
manifold
to
cylinder
head
M7
............
..
...
....
.
...
..
20
Nm
(15
ft-Ib)

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
.

120-2



IGNITION
SYSTEM

Fig
.1
.



Ignition
characteristic
map
.

Disabling
Ignition
System

WARNING
-

The
ignition
system
is
a
high-energy
system
operat-
ing
in
a
dangerous
voltage
range
that
couldprove
to
be
fatal
if
exposed
terminals
or
live
parts
are
con-
tacted
.
Use
extreme
caution
when
working
on
a
car
with
the
ignition
on
or
the
engine
running
.

The
ignition
system
operates
in
a
lethal
voltage
range
and
should
therefore
be
disabied
any
time
senrice
or
repair
work
is
being
doneon
the
engine
that
requires
the
ignition
to
be
switched
on
.

The
engine
management
system
can
be
disabled
byremov-
ingthe
main
relay
.
The
relay
is
located
in
the
power
distribution
box
in
the
left
rear
of
the
engine
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

0013134
Fig
.
2
.



Maínsystem
relay
(arrow)
in
power
distribution
box
(left
rear
of
engine
compartment)
.

GENERAL

WARNING
-

"
Do
not
touch
or
disconnect
any
of
the
high
ten-
sion
cables
at
the
cotls
orspark
plugs
while
the
engine
ts
running
orbeingcranked
by
the
starter
.
Fatalvoltages
are
present
.

"
Before
operating
the
starter
without
starting
the
engine
(for
example
when
making
a
compression
test)
always
disable
the
ignition
.

CAUTION-

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-tery
disconnection
cautions
gtven
at
the
front
of
thts
manual
on
page
viti
.

"
Do
not
attempt
to
disable
the
ignition
by
either
re-
moving
the
cotl
from
the
spark
plugs
(6-cylinder
engines)
or
disconnecting
the
coll
wires
from
the
plugs
(4-cylinder
engines)
.

"
Connect
or
disconnect
ignition
system
wires,
multiple
connectors,
and
ignition
test
equipment
leads
only
while
the
ignitionis
off
.
Switch
multtm-
eter
functions
or
measurement
ranges
onty
with
the
test
probes
disconnected
.

"
Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
while
the
engine
ts
running
.

"
Many
of
the
tests
of
ignition
system
components
require
the
use
of
high-impedance
test
equip-
ment
to
prevent
damage
to
the
electrical
compo-
nents
.
A
high
impedance
digital
multimeter
should
be
used
for
all
voltage
and
resistance
tests
.
AnLED
test
light
shouldbe
used
in
place
of
an
incandescent-type
test
lamp
.

"In
general,
make
test
connections
only
as
speci-fied
by
BMW,
as
described
inthis
manual,
or
as
described
by
the
instrumenta
manufacturer
.

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

121-2



BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING



Static
currentdraw,
checking

Charging
system
diagnostics
requires
special
test
equip-

ment
.
If
the
test
equipment
is
not
available,
charging
system

fault
diagnosis
can
be
performedby
an
authorized
BMW
deal-

eror
other
qualified
repair
shop
.
A
general
troubleshooting

guide
is
given
in
Table
a
.

Charging
System
Quick-Check

As
a
quick-check,
use
a
digital
multimeter
lo
measure
volt-



2
.
Disconnect
battery
negative
(-)
cable
.

age
across
the
battery
terminals
with
the
key
off
and
then

again
with
the
engine
running
.
The
battery
voltage
should
be



CAUTION-
about12
.6
volts
with
key
off
and
approximately
14
.0
volts
with



Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
battery
the
engine
running
.
If
the
voltage
does
not
increase
when
the



disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
engine
is
running,there
is
a
fault
in
the
charging
system
.



manual
onpaga
viii
.

NOTE
-

The
regulated
voltage
(engine
running)
should
be
be-
tween
13
.5
and
14
.5,
depending
on
temperatura
and
operating
conditions
.
If
the
voltage
is
higher
than
14
.8,
the
voltage
regulator
is
most
Mely
faulty
.

Check
for
clean
and
tight
battery
cables
.
Check
the
ground

cable
running
from
the
negative
(-)
battery
terminal
lo
the

chassis
and
the
ground
cable
running
from
the
engine
lo
the

chassis
.
Check
the
alternator
drive
belt
condition
and
tension
.

If
the
battery
discharges
over
time,
there
may
be
a
constant

drain
or
current
draw
on
the
battery
.
A
small
static
drain
on
the

battery
is
normal,
but
a
largedrain
will
cause
the
battery
lo

quickly
discharge
.
Make
a
static
current
draw
test
asthe
first

step
when
experiencing
battery
discharge
.

1
.
Make
sure
ignition
and
al¡
electrical
accessories
are

switched
off
.

3
.
Connect
a
digital
ammeter
between
negative
battery

post
and
negative
battery
cable
lo
measure
current
.

See
Fig
.
1
.
Wait
at
least
one
minuta
lo
get
an
accurate

reading
.

A
range
of
about
0
lo
100
milliamps
is
normal,
dependingon

the
number
of
accessories
that
need
constant
power
.
A
current

of
400
milliamps
(0.4
amp)
or
more
may
indicate
a
problem
.

Table
a
.
Battery,
Starter
and
Charging
System
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
Cause



1



Correctiva
Action

1
.
Engine
cranks
slowlyor
not



a
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



a
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See020
Maintenance
Program
.
a
tall,
solenoíd
clicks
when



roded
.
starter
is
operated
.



b
.
Battery
discharged
.



b
.
Charge
battery,
test
and
replace
if
necessary
.
c
.
Body
ground
straploose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
strap,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
if
necessary
.
corroded
.
d
.
Poor
connection
at
starter
motor



d
.
Check
connections,
test
for
voltage
at
starter
.
Test
for
voltage
at
terminal
30
.



neutral
safety
or
clutch
interlock
switch
.
e
.
Starter
motor
or
solenoid
faulty
.



e
.
Test
starter
.

2
.
Battery
will
not
stay



a
.
Short
circuit
draining
the
battery
.



a
.
Test
for
excessive
current
drainwith
everything
electrical
in
the
charged
more
than
a
few



vehicle
off
.
days
.



b
.
Short
driving
trips
and
high
elec-



b
.
Evaluate
driving
style
.
Where
possible,
reduce
electrical
con
trical
drain
on
charging
system



sumption
when
making
short
trips
.
does
not
allow
battery
to
re-
charge
.
c
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



c
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
d
.
Battery
faulty
.



d
.
Test
battery
and
replace
íf
necessary
.
e
.
Battery
cables
loose,
dirty
orcor-



e
.
Clean
or
replace
cables
.
See
020
Maintenance
Program
.
rodad
.
f
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



f
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.

3
.
Battery
losing
water
.



1
a
.
Battery
overcharging
.



1
a
.
Test
voltage
regulator
for
proper
operation
.

4
.
Lights
dim,
light
intensity



a
.
Drive
belt(s)
worn
or
damaged
.



a
.
Inspect
or
replace
multi-ribbed
belt(s)
.
See
020
Maintenance
varies
with
engine
speed
.



Program
.
b
.
Alternatoror
voltage
regulator



b
.
Test
alternator
and
voltage
regulator
.
faulty
.
c
.
Body
ground
straps
loose,
dirty
or



c
.
Inspect
ground
straps,
clean,
tighten
or
replace
as
necessary
.
corroded
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING

Fig
.1.



Electrical
system
static
current
draw
being
measured
.

To
determine
the
circuit
or
component
causing
the
problem,

remove
one
Puse
at
a
time
until
the
current
drops
to
a
normal
range
.

BATTERY
SERVICE

The
E36
uses
a
six-cell,
12-volt
leadacid
battery
mounted

in
the
luggage
compartment
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

NOTE-

E36
convertible
models
require
a
specialbattery
which
is
designed
for
constant
vibratfon
.
A
battery
not
de-signed
for
this
will
fail
much
earlier
.

Battery
capacity
is
determined
by
the
amount
of
current

needed
tostart
the
vehicle,
and
by
the
amount
of
current
con-
sumed
by
the
electrical
system
.

BMW
batteries
are
rated
by
ampere/hours
(Ah)
and
cold

cranking
amps
(CCA)
rating
.
The
Ah
rating
is
determined
by

the
average
amount
of
current
the
battery
can
deliver
over
time
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.
The
CCA
is

determined
by
the
battery's
ability
to
deliver
starting
current
at

0°
F
(-18°
C)
without
dropping
below
a
specified
voltage
.

Battery
Testing

noN~A

B9517

Battery
testing
determines
the
state
of
battery
charge
.
On

conventional
or
low-maintenance
batteries
the
most
common

method
of
testing
the
battery
is
that
of
checking
the
specific

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
using
a
hydrometer
.
Before
testing

the
battery,
check
that
the
cables
are
tight
and
free
of
corro-

sion
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

Hydrometer
Testing

The
hydrometer
consists
of
a
glass
cylinder
with
a
freely

moving
float
inside
.
When
electrolyte
is
drawn
into
the
cylin-

der,
the
levelto
which
the
float
sinks
indicates
the
specific

BATTERY,
STARTER,
ALTERNATOR



121-
3

Fig
.
2
.



Battery
in
right
sideof
luggage
compartment
.

gravity
of
the
electrolyte
.
The
more
dense
the
concentration
of
sulfuric
acid
in
the
electrolyte,
the
less
the
float
will
sink,
result-

ing
in
a
higher
reading
and
indicating
a
higher
state
of
charge)
.

NOTE-

Electrolyte
temperature
affects
hydrometer
reading
.
Check
the
electrolyte
temperaturewith
a
thermometer
.
Add
0
.004
to
the
hydrometer
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
above
80°F
(27°C)
.
Sub-
tract
0
.004
from
the
reading
for
every
10°F
(6°C)
that
the
electrolyte
is
below
80°F
(27°C)
.

Before
checking
the
specificgravity
of
a
battery,
load
the
battery
with
15
amperes
for
one
minute
.
lf
the
battery
is
in-

stalled
in
the
vehicle,
this
can
be
done
by
turning
on
the
head-

lights
without
the
engine
running
.
Table
b
lists
the
percentage

of
charge
based
on
specific
gravity
values
.

Table
b
.
Specific
Gravity
of
Battery
Electrolyteat

80
°
F
(27°C)

Specific
gravity



1



Stateof
charge

1
.265



Fully
charged
1
.225



75%
charged
1
.190



50%
charged
1
.155



25%
charged
1
.120



Fully
discharged

The
battery
isin
satisfactory
condition
if
theaverage
specif-

ic
gravity
of
the
six
cells
is
at
least
1
.225
.
If
the
specific
gravity

is
above
this
leve¡,
butthe
battery
lacks
power
for
starting,
de-

termine
the
battery's
senrice
condition
with
a
load
voltage
test,

as
described
below
.
If
the
average
specific
gravity
of
the
six

cells
is
below
1
.225,
remove
the
battery
from
the
luggage

compartment
and
recharge
.
If,
after
recharging,
the
specific
gravity
varies
by
more
than
0
.005
between
any
two
celis,
re-

place
the
battery
.

CHARGING
SYSTEM
TROUBLESHOOTING