table BMW M3 1995 E36 Owner's Manual

Final
Drive
Gear
Oil

BMW
recommends
using
only
a
specially
formulatedsyn-
thetic
gear
oil
that
is
available
through
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
parts
department
.
For
additional
information
on
this
¡u-
bricant
andany
other
lubricants
that
may
be
compatible,
con-
tact
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
senrice
department
.
See
331
Final
Drive
.

Brake
Fluid

Brake
fluid
absorbs
moisture
easily,
and
moisture
in
the
fluid
affects
brake
performance
and
reliability
.
This
is
why
brake
fluid
should
be
flushed
from
the
system
every
two
years
.
When
re-
placing
or
adding
brake
fluid,
use
only
new
(luid
from
previously
unopened
containers
.
Do
not
use
brake
fluid
that
has
been
bled
from
the
system,
even
ifit
is
brand
new
.
Use
only
DOT
4
brake
fluid
.
See340
Brakes
for
more
information
.

Engine
Coolant
(Anti-freeze)

BMW
recommends
coolant
that
is
a
50/50
mixture
of
distilled
water
and
phosphate/nítrate
freeanti-freeze
containing
ethyl-
ene
glycol
.
Anti-freezeraises
the
boiling
point
and
lowersthe
freezingpoint
of
the
coolant
.
It
alsocontains
additives
that
help
prevent
cooling
system
corrosion
.

Power
Steering
Fluid

The
power
steering
fluid
is
Dexron
II]®
ATF,
or
equivalent
.

The
system
is
permanently
filled
and
does
not
have
a
drain
.
Routinely
adding
ATF
is
not
required
unlessthe
system
is
leak-
i
n
g,

WARNING
-

Be
sure
to
check
the
fluid
specifications
on
the
pow-
er
steering
reservoir
to
confirm
the
fluid
type
in-
stalled
in
the
system
.
In
some
instances,
the
power
steering
system
may
be
filled
with
an
alternative
hy-
draulic
fluid
designated
CHF
7
.1
.

MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM
020-

ENGINE
OIL
SERVICE



Engine
oil
and
fiiter,
changing

Fig
.
3
.



Engine
oil
level
dipsticklocation
on
4-cylinder
engine
(arrow)
.
Dipsfck
is
marked
with
mínimum
and
maximum
level
marks
.

Fig
.
4
.



Oil
filler
cap
(arrow)
.
6-cylinder
engine
shown
.
0012202

Engine
oii,
checking
leve¡



A
complete
oil
change
requires
new
oil
(see
Table
e),
a
new
oil
filter
insert
kit,
and
a
new
drain
plug
sealing
washer
.
The

The
engine
oil
leve]
is
checked
with
a
dipstick
in
the
engine



tools
needed,
a
drain
plug
socket
or
box
wrench
(17
mm
or19

block
.
Check
the
oii
leve¡
with
the
canon
a
level
surface,
after



mm)
and
a
drain
pan
(8-10
US
qt
.
capacity),
are
described
in

the
engine
has
been
stopped
for
atleast
a
few
minutes
.
Check



010
Fundamentals
for
the
Do-It-Yourself
Owner
.

the
leve¡
by
pulling
outthe
dipstick
and
wiping
it
clean
.
Reinsert

it
all
the
way
and
withdraw
it
again
.
The
oil
leve¡
is
correct
if
it
is



NOTE-
between
the
two
marks
near
the
end
of
the
stick
.
See
Fig
.
3
.



If
using
a
"fast-lube"
service
facility
for
oil
changes,
make
sure
the
technician
hand-starts
and
torques
the
Add
oil
through
the
filler
cap
on
thetop
of
the
cylinder
head
.



engine
oil
drain
plug
using
hand-tools
.
Power
tools
can
See
Fig
.
4
.
Add
only
the
amount
needed
to
bring
the
oil
leve¡to



strip
the
threads
of
the
plug
and
the
oil
pan
.

the
MAX
mark
on
the
dipstick,
using
an
oil
of
the
correctviscos-
ity
andgrade
.
Too
much
oil
canbe
just
as
harmful
as
too
little
.

ENGINE
OIL
SERVICE

020-
1
0



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

1.
Run
engine
for
afewminutes
to
warm
engine
oil
.
Shut



5
.
When
oil
flow
has
diminished
to
an
occasional
drip,
re-

engine
off
.



install
drain
plugwith
a
new
metal
sealing
washerand

torque
plug
.

2
.
With
car
on
level
ground,
place
drain
pan
under
oil
drain

plug
.
See
Fig
.
5
.



Tightening
Torques

"
Engine
oil
drain
plug

M12
bolt
(17mm
wrench)
.
...
.
..
.
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)



-

M22
bolt
(19mm
.
wrench)
...
.
...
.
60
Nm
(44
ft-Ib)

Fig
.
5
.



Engine
oil
drain
plug(arrow)
in
oil
pan
.

3
.
Remove
filter
housingcover
.
Remove
filter
cartridge

and
discard
any
O-rings
.
See
Fig
.
6
.

CAUTION-

Pulí
the
loose
plug
away
from
the
hole
quickly
to
avoidbeing
bumed
by
hot
oil
.
It
wíll
runout
quickly
when
the
plug
ís
removed
.
If
possible,
use
gloves
to
protect
your
hands
.

ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE

0012460

Fig
.
6
.



Engine
oil
filter
cartridge
.
Note
O-ring
locations
when
removing
cover
and
filter
.

4
.
Using
a
socket
or
box
wrench,
loosen
drain
plug
at
oil

drain
pan
.
By
hand,
remove
plug
and
letoil
drain
into

pan
.

6
.
Lubricate
and
install
new
O-rings
.
Install
a
new
filter

cartridge
and
housingcover
.
Tighten
cover
.
See
Fig
.
7
.

7



«
a~
.~~
fT~

iII~IIIi~
.

Fig
.
7
.



Oil
flter
housing
on
6-cylínder
engine
.
4-cylinder
engine
is

similar
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Engine
oil
filter
cover
to
oil

filter
housing
...................
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)

7
.
Refill
crankcase
with
oil
.'Approximate
oil
capacity
is
list-

ed
in
Tablee
.
Use
dipstick
to
check
correct
oil
level
.

8
.
Start
engine
and
check
that
oil
pressure
warning
light

immediately
goes
out
.

9
.
Allow
engine
to
run
for
a
few
minutes
to
círculate
new

oil,
then
check
for
leaks
at
drain
plug
and
oil
filter
.
Stop

engine
and
reclieck
oil
level
.

ENGINE
COMPAR



ENT
MAINTENANCE

The
information
underthis
heading
describes
routine
mainte-

nance-other
than
oil
change-done
in
the
engine
compart-

ment
.
It
is
not
necessary
for
the
car
to
be
raised
and
supported
off
the
ground
.
Information
on
oil
change
is
given
earlier
under

Engine
Oil
Change
.

020-
1
2



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

6-cylinder
engines
use
a
coil-on-plug
configuration,
and
re-



Battery
cablesshould
be
tight
.
The
terminals,
the
cable
moval
of
thetop
engine
cover
(between
the
camshafts)
and
ig-



clamps,
and
the
battery
case
should
be
freeof
the
white
deposits
nition
cofs
are
necessary
.
See
Fig
.
12
.
Blow
away
any
dust
or



that
indicate
corrosion
and
acid
salts
.
Even
a
thin
¡ayer
of
dust
dirt
around
the
ignition
coils,
and
then
remove
the
coils
.
Blow



containing
conductive
acid
salts
can
cause
battery
discharge
.
away
any
dustor
dirt
around
the
sparkplugs
.
Remove
the
spark

plugs
.



To
remove
battery
corrosion,
begin
by
disconnecting
theca-

bles
.
Disconnect
the
negative
(-)
cable
first
.
Clean
the
terminal

posts
and
the
cable
clamps
with
a
wire
brush
.
Clean
the
main
chassis
ground
terminal
next
to
the
battery
.
Corrosion
can
be
washedaway
with
a
baking
soda
and
water
solution
that
will
neutralize
the
acid
.
Apply
the
solution
carefully,
though,since
ít
will
also
neutralize
the
acid
inside
the
battery
.
Reconnect
the
ca-
ble
clamps,
positive
(+)
cable
first
.
Lightly
coat
the
outside
of
the

terminals,
hold
down
screws,
and
clamps
with
petroleum
jelly,
grease,
or
a
commercial
battery
terminal
corrosion
inhibitor
.

Fig
.
12
.
Ignition
coil
being
removed
from
spark
plug
on
M52
engine
.

NOTE-

If
necessary,
see
120
Ignition
System
for
more
details
on
coil
removal
.

B11004

Lightlylubricate
the
new
spark
plug
threads
with
a
small
amount
of
anti-seize
compound
.
Thread
the
plugs
into
the
cyl-
inder
head
byhand
to
prevent
cross-threading
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Spark
plug
to
cylinder
head
.......
25
Nm
(18
ft-ib)

Idie
Speed

Engine
¡dle
speed
canchange
due
to
a
number
of
factors,
in-
cluding
normal
wear
.
The
idle
speed
is
electronically
adaptive
and
non-adjustable
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
for
more
information
.

Battery,
checking
and
cleaning

The
battery
is
located
in
the
right
side
of
the
luggage
com-
partment
.
Simple
maintenance
of
the
battery
and
its
terminal
connections
will
ensure
maximum
starting
performance,
espe-
cially
in
winter
when
colder
temperaturesreduce
battery
power
.

ENGINE
COMPARTMENT
MAINTENANCE

WARNING
-

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

"
Battery
acid
is
extremely
dangerous
.
Take
care
to
keep
it
from
contacting
eyes,
skin,
or
clothing
.
Wear
eye
protection
.
Extinguish
all
smoking
ma-
terials
and
do
not
worknear
any
oyen
flames
.

Battery
electrolyte
should
be
maintained
at
the
correct
level
just
above
the
battery
plates
and
their
separators
.
The
correct
leve¡
is
approximately
5
mm
(
1
/4
in
.)
above
thetop
of
battery
plates
orto
thetop
of
the
indicator
marks
(if
applicable)
.
The
battery
plates
and
the
indicator
marks
can
beseen
once
the
fill-
er
caps
are
removed
.
If
the
electrolyte
level
is
low,
replenish
it
by
adding
distilled
water
only
.

Battery,
repiacing

Batteries
are
rated
by
ampere
hours
(Ah),
the
number
of
hoursa
specific
current
draín
can
be
sustained
before
complete
discharge,
or
by
cold
cranking
amps
(CCA),
the
number
of
amps
available
to
crank
the
engine
in
cold
weather
conditions
.
In
general,
replacement
batteries
should
alwaysbe
rated
equal
or
higherthan
the
original
battery
.

CAUTION-

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

The
battery
is
held
in
place
bya
single
hand
screw
and
píate
.
A
secure
battery
hold-down
is
important
in
order
to
prevent
vi-
brations
and
road
shock
from
damaging
the
battery
.

NOTE-
NOTE-
"
Always
disconnect
the
negative
()
cable
first,
and
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
vi-



connect
ft
last
While
changing
batteries,
clean
away
brations
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
E36
convertibles



any
corrosion
in
or
around
the
battery
tray
.
require
a
specialbattery
designed
for
constant
vibra-
tion
.
When
repiacing
the
battery,
be
sure
the
replace-



"
Design
characteristics
of
the
convertible
body
cause
ment
is
designed
specffically
for
the
convertible
.



vibrations
to
oscillate
in
the
trunk
area
.
Therefore,
the
convertible
model
uses
a
specialbattery
designed
for
this
constant
vibration
.

020-20



MAINTENANCE
PROGRAM

Seat
Belts



Washing
Chassis

Dirt
and
other
abrasive
particles
will
damage
seat
belt
web-



Periodic
washing
of
the
underside
of
the
car,
especially
in

bing
.
If¡t
is
necessary
to
clean
seat
belts,
use
a
mild
soap
solu-



winter,
will
help
prevent
accumulation
of
road
salt
and
rust
.
The

tion
.
Bleach
and
other
strong
cleaning
agents
may
weaken
the



besttime
to
wash
the
underside
is
just
after
the
car
has
been

belt
webbing
and
should
be
avoided
.



driven
in
wet
conditions
.
Spray
the
chassis
with
a
powerful
jet
of

water
.
Commercial
or
self-service
car
washes
may
not
be
best

WARNING-



for
this,
as
they
may
recycle
the
salt-contaminated
water
.

Do
not
clean
the
seat
belt
webbing
using
dry
clean-
ing
or
other
chemicals
.
Allow
wet
belts
to
dry
before
allowing
them
to
retract
.



Speeial
Cleaning

The
condition
of
the
belt
webbing
and
the
function
of
the
re-

tractor
mechanisms
should
be
inspected
.
See720
Seat
Belts
for
seat
belt
inspection
information
.

Exterior
Washing

The
longer
dirt
isleft
on
the
paint,
the
greater
the
risk
of
dam-
aging
the
glossy
finish,
either
by
scratching
or
by
the
chemical
effect
dirt
particles
may
have
on
the
paintedsurface
.

Do
not
wash
the
car
in
direct
sunlight
.
If
the
engine
hood
is

warm,
allow
it
to
cool
.
Beads
of
water
not
only
leavespots
when
dried
rapidly
by
the
sun
or
heat
from
the
engine,
but
also
can
act
as
small
magnifyingglasses
and
burn
spots
into
the
finish
.
Wash
thecar
with
a
mixture
of
lukewarmwater
and
a
car
wash
product
.
Rinse
using
plenty
of
clear
water
.
Wipe
the
body
dry
witha
soft
cloth
towel
or
chamois
to
prevent
water-spotting
.

Waxing

For
a
long-lasting,protective,
and
glossy
finish,
apply
a
hard
wax
after
thecar
has
been
washed
and
dried
.
Use
carnauba
or
synthetic
based
products
.
Waxing
is
not
needed
after
every
washing
.
You
can
tell
when
waxing
is
required
by
looking
at
the
finísh
when
it
is
wet
.
If
the
water
coats
the
paint
in
smooth
sheets
instead
of
forming
beads
that
rol¡
off,
a
new
coat
of
wax
is
needed
.
Wax
shouldnot
be
applied
to
black
trim
pieces,
rub-
ber,or
other
plastic
parts
.

Polishing

Use
paintpolish
only
if
the
finish
assumes
a
dull
lock
after
long
service
.
Polish
can
beused
to
remove
tar
spots
and
tar-
nish,
but
afterwards
a
coat
of
wax
should
be
applied
to
protect
the
clean
finish
.
Do
not
use
abrasive
polish
or
cleaners
on
alu-
minum
trimor
accessories
.

BODYAND
INTERIOR
MAINTENANCE

Cylinder
Head
and
Valvetrain

The
aluminum
cylinder
head
uses
chain-driven
double

overhead
camshafts
and
four
valves
per
cylinder
.
See
Fig
.
1
.
Tha
rvfinriar
hand
nmnlnve
n
ernceflnier
rineinn
fnr
nronter

Tar
spots
canbe
removed
with
a
bugand
tar
remover
.
Never

use
gasoline,
kerosene,
nail
polish
remover,
or
other
unsuitable

solvents
.
Insect
spots
also
respond
to
tar
remover
.
A
bit
of
bak-

ing
soda
dissolved
in
the
wash
water
will
facilitate
their
removal
.
This
method
can
also
beused
to
remove
spotting
from
tree
sap
.

Interior
Care

Dirt
spots
can
usually
be
removed
with
lukewarm
soapy
wa-
ter
or
a
dry
foam
cleaner
.
Use
spot
remover
for
grease
and
o¡I

spots
.
Do
not
pour
the
(quid
directly
on
the
carpetor
fabric,
but
dampen
a
clean
cloth
and
rub
carefully,starting
at
the
edge
of
the
spot
and
working
inward
.
Do
not
use
gasoline,
naptha,
or

other
flammable
substances
.

Leather
Upholstery
and
Trim

Leather
upholstery
and
trim
should
be
periodically
cleaned
using
a
slightly
damp
cotton
or
wool
cloth
.
The
idea
is
to
get
rid
of
the
dirtin
the
creases
and
pores
that
can
cause
brittleness
and
premature
aging
.
On
heavily
soiled
areas,
usea
mild
deter-
gent
(such
as
Woolite®)
or
other
specially
formulated
leather
r

cleaners
.
Use
two
tablespoons
to
one
quart
of
cold
water
.
Dry

the
trim
and
upholstery
completely
using
a
soft
cloth
.
Regular
use
of
agood
quality
leather
conditioner
will
reduce
drying
and
crackingof
the
leather
.

1
.
Camshafts
2
.
Rocker
arms
3
.
Hydraulic
valve
adjusters
(HVA)
4
.
Valve
and
conical
valve
spring

GENERAL
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
100-1

Cylinder
Block
and
Crankshaft
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
100-1

Connecting
Rods
and
Pistons
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-1

Cylinder
Head
and
Valvetrain
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-2

VANOS
(Variable
Valve
Timing)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
100-2

DISA
(Dual
Resonance
Intake
System)
.
.
.
.
.
100-3

Engine
Management
System
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-3

Ignition
......
.
.
.
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-5

Fuel
Delivery
..
.
.
.
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-5

Cooling
System
.
...........
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
100-5

Lubrication
System
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-5

MECHANICALTROUBLESHOOTING
.
.
.
.
100-5

Warnings
and
Cautions
..
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-5

Cylinder
compression,
checking
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-6

EngineMechanical
Troubleshooting
Table
.
.
.
100-7

DRIVEABILITY
TROUBLESHOOTING
...
100-8

GENERAL

There
are
various
engíne
configurations
used
in
the
1992-

1998
E36
cars
.
See
Table
a
.

On
both
four-
and
6-cylinder
engines,
the
cylinder
block
is

cast
¡ron
with
integral
cyiinders
.
The
cyiinders
are
exposed
on

all
sides
to
circulating
coolant
.

The
fully
counterweighted
crankshaft
rotates
in
replaceable

split-shell
main
bearings
.
Oiiways
drilled
into
the
crankshaft
pro-

vide
bearing
lubrication
.
O¡I
seals
pressed
into
alloy
sea¡
hous-

ings
are
installedat
both
ends
of
the
crankshaft
.

100
Engine-General

Tablea
.
Engine
Specifications

ENGINE-GENERAL
100-1

On-Board
Diagnostics
(OBD)
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
100-8

Basic
Requirements
....
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
....
.100-11

Preventive
Maintenance
......
.
.
.
.
.
.....
100-11

Basic
Engine
Settings
..
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.....
100-11

Oxygen
Sensors
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
....
.100-11

Air
Flow
Measurement
and
Vacuum
Leaks
.
.100-12

Battery
Voltage
.
.
...........
.
.
.
.
.
.....
100-12

Wiring
and
Harness
Connections
.
.
.
.
.....
100-13

Ground
Connections
...
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.....
100-13

Fue¡
Supply
....
.
...........
.
.
..
.....
.100-14

TABLES

a
.
Engine
Specifications
...
...
...........
.
..
..
.100-1

b
.
Engine
Management
Systems
..
..
...........
..
100-5

c
.
Engine
Mechanical
Troubleshooting
..........
.
.
100-8

d
.
OBD
1
Fault
(Blink)
Codes
(1992-1995
models
only)
.
...
..
..
..........
..
.100-9
e
.
Engine
Driveability
Troubleshooting
...........
.100-15
Model



Engine
code



No
.
of



Dispiacement



Compression



Horsepower
cyiinders



liters
(cu
.
in
.)



ratio



SAE
net
@
rpm

318i/is/¡C
1992-1995



M42



4



1
.8
(109
.6)



10
.0
:1



100
@
6000
1996-1998



M44



4



1
.9
(115
.6)



~
10
.0
:1



103
@
6000

323ís/iC
1998



M52



6



2
.5
(152
.2)



10
.5
:1



168
@
5,500

325i/is/iC
1992-1995



M50



6



2
.5
(152
.2)



10
.0
:1



110
@
5,900

328i/is/iC
1996-1998



M52



6



2
.8
(170
.4)



10
.2
:1



190
@
5,300

M3
1995



S50US



6



3
.0
(182
.5)



10
.5:1



240
@
6,000
1996-1998



S52US



6



3
.2
(192
.3)



10
.5:1



240
@
6,000
Cylinder
Block
and
Crankshaft



Connecting
Rods
and
Pistons

The
forged
connecting
rods
use
replaceable
split-shell

bearings
at
the
crankshaft
endand
solid
bushings
at
the
pis-

ton
pin
end
.
The
pistonsare
of
the
three-ring
typewith
two
up-
per
compression
rings
and
a
lowerone-piece
o¡i
scraper
ring
.

Fui¡-floating
piston
pins
are
retained
with
circlips
.

GENERAL

ignition

Table
b
.
Engine
Management
Systems



engine
has
high
mileage
.

Engine



1
System

4-cylinder
engines
M42
(1992-1995)



Bosch
DME
Ml
.7
M44
(1996-1998)



Bosch
DME
M5
.2
(OBD
II)

6-cylinder
engines
M50
(1992)



Bosch
DME
M3
.1
M50
VANOS
(1993-1995)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3
.1
M52
(1996-1998)



Siemens
MS41
.1
(OBD
II)
S50US
(1995)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3
.1
S52US
(1996-1998)



Siemens
MS41
.1
(OBD
II)

Both
the
4-cylinder
and
6-cylinder
engines
use
a
distributor-

less
ignition
system
with
individual
ignition
coils
for
each
cylin-

der
.

FuelDelivery

Pressurized
fuel
from
the
in-tank
fuel
pump
is
injected
via

solenoid-type
fuel
injectors
.
The
ECM
controls
the
opening

and
closing
of
the
injectors
by
switchingthe
ground
side
of

each
injector
circuit
.
The
exact
amount
of
fuel
injected
is
de-

termined
by
the
amount
of
timethe
injectors
are
open
.

Cooling
System

Whenever
the
engine
is
running,
acoolant
pump
circulates

coolant
through
the
engine
and,
if
either
heater
control
valves

are
open,
through
the
heater
core
in
the
passenger
compart-

ment
.
The
coolant
absorbs
excess
heat
and
carries
it
to
the
ra-

diator
where
it
is
transferred
into
the
passing
airstream
.
A

thermostat
controls
the
flow
of
coolant
through
the
radiator

based
on
engine
temperature
.

Lubrication
System

The
lubrication
system
is
pressurized
whenever
theengine

is
running
.
The
oil
pump
draws
oil
through
a
pickup
in
the
bot-

tom
of
the
oil
pan,thenforces
it
through
a
replaceable
oil
filter

and
finto
the
engine
oíi
passages
.

On
4-cylinder
engines,
the
oil
pump
is
mounted
to
the
front

engine
cover
.
On
6-cylinder
engines,thechain-driven
oil

pump
is
bolted
to
the
bottom
of
the
cylinder
block
.

A
pressure
relief
valve
limits
the
maximum
system
pres-

sure
.
A
bypass
valve
prevents
the
oil
filter
from
bursting
and

insures
engine
lubrication
should
the
filter
become
plugged
.

See
119
Lubrication
System
for
additional
information
.

ENGINE-GENERAL
100-
5

Various
versions
of
DME
systems
are
usedon
thecars
cov-



MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
ered
by
this
manual
.
See
Table
b
.
Each
system
is
highly
adaptive
to
compensate
for
things
suchasengine
wear
and



When
troubleshooting
an
engine
that
fails
to
start
or
runs
vacuum
leaks
.



poorly,
first
check
its
mechanical
condition-particularly
if
the

Warnings
and
Cautions

For
personal
safety,
as
well
asthe
protection
of
sensitive
electronic
components,
the
following
warnings
and
cautions
must
be
adhered
to
during
all
troubleshooting,
maintenance,
and
repairwork
.

WARNING
-

"
The
ignition
system
produces
high
voltages
that
can
be
fatal
.
Avoid
contact
with
exposed
termi-
nals
anduse
extreme
caution
when
working
on
a
car
with
the
ignition
switched
on
or
the
engine
running
.

"
Do
not
touch
or
disconnect
any
high
voltage
ca-
bles
from
the
coil,
distributor,
orspark
plugs
while
the
engine
is
running
or
being
cranked
by
the
starter

"
Connect
and
disconnect
the
engine
manage-
ment
system
wiring
and
test
equipment
leads
only
when
the
ignition
is
switched
off
.

"
Gasoline
is
highly
flammable
and
its
vapors
are
explosive
.
Do
not
smoke
or
work
on
a
car
near
heaters
or
other
fire
hazards
when
diagnosing
and
repairing
fuel
system
problems
.
Have
a
fire
extínguisher
available
in
case
of
an
emergency
.

"
Disconnecting
the
battery
may
erase
fault
code(s)
stored
in
control
module
memory
.
Using
special
BMW
diagnosnnc
equipment,
check
for
fault
codes
prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery
cables
.
If
the
Check
Engine
lightis
illuminated,
see
On-

Board
Diagnostics
(OBD)
forfault
code
infor-
mation
.
If
any
other
system
faults
havebeen
de-tected
(indicated
byan
illuminated
warning
light),
see
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.

CAUTION-

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

"
Do
notconnect
any
test
equipment
that
delivers
a
12-volt
power
supply
to
terminal15
(+)
of
the
ignition
coil
.
The
current
flow
may
damage
the

ECM
.
In
general,
connect
test
equipment
only
as
specified
by
BMW,
this
manual,
or
the
equip-
ment
maker
.

"
Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
with
the
engine
running
.
Do
notrunthe
engine
with
any
of
the
sparkplug
wires
disconnected
.

MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING

eiioo4

Fig
.
9
.



Remove
ignition
coils
on
6-cylinder
engine
by
disconnecting
harness
connector
and
removing
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.

NOTE-

"
The
compression
gauge
reading
shoutd
increase
with
each
compression
stroke
and
reach
near
its
maxi-
mum
reading
in
about
4-6
strokes
.

"All
cylinders
shoutdreach
maximum
compression
in
the
same
number
of
strokes
.
If
a
cylinder
needs
sig-
nificantly
more
strokes
to
reach
maximum
compres-

sion,
there
is
a
problem
.

7
.
Release
the
pressure
at
the
compression
gauge
valve,

then
remove
the
gauge
from
the
spark
plughole
.
Re-

peat
the
test
for
each
of
the
other
cylinders
and
com-

pare
the
results
with
the
values
given
below
.

ENGINE-GENERAL
1
:00-
7

Compression
Pressure

"
Minimum
..........
.
.
..
..
10-11
bar
(142-156
psi)

"
Maximum
difference
between
cylinders
..
.....
.........
0
.5
bar
(7
psi)

Reinstall
the
spark
plugs
and
spark
plug
wires
or
ignition

cofs
.
The
remainder
of
installation
is
the
reverse
of
removal
.
Be
sure
to
reihstall
al¡
wires
disconnected
during
the
test,
especial-

¡y
ground
wires
at
the
coils
and
cylinder
head
cover
(where
ap-
plicable)
.

Tightening
Torque

"
Spark
plug
to
cylinder
head
.......
25
Nm
(18
ft-Ib)

Low
compression
indicates
a
poorly
sealed
combustion

6
.
With
the
parking
brake
set,
the
transmission
in
Park
or



chamber
.
Relatively
even
pressures
that
are
below
specification

Neutral,
and
the
accelerator
pedal
pressed
to
the
floor,



normally
indicate
worn
piston
rings
and/or
cylinder
walls
.
Erratic

crank
the
engine
with
the
starter
.
Record
the
highest



values
tend
to
indicate
valve
leakage
.
Dramatic
differences
be

value
indicated
by
the
gauge
.



tween
cylinders
are
often
the
sign
of
a
failed
head
gasket,

bumed
valve,
or
broken
piston
ring
.

Engine
Mechanical
Troubleshooting
Table

Table
c
lists
the
symptoms
of
common
engine
mechanical

problems,
their
probable
causes
and
the
suggested
corrective

actions
.
The
bold
type
indicates
the
repair
groups
where
appli-

cable
test
and
repair
procedures
can
befound
.

MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING

100-8
ENGINE-GENERAL

Symptom



1



Probable
cause
and
correctiveaction

1
.
Engine
will
not
start
or
run
.
Starter
cranks



a
.



No
fuel
reaching
engine
.
Check
forfuelin
tank
.

engine
at
normal
speed
.



Fuel
pump
notoperating
.
Repair
Group
160

b
.
No
spark
.
Check
ignition
system
.
Repair
Group
120

c
.
Incorrect
valve
timing
.
Check
timing
chain
.
Repair
Group
117

2
.
Check
Engine
warning
light
illuminated
.



a
.
DME
engine
management
system
self-diagnostic
fault
detected
.
Sea
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
or
other
qualified
shop
for
OBD
II
fault
code
diagnosis
.
See
also
On-
board
Diagnostics(OBD),
given
later
inthis
repair
group
.

3
.
White
exhaust
smoke
(steam)
.



a
.
Failed
cylinder
head
gasket
(probably
accompanied
bylowcompression
readings)
.

Replace
gasket
and
resurface
cylinder
head
if
necessary
.
Repair
Group
113
4
.
Blue-gray
exhaust
smoke
and
oily
spark



a
.
Contaminated
or
gasoline-diluted
engine
oil
.
Change
engine
oil
and
replace
oil
filter
.
plugs
.
Indicates
oii
burning
in
combustion
.



Repair
Group
020

b
.
Faulty
valve
guide
seals
or
valve
guides
.
Replace
valve
guide
oil
seals
or
overhaul
cylinder
head
.
Repair
Group
116

5
.
Pinging
or
rattling
when
under
load,



a
.
Ignition
timing
too
advanced
.
Ignition
knocksensors
faulty
(CheckEngine
light
traveling
uphill,
or
accelerating,
especially



illuminated)
.
Repair
Group
120fromlow
speeds
.
Indicates
pre-ignition
or



b
.
Fuel
octane
leve¡
toolow
.
detonation
.



c
.
Engine
running
too
hot
or
overheating
.
Check
cooling
system
.
Repair
Group
170

6
.
Light
metallic
tapping
that
varies
directly
with
engine
speed
.
Oil
pressure
warning
light
not
illuminated
.

7
.
Light
metallic
knock
that
varies
directly
with
enginespeed
.
Oil
pressure
warning
light
blinking
or
fully
illuminated
;
may
be
most
noticeable
during
hard
stops
or
cornering
.

8
.
Screeching
or
squealing
under
load
that



a
.
Loose,worn,
or
damaged
drive
belt
.
Inspect
belt(s)
.
Repair
Group
020
goesaway
when
coasting
.

9
.
Growling
or
rumbling
that
varieswith
engine



a
.
Remove
drive
belt(s)toidentifyfaulty
component
.
Check
for
play,
bearing
roughness,
rpm
.
Indicates
abad
bearing
or
bushing
in



and
loose
mountings
.
Refer
to
appropriate
repair
group
for
repair
procedures
.
an
engine-driven
accessory
.

DRIVEABILITY
TROUBLESHOOTING



On-Board
Diagnostics
(OBD)

On-Board
Diagnostics
is
incorporated
into
al¡
engine
man-



Two
generations
of
OBD
are
usedon
thecars
covered
by
agement
systems
used
on
the
cars
covered
by
this
manual
.



this
manual
:
Therefore,
checking
for
fault
codes
should
be
the
first
step
in
troubleshootinga
driveability
problem
.
For
additional
informa-



On-Board
Diagnostics
tion
on
engine
management
and
repair
see130
Fuel
Injec-
tion
.



"
1992-1995models
....
.
..
....
.
..
.......
OBD
I

"
1996-1998models
.
....
..
.
.
.
..
.
........
OBD
II

DRIVEABILITY
TROUBLESHOOTING

Tablec
.
Engine
Mechanical
Troubleshooting

b
.
Warped
or
cracked
cylinder
head
.
Resurface
or
replace
cylinder
head
.
Repair
Group
113

c
.
Cracked
cylinder
block
.
Replace
engine
or
short
block
.

c
.
Worn
piston
rings
.
Overhaul
or
replace
engine
.

d
.
Failed
cylinder
head
gasket
.
Replace
gasket
.
Repair
Group
113

d
.
Air/fuel
mixture
too
lean
(Check
Engine
light
illuminated)
.
Repair
Group
130

a
.
Valveclearances
excessive
.
Check
hydraulic
valve
adjusters
.
Repair
Group
116

b
.
Low
oil
pressure
orpossibly
defective
warning
light
circuit
.
Check
oil
pressure
andwarning
light
circuit
.
Repair
Group
119
c
.
Dirty
oil
.
Change
oil
.
Repair
Group
020
.

a
.
Low
oil
leve¡
.
Check
and
correct
oil
leve¡
.

b
.
Low
oil
pressure/worn
or
faulty
oil
pump
.
Oil
pump
pickup
restricted/clogged
.
Check
oil
pressure
.
Repair
Group
119

The
OBD
system
detects
emissions-related
engine
manage-
ment
malfunctions
and
tucos
on
the
Check
Engíne
lightin
the
in-
strument
cluster
.
TheCheck
Engine
light
will
stay
on
until
the
code(s)are
called
up
and
the
memory
is
erased
.
When
faulty
are
detected,
the
OBD
system
stores
a
Diagnostic
Trouble
Code
(DTC)
in
the
system
ECM
.
In
addition,
the
Check
Engine
warn-
ing
light
will
come
on
if
an
emissions-related
fault
is
detected
.

NOTE-

"
On
carswith
OBD
ti,
specialized
OBD
11
scan
tool
equipment
must
be
used
to
access
the
DTCs,
either
using
the
BMW
special
tool
ora
`generic"
OBD
11
scan
tool
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
.

"
The
08D
11
fault
memory
(including
an
iiluminated
Check
Engine
light)
can
only
be
reset
using
the
spe-
cial
scan
tool
.
Removing
the
connector
from
the
ECM
or
disconnecting
the
battery
will
not
erase
the
fault
memory
.

Table
d
.
OBD
1
Fault
(Blink)
Codes

(1992-1995
modeis
only)

Graphic
representation
of
flashing
Check
Engine
light
fault
code
:
1221
5
Seconds
.
:-



2
.5~-

--05--

Fault
code
and
meaning



1
Corrective
action

Code
1216
:
Throttle
potentiometer

Code
1218
:
Output
stage,
group#1
(DME
3
.3
.ionly)

Code
1219
:
Output
stage,
group
#2
(DME
3
.3.1
only)

Code
1221
:
Oxygen
sensor
#1

Code
1224
:
Air
temperature
sensor
(NTC)

Code
1226
:
Knock
sensor
#2
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)

130

ENGINE-GENERAL
100-
9

2
.5
seconds,
then
go
off
for
2
.5
seconds
.
At
thispoint,
the
fault
codes
will
begin
to
flash
.
See
Table
d
.

If
more
than
one
fault
has
been
detected,
eachcode
will
be
separated
by
a2
.5
second
pause
.
When
al¡
fault
codes
havebeen
displayed,
there
will
be0
.5
second
flash
and
thenthe
light
will
remain
off
.
To
read
the
codes
again,
turn
the
key
off
and
then
on
again
.
Depress
theaccelerator
pedal
to
the
floor
five
times
quickly
(within
5
seconds)
.
The
codes
will
begin
to
repeat
.

On
cars
with
OBD
I,
fault
codes
can
be
read
by
turning
the



To
erase
the
fault
code
memory,
first
make
sure
the
fault

ignition
key
on
and
fully
depressing
theaccelerator
pedal
to



code
1000
(short
blink
and
then
light
goes
out
for
long
period)

the
floor
five
times
within
five
seconds
.
TheCheck
Engine



is
present,
then
depress
the
throttle
fully
for
at
least
10
sec-

light
will
then
remain
on
for
five
seconds,
blink
off,
come
on
for



onds
.
Read
the
fault
codes
as
described
earlier
and
check
for
the
1444
code
(no
faults
stored)
.

-,--------------
Check
Engine
light
on

Check
Engine
light
off

Code
1211
:
DM
E
Control
Module



DME
control
module
may
be
faulty
.
This
code
appears
if
the
control
module
fails
the
self
test
.
Check
inputsto
control
module
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1215
:
Mass
air
flow
sensor



Check
air
flow
or
mass
air
flow
sensor
and
wiring
to
sensor
.
Repair
Group
130

Test
throttle
potentiometer
resistance
and
wiring
.
Repair
Group
130

Test
DME
control
module
input/outputs
.
Repair
Group
130

Test
DME
control
module
input/outputs
.
Repair
Group
130

Check
sensor
output
signal
to
DME
control
module
.
Repair
Group

Code
1222
:
Oxygen
sensor
lean/rich
control
stop



Check
for
intake
air
leaks
or
reasons
forrich
míxture
.
See
Driveabil-
ity
Troubleshooting
given
earlier
in
this
repair
group

Code
1223
:
Coolant
temperaturesensor
(NTC)



1
Test
coolant
temperature
sensor
.
Repair
Group
130

Test
intake
air
temperature
sensor
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1225
:
Knock
sensor#1
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



1
Check
knocksensorand
sensor
wiring
.
Repair
Group
120

Check
knocksensor
and
sensor
wiring
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1231
:
Batteryvoltage
monitor



Test
battery
voltage
and
battery
check
charging
system
and
starter
.
Repair
Group
121

Code
1234
:
Speedometer
"A"signal
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Check
wiring
between
instrument
cluster
and
DME
control
module
.
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams

Code
1237
:
A/C
compressor
cutoff
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Test
DME
control
module
inputs/outputs
from
A/C
system
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1242
:
A/C
compressor
signal
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
DME
control
module
inputs/outputs
from
A/C
system
.
Repair
Group
130

DRIVEABILITY
TROLIBLESHOOTING

100-
1
0
ENGINE-GENERAL

Table
d
.
OBD
I
Fault
(Blink)
Codes
(continued)

(1992-1995
modeis
only)

Graphic
representation
of
flashing
Check
Engine
light
fault
code
:
1221
-
;
5
Seconds
.
;--~
2
.5
r
----------------
Check
Engine
light
on

Fault
code
and
meaning



Corrective
action

Check
Engine
light
off

Code
1243
:
Crankshaft
position
sensor
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Test
crankshaft
position/rpm
sensor
and
wiring
from
sensor
lo
DME

control
module
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1244
:
Camshaft
position
sensor
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Test
camshaft
position
sensor
and
wiring
fromsensor
to
DME
con-
trol
module
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1245
:
Electronic
transmission
control
intervention
(DME
3
.3
.1



Check
wiring
between
DME
control
module
and
auto
.
transmission
only)



control
module

Code
1247
:
Ignition
secondary
monitor
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Check
secondary
voltage
lo
ignition
coils
.
Check
wiringat
ignition

coils
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1251
:
Fuel
injector
#1
(DME
3
.113
.3
.1
only)



1
Test
injector
operation/signal
lo
injector
.
Repair
group130

Code
1252
:
Fuel
injector
#2
(DME
3
.113
.3
.1
only)



Test
injector
operation/signal
lo
injector
.
Repair
group130

Code
1253
:
Fuel
injector
#3
(DME
3
.1/3
.3
.1
only)



Test
injector
operation/signal
to
injector
.
Repair
group130

Code
1254
:
Fuel
injector
#4
(DME
3
.1/3
.3
.1
only)



Test
injector
operation/signal
to
injector
.
Repair
group
130

Code
1255
:
Fuel
injector
#5
(DME
3
.1/3
.3
.1
only)



Test
injector
operation/signal
to
injector
.
Repair
group130

Code
1256
:
Fuel
injector
#6
(DME
3
.1/3
.3
.1
only)



Test
injector
operation/signal
lo
injector
.
Repair
group130

Code
1261
:
Fuel
pump
control



Test
fuel
pump
relay
and
fuel
pump
circuit
.
Repairgroup
160

Code
1262
:
Idle
speed
control



Test
idleair
controlvalve
and
signalto
valve
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1263
:
Fuel
tank
evaporative
(EVAP)
system



Test
EVAP
purge
valve
.
Repair
Group
160

Code
1264
:
Oxygen
sensor
heater



1
Test
oxygen
sensorheater
and
heater
relay
.
Repair
group
130

Code
1265
:
Check
engine
lamp
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



1
Test
for
faulty
bulb
or
wiring
.
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams

Code
1266
:
VANOS
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



1
Test
VANOS
solenoid
.
Check
for
signal
to
VANOS
solenoid
.

Code
1267
:
Air
pump
relay
control
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Test
air
pump
relay
and
wiring
(where
applicable)
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams
Code
1271
:
Ignition
coil
#1
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignitioncoil
and
wiring
toignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1272
:
Ignition
coil
#2
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignitioncoil
and
wiring
loignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1273
:
Ignition
coil
#3
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignitioncoil
and
wiring
loignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1274
:
Ignítion
coil
#4
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignitioncoil
and
wiring
toignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1275
:
Ignitioncoil
#5
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignition
coil
and
wiring
loignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1276
:
Ignition
coil
#6
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Test
ignitioncoil
and
wiring
loignitioncoil
.
Repair
Group
120

Code
1281
:
DME
control
module
memory
supply
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Check
voltage
supply
from
battery
lo
DME
control
module
.
Electri-

Code
1282
:
Fault
code
memory
(DME
3
.3.1
only)



Check
DME
control
module
inputs/outputs
.
Control
module
may
be
faulty
.
Repair
Group
130

Code
1283
:
Fuel
injector
output
stage
(DME
3
.3
.1
only)



Check
DME
control
module
inputs/outputs
.
Control
module
may
be
faulty
.
Repair
Group
130

DRIVEABILITY
TROUBLESHOOTING

cal
Wiring
Diagrams