fault BMW M3 1995 E36 Repair Manual

160-
1
0



FUEL
TANK
AND
FUEL
PUMP

3
.
Operate
fuel
pump
as
described
earlier
under
Operat-

ing
fuel
pump
for
tests
.
Check
that
fuel
pressure
cor-

responds
to
specifications
listed
in
Table
c
.

"
If
system
pressure
is
low,
repeat
test
whilegradually

pinching
off
return
hose
.
Pressure
should
rise
rapidly
.

If
not,fuel
pump
is
most
likely
faulty
.

"
If
system
pressure
is
too
high,
check
return
line
from
pressure
regulator
to
tank
.
Check
for
kinks
in
hose
.
Blow
compressed
air
through
line
to
check
for
block-

ages
.
If
no
faulty
canbe
found,
pressure
regulator
is

most
likely
faulty
.
See
130
Fuel
Injection
for
testing

and
replacementprocedures
.

Table
c
.
Fuel
Pressure
Specifications

Engine



1
Fuel
pressure

4-cylinder
M42/M44



3
.0
:e
0
.06
bar(43
.5
±0
.9
psi)

6-cylinder
M50/S50US



3
.0
:j-
0
.06bar(43
.5
t0
.9
psi)
M52/S52US



3
.5
t
0
.06
bar
(51
t0
.9psi)

CA
UTION-

Do
not
use
compressed
air
above
40
psi
to
blow
out
fines
or
components
.
Interna¡
damage
to
com-
ponents
may
result
.

4
.
When
finished,
disconnect
pressure
gauge
.

FUEL
PUMP

Fuel
delivery
volume,
testing

1
.
Disconnect
return
line
from
fuel
rail
in
engine
compart-

ment
.

2
.
Connect
a
length
of
hose
to
fitting
on
fuel
rail
and
place

open
end
of
hose
in
a
suitable
container
for
catching

fuel
(2-quart
capacity)
.

3
.
Run
fuel
pump
for
exactly
30
seconds
as
described

earlier
under
Operating
fuel
pump
for
tests
and
mea-

sure
fuel
collected
.
Refer
to
Table
d
.

WARNING-



Table
d
.
Fuel
Pump
Delivery
Specifications

Fuel
under
pressure
is
present
duringthe
test
.
Use
I



Engine



Delivery
rate
(30
seconds
@
12V)
hose
clamps
at
all
connections
.
4-cylinder
M42/M44



0
.875
fter
(0
.93
qt)

6-cylinder
M50/S50US



0
.875
fter(0
.93
qt)
M52/S52US



~



1
.12
liter
(1
.16
qt)

4
.
When
finished
testing,
reconnect
fuel
line
.
Tighten
all
hose
clamps
.

NOTE-

It
is
common
practice
to
replace
the
fuel
filter
any
time
the
fuel
pump
unit
is
replaced
.

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
.

Cooling
System
Pressure
Test



If
the
engine
overheats
and
no
other
cooling
system
testsindicate
trouble,
the
radiator
may
have
some
pluggedpassag-

A
cooling
system
pressure
test
is
used
to
check
for
internal



es
that
are
restricting
coolant
flow
.

leaks
.
Some
of
the
common
sources
ofinternal
leaks
are
a
faulty
cylinder
head
gasket,
a
cracked
cylinder
head,
or
a



Temperature
Gauge
Quick
Check
cracked
cylinder
block
.

The
coolant
temperature
sensor
is
located
on
the
intake
To
doa
cooling
system
pressure
test,
a
special
pressure



manifold
(left)
side
of
the
cylinder
head,
under
the
intake
man-
tester
is
needed
.



ifold
runners
.
See
Fig
.
2
.

WARNING
-

At
normal
operating
temperature
-
the
cooling
sys-
tem
is
pressurized
.
Allow
the
system
to
cool
before
opening
.
Release
the
cap
slowly
to
allow
sale
re-
tease
of
pressure
.

With
the
engine
cold,instan
a
pressure
tester
to
the
expan-

sion
tank
.
Pressurize
thesystem
to
the
specification
listed
be-

low
.
Pressure
should
not
drop
more
than
0
.1
bar
(1
.45
psi)
for

at
leakt
two
minutes
.
If
the
pressure
drops
rapidly
and
there
is
no
sign
of
an
externa¡
leak,
the
cylinder
head
gasket
may
be
faulty
.
Considera
compression
test
as
described
in
100
En-

gine-General
.

The
screw-on
type
expansion
tank
cap
should
also
be
test-

ed
using
a
pressure
tester
and
the
correct
adapter
.

Cooling
System
Test
Pressure

"
Radiator
test
pressure
.........
.
1
.5
bar
(21
.75
psi)

"
Radiator
cap
test
pressure
..
.
........
2
bar
(29
psi)

CA
UTION-

Exceeding
the
speclfied
test
pressure
could
dam-
age
the
radiatoror
other
system
components
.

Carefully
inspect
the
radiator
cap
for
damage
.
Replace
a

faulty
cap
or
a
damaged
cap
gasket
.

Thermostat
Quick
Check



In
later
models,
the
ECT
sensor
and
the
gauge
sender
are
combined
into
one
sender
unit
.
For
wire
colors
refer
to
Table
a
.
To
check
if
the
thermostat
is
opening
and
coolant
is
circulat-

ing
through
the
radiator,
allow
a
cold
engine
to
reach
operat-

ing
temperature
(temperature
gauge
needieapproximately

centered)
.
Shut
off
engine
.
Feel
the
top
radiator
hose
.
If
the

hose
is
hot
to
the
touch,
the
coolant
is
probably
circulating
cor-
rectly
.
If
there
are
any
cool
areas
in
the
hose
or
radiator,
cool-

ant
flow
to
the
radiator
is
probably
restricted
.
Check
for
a
faulty

thermostat
or
aplugged
radiator
.

NOTE-

A
thermostat
that
is
stuck
open
will
cause
the
engine
to
warmup
slowly
and
run
belownormal
temperature
at
highway
speed
.
A
thermostat
that
is
stuck
closed
will
re-

strict
coolant
flow
to
the
radiator
and
cause
overheating
.

RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM



170-
3

U
.¡ig
.v

Fig
.
2
.
Temperature
gauge
sender
on
M44
engine
.
Temperature
gauge
sender
location
is
similar
on
al]
engines
.

In
early
models,
the
engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sen-

sor
for
the
fuel
injection
and
the
coolant
temperature
gauge

sender
are
located
side
by
side
.

Table
a
.
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
Wire
Colors

Function



Sensor



Terminal



Wire
colors
location
number

Two
sensors
:
Temperature
Rear
1
Brown/violet
gauge
sender



2



Brown/yellow
ECT
sensor



Front



1



Brown/red
2



Brown
or
Brown/black

One
sensor
:
Temperature
Dual
1
Brown/yellow
gauge
sender



sensor



2



Brown/violet
ECT
sensor



3



Brown/red
4
Brown/black
or
Grey/black

TROUBLESHOOTING

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
.

NOTE-

Some
cars
covered
by
this
manual
may
have
an
alter-
nate
cooling
fan
switchwith
switching
temperatures
of
176%190W
(80%88°C)
.
When
replacing
the
switch
check
theswitching
specifications,
whichshouldbe
stamped
on
the
switch
body
.

1
.
If
coolant
is
circulating
at
normal
operating
tempera-
ture,
but
auxiliary
cooling
fan
does
not
run,
disconnect
connector
from
radiator
temperature
switch
and
make
tests
listed
in
Table
c
.

Table
c
.
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Temperature

Switch
Tests

Wires
jumpered



Test



Test
resuits
conditions

Black/green
(terminal2)
and



Ignition
ON



Fan
runs
on
brown
(terminal
1)



low
speed

Black/gray
(terminal
3)
and



Ignition
ON



Fan
runson
brown
(terminal



I
1)



high
speed
2
.
If
fan
runs
only
when
powered
directly
by
jumpered
connector
and
hot
coolant
is
circulating
through
radia-
tor,
radiator
temperature
switch
is
most
likelyfaulty
.
Use
a
new
sealing
ring
when
replacing
switch

Tightening
Torque

"
Temperature
switch
to
radiator
......
15
Nm
(11
ft-Ib)

3
.
If
auxiliary
fan
does
notrun
when
powered
directly,
check
for
battery
voltage
at
temperature
switch
connec-
tor
(black/green
wire)
with
ignition
on
.
If
battery
voltage
is
not
present,
check
fuses
.
See
610
Electrical
Com-
ponent
Locations
.

RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM



170-
5

~r~nmm
a
00
0

Fig
.
4
.



Auxiliary
radiator
cooling
fan
low
speed
relay
(1)
and
high
speed
relay
(2)
in
power
distribution
box
.
(Relay
locations
may
vary
.)

Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Circuit
Fuses



Fig
.
5
.
Auxiliary
radiator
fan
resistor
(arrow)
.
"
Fuse16
.
...................
..
..
...
...
.5
amp

"
Fuse
41
(ex
.
M44
w/man
.
trans)
.
..
.
..
.....
30
amp

"
Fuse
48
(M44
w/man
.
trans
.
only)
..
.
..
.....
40
amp



COOLING
SYSTEM
SERVICE

0013034

4
.
If
no
faults
are
found,
remove
low
speed
relay
and
turn



Coolant,draining
and
filling

ignition
ON
.
See
Fig
.
4
.



1
.
Remove
expansion
tank
cap
.
Set
temperature
controls
"
Check
for
power
at
terminal
30
and
terminal
86
of
relay



to
full
warm
.
socket
.

"
Reinstall
low
speed
relay
and
repeat
testat
high
speed



WARNING
-
relay
socket
.
Fix
any
wiring
faults
found
.



Allow
the
cooling
system
to
cool
before
openlng
or

On
early
productioncars
(up
to
9/92)
:
If
fan
operates
only
on



draining
the
cooling
system
.

high
speed
and
no
electrical
faults
have
been
foundup
to
this
point,
usean
ohmmeter
to
check
that
fan
resistor
is
not
electri-



2
.
Place
3
ra
allo

ug
.



beneath
radiator
drain
plug
and
re-

cally
open
.
Resistor
is
mounted
on
auxiliary
cooling
fan
housing



move
drain
plg
.
See
Fig
.
6
.

behind
front
grille
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
Wiring
diagrams
for
the
radiator

cooling
fan
canbefoundunder
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams
.



3
.
Place
3-g



pail
beneath
rear
of
engine
blo
.
Loos-
en
and
re

mlon

ove
engine
blockcoolant
drain
plug
k
.

COOLING
SYSTEM
SERVICE

Fig
.
3
.



Clutch
master
cylinder
mounting
bolts
.

Clutch
slave
cylinder,
replacing

0012589

Tightening
Torques

"
Clutch
master
cylinder
to
bulkhead
..
22
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)
"
Fluid
line
to
master
cylinder

orslave
cylinder
.................
16
Nm
(12
ft-1b)

The
clutch
slave
cylinder
is
mounted
on
the
left
side
of
the

transmission
.



CLUTCH
MECHANICAL

1
.
Remove
brake
fluid
reservoir
cap
.
Using
a
clean
sy-

ringe,
remove
brake
fluid
from
reservoir
.

2
.
Disconnect
fluid
hose
from
slave
cylinder
.
Place
a
pan

under
hose
to
catch
any
excess
fluid
.

3
.
Unbolt
slave
cylinder
from
transmission
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
noting
the
following
:

"
Check
for
wear
on
pushrod
.
Any
other
wear
except
on

tipis
caused
by
misalignment
of
clutch
components
.

"
Lightly
coat
pushrod
tip
with
molybdenum
disulfide

grease
(Molykote
0
Longterm
2
or
equivalent)
.

"
During
installation
be
sure
pushrod
tip
engages
recess

in
clutch
release
lever
.

"
Fill
fluid
reservoir
with
clean
fluid
.

"
Bleed
clutch
hydraulics
as
described
earlier
.

CLUTCH
210-
3

Fig
.
4
.



Clutch
slave
cylinder
mounting
bolts
(arrows)
.

Tablea
.
ClutchDisc
Diameter

Model



Diameter

3181/is/iC



215
mm
(8
.46
in)

325i/is/iC



228
mm
(8
.98
in)
323is/iC

328i/is/iC



240
mm
(9
.45
in)
M3

0012715

Tightening
Torques

"
Clutch
slave
cylinder

to
transmission
.
.
................
22
Nm
(17
ft
lb)
"
Fluid
line
to
slave
cylinder
......
.17
Nm
(10-12
ft
lb)

The
transmission
must
be
removed
from
the
engine
to
ac-

cess
the
clutch
mechanical
components
.
It
is
recommended

that
the
clutch
disc,
pressure
plate
and
release
bearing
be
re-

placed
duringa
clutch
overhaul
.
Be
sure
to
check
the
bottom

of
the
bellhousing
for
oil
.
If
engine
oil
is
found,
check
for
a

faulty
rear
crankshaft
oil
seal
.

CLUTCH
MECHANICAL

Clutch,
inspecting
and
installing

1
.
Inspect
clutch
disc
for
wear,
cracks,
loose
rivets,
con-

tamination
or
excessive
runout
(warping)
.
Replace
if

necessary
.

2
.
Inspect
flywheel
for
scoring,
hot
spots,
cracks
or
loose

or
worn
guide
pins
.
Replace
flywheel
if
any
faults
are

found
.

WARNING
-

If
flywheel
is
removed
from
vehicle,
use
new
bolts
duríng
installation
.
The
old
stretch-typebolts
should
not
be
reused
.

3
.
Inspecttransmission
pilot
bearing
in
end
of
crankshaft
.

The
bearing
should
rotate
smoothly
without
play
.
If
nec-

essary,
replace
as
described
later
.

4
.
Inspect
and
clean
releasebearing
lever
.
Apply
a
thin

coat
of
grease
to
releasebearíng
lever
contact
points
.

See
Fig
.
9
.
Also,
lightly
lubricate
clutch
disc
splines
and

transmission
inputshaft
splínes
.

5
.
Install
pressure
plate
and
clutch
disc
.
Do
not
fully
tight-

en
bolts
.

6
.
Center
clutch
disc
on
flywheel
using
centering
tool

(BMW
special
tool
no
.
21
2
130
or
equivalent)
.
Refer
to

Fig
.
7
.

NOTE-

Be
sure
clutchdísc
is
facing
the
correct
way
.
The
new

disc
should
bemarked
engine
sfde
or
transmission
side
.
See
Fig
.
10
.

7
.
Tighten
each
bolt
one
turn
at
a
time
until
pressure
plate

is
fully
seated,
and
then
torque
to
specification
.

8
.
Remove
clutch
disc
centering
tool
.
Remove
flywheel

locking
tool
.

Fig
.
9
.



Clutch
release
lever
lubrication
points
(arrows)
.

CLUTCH
210-
5

Clutch
Clutch

pressure
disc
plate

0012026

Fig
.
10
.
Clutch
assembly
Note
clutch
disc
hub
position
during
instal-
lation
.

CLUTCH
MECHANICAL

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION



240-1

240
Automatic
Transmission

GENERAL
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
240-1



TRANSMISSION
REMOVAL
AND

INSTALLATION
..................
.
.
.
.
.240-4
TRANSMISSION
SERVICE
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
240-1



Transmission,
removing
and
installing
....
.
.
.240-4

ATF
leve¡,
checking
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..........
240-1

ATF,
draining
and
filling
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..........
240-2



TABLE

a
.
Automatic
Transmission
Gear
Ratios
.......
..
.
.
240-1

GENERAL



TRANSMISSION
SERVICE



lo

Automatic
transmissions
are
identified
by
code
letters



ATF
leve¡,
checking

foundon
a
data
plate
located
on
the
sideof
thetransmission

case,
behind
the
manual
valve
lever
.
See
200Transmis-



The
automatic
transmissions
installed
in
the
E36
models
sion-General
for
application
information
.
Forgear
ratio
spec-



are
normally
filled
with
Dexron
III
automatic
transmission
fluid

ifications,
see
Table
a
.



(ATF),
although
alternative
fluids
have
been
installed
from
the

factory,
depending
on
transmission
type
and
model
year
.

CAUTION-



Some
transmíssions
are
filled
with
a
special
BMW
"lifetime"

ATF
does
not
circulate
unless
the
engine
is
run-



automatic
transmission
fluid,
which
does
not
require
periodic

ning
.
When
towing
an
automafic
transmission
ve-



fluid
changes
.

hicle,
usea
flat-bed
truck
or
ralse
the
rear
wheels
off
the
ground
.



CAUTION-

Mixing
different
types
of
transmission
fluids
will

The
electronic
transmission
control
module
(TCM)
monitors



lead
to
transmission
failure
.

transmissionoperation
for
faults
and
alerts
the
driver
by
illumi-

nating
the
transmission
fault
indicator
on
the
instrument
pan-

el
.
On-board
diagnostic
codes
stored
in
the
TCM
mustbe



NOTE-

downloaded
and
interpreted
by
trained
technicians
using
spe-



The
transmission
lubricant
instafed
can
be
foundona

cial
BMW
diagnostic
equipment
.



type
plate
on
the
side
of
the
transmission
.
In
addition,
a
sticker
may
be
located
on
the
fluid
sump
indicatingthe
typeof
transmission
lubricant
used
.
Ifin
doubt,
con

NOTE-



sult
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
for
altemate
fluid
use

Internal
repairs
to
the
automatic
transmission
require



and
current
information
regardingtransmission
operat-
special
service
equipment
and
knowledge
.
If
it
is
deter-



ing
fluids
.

mined
thatinterna¡
service
is
required,
consult
en
au-

thorízedBMWdealerabouta
factoryreconditioned
unit



The
transmission
is
not
equipped
with
a
dipstick
.
Checking
or
a
transmission
rebuild
.



the
ATF
leve¡
requires
measuring
and
maintaining
a
specified

ATF
temperature
during
the
checking
procedure
.
The
check-

ing
temperature
is
not
fully
warm
orcold
(the
ATF
sump

should
be
approximately
warm
to
the
touch)
.

Table
a
.
Automatic
Transmission
Gear
Ratios

Transmission



MS
310R
(THM-R1)



MS
310R
(THM-Rl)



MS
310Z(5HP
18)



I



MS
270R
(THM-R1)
(1992-1993)(1993-on)

Gear
ratios
:
1st



2
.40



2
.86



3
.67



2
.86

2nd



1
.47



1
.62



2
.00



1
.62
3rd



1
.00



1
.00



1.41



1
.00
4th



0
.72



0
.72



1
.00



0
.72
5th



-



-



0
.74



-
Reverse



2
.00



2
.00



4
.10



2
.00

TRANSMISSIONSERVICE

250-
4



GEARSHIFT
LINKAGE

r%
;
5

(((((C
"
~
;

Fig
.
7
.



Selector
lever
cable
clamping
nut
(A)
.
Counterhold
clamping
bolt
when
loosening
nut
.

Gear
position/neutral
safety
switch,

replacing
(automatic
transmission)

NOTE-

The
gear-positionlneutral
safetyswitch
is
also
some-
times
referred
to
as
the
automatic
transmission
range
switch
.

Failure
of
the
gear
positionlneutral
safetyswitch
can
cause

a
no-start
condition
.
In
acidition,
since
it
signals
gearshift
posi-

tion
tothe
transmission
control
unit,
a
faulty
switch
can
cause

erratic
transmission
operation
.

1
.
Remove
hex-head
screw
(3mm
allen
key)
from
shift
le-

ver
handle
and
remove
handle
.
Carefully
pry
up
cover

from
gearshift
lever
console
.

2
.
Disconnect
harness
connector
from
gear
positionlneu-

tral
safety
switch
andremove
mounting
screws
.
See

Fig
.
8
.

3
.
Remove
gear
positionlneutral
safety
switch
by
moving

selector
until
pin
on
lever
aligns
with
slot
on
switch
.
Pull

switch
straight
up
and
off
.
See
Fig
.
9
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal,
noting
the
following
:

"
Before
installing
switch,
align
plastic
contact
slide
in-

sideswitch
with
slot
in
switch
.
See
Fig
.
10
.

"
Instan
switch
so
that
contact
slide
on
switch
aligns
with

slot
on
switch
.
Then
position
gearshift
lever
pin
to
slot

on
switch
and
install
switch
.

"
When
installing
shift
lever
handle,
engage
pín
on
re
leasebutton
to
hole
in
pulí
rod
.
See
Fig
.
11
.



Fig
.
9
.



Contact
slide
in
switch
aligns
toslot
on
switch
and
pin
on
le-
ver
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Console
to
body
..............
...
.
7
Nm
(62
in-lb)

"
Gear
positionlneutral
safety
switch

to
shift
console
.................
.
4
.5
Nm
(40
in-lb)

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
GEARSHIFT

Fig
.
8
.



Disconnect
harness
connector
to
gear
position/neutral
safety

switch
by
pressing
connector
retaining
clips
together
(ar-
rows)
.
Switch
mountingscrews
shown
at
1
.

Fig
.
10
.
Align
contact
slide
(1)
with
slot
in
switch
housing
(2)
before
in-
stalling
gear
position/neutral
safety
switch
.

Fig
.
11
.
Engage
release
button
pin
to
hole
in
pull
rod
before
installing

The
automatic
shiftlock
uses
an
electríc
solenoid
to
lock
the
selector
lever
in
P
or
N
.
Depressing
the
foot
brake
withthe
ig-
nition
on
energizes
the
solenoid,
allowingthe
lever
to
be
moved
into
a
drive
gear
.
The
solenoid
is
energized
only
when

the
engine
speed
is
below
2,500
rpmand
thevehicle
speed
is

below
3
mph
.
The
solenoid
ís
mounted
in
the
right-hand
side

of
theselector
lever
housing
.
See
Fig
.
12
.

1
.
With
engine
running
and
car
stopped,
place
selector
le-
ver
in
P
or
N
.

2
.
Without
depressing
brake
pedal,
check
that
selector
le-

ver
is
locked
in
position
P
or
N
.

3
.
Depress
brakepedal
firmly
.
Solenoid
should
be
heard

to
energize
.

GEARSHIFT
LINKAGE



250-
5

Fig
.
12
.
Automatic
shiftlock
prevents
drive
gear
selection
until
the
brakepedal
is
depressed
.

4
.
Check
thatselector
lever
can
now
be
moved
out
of
P
or
N
.

NOTE
-

The
next
test
should
be
performed
in
anopen
area
with
the
parking
brake
on
and
with
extreme
caution
.

5
.
With
selector
lever
in
P
or
N
and
brake
pedal
de-

pressed,
raise
engine
above
2,500
rpm
.
Check
that
se-

lector
lever
cannotbe
moved
outof
P
or
N
.

shift
lever
handle
.



If
any
faults
are
found
check
the
electrical
operation
of
the
shiftlock
solenoid
and
check
for
wiring
faultsto
or
from
the
Automatic
shiftiock,
checking
function



transmission
control
module(TCM)
.
See610
Electrical

(automatic
transmission)



Component
Locations
and
Electrical
Wiring
Diagrams
.

NOTE
-

The
solenoid
is
controlled
viathe
TCM,
using
brakepedal
position,
engine
speed,
and
road
speed
as
con-
trolling
inputs
.

AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
GEARSHIFT