1991-1999 BMW 318i 318is 323i 323is 328i 328is E36 Owners Manual

User and Operator’s Manual for 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999 BMW 3 Series (E36) Sedan, Coupe and Convertible. Models included:

• 318i – 1,796 cc (1.796 L; 109.6 cu in), 4 cylinders SOHC 8V, 113 PS (83 kW; 111 hp) @5500 rpm, 162 Nm (119 lb ft) @4250 rpm
• 318is – 1,895 cc (1.895 L; 115.6 cu in), 4cylinders DOHC 16V, 140 PS (103 kW; 138 hp) @6000 rpm, 180 N m (130 lb ft) @4300 rpm
• 323i and 323is – 2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in), 6cylinders DOHC 24V, 170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm, 245 N m (181 lb ft) @3950 rpm
• 328i and 328is – 2,793 cc (2.793 L; 170.4 cu in), 6cylinders DOHC 24V 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) @5900 rpm, 280 N m (210 lb ft) @3950 rpm

Contents

Controls and features

Care and maintenance
Owner service procedure
Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

Cockpit 16

Instrument cluster 18

Indicator and warning lamps 20
Hazard warning system 22 Hazard warning triangle 22 First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel specification 23
CARB OBD II interface 24 Tire inflation pressures 25
Locks and security systems: Keys 30
Electronic immobilizing device 35 Doors 31
Trunk lid 33
Luggage compartment 34
Power windows 35
Sliding/tilt sunroof 36
Convertible top operation 37

Adjustments:

Seats 43
Steering wheel 45
Mirrors 46

Passenger safety systems:

Safety belts 47
Child restraint system 48
Installing child seats 49
Airbags 50
Child-safety locks 52
Rollover protection system – convertible 52

Driving:

Steering/ignition lock 54
Starting the engine 54
Switching off the engine 55
Parking brake 56
Manual transmission 57
Automatic transmission 58
Turn signals/high beam 60
Wiper/washer system 61
Cruise control 62

Everything under control:

Odometer 63
Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
Fuel gauge 64
Coolant temperature gauge 64 Service Interval Display 64
Multi-Information Display (MID) 66 Outside temperature display and digital clock 68
Check Control 71
Check Control with outside temperature display and digital clock 74
Onboard computer 77

Technology for driving comfort and safety:

Automatic stability control plus traction (ASC+T) 84

Lamps:

Parking lamps/low beams 85 Instrument panel lighting 85
Foglamps 86
Interior lamps 86
Reading lamps 86

An inviting climate:
Heated seats 87
Independent ventilation system 87
Automatic climate control 88

Cabin convenience:

BMW Hi-Fi System 93 Glove compartment 93 Ashtray 94
Coin box, cup holder 94 Cigarette lighter 94
Center arm rest, rear 95 Through-loading system 95 Ski bag 95
Cargo loading 98

Special operating instructions:

Break-in procedures 100
Driving notes 100
Catalytic converter 102

Antilock Brake System

(ABS) 103
Disc brakes 104
Brake system 105
Winter driving 105
Roof-mounted luggage rack 107 Radio reception 108
Mobile phones 108
Hardtop – Convertible 109 Technical modifications
to the vehicle 110

Wheels and tires:

Tire inflation pressures 111 Tire tread 111
Tire replacement 112
Interaxle tire changes 112
The right choice 113
Winter tires 114
Approved wheels and tires 115 11

Under the hood:

Hood 118
Engine compartment 120
Washer fluids 124
Engine oil 124
Coolant 127
Brake fluid 128
Power steering fluid 128
Vehicle Identification Number 129
Care and maintenance:

The BMW Maintenance

System 130
Caring for your car 131
Cleaning and care of the convertible top 136 Vehicle storage 137

Replacement procedures:

Onboard tool kit 140
Windshield wiper blades 140 Lamps and bulbs 141
Master key with battery lamp 145
Changing tires 146
Battery 149
Fuses 151

In case of electrical malfunction:
Fuel filler door 152
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152

Assistance, giving and receiving: Jump-starting 153
Towing the vehicle 154
Towing 154
Airbags 156
Automatic Stability Control plus Traction (ASC+T) 156 Radio reception 157
Safety belt tensioner 157 Engine specifications 160 Dimensions 161
Weights 163
Capacities 166
Electrical system 167 Drive belts 167
Everything from A to Z 172
Owner service procedures from A to Z 174
Cockpit 16
Instrument cluster 18
Indicator and warning lamps 20 Hazard warning system 22 Hazard warning triangle 22 First-aid kit 22
Refueling 23
Fuel specification 23
CARB OBD II interface 24 Tire inflation pressures 25
At a glance
Controls and features
Care and maintenance
Owner service procedure
Advanced technology

Technical data

Index

1 Lamp switch 85
2 Foglamps 86
3 Horn, entire surface
4 Wiper/washer lever 61
5 Rear window defroster 91
6 Hazard warning system 22
7 Automatic cruise control* 62
8 Adjust steering wheel* 45
9 Turn signals, high beam headlamps and headlamp flasher 60
10 Engine hood unlocking device 118

1 Fuel gauge with low-fuel
warning lamp 64
2 Indicator lamp for turn signals 20
3 Speedometer
4 Indicator and warning lamps for d Battery charge current 20 d High beams 20
d Engine oil pressure 20
5 Tachometer 63
Energy control 63
6 Coolant temperature gauge 64
7 Indicator and warning lamps for d Brake pad wear 20
d Brake system hydraulics 21 d Parking brake 21
d Airbag 50
8 Indicator lamp for ASC+T 20
9 Indicator and warning lamps for d Automatic transmission* 20 d Warning lamp for Check Control* 71
d Please fasten seat belts* 21 d ABS 20
10 Trip odometer 63
11 Service Interval Display 64
12 Odometer 63
13 Indicator lamps for
d Foglamps* 20
d Emissions-related systems indicator 21
d Rollover protection system* 21 14 Trip odometer reset button 63

Index

A
ABS (Antilock Brake

System) 103
Acceleration values 163 Activated charcoal filter 92 Adjusting steering wheel 45 Air conditioner 91
Air distribution 90
Air pressure 111
Air supply 92
Airbag 50
Aluminum wheel 115
Antifreeze 105, 127
Antifreeze,
Radiator 105, 127

Antifreeze, radiator 127, 105
Anti-lock braking system ABS 103
Aquaplaning 100, 111

ASC+T Automatic stability control plus
Traction
Traktion 10, 84
Ashtray 94

AUC Automatic
recirculated-air control 91
Automatic car washes 131
Automatic recirculated-air control AUC 91
Automatic stability control plus traction
ASC+T 10, 84

Automatic transmission 58 Capacity 166
Filling capacity 166
Autoradio 108

Average fuel
consumption 79
Average speed 78
Axle load, permissible 163 B
Backrest unlock 45
Backup lights 57, 143 Battery 149, 167

Removal and
installation 150
Symbols 149
Battery capacity 167
Battery change

Key 145
Battery charge current 20 Battery electrolyte 149 Battery, discharged 153 Belts 47
blower 92
BMW Convertible

Car wash 136
Care 136
Electrical
Convertible top actuation 39
Emergency closure 41 Fully automatic
Convertible top actuation 39
Hardtop 109
Manual convertible top Actuation 41
Manual convertible top actuation 37
Rear window
Ventilation 91, 105

Rollover protection system 52
Ski bag 97
Storage compartment 95 Vehicle decommissioning 137

BMW Convrtible
Electrical windows
Lifters 36

BMW Hi-Fi System 93 BMW Sport seat 44
Brake fluid 128
Brake lights,

Replace bulbs 143
Brake pads 20
Brake system hydraulic circuits 21
Brake-in procedure 100 Brakes 104

Defects 128
Interference 105
Braking system 105
Breaking in vehicle 100 Bulb replacement 141

C
Car battery 149
Car wash 131
CARB OBD II interface 24 Care of upholstery 134 Care of wool velour 134 Care, exterior 132
Care, interior 133
Care, vehicle exterior 132 Catalytic converter 102 Cellular phone 108
Center armrest 95
Central brake light 143 Central locking system 31 Central locking system

button 32
Central locking unit 31 Changes,
technical 6

Charge-current indicator light 20
Charging the battery 150
Check air pressure 25
Check control 71
Check Control with outside temperature gauge and digital clock 74
Check engine oil level 124
CHECK key 71
Check oil level 124
Childproof door locks 52
Child-restraint system 48
Cigarette lighter 94
Clock 66, 67, 68, 69
Cockpit 16
Coinbox 94
Computer 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83

Consumption display 64 Convenient closure 31 Convertible, refer to BMW
convertible
Coolant 105, 127, 166

Coolant, Antifreeze 105 Cooling system 166
Cruise control 62
Cruising range 79
Cup holder 94
D
Dashboard 16
Dashboard lighting 85
Data

Dimensions 161
Engine 160
Road performance 163 Weights 163
Data, technical 160
Date 68, 72, 74
Daytime light switch 85 Decommissioning of the

Vehicle 137
Deep water 101
Defrost windshields 91 Defrost, windshields 91 Defrosting position 91
Diesel
Injection system 19
Interference 19
Digital clock 66 , 68, 69, 67

Dimensions 161
Dipstik, engine oil 124
Disc brakes 104
Disconnect the battery 150 Display lighting 85
Distance, remaining 79 Door keys 30
Door locks 31
Doors, emergency actuation 31
Drive belts 167
Driver’s airbag 50
Driving hints 100
Driving in winter 105
E
Electric window actuator 35 Electrical seat
Adjustment 44
Electrical system 167
Electrolyte 149
Electronic unit
Vehicle immobilization 30 Elements of operation 16 Emergency actuation,
Central locking system 31 Tank cover 152
Energy Control 63
Engine coolant 166
Engine data 160
Engine oil 124
Capacity 166
Filling capacity 166
Engine oil additives 125 Engine oil consumption 124 Engine oil level 20
Engine oil pressure 20 Eyelets, tow starting and Towing 154
F
Failure message 71
Failure of an electrical device 151
Fault display 71
Filler cap cover 23
Filling capacity 166
Final drive
Capacity 166
Filling capacity 166
First aid 22
First aid kit 22
Flashers 60
Flat tire 111, 146

Flower pollen 92
Foglight 86
Foglights, replace bulb 142 Folding

Rear backrest 95
Footbrake 104
Footwell light,

Replace bulb 145
Footwell lights 86
Front seat, position 43 Fuel
Preparation 160
Processing 160

Fuel consumption indicator 63
Fuel gauge 64
Fuses,
Replacing 151
G
Glove compartment 93
Glove compartment light, bulb replacement 145
Gross weight,
permissible 163
H
Hand light 93
Handbrake 56
Hazard warning system 22
Hazard warning triangle 22
Head restraint 43
Headlight cleaning System 124
Headlight cleaning system 166
Headlight covers, care 131
Headlight flasher 60
Heated seats 87
Height 161
Hi-Fi System 93
High beams 60
Highbeam headlights, Replace lights 141
Hood release 118
Horn 17

I
Ice warning 66
Identification mark, tires 113 Ignition 54
Ignition key 30
Ignition switch 54
Independent ventilation 81 Indicator lights 20
Inflation pressure 25, 111

Inside mirror 46
Inside rearview mirror 46 INSPECTION 64
Installing child seats 49 Instrument 18
Instrument lighting 85
Interior lights 86, 144

Interior lights,
Replace bulbs 144
Intermittent wiper switch 61
J
Jack 146
Jump start 153
K
Keys 30
Kickdown 59
L
Leather care 135
LED Light-emitting diodes 110
Length 161
License plate light,
Replace bulb 144
Light switch 85
Light-emitting diode LED 110
Limit 80
Loading 98
Lock buttons 31
Locks, care 105
Lowbeam headlight 85
Lowbeam headlights, Replace lights 141
Low-fuel warning light 64
Luggage straps 34
Lumbar support 45
M
M+S-Tires 114
Maintenance 64, 130
Make-up mirror 46
Manual transmission 57 Capacity 166

Manually controlled
recirculated-air 91
Maximum speed 163
Micro-filter 92
MID Multi-information
display 66, 67, 68, 69

Mirror heating 46
Mirrors 46
Multifunction switch 60 Multi-information display
MID 66, 67, 68, 69

O
Odometer 63
Oil
Capacity 166

Oil additives 125
Oil change interval,
Refer to the service
booklet 124
Oil consumption 124
Oil dipstick 124
Oil filter change 166
Oil filter renewal 166
Oil level, indicator light 20
Oil pressure, indicator light 20
OIL SERVICE 64
Oil, power steering 128
On-board computer 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83
Operating 31
Outside rearview mirror 46
Outside temperature 66, 78

Display 66
Outside temperature
indicator 68
P
Paintwork, care 132
Paintwork, dirt and
contaminants 132
Paintwork, minor repairs
133
Paintwork, waxing 133 Parking brake 56
Parking light 85
Parking light,
Replace bulb 141
Parking lights 60
Parking, Winter 106
Passenger airbag 50
Payload, maximum 163 Pocket light 93
Power door locks 31
Power steering, oil 128 Pressure, tire 25
Pressure, tires 111
Procedure 147
R
Radiator 166
Reading lights 86
Rear backrest,
folding 95
Rear foglight 86, 143

Reclining seat 43
Refueling 23
Remote control

On-board computer 83 Remove mist
Windshields 91
Replacement keys 30
Reverse 57
Rims 113, 115

Road performance 163 Roof load, approved 163 Roof load, permissible 163 Roof rack 107
Roof-mounted luggage rack

107
Rubber parts 105
Rubber seals and

components 105
S
SAFETY DEFECTS 7
Seat heaters 87
Seat, electric 44
Seat, mechanical 43
Seatback release 45
Seatbelts 47
Seats, adjustment 43
Selector lever, automatic

transmission 58
Service Interval Display 64 Shift programs 59
Side airbag 50
Sliding 106
Sliding/tilt sunroof 36
Close in case of electrical fault 152
Slippery roads 105
Snow chains 105
Spare key 30
Spare keys 30
Spare tire 112, 146

Spark plugs 167
Special oils 125
Speed warning activation

threshold 80
Sport seat 44
Start 54
Start the engine

Preheating 54
Starting assistance 153 Starting problems 102 Steel wheel 115
Steering 128
Steering lock 54
Steering wheel lock 54 Stopwatch 80
Storage shelves 93
Summer tires 113
Sun visor 46
Switching off the engine 55 Switching off the vehicle 55 Symbols 4

Battery 149
T
Tachometer 63
Tailgate 33
Taillights 143
Taillights,

Replace bulbs 143
Tank cover
Unlock in case of
electrical fault 152
Technical Data 160
Technical data 160
Telephone 108
Temperature 91
Temperature display 66 Temperature layering 92 Tempomat 62
Thigh support
Ajustment 44
Third brake light 143
Through loading system 95 Timer 81
Tire change 146
Tire damages 111
Tire inflation pressure 25,

111
Tire inscription 113
Tire replacement 112
Tire sizes 115
Tire tread 111
Tool kit 140
Tools 140
Tow starting 154
Towing 154
Towing eyelets 154
Track 161
Trailer load, permissible 163 Trailer nose weight,

permissible 163
Transmission 57
Traveling abroad 102
Tread depth, tires 111
Trip 63
Trip distance recorder 63 Trip odometer 63
Trunk

Capacity 163
Trunk lights,
Replace bulb 145
Turn on 54
Turn signal indicator 60 Turn signal,
Replace bulb 142
Turn signals 143
Turning circle 161
Turning radius 161
U
Unloaded vehicle weight
163
Unlocking and locking doors
31
Used batteries 150
V
Vehicle care, interior 133 Vehicle decommissioning
137
Vehicle identification 129 Vehicle identification
number 129
Vehicle immobilization unit
30
Vehicle paintwork 132 Vehicle weight 163
Ventilate at a standstill 81 Ventilation, draft free 92 W
Warm feet – cool head 92 Warning 71
Warning Light-On 85
Warning lights 20
Washer fluid
Add 124
Fill up 166
Washer fluid reservoir
Fill up 166
Washer reservoir
Fill up 124
Washing your car 131 Water on the roads 101 Waxing, paintwork 133 Weights 163
Wheel bolts 147
Cover 147
Wheel lug wrench 146 Wheel rotation on the
Axles 112
Wheel trim 147
Wheelbase 161
Wheels and tires 113, 115
Wheelslip control, refer to
ASC+T 10, 84

Width 161
Window 31
Window actuator,

Safety switch 35
Window actuator, electric
35
Window mist
Remove 91
Windshield cleaning
Automatic program 61 Windshield washer fluid
reservoir
Fill up 124, 166
Windshield washer jet, Heating 61

Windshield washer nozzle adjustment 124
Windshield wiper blade replacement 140
Windshield wipers 61
Winter operation 105
Winter tires 113
Wiper blade replacement 140
Wiper/washer system 61
Wipers 61
Work in the engine
compartment 118

A
Add coolant 127 Adding oil 125
Adjusting washer
nozzles 124
Antifreeze, use 127 B

Backup lamp,
replace bulb 143
Battery,
charging 150
Battery change,
master key 145
radio remote control 145
Battery,
add distilled water 149 discharged 153
Brake fluid, add 128
Brake lamps,
replace bulb 143
Brakes, defects 105

C
Check air pressure 24 Check Control 70
Check engine oil level 124 Coolant, add 127

D
Defrost windshields 91 Difficult steering 129
Door, emergency actuation 32

E
Electrical fault
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152 Fuel filler door 152
Emergency actuation, Door 32
Sliding/tilt sunroof 152 Fuel filler door 152
External starts 153

F
Failure messages 70
Failure of an

electrical device 151 Fault displays 70
First aid 21
Fittings, tow-starting and

towing 154
Flat tire 146
Foglamps,

replace bulb 142
Footwell lamp,
replace bulb 145
G
Glove compartment lamp, replace bulb 145

H
Hazard warning system 21
Hazard warning triangle 21
Headlamp cover, care 141
Help in case of a
breakdown 153
High beam headlamps, replace lamps 141
P

Parking lamp,
replace bulb 141
Power steering, add oil 128
Pressure, tires 24
Protective glazing, care 131

I
Indicator lamps 19 Inflation pressure 24 Interior lamps,
replace bulbs 144 K
Key, battery change 145 L

License plate lamp,
replace bulb 144
Low beam headlamps, replace lamps 141
Luggage compartment lid, emergency actuation 32
Luggage compartment lamps, replace bulb 145
M
Maintenance 63 O
Onboard tool kit 140
R

Rear foglamps, replace bulb 142
Remove mist on windshields 91
Replace bulbs 141
Replace fuses 151

S
Sliding/tilt sunroof,
close in case of power supply interruption 152
Snow chains 105
Starting difficulties 102, 153
Starting with a discharged battery 153

T
Taillamp 143
Taillamp,

replace bulb 143 Tire change 146 Tire damage 111 Tools 140

Top up windshield washer fluid reservoir 124
Towing 154
Tow fittings 154
Tow-starting 154
Turn signal,
replace bulb 142

U
Unlock tank cover in the event of

electrical fault 152 Unlocking hood 118 Use antifreeze,
radiator 127

W
Warning lamps 19
Washer fluid, top up 124 Window mist, remove 91