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BMW 3-Series (E36, 1991-1999) repair manuals
A repair manual for your BMW 3-Series (E36, 1991-1999)? Here are detailed shop manuals for DIY service and repairs on BMW cars.
They offer clear instructions for maintenance, troubleshooting, and parts replacement.
Are you also looking for parts or accessories for your BMW? Then try our Parts Finder.
BMW 3-Series (E36) - 4-cyl & 6-cyl Petrol (April 1991-1999) | Haynes Service and Repair Manual
Haynes Repair Manual covering the BMW 3-Series (E36) saloon and Coupé.
Versions: 316e, 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i and 328i.
Petrol engines:
- 4 cylinders - 1.6 (1596 cc, M40 B16 and M43 B16), 1.8 SOHC (1796 cc, M40 B18 and M43 B18), 1.8 DOHC (1796 cc, M42) and 1.9 (1895 cc), including 16V
- 6 cylinders - 2.0 (1991 cc, M50 B20), 2.5 (2494 cc, M50 B25) and 2.8 (2793 cc).
Production years: 4/1991-1999.
Exclusions: This manual does not cover the diesel engines, nor the Cabriolet, Compact, Touring or M3 models.

This Haynes manual for the BMW 3-Series (E36) describes service and repair of the petrol engines (distribution, belts, valves, camshaft, cylinder head, oil pump, seals and radiator).
It also includes procedures for the heater, fuel system, exhaust, starting and charging system. Additionally, it describes work on the clutch, gearbox, driveshafts, braking system, suspension, steering gear, body, interior, and electrical system.
- Step-by-step instructions with hundreds of detailed photos guide you through every job.
- Based on a complete vehicle strip-down and rebuild.
- Includes a maintenance schedule, technical specifications, torque wrench settings, and troubleshooting tables.
- Clear and detailed wiring diagrams.
Product details
| Author: | Mark Coombs, Steve Rendle |
| Details: | 296 pages, 27 x 21 x 1.7 cm / 10.6 x 8.25 x 0.67 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | hundreds of photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Haynes Publishing (GB, 2015) |
| Series: | Haynes Service and Repair Manual (3210) |
| ISBN: | 9781785213182 |
More information on the Haynes Repair Manuals
BMW 3 Series (E36, 1990-1999) - Restoration Tips & Techniques
Brooklands restoration manual for the BMW 3-Series (E36), built between 1990 and 1999. Covers all models (saloon, convertible, coupé, Compact and Touring), of the 316 to the M3, including the Alpina models.
Gives also purchase tips and information about the model history and identification.
- This manual describes the complete restoration of the BMW E36 models: body (including the replacement of bonnet, fenders, windows, doors and bumpers), interior (seat cover, dashboard and door panels), engine (removal and installation, overhaul), chassis (clutch, gearbox, suspension, brakes, steering), electrical installation (lamps, dynamo, starter motor, windscreen wipers).
- Richly illustrated and clear step-by-step instructions.
- Also troubleshooting tables and overview with specifications on a year-by-year basis.
Product details
| Author: | Greg Hudock |
| Details: | 148 pages, 27 x 21 x 0.9 cm / 10.6 x 8.25 x 0.35 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | numerous b&w and colour photos |
| Publisher: | Brooklands Books (GB, 2012) |
| ISBN: | 9781855209435 |
BMW Série 3 (E36) - essence (1991-1993) et Diesel (1991-1996) - 4 et 6 cylindres | Revue Technique Automobile RTA 725
Revue Technique Automobile (RTA 725) repair manual covering the BMW Series 3 (E36) petrol (1991-1993), diesel and turbodiesel (1991-1996).
Versions: 316i, 318i, 318is, 320i and 325i / 318 tds, 325 td and 325 tds.
Petrol engines:
- 1596 cc (M40 B16)
- 1795 cc (M40 B18 and M42 B18)
- 1990 cc (M50 B20)
- 2494 cc (M50 B25).
Diesel engines:
- 1665 cc (17 4T 1)
- 2497 cc (25 6T 1).
This Revue Technique for the BMW 3-Series (E36) describes extensively service and repair of the petrol and diesel engines (including timing gear, cylinder head, lubrication, coolant pump and fuel system).
Covers also work on the clutch, transmission, driveshafts, steering system, suspension, wheel hubs, brakes, electric equipment and body.
- Includes adjustment data, torque wrench settings and wiring diagrams.
- An integral owner's handbook provides information on operation and daily maintenance.
- Additional chapter with tips and a checklist to prepare for the MOT test.
Product details
| Details: | 244 pages, 27 x 21 cm / 10.6 x 8.25 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | hundreds of photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | ETAI (F) |
| Series: | Revue Technique Automobile (RTA 725) |
| ISBN: | 9782726872512 |
More information on the Revue Technique Automobile manuals
BMW 3er (E36) - Benziner 316i, 318i, 318is (1/1991-1998) | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst
Repair manual from the Series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" (nr. 153, reprint) for the BMW 3-Series (E36) 4-cylinder models (Limousine and Coupé).
Versions: 316i, 318i and 318is.
Petrol engines:
- 1.6 (73 kW/100 hp),
- 1.8 (83 kW/113 hp and 103 kW/144 hp)
Production years: 1/1991-1998.
Describes also the chassis of the Cabriolet.
![Pages of the book [JH 153] BMW 3er Benzin 316i-318is (E36) (91-98) (1)](../afb/details/PP01465.jpg)
- This repair manual for the BMW 3-Series (E36) petrol models describes maintenance and repair of the engines: the lubricating system, cooling, fuel system, filters and exhaust.
- Covers also the clutch and transmission, the suspension, the steering system, the servo unit and the brakes, the electrical system (including windscreen wipers and lighting), the interior and the body.
- This manual contains also adjustment data and a maintenance schedule.
Product details
| Author: | Dieter Korp |
| Details: | 270 pages, 26.5 x 20 cm / 10.4 x 7.9 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | about 250 photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Motorbuch Verlag (D, 2011) |
| Series: | Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst (153) |
| ISBN: | 9783613014657 |
More information on the series Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst
BMW 3er Serie und compact (E36) (1991-1997) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung
Bucheli Reparaturanleitung for service and repair of the BMW 316i, 316i compact, 318i, 318i compact, 318i Cabrio, 318i S, 318i C Coupé, 318i ti compact and 318is (Series E36).
Petrol engines:
- 1.6 L (1596 cc, 100 and 102 hp)
- 1.8 L (1796 cc, 113, 115 and 140 hp)
- 1.9 L (1895 cc, 140 hp).
Production years: 1991-1997.
![Pages of the book [1200] BMW 3er Serie + compact (E36) (91-97) (1)](../afb/details/PP20564.jpg)
This Bucheli repair manual for the BMW 3-Series (E36) provides detailed instructions for work on the engine (removal - refitting, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, distribution, valves, oil pump, cooling, fuel system).
Covers also the clutch, gearbox (only removal and installation), driveshafts, steering system, front and rear suspension, brakes, electrical system and the exhaust.
- Includes comprehensive technical data and torque wrench settings.
- Clear wiring diagrams.
Product details
| Author: | Peter Russek |
| Details: | 204 pages, 28 x 21 cm / 11 x 8.25 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | numerous photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Bucheli Verlag (CH, 2015) |
| Series: | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung (1200) |
| ISBN: | 9783716819197 |
More information on the Bucheli repair manuals
BMW 3er Reihe - Benziner und Diesel (1989-1999) | So wird's gemacht
Workshop manual from the German Series So wird's gemacht (nr. 74) on the BMW 3-Series (E36), petrol and diesel.
Petrol engines:
- 1.6 L (73 kW/100 hp, 09/90-08/93)
- 1.6 L (75 kW/102 hp, 08/93-09/00)
- 1.8 L (83 kW/113 hp, 90-08/93)
- 1.8 L (85 kW/115 hp, 08/93-05/99)
- 1.8 L (103 kW/140 hp, 10/91-01/96)
- 1.9 L (103 kW/140 PS)01/96-09/00)
- 2.0 L (110 kW/150 hp, 01/90-05/99)
- 2.5 L (125 kW/170 hp, 06/95-09/00)
- 2.5 L (141 kW/192 hp, 11/89-04/99)
- 2.8 L (142 kW/193 hp, 01/95-05/99)
Diesel engines:
- 1.7 L (66 kW/ 90 hp, 03/95-09/00)
- 2.5 L (85 kW/115 hp, 01/91-02/98)
- 2.5 L (105 kW/143 hp, 06/93-05/99)
Production years:
- Limousine (11/1989-3/1999)
- Coupé (10/1990-4/1999)
- Touring (5/1995-5/1999)
- Compact (4/1994-9/2000).
The initial section of this manual for the BMW 3-Series (E36) covers inspection and daily maintenance of the petrol and diesel engines, transmission, brakes, steering and body (including the electrical system, windscreen wipers, lighting and heating or air conditioning).
Furthermore, this book provides detailed guidance on the following components:
- Suspension (replacement of driveshafts, springs and shock absorbers), steering (ball joints) and brakes (discs, brake linings and handbrake).
- Electrical system (battery, voltage regulator and starter motor).
- Dismantling and assembly of the engine cylinder head and cam drive, including replacement of the v-belt and the timing belt or chain.
- The lubricating system with the oil pump.
- The cooling system (replacement of radiator, thermostat and cooling fan).
- The fuel system (air filter, fuel pump and fuel filter) and exhaust (replacement of mufflers).
- Interior: removal and refitting of the dashboard, instrument panel, consoles, interior trim and seats.
- Body: dismantling and assembly of bumpers, fenders, bonnet, tailgate, doors, window mechanisms, locks and mirrors.
- Extensive technical specifications, adjustment data and torque wrench settings.
- 36 clear wiring diagrams of the main circuits.
Product details
| Author: | Rüdiger Etzold |
| Details: | 312 pages, 26 x 19.5 cm / 10.25 x 7.7 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | profusely illustrated with 842 photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Delius Klasing Verlag GmbH (D, 2019) |
| Series: | So wird's gemacht (74) |
| ISBN: | 9783768807333 |
More information on the series So wird's gemacht
BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) - 316i, 318i - Vierzylinder (11/1990-1997) | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung
Bucheli Reparaturanleitung for service and repair of the BMW 316i and 318i (Series E36).
Petrol engines:
- 4 cylinders - 1.6 L (1596 cc, 100 hp, engine code B16)
- 4 cylinders - 1.8 L (1796 cc, 113 hp, B18).
Production years: 11/1990-1997.
![Pages of the book [1086] BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) - 4 Zyl (11/1990-1997) (1)](../afb/details/PP20510.jpg)
This Bucheli repair manual for the BMW 316i and 318i provides detailed instructions for work on the 4-cylinder petrol engines (removal - refitting, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, distribution, valves, oil pump, cooling, fuel system).
Covers also the clutch, gearbox (only removal and installation), driveshafts, steering system, front and rear suspension, brakes, electrical system and the exhaust.
- Includes comprehensive technical data and torque wrench settings.
- Clear wiring diagrams.
Product details
| Details: | 168 pages, 28 x 21 cm / 11 x 8.25 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | numerous photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Bucheli Verlag (CH, 2012) |
| Series: | Bucheli Reparaturanleitung (1086-1087-1088) |
| ISBN: | 9783716818176 |
More information on the Bucheli repair manuals
BMW serii 3 - benzyna i diesel (typu E36, modele 1989-2000) | Sam naprawiam samochód
Repair manual for the BMW 3 Series (E36 type) cars, manufactured in the years 1989-2000 in the body versions:
- Sedan from 11/1989 to 03/1999
- Coupé from 10/1990 to 04/1999
- Kombi (Touring) from 05/1995 to 05/1999
- Compact from 04/1994 to 09/2000
With mechanical and automatic gearboxes.
Models:
- 316i, 318i, 318is, 318ti, 318 tds, 320i, 323i, 323ti
- 325i, 328i, 325td and 325 tds
Petrol engines:
- 1.6 L - type M40 (73 kW/100 hp) and type M43 (75 kW/102 hp)
- 1.8 L - type M40 (83 kW/113 hp), type M43 (85 kW/115 hp) and type M42 (103 kW/140 hp)
- 1.9 L - type M44 (103 kW/140 hp)
- 2.0 L - type M50 (110 kW/150 hp) and type M52 (110 kW/150 hp)
- 2.5 L - type M52 (125 kW/170 hp) and type M50 (141 kW/192 hp)
- 2.8 L - type M52 (142 kW/142 hp) kW/193 hp).
Diesel engines:
- 1.7 L - type M41 (66 kW/90 hp)
- 2.5 L - type M51T (85 kW/115 hp) and type M51S (105 kW/143 hp).
- A service plan, a detailed description of service and repair activities that can be performed by the user themselves, and electrical wiring diagrams are provided.
- Polish edition of the book from the series "So wird's gemacht".
Product details
| Author: | Hans-Rüdiger Etzold |
| Details: | 376 pages, 25 x 19 x 2 cm / 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.79 in, paperback |
| Illustrations: | 560 photos and drawings |
| Publisher: | Wydawnictwa Komunikacji i Łączności WKŁ (PL, 2012) |
| Series: | Sam naprawiam samochód |
| ISBN: | 9788320615920 |
Related titles:
![[1116] BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) - 6 Zyl (11/90-97)](../afb/PP/20520.jpg)
BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) - Sechszylinder - 320i, 325i (11/1990-1997)
German | paperback | 176 p. | 2012
![[JH 152] BMW 3er (E36) - 320i, 325i (01/1991-1998)](../afb/PP/01462.jpg)
BMW 3er-Reihe (E36) - 320i, 325i (01/1991-1998)
Dieter Korp | German | paperback | 274 p. | 2017
Years: 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000