- Home
- BMW 3 Series
- E36
- General information
- Maintenance
Vehicle Maintenance BMW 3 Series E36
BMW 3 Series Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance intervals on BMW vehicles are determined by a microprocessor depending on operating conditions and are displayed to the driver on the instrument...
Maintenance intervals on BMW vehicles are determined by a microprocessor depending on operating conditions and are displayed to the driver on the instrument...
Prompt service
Routine maintenance is performed every 10,000 km, but not less than once a year (preferably in spring) On a diesel engine, the engine oil should be changed...
Routine maintenance is performed every 10,000 km, but not less than once a year (preferably in spring) On a diesel engine, the engine oil should be changed...
Routine maintenance
The scheduled maintenance corresponds to BMW Inspection I. It should be carried out when the Inspection message lights up together with the yellow LED. If you...
The scheduled maintenance corresponds to BMW Inspection I. It should be carried out when the Inspection message lights up together with the yellow LED. If you...
Maintenance work
The description of maintenance work is given with their distribution among individual vehicle systems. Instructions are given on the necessary wearing parts...
The description of maintenance work is given with their distribution among individual vehicle systems. Instructions are given on the necessary wearing parts...
Engine and exhaust system
According to the maintenance regulations, the following work must be performed: Engine: Oil change and external inspection for leaks. Cooling and Heating...
According to the maintenance regulations, the following work must be performed: Engine: Oil change and external inspection for leaks. Cooling and Heating...
Engine oil change
To change the engine oil, you will need the following equipment: A pit, an oil pump or a hydraulic lift with supports. A 17 or 19 mm wrench head and a 5 to 8...
To change the engine oil, you will need the following equipment: A pit, an oil pump or a hydraulic lift with supports. A 17 or 19 mm wrench head and a 5 to 8...
Draining oil from the engine
Warm up the engine to operating temperature (coolant temperature 60°-80°). Raise the car. Diesel engine: Remove the protective tray under the oil pan. Place a...
Warm up the engine to operating temperature (coolant temperature 60°-80°). Raise the car. Diesel engine: Remove the protective tray under the oil pan. Place a...
Filter replacement
Unscrew the central bolt "1" in the middle of the oil filter cover. Remove the oil filter cover "2" with the central bolt "1". Remove filter element "3". Wipe...
Unscrew the central bolt "1" in the middle of the oil filter cover. Remove the oil filter cover "2" with the central bolt "1". Remove filter element "3". Wipe...
Filling the engine with oil
Screw on the drain plug with a new gasket and tighten the plug well, but without excessive force. Tightening torque of the plug for a 17 key: 30 Nm, for a 19...
Screw on the drain plug with a new gasket and tighten the plug well, but without excessive force. Tightening torque of the plug for a 17 key: 30 Nm, for a 19...
External inspection of oil leaks
In case of an engine covered with oil and increased oil consumption, determine the places of oil leakage. To do this, check the engine in the following places:...
In case of an engine covered with oil and increased oil consumption, determine the places of oil leakage. To do this, check the engine in the following places:...
Checking the oil level
The oil level should be checked and, if necessary, topped up approximately every 1000 km. At the same time, oil consumption should not exceed 1.0 liter per...
The oil level should be checked and, if necessary, topped up approximately every 1000 km. At the same time, oil consumption should not exceed 1.0 liter per...
Checking the coolant level
The coolant level should be checked regularly - approximately every four weeks, and certainly before every long trip. For topping up - even in warm weather -...
The coolant level should be checked regularly - approximately every four weeks, and certainly before every long trip. For topping up - even in warm weather -...
Replacing the coolant
The coolant must be replaced as part of the maintenance schedule every 2 years. The following tools are required: Jack and stands. A large screwdriver or a...
The coolant must be replaced as part of the maintenance schedule every 2 years. The following tools are required: Jack and stands. A large screwdriver or a...
Drain
Set the heater switch in the passenger compartment to maximum heating power. Turn the cooling system cap slightly to the left and release the pressure in the...
Set the heater switch in the passenger compartment to maximum heating power. Turn the cooling system cap slightly to the left and release the pressure in the...
Filling with liquid
Pour fresh coolant into the expansion tank to the brim. Open the air release valve "arrow" on top of the radiator next to the expansion tank and keep it open...
Pour fresh coolant into the expansion tank to the brim. Open the air release valve "arrow" on top of the radiator next to the expansion tank and keep it open...
Checking the tightness of the cooling system
Check for cracks by squeezing and bending the coolant hoses; replace hardened hoses. The hoses must be pushed deep enough onto the fittings. Check the...
Check for cracks by squeezing and bending the coolant hoses; replace hardened hoses. The hoses must be pushed deep enough onto the fittings. Check the...
Frost resistance test
To check the frost resistance of the coolant, the following measuring tool is required: A hydrometer, available commercially and at petrol stations. The frost...
To check the frost resistance of the coolant, the following measuring tool is required: A hydrometer, available commercially and at petrol stations. The frost...
Compression check
The following measuring instrument is required: Compression measuring device. Note: Diesel engine requires a device with a larger measuring range. Compression...
The following measuring instrument is required: Compression measuring device. Note: Diesel engine requires a device with a larger measuring range. Compression...
Replacing spark plugs/checking electrical connections
Special tool required: A spark plug wrench, included in the on-board tool kit or available commercially. 316i/3l8i: It is also recommended to purchase special...
Special tool required: A spark plug wrench, included in the on-board tool kit or available commercially. 316i/3l8i: It is also recommended to purchase special...
Replacing the air filter
No special tool is required. The following wearing parts must be purchased: Filter element. When purchasing, keep in mind that there are different filter...
No special tool is required. The following wearing parts must be purchased: Filter element. When purchasing, keep in mind that there are different filter...
Removal water and replacing the fuel filter
Regardless of engine power, the fuel filter must be replaced on petrol engines every 80,000 km, and on diesel engines every 40,000 km. On a diesel engine,...
Regardless of engine power, the fuel filter must be replaced on petrol engines every 80,000 km, and on diesel engines every 40,000 km. On a diesel engine,...
Replacing the fuel filter on gasoline engines
The following special tool is required: Jack and stands. 2 small screw clamps for closing hoses. A container for collecting leaking gasoline. The following...
The following special tool is required: Jack and stands. 2 small screw clamps for closing hoses. A container for collecting leaking gasoline. The following...
Removal water and replacing the diesel engine fuel filter
Removing water from the fuel filter should be done within the framework of the maintenance schedule every 10,000 km, but not less than once a year. The fuel...
Removing water from the fuel filter should be done within the framework of the maintenance schedule every 10,000 km, but not less than once a year. The fuel...
Checking and tensioning V-belts. Replacing and tensioning the toothed belt
On four-cylinder engines produced since September 1993, as well as on all six-cylinder engines, a V-ribbed belt is installed. This V-ribbed belt is...
On four-cylinder engines produced since September 1993, as well as on all six-cylinder engines, a V-ribbed belt is installed. This V-ribbed belt is...
External inspection of the exhaust system
Raise the car. Check the reliability of the installation of the fastening brackets. Using a portable lamp, check the muffler for wear or burn marks. Check for...
Raise the car. Check the reliability of the installation of the fastening brackets. Using a portable lamp, check the muffler for wear or burn marks. Check for...
Clutch, gearbox, transmission
Clutch: Checking the tightness of hoses, pipes, joints; checking the brake fluid level. Gearbox and rear axle gearbox: Check for leaks, check oil level (Rear...
Clutch: Checking the tightness of hoses, pipes, joints; checking the brake fluid level. Gearbox and rear axle gearbox: Check for leaks, check oil level (Rear...
Clutch disc: thickness check
Special tool: Jack and stands. Set of wrench heads. A BMW control template that you can make yourself. Wear parts: Only if the check reveals wear on the...
Special tool: Jack and stands. Set of wrench heads. A BMW control template that you can make yourself. Wear parts: Only if the check reveals wear on the...
Gearbox: Oil change
Special tool: Jack and stands. Set of wrench heads. Consumables: Gearbox oil according to the specified specification. Gearbox oil change should be performed...
Special tool: Jack and stands. Set of wrench heads. Consumables: Gearbox oil according to the specified specification. Gearbox oil change should be performed...
Automatic Transmission: Oil Change and Oil Level Check
Examination The oil level can only be checked by querying the status using the BMW service tester. Consequences of elevated oil level: high foaming, elevated...
Examination The oil level can only be checked by querying the status using the BMW service tester. Consequences of elevated oil level: high foaming, elevated...
Changing the oil in the rear axle differential gearbox
Special tool: 10mm or 12mm Allen head bolt wrench for drain and fill plugs. Consumables and wearing parts: Oil according to BMW specification 2 aluminum...
Special tool: 10mm or 12mm Allen head bolt wrench for drain and fill plugs. Consumables and wearing parts: Oil according to BMW specification 2 aluminum...
Checking the axle shaft seals
Raise the car. Pay attention to visible traces of grease on the cuffs and nearby. Check the fastening of the clamps. Inspect the rubber of the cuffs with a...
Raise the car. Pay attention to visible traces of grease on the cuffs and nearby. Check the fastening of the clamps. Inspect the rubber of the cuffs with a...
Checking the discs of the semi-axle joints
Raise the car. Inspect the integrity and absence of wear of the joint disks of the front and rear axles with a portable lamp. Check for cracks in the...
Raise the car. Inspect the integrity and absence of wear of the joint disks of the front and rear axles with a portable lamp. Check for cracks in the...
Brakes / Wheels / Tires
Brake system: Check the integrity and tightness of tubes, hoses, brake cylinders and joints. Brake system: Check the brake fluid level and brake pad thickness....
Brake system: Check the integrity and tightness of tubes, hoses, brake cylinders and joints. Brake system: Check the brake fluid level and brake pad thickness....
Checking the brake fluid level / warning light
The expansion tank with brake fluid for the brake system and clutch is located in the engine compartment. It has two chambers, one for each brake circuit. The...
The expansion tank with brake fluid for the brake system and clutch is located in the engine compartment. It has two chambers, one for each brake circuit. The...
Checking the thickness of brake pads
When the brake pads of the front and rear wheels are worn out, a warning light on the dashboard lights up. In this case, the brake pads must be replaced...
When the brake pads of the front and rear wheels are worn out, a warning light on the dashboard lights up. In this case, the brake pads must be replaced...
Disc brakes
Inspect the brake shoe linings. If in doubt, remove the brake shoes and measure the thickness of the brake shoe lining with a caliper, i.e. without the rear...
Inspect the brake shoe linings. If in doubt, remove the brake shoes and measure the thickness of the brake shoe lining with a caliper, i.e. without the rear...
Drum brakes and hand brake
External inspection of brake pads can be performed with brake drums or discs removed. The wear limit is reached if the thickness of the brake pad at its...
External inspection of brake pads can be performed with brake drums or discs removed. The wear limit is reached if the thickness of the brake pad at its...
External inspection of the brake pipe
Raise the car. Clean the brake line. Caution: Brake pipes are coated with a plastic layer to protect against corrosion. If this layer is damaged, the pipes may...
Raise the car. Clean the brake line. Caution: Brake pipes are coated with a plastic layer to protect against corrosion. If this layer is damaged, the pipes may...
Replacing brake fluid
Special tool: 10mm open-end wrench for air release valves. Consumables: Brake fluid specification DOT4. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air through the...
Special tool: 10mm open-end wrench for air release valves. Consumables: Brake fluid specification DOT4. Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air through the...
Checking the parking brake
The parking brake on vehicles equipped with disc brakes on all wheels acts on separate drum brakes on the rear wheels. They are located on the disc brakes of...
The parking brake on vehicles equipped with disc brakes on all wheels acts on separate drum brakes on the rear wheels. They are located on the disc brakes of...
Front axle and steering
Steering tips: checking for play and fastening, checking dust boots. Ball joints: checking the dust boots. Steering: check for play, check for tightness of...
Steering tips: checking for play and fastening, checking dust boots. Ball joints: checking the dust boots. Steering: check for play, check for tightness of...
Checking the steering tip and tie rod end joint cuffs / checking the ball joints
Raise the front of the car Illuminate the hinge cuffs with a portable lamp and check their integrity, paying attention to traces of grease on the cuffs and...
Raise the front of the car Illuminate the hinge cuffs with a portable lamp and check their integrity, paying attention to traces of grease on the cuffs and...
Checking the front wheel bearing play
Raise the front of the vehicle. The front wheels should rotate freely.
Raise the front of the vehicle. The front wheels should rotate freely.
Checking the steering play
Set the steering wheel to the center position. Turn the steering wheel in different directions through the open window. In this case, the allowable play,...
Set the steering wheel to the center position. Turn the steering wheel in different directions through the open window. In this case, the allowable play,...
Checking the power steering oil level
No special tool required. Consumables: ATF oil of the specified specification. The power steering fluid level should be checked every 10,000 km. The oil level...
No special tool required. Consumables: ATF oil of the specified specification. The power steering fluid level should be checked every 10,000 km. The oil level...
Tightening the steering mounting bolts
Special tool: torque wrench with a set of wrench heads. Tightening of the steering mounting bolts to the specified tightening torques must be performed...
Special tool: torque wrench with a set of wrench heads. Tightening of the steering mounting bolts to the specified tightening torques must be performed...
Body/interior equipment
Replacing the microfilter of the heating and air conditioning system When equipped with an air conditioner, as well as with a special composition of the...
Replacing the microfilter of the heating and air conditioning system When equipped with an air conditioner, as well as with a special composition of the...
This section is available on russian, bulgarian, belarusian, ukrainian, serbian, croatian, romanian, polish, slovak, hungarian
Similar sections for other types of BMW cars:
General information: Operation and maintenance BMW 5 Series E12 (1972-1981)
General information: Operation and maintenance BMW 5 Series E12 (1972-1981)
Share information:
- General information
- Manual
- Maintenance
- Power unit
- Engine repair
- Cooling system
- Power system (gasoline)
- Injection system (gasoline)
- Fuel system (diesel)
- Exhaust system
- Ignition system
- Charge and launch systems
- Transmission
- Car gearbox
- Clutch and drive shafts
- Chassis
- Brake system
- Suspension front and rear
- Steering
- Body
- Body care and repair
- Exterior
- Interior
- Electrical equipment
- Troubleshooting
- Lighting and signaling
- Equipment and devices
- Heater and air conditioner
- Electrical circuits
- General information
- Manual
- Repair on the road
- Weekly checks
- Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Power unit
- 4 cylinder engines
- 6 cylinder engines
- Engine overhaul
- Cooling and heating
- Fuel and exhaust system
- Starting and charging system
- Ignition system
- Transmission
- Clutch
- Mechanical gearbox
- Automatic gearbox
- Cardan and drive shafts
- Chassis
- Brake system
- Wheel suspension
- Steering
- Body
- Exterior
- Interior
- Electrical equipment
- Equipment and devices
- Electrical circuits
- General information
- Maintenance
- Power unit
- Engine repair
- Cooling system
- Ignition system
- Supply system
- Fuel injection system
- Exhaust system
- Transmission
- Clutch
- Car gearbox
- Front and rear axle
- Chassis
- Steering
- Brake system
- Body
- Exterior
- Interior
- Electrical equipment
- Heating system
- Equipment and devices
- Power devices
- Electrical circuits
- Power unit
- M10/M20 engine
- M40 engine
- Ignition system
- Lubrication system
- Cooling system
- Supply system
- Fuel injection
- Exhaust system
- Transmission
- Clutch
- Manual gearbox
- Front axle
- Rear axle
- Chassis
- Steering
- Brake system
- Body
- Exterior
- Interior
- Electrical equipment
- Heating system
- Equipment and devices
- Electrical circuits
- General information
- Specifications
- Operation and maintenance
- 4-cylinder engine
- Engine repair
- Cooling and lubrication system
- Supply system
- Ignition system
- 6-cylinder engine
- Engine repair
- Cooling and lubrication system
- Supply system
- Fuel injection system
- Ignition system
- Transmission
- Clutch
- 4-speed manual gearbox
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- Automatic gearbox
- Cardan and rear axle
- Chassis
- Steering
- Front suspension
- Rear suspension
- Brake system
- Electrical equipment
- Equipment and devices
- Electrical circuits

