Bmw 318 E36 Manual

1. The BMW E36 is the third generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars, and was produced from 1990 to 2000.The initial models were of the four-door sedan body style, followed by the coupe, convertible, wagon ('Touring') and hatchback ('Compact') body styles in later years.
2. The E36 experienced enormous success in the market. The E36 was sold from 1991 to 1999. All E36 saloons, coupes, and estates employed the 'Z-axle' multilink rear suspension which had been proven in the Z1. The hatchback body style, known as the E36/5 or BMW Compact, was identical to the regular E36 from front bumper to A-pillar.
3. This manual covers service, maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for the 1992-1998 BMW 318, 323, 328, M3 models (e36 generation). It includes detailed OEM BMW specs, illustrations and service procedures to guide the mechanic with correctly repairing and troubleshooting the car.

Page 391 of 759

This manual covers service, maintenance and troubleshooting procedures for the 1992-1998 BMW 318, 323, 328, M3 models (e36 generation). It includes detailed OEM BMW specs, illustrations and service procedures to guide the mechanic with correctly repairing and troubleshooting the car.

1
.
Heater
valves
2
.
ABS
pedal
travel
sensor3
.
ABS
pump
Fig
.
10
.
Left
rear
of
engine
compartment
.
4
.
Main
engineharness
con-
nector
5
.
Power
distribution
box
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-5
0013202
0013226
Fig
.
11
.
M42
engine
idie
speed
control
valve
(arrow)
beneath
intake
manifold
0012421
Fig
.
12
.
M44
engine
intake
air
temperature
(¡Al)
sensor
in
air
filter
housing
Fig
.
13
.
M50/S50U
S
engine
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
(1)
and
throttle
position
sensor
(2)
.
301180
0012724
Fig
.
14
.
M52/S52U
S
engine
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
in
bot-
tom
of
intake
manifold
(throttle
housing
shown
removed)
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

Page 392 of 759

610-6
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
15
.
M44
engine
harness
connectors
atair
intake
0011644
Fig
.
16
.
A/
C
recharging
ports
(arrows),
right
rear
of
engine
compart-ment
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
0012427
811004
Fig
.
17
.
Six-cylinder
ignition
coil
in
top
of
cylinder
head
(M52
engine)
.
Fig
.
18
.
Cooling
fan
dualswitch
in
radiator
(arrow)
.
0013203

Bmw 318 E36 Manual Car

Page 393 of 759

Fig
.
19
.
M44
engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
(arrow)
.
Fig
.
22
.
Headlight
ground
at
left
frontof
engine
compartment
(arrow)
.
0012704
Fig
.
20
.
M52
engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)
sensor
(A)
is
located
beneath
top
enginecover
(B)
and
crankcase
vent
hose
(C)
.
uu12700
Fig
.
21
.
M52
throttle
position
sensor
(A),
idle
speed
control
valve
(B),
and
secondary
air
pump
(C)
.
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-7
00119s4
0013131
uvijijo
Fig
.
23
.
Mainground
at
right
strut
tower
(A)
.
B
is
negative
jumper
con-
nection
.
COMPONENT
LOCA
TIONS

Page 394 of 759

610-$
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
24
.
Brake
pedalswitches
.
Fig
.
25
.
Driver
side
airbag
connector
(arrow)
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
0011751
Fig
.
26
.
Passenger
sideairbag
connector
(arrow)
behind
glove
com-
partment
.
Fig
.
27
.
Antenna
diversity
module
(arrow)
inleft
C-pillar
.
Fig
.
28
.
Right
side
offuel
tank
under
rear
seat
cushion
.
0013108
0013010
0013142

Page 395 of 759

Bmw 318 E36 Manual Transmission

Fig
.
29
.
Transmission
gear-position/neutral
safety
switch
under
center
console
.
Squeeze
connector
tabs
(arrows)
to
disengage
har-
ness
connector
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-
9
6263
Fig
.
30
.
Back-up
light
switch
(arrow)
on
transmission
.
(Switch
may
be
found
on
right
or
left
sideof
transmission,
depending
on
ap-
plication
.)
Fig
.
31
.
ASS
wheel
speed
sensor
(arrow)
in
front
steering
arm
.
Component
Location
Table
Table
a
is
a
cross-referenced
listing
of
electrical
compo-
nents
in
E36
vehicles
beginning
onpage
10
.
In
addition
to
lo-
cation
descriptions,
where
possiblethere
is
areference
to
a
figure
showing
the
component
.
NOTE-
-
Every
component
is
not
installed
in
everycar
.
'
Due
to
changes
in
production,
component
locations
may
vary
.
Consult
your
BMW
dealer
forthe
latest
in-
formation
.
'
The
figure
numbers
are
all
within
this
section
.
Many
other
electrical
components
are
illustrated
throughout
this
book
.
Consult
the
main
index
'
The
gear-position/neutral
safetyswitch
is
aleo
some-
times
referred
to
as
the
automatic
transmission
range
switch
.
'
The
EWS
11
system
is
also
sometimes
referredto
as
the
Driveaway
Protection
System
or
the
electronic
im-
mobilization
system
.
'
All-Season
Traction
(AST)
is
also
sometímes
referred
to
as
ASC
or
ASC+T
.
0012117
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

Page 396 of 759

610-10
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
ABS
Hydraulic
Control
Unit
1992-1998
Left
rear
engine
compartment
undermaster
cylinder
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
ABS
Hydraulic
Control
Unit
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
ABS
Pedal
Travel
Sensor
1992-1998
On
brake
booster
beside
master
cylinder
Fig
.
10
.
ABS
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
ABS/AS
T
(Traction)
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Left
Front
1992-1998
Left
front
steering
arm
Fig
.
31
.
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Left
Rear
1992-1998
Left
rear
trailing
arm
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
RightFront
11992-1998
Right
front
steering
arm
Wheel
ABS
Speed
Sensor,
Right
Rear
1992-1998
I
Left
rear
trailing
arm
Wheel
1
A/C
Compressor
1
1992-1998
(
Rightlower
frontof
engine
A/C
Compressor
Control
Relay
1
1992-1998
1992-1998
1992-1998
A/C
Control
Module
A/C
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor
A/C
Pressure
Switch
1992-1998
Right
frontof
engine
compartment
A/C
Program
Switch
1992-1998
Center
of
dash
below
radio
A/CRecharging
Ports
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment
Fig
.
16
.
Air
Flow
Sensor
1992-1998
Between
throttle
housing
&
filter
housing
Fig
.
7
.
Airbag
Contact
Slip
Ring
1992-1998
Rear
ofsteering
wheel
Airbag,
Driver
1992-1998
In
center
of
steering
wheel
Fig
.
25
.
Airbag,
Passenger
1994-1998
Right
front
of
dash
above
glove
compartment
Fig
.
26
.
Airbag,
Side-Impact
1997-1998
Behind
right/left
front
door
panel
Airbag
Control
Module
(Basic)
1992-1993
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Airbag
Control
Module
(ZAE)
1994-1998
On
center
tunnel
under
rear
seat
cushion
Airbag
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
righUleft
front
strut
tower
Airbag
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
1997-1998
Right/left
door
si¡¡
behind
front
seatSide
Impact
Alternator
(Generator)
1992-1998
Left
lowerfront
of
engine
Amplifier
Hi-fi
1992-1998
Left
front
side
of
luggage
compartment
Antenna
Amplifier
AM/FM
1992-1998
In
upper
left
side
C-pillar
Fig
.
27
.
COMPONENT
LOCA
TIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Behind
center
console
Left
sideof
heater
box
Continued

Page 397 of 759

Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Anti-theft
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Anti-theft
Horn
1
1992-1998
1
Right
rear
engine
compartment
Anti-slip
(Traction)
Control
Module
1994-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
8
.
(AST/ASC+T)
Fig
.
9
.
Anti-slip
(Traction)
Control
Switch
1994-1998
In
center
console
Automatic
Climate
(A/C)
Control
1992-1998
Behind
center
console
Module
AutomaticTransmission
Range
1992-1998
~
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
Switch
(Gear
Position/Neutral
Safety
Switch)
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch
1992-1998
Right
side
radiator
1
Fig
.
18
.
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
front
grill
Auxiliary
Fuse
Box
(Left
Splice
1992-1998
I
Behind
left
front
footwell
kick-panel
Panel)
Auxiliary
RelayPanel
1
1992-1998
1
Left
side
of
dash
under
steering
column
Auxiliary
Fuse
Box
In
Trunk
1
1997-1998
1
Right
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel
AuADSry
ThrottlePosition
Motor
11994-1998
Front
of
engine
compartment
B+
Jump
Start
Junction
Point
1992-1998
Right
rear
of
engine
compartment
Fig
.
7
.
Back-Up
Light
Switch
(Manual)
1992-1998
Right
or
left
side
top
of
transmission
Fig
.
30
.
Body
Electronics
Control
Module
1994-1998
Behindglove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
(ZKE
IV)
Fig
.
9
.
Brake
Fluid
Level
Sensor
1992-1998
Top
of
brake
fluid
reservoir
at
master
cylinder
Fig
.
15
.
Brake
Light
Switch
1
1992-1998
1
On
brake
pedal
supportbracket
Brake
Pad
Sensor,
Left
Front
1
1992-1998
1
Left
front
brake
caliper
Brake
Pad
Sensor,
Right
Rear
1992-1998
Right
rear
brake
caliper
Camshaft
Actuator
(VANOS)
1993-1998
Front
of
cylinder
head
Camshaft
Position
Sensor
(Cylinder
1992-1998
Front
of
engine
Identification)
Carbon
Canister
Valve
(TLEV)
1
1997-1998
1
In
sparewheel
well
in
trunk
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-11
Fig
.
5
.
Fig
.
4
.
Fig
.
24
.
Fig
.
7
.
Central
Locking
Module
(ZVM)
11992-1993
1
Behindglove
compartment
I
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Check
Control
Module
(if
applicable)
1
1992
-
1998
1
Below
left
side
of
dash
Child
Protection
Window
Control
1992-1998
Center
console
(console)
Chime
Module
1992-1998
Below
left
side
of
dash
inleft
dash
trim
panel
Clock
(Multi-Function)
1993-1998
Center
console
Clutch
Pedal
Switch
1992-1998
On
clutch
pedal
support
bracket
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

Page 398 of 759

610-12
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Combination
(Stalk)
Switch
1993-1998
Left
sidesteering
column
(turn
signals/high-low
bean
switch)
Convertible
Top
ActuatingSwitch
1994-1998
Center
console
Convertible
Top
Control
Module
1994-1998
In
lower
left
C-pillar
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
TopEnd
Position
Switch
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Convertible
Top
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
sideof
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Convertible
Top
Position
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
linkage
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Lock
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Motor
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
1994-1998
Inright
side
convertible
top
storage
lid
latch
Microswitch
Convertible
Top
Storage
Lid
Motor
1994-1998
In
left
side
of
trunk
behind
trim
panel
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
(if
applicable)
1992-1998
Bolted
on
radiator,
left
side
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine/cylinder
head
Fig
.
19
.
Fig
.
20
.
Cooling
Fan
Dual
Switch
1992-1998
Right
side
radiator
Fig
.
18
.
Cooling
Fan
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
front
grill
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1992-1995
At
front
crankshaft
pulley
Crankshaft
Position/RPM
Sensor
1996-1998
Left
rearof
crankcase
Crash
Sensor,
Airbag
1992-1993
On
right/left
frontstrut
tower
Crash
Control
Module
1992
Auxiliary
relay
panel
Crash
Control
Module
1993-1998
Driver's
side
footwell
Crash
Sensor,
Right/Left
Side
1997-1998
Right/left
door
sill
behind
front
seat
Impact
Airbag
Cruise
Control
Actuator
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
compartment
Fig
.
7
.
Cruise
Control
Module
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Data
Link
Connector
1992-1998
Right
sideof
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Digital
Motor
Electronics
(DME)
1992-1998
Right
rear
engine
compartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Control
Module
DoorLock
Heater
1993-1994
Left
front
doorhandle
DoorHandle
Switch
1994-1998
left
front
door
Drive-away
Protection
(EWS
II)
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
Fig
.
9
.
Dual
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
1997-1998
Below
intake
manifold
Fig
.
19
.
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Fig
.
20
.
Electronic
Immobilizer
Control
(
1/1995-1998
~
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Module
(EWS
II)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued

Page 399 of 759

Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Engine
Compartment
Light
Switch
1993-1996
Over
right
headlight
assembly
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(ECM)
1992-1998
Right
rear
enginecompartment,
behind
bulkhead
panel
Fig
.
7
.
Engine
Control
Module
(System)
1992-1998
I
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Relay
Engine
Coolant
Leve¡
Sensor
1
1992-1998
1
Left
front
of
enginecompartment,
radiator
coolant
reservoir
Engine
Coolant
Temperature
1992-1998
I
Left
front
of
engine
under
intake
manifold
I
Fig
.
19
.
Sensor
Fig
.
20
.
Evaporative
Emission
Valve
1992-1998
Left
side
strut
Power
area
Evaporator
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
Left
side
of
heater
box
EWS
II
Control
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
EWS
II
Ring
Antenna
1
1/1995
-
1998
1
At
ignition
cylinder
EWS
II
Transmitter
Module
1/1995
-
1998
Right
side
of
steering
column
in
auxiliaryrelay
panel
Fig
.
3
.
Exhaust
Gas
Flap
Valve
1996-1998
Left
rear
muffler
area
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Foglight
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1992
1
Right
side
of
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1993-1995
1
Below
right
side
heater
box
Fresh
Air
FlapActuator
1
1996-1998
Below
left
side
heater
box
Fuel
Injectors
1992
-
1998
Top
left
side
of
engine
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Left
1
1992-1998
/
Under
left
side
of
rear
seat
infuel
tank
Fuel
Leve¡
Sensor,
Right
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
1
1992-1998
1
Under
right
side
of
rear
seat
in
fuel
tank
1
Fig
.
28
.
Fuel
Pump
Relay
1
1992-1998
1
Power
distribution
box
1
Fig
.
2
.
Fuel
Pump/Start
Identification
Relay
1994
-
1996
Power
distribution
box
Fuel
Tank
Pressure
Sensor
1
1997-1998
1
Right
rear
wheel
well
behind
trim
liner
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-13
Fuse
andRelay
x(Power
11992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box
Fig
.
7
Fig
.
10
.
Gas
Filler
LockMotor
1992-1998
Right
side
of
luggage
compartment
Gear
Position/Neutral
Safety
Switch
1992-1998
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
(Automatic
Transmission
Range
Switch)
Glove
Compartment
Lock
Motor
1994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Grounds
G
100
1995-1998
Front
of
left
front
fender
(headlights)
Fig
.
22
.
G
101
1992-1998
Front
of
right
front
fender
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS

Page 400 of 759

Bmw 318 E36 Manual For Sale

610-14
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
G
102
1992-1998
Left
front
strut
tower
G
103
1992-1998
Right
front
strut
tower
G
110
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
G
111
1992-1998
Near
battery
G
117
1992-1998
Right
rearof
engine
G
119
1992-
1998
Right
front
of
engine
G
123
1992-1998
Right
side
of
safety
wall
G
200
1992-1998
Left
kick
panel
G
201
1992-1998
Right
side
ofI/P
G
202
1992-1998
Left
side
ofI/P
G
203
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
230
1992-1998
Right
kick
panel
G
301
1992-1998
Below
rightfront
seat
G
302
1992-1998
Below
center
console
G
303
1992-1998
Below
right
rear
seat
G
310
1992-1998
Behind
right
rear
seat
G
312
1992-1998
Behind
left
rear
seat
G
313
1992-1998
Right
side
of
rear
shelf
G
314
1992-1998
Left
side
of
rear
shelf
G
400
1992-1998
Left
front
side
of
trunk
G
404
1992-1998
Left
rearside
of
trunk
Camshaft
Position
Sensor
1992-1998
Front
of
engine
Fig
.
7
.
Hard
Top,
Connector
1
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hard
Top,
Connector
II
1994-1998
In
convertible
top
compartment
left
side
Hazard
Flasher
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1998
Left
hand
side
of
dash
behind
instrument
cluster
Headlight
High
Beam
Relay
1992-1997
Power
distribution
box
Headlight
Low
Beam
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Heat
ExchangerTemperature
1993-1998
Center
console
Sensors
(left
and
right)
HeaterBlower
Motor
1992-1998
Behind
fresh
air
cowl
HeaterBlower
Motor
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Heat
Rear
Recirculation
Flap
1997-1998
Right
sideof
heater
box
Actuator
COMPONENTLOCATIONS
Tablea
.
E36
Component
Locations
Continued