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Unofficial BMW E36 - 3 Series Forum

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Buy the book on E36 Service, this is the best service manual available on the E36 Bentley BMW 3 Series Service Manual: 1992-1998		Buy BMW Buyers Guide
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Survey

• Survey of E36 owners

Types of E36's(USA spec):

• '92-'98 316i
• '92-'98 318i
• '92-'97 318is
• '98-'99 323is
• '93-'97 318ic
• '98-'99 323ic
• '95-'98 318ti Richard Poniarski's 318ti site.
• '96-'98 Z3 1.8l (MSN) (BMWs Specs)
  
• '92-'95 325i (MSN)
• '92-'95 325is
• '93-'95 325ic
  
• '96-'98 328i
• '96-'99 328is
• '96-'99 328ic
• '95-'99 M3 Coupe
• '97-'98? M3 Sedan
• '97-'98 Z3 2.8l (MSN) (BMWs Specs)
• '98-'00 MRoadster

Tips and tricks from other E36 owners:

Interior (ALL)

• Get a mirror upgrade for your E36 (this page is on Z3s, but they should be the same).
• Replacing your airbag
• Solving a sunroof leak
• Fixing sunroof tilt problem
• Microfilter replacement FAQ
• More microfilter information
• Climate control
• Air distribution cam (updated part for better air flow)
• Door lock added to console
• Electric sunroof fixed
• Mounting a Valentine 1 in an E36
• Removing the OBC
• Removing the door panels
• Finding rattles
• Before you remove your seats, read this!
• Seat troubles
• Milos Carbon Fiber trim. Here are some comments from satisfied customers
  
• VDO Gauge Installation Instructions:
  • Installing VDO gauges in a 328is from Ron Stygar
  • Installing VDO gauges, torque spec correction
  • Installing VDO gauges in a 318ti, Part 1 from Ron Stygar
  • Installing VDO gauges in a 318ti, Part 2 from Ron Stygar
  • Installing VDO gauges in a 318ti, Part 3 from Ron Stygar
  • Installing VDO gauges, 328is additional notes
  • Installing VDO gauges, another set of instructions from Dave Schultz

Stereo (ALL)

• For opinions and reviews of products to use, see the following sites:
  • http://www.carreview.com
  • http://www.audioreview.com
  • http://www.epinions.com
  • Chester's a/d/s/ install Nice job!
  • Check out Chester's amp mount
  • Chester also installed the JL Stealthbox, a clean way to install subs in the rear deck.
  • a/d/s E36 Stereo Upgrade site Check it out!
  • a/d/s Z3 Stereo Upgrade site
  • Factory & aftermarket CD Changer info
  • CD Changer Adapters
  • '92-'95? 200w Stereo Pinouts!
  • Blaupunkt upgrade to stock 328i stereo
  • How I upgraded my stock M3 stereo
  • How to upgrade the stock M3 stereo with a/d/s/ components (I'm using a/d/s/ amp and front speakers)
  • rec.audio.car FAQ website.
  • Frank Wong's AWESOME M3 stereo
    • Automotive Entertainment did the install on Frank's car.
    • Sound Conceptions is a place to buy stereo stuff online.
  • Alan Riley's install in a Z3.
  • General Stereo info
  • Audio Speakers
  • Audio Tips
  • 96 M3 Stereo whine
  • 96 HK Stereo specs
  • Installing new Head Unit to stock HK system
  
  

  Exterior or All or CarCare

  • Fixing a tear in your convertible top
  • Replaced Wheel roundels
  • Touch-up Painting FAQ
  • Wash/waxing your BMW
  • Detailing your BMW
  • Silicone products reviews
  • Cleaning your windshield
  • More waxing tips
  • E36 Foglamp lenses break!
  • TI Foglamps installation
  • Chrome exhaust tips.
  • Cloudy headlights.
  • Lense cleaner.
  • Installing a trailer hitch on your M3!
  • Steve Bernstein's Bon Ami FAQ
  
  

  ENGINE (ALL)

  • Replace the water pump in your M3 or 325i if you have over 40k on the car.
  • Read about E36 M3 engine overrevs
  • 318i M42 Profile Gasket Problem
  • Valve adjustment FAQ
  • O2 sensor, everything you ever wanted to know.
  • O2 sensor, buy a good one
  • Annual coolant change
  • M3 Idle surge
  • Lifter noise
  • Water pumps die at a normal interval of 60k (until upgraded to the metal impeller)
  • Fan clutches die at 100k
  • Radiator necks crack at 100k
  
  

  Performance (ALL)

  • [Recomended]Jim Conforti DME Chips Eurosport Homepage
  • Turner Motorsports Performance Sells Jims chips.
  • Turner Motorsports Performance Catalog
  • Turner Intake comparison to stock
  • JC Chip vs. Dinan vs. Stock at Watkins Glen
  • M3 Dyno performance results
  • K&N air filter
  • M3 Performance modifications
  • M3 Supercharger installation
  • Midwest Motorsports Performance Site
  • K&N Airfilters
  • M3 Euro airbox and Dinan exhaust mods
  • M3 Dinan Chip Sizzling Sounds
  • M3 Exhaust mods
  • M3 various questions
  • M3 Lightweight Flywheel
  • M3 Max Performance
  • 1996 M3 performance mods
  • M3 snorkel installation tips
  • Drove E36 M3 Turbo
  • Balanced Cars i.e. not supercharged cars
  • Superchargers
  • E36 318ti exhausts tested
  
  

  Drivetrain (ALL)

  • Flush your steering fluid.
  • Clutch bleeding, another person's experience.
  • Clutch hydraulics repair.
  • Adjusting clutch.
  • Problems with a stiff clutch.
  • Factory Shifter upgrade for M3s.
  • Changing final drive fluid.
  
  

  Suspension (ALL)

  • R&R of Trailing Arm Bushings.
  • See the Haweka fender roller in action
  • e36_rons_xbrace_install
  • Suspension upgrades
  • Installing big tires!
  • Replacing ball-joints
  • Installing new struts
  • Rebuilding the steering rack
  • Installing new control arms
  • Front end shimmy FAQ
  
  

  BRAKES (ALL)

  • Steve Bernstein's Brake FAQ
  • Steve Bernstein's Brake Bleeding guide
  • Carl Buckland's Brake pad comparison
  • Info on brake fluid
  • Bleeding your brakes
  • Changing your brake fluid
  • Changing your brake pads
  • Bedding in your new brake pads
  • Adjusting your brake pedal height
  
  

  Electrical (ALL)

  • Replacement battery information
  • Troubleshooting a dead BMW
  • On-Board Computer FAQ
  • Gauge test FAQ
  • Motronic fault code FAQ
  • Heating/Ventilation and AC FAQ
  • Windshield wiper FAQ
  • Power window FAQ
  • Central Locking FAQ
  
  

  General (ALL)

  
  
  • So how much is it worth anyway? Edmunds Web.
  • Kelly Blue Book
  • Jacking your BMW
  • Oil FAQ
  • Oil Additive FAQ
  • Renting a BMW in the states
  • More BMW Renting information
  • Renting a BMW in the Bay area
  • Renting a BMW in Europe
  • Bentley Publishing contact information for their excellent BMW repair manuals
  • Taking a drive in your BMW
  • Track school? Here is some advice!
  • Going racing? You'll need a helmet!
  • How about installing a harness for using your 2dr car on the track?
  • How about installing a harness for using your 4dr car on the track?