BMW USED CARS

The E36 M3 debuted in February, 1992 and hit the dealers' showrooms in November that year; it was the first M3 powered by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc and developing 286 PS (282 hp/210 kW). Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon/sedan versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of e34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the e39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the four door Motorsport model. The E36 is also the first M3 to be manufactured in right-hand drive.

Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an upgraded 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built.

In summer, 1995 M3 coupé and saloon were upgraded to a 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) 3.2 liter inline-6; at the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The Cabriolet did not receive these changes until spring 1996.

Most cooling system faults can be grouped into one of three categories :

• Cooling system leaks


• Poor coolant circulation


• Radiator cooling fan faults

When investigating the cause of overheating or coolant loss, begin with avisual inspection . Be sure to check the condition and tension of the coolant pump drive belt. Check hoses for cracks or softness . Check clamps for looseness. Check the coolant leve¡ and check for evidence of coolant leaks from the engine.

Check that the radiator fins are not blocked with dirt or debris. Clean the radiator using low-pressure water or compressed air. Blow outward, from the engine side out.

E36 Starter Troubleshooting

If the starter tucos the engine slowly or fails to operate when the ignition is in the start position, check the battery first. Inspect the starter wires, terminals, and ground connections for good contact. In particular, make sure the ground connections between the battery, the body and the engine are completely clean and tight. If no faults can be found, the starter may be faulty and should be replaced.

A high oxygen level in the engine exhaust indicates a lean corairfuel mixture and a low oxygen level indicates a rich mixture . The oxygen sensor, shown in Fig. 10, measures the oxygen content in the exhaust gas and generates a variable voltage signal . Using that feedback signal as an input, the DMEcontrol module fine tunes the air-fuel mixture.
As the oxygen sensor ages, its ability to react quickly to changing conditions deteriorates, and it mayeventually cease to produce any signal at all. To check the operation of the oxygen sensor, see 130 Fuel Injection:

The airbags are triggered by impacts coming from the directions shown in the illustration. Note that the supplementary protection against lateral impact is available only on vehicles equipped with optional door-mounted airbags.

Indicator lamp in instrument cluster
The indicator lamp comes on from ignition key position 1 to indicate that the system is operational.
System operational:
* The indicator lamp comes on briefly. System malfunction:
* The indicator lamp fails to come on.
* Indicator lamp lights up for approx. 4 seconds, goes out briefly and then lights up again.

A system malfunction could prevent the system from responding to an impact occurring within its normal response range.

Please have your authorized BMW Retailer inspect and repair the system as soon as possible.