1994 BMW 318i warnings

ignition

Table
b
.
Engine
Management
Systems



engine
has
high
mileage
.

Engine



1
System

4-cylinder
engines
M42
(1992-1995)



Bosch
DME
Ml
.7
M44
(1996-1998)



Bosch
DME
M5
.2
(OBD
II)

6-cylinder
engines
M50
(1992)



Bosch
DME
M3
.1
M50
VANOS
(1993-1995)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3
.1
M52
(1996-1998)



Siemens
MS41
.1
(OBD
II)
S50US
(1995)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3
.1
S52US
(1996-1998)



Siemens
MS41
.1
(OBD
II)

Both
the
4-cylinder
and
6-cylinder
engines
use
a
distributor-

less
ignition
system
with
individual
ignition
coils
for
each
cylin-

der
.

FuelDelivery

Pressurized
fuel
from
the
in-tank
fuel
pump
is
injected
via

solenoid-type
fuel
injectors
.
The
ECM
controls
the
opening

and
closing
of
the
injectors
by
switchingthe
ground
side
of

each
injector
circuit
.
The
exact
amount
of
fuel
injected
is
de-

termined
by
the
amount
of
timethe
injectors
are
open
.

Cooling
System

Whenever
the
engine
is
running,
acoolant
pump
circulates

coolant
through
the
engine
and,
if
either
heater
control
valves

are
open,
through
the
heater
core
in
the
passenger
compart-

ment
.
The
coolant
absorbs
excess
heat
and
carries
it
to
the
ra-

diator
where
it
is
transferred
into
the
passing
airstream
.
A

thermostat
controls
the
flow
of
coolant
through
the
radiator

based
on
engine
temperature
.

Lubrication
System

The
lubrication
system
is
pressurized
whenever
theengine

is
running
.
The
oil
pump
draws
oil
through
a
pickup
in
the
bot-

tom
of
the
oil
pan,thenforces
it
through
a
replaceable
oil
filter

and
finto
the
engine
oíi
passages
.

On
4-cylinder
engines,
the
oil
pump
is
mounted
to
the
front

engine
cover
.
On
6-cylinder
engines,thechain-driven
oil

pump
is
bolted
to
the
bottom
of
the
cylinder
block
.

A
pressure
relief
valve
limits
the
maximum
system
pres-

sure
.
A
bypass
valve
prevents
the
oil
filter
from
bursting
and

insures
engine
lubrication
should
the
filter
become
plugged
.

See
119
Lubrication
System
for
additional
information
.

ENGINE-GENERAL
100-
5

Various
versions
of
DME
systems
are
usedon
thecars
cov-



MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
ered
by
this
manual
.
See
Table
b
.
Each
system
is
highly
adaptive
to
compensate
for
things
suchasengine
wear
and



When
troubleshooting
an
engine
that
fails
to
start
or
runs
vacuum
leaks
.



poorly,
first
check
its
mechanical
condition-particularly
if
the

Warnings
and
Cautions

For
personal
safety,
as
well
asthe
protection
of
sensitive
electronic
components,
the
following
warnings
and
cautions
must
be
adhered
to
during
all
troubleshooting,
maintenance,
and
repairwork
.

WARNING
-

"
The
ignition
system
produces
high
voltages
that
can
be
fatal
.
Avoid
contact
with
exposed
termi-
nals
anduse
extreme
caution
when
working
on
a
car
with
the
ignition
switched
on
or
the
engine
running
.

"
Do
not
touch
or
disconnect
any
high
voltage
ca-
bles
from
the
coil,
distributor,
orspark
plugs
while
the
engine
is
running
or
being
cranked
by
the
starter

"
Connect
and
disconnect
the
engine
manage-
ment
system
wiring
and
test
equipment
leads
only
when
the
ignition
is
switched
off
.

"
Gasoline
is
highly
flammable
and
its
vapors
are
explosive
.
Do
not
smoke
or
work
on
a
car
near
heaters
or
other
fire
hazards
when
diagnosing
and
repairing
fuel
system
problems
.
Have
a
fire
extínguisher
available
in
case
of
an
emergency
.

"
Disconnecting
the
battery
may
erase
fault
code(s)
stored
in
control
module
memory
.
Using
special
BMW
diagnosnnc
equipment,
check
for
fault
codes
prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery
cables
.
If
the
Check
Engine
lightis
illuminated,
see
On-

Board
Diagnostics
(OBD)
forfault
code
infor-
mation
.
If
any
other
system
faults
havebeen
de-tected
(indicated
byan
illuminated
warning
light),
see
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.

CAUTION-

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
gíven
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.

"
Do
notconnect
any
test
equipment
that
delivers
a
12-volt
power
supply
to
terminal15
(+)
of
the
ignition
coil
.
The
current
flow
may
damage
the

ECM
.
In
general,
connect
test
equipment
only
as
specified
by
BMW,
this
manual,
or
the
equip-
ment
maker
.

"
Do
not
disconnect
the
battery
with
the
engine
running
.
Do
notrunthe
engine
with
any
of
the
sparkplug
wires
disconnected
.

MECHANICAL
TROUBLESHOOTING

GENERAL
.
........
.
...........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-1



Camshaft
Position
(CMP)
Sensor
....
.
.
.
...
120-6

Disabling
Ignition
System
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-2



Camshaft
position
(CMP)
sensor,
replacing

Warnings
and
Cautions
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-2



(4-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
120-6

Camshaft
position
(CMP)
sensor,
replacing

IGNITION
SYSTEM
DIAGNOSTICS
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-3



(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-7
Basic
Troubleshooting
Principles
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-3



Knock
sensors,
replacing
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-7

Ignition
Firing
Order
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.120-7

IGNITION
SYSTEM
SERVICE
.
.........
.
120-3

Checking
for
Spark
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
120-3

Ignition
coil,
testing
and
replacing

(4-cylinder
engine)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
120-3

Ignition
coil,
testing
and
replacing

(6-cylinder
engine)
.........
.
..........
120-4

Crankshaft
Positionlrpm
Sensor
.......
.
...
120-5

Crankshaft
position/rpm
sensor,
testing
and

replacing
(front
mounted)
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-6

Crankshaft
position/rpm
sensor,replacing

(rear
mounted)
.....
.
.....
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
120-6

GENERAL



Troubleshooting
and
testing
of
the
engine
management

system
should
be
carried
out
using
the
BMW
specialized
ser

This
repair
group
covers
repair
andcomponent
replace-



vice
tester
(scan
tool)
.

ment
information
for
the
ignition
system
.
All
engines
use
a
distributorless
ignition
system
with
indívid-

ual
ignitioncoils
for
each
cylinder
.
There
is
no
distributor
cap

NOTE-



or
ignition
rotor
.
Each
coil
can
be
selectively
controlled
by
the

"
Spark
plug
replacement
is
covered
in
020
Mainte-



engine
control
module
on
a
cylinder-by-cylinder
basis
.
On
later

nance
Program
.



systems,
knock
sensors
are
used
to
monitor
and
control
igni-

"
For
fuel
related
troubleshooting
and
testing,
see
130



tion
knock
(ping)
and
adjusttiming
accordingly
.

Fuel
lnjection
.
Ignition
timing
is
electronically
controlled
and
not
adjust-

All
engines
covered
by
this
manual
use
an
advanced
en-



able
.
The
engine
control
module
(ECM)
usesengine
load,
en-

gine
management
system
.
The
engine
management
system



gine
speed,
coolant
temperature,
and
intake
air
temperature

incorporates
on-board
diagnostics,
fuel
injection,
ignition
and



as
the
basic
inputs
for
timing
control
.
Knock
detection
is
also

other
advanced
engine
control
functions
.



an
input
to
the
control
module,
where
applicable
.

Table
a
.
Engine
Management
System
Variants

Engine
code



1
System

4-cylinder
M42
(1.8
I)



Bosch
DME
Ml
.7
M44
(1
.9
I)



Bosch
DME
M5
.2
(OBD
II)

6-cylinder
M50
1992
(2.5
I)



Bosch
DME
M8
.1
1993-1995
(2
.5
I)



Bosch
DME
M33
.1
M52
1996-1998
(2.8
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(OBD
II)

1998
(2
.5
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(013D
11)
S50US
(3.0
I)



Bosch
DME
M3
.3.1
S52US
(3.2
I)



Siemens
MS
41
.1
(OBD
II)

120
Ignition
System

IGNITION
SYSTEM



120-1

IGNITION
SYSTEM
SCHEMATICS
...
.
.
.
.120-7

TABLES

a
.
Engine
Management
System
Variants
......
120-1

b
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance
(M42
engine)
......
120-4

c
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance
(M44
engine)
......
120-4

d
.
Ignition
Coil
Resistance

(6-cylinder
engine)
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
..
120-5

NOTE-

All
engines
coveredby
this
manual,
with
theexception

of
the
1992
M50,
incorporate
knocksensors
as
part
of

the
engine
management
system
.

The
initial
ignition
point
is
determined
by
the
crankshaft
po-

sition/rpm
sensor
during
cranking
.
Once
the
engine
is
run-

ning,
timing
is
continually
adjusted
based
on
operating

conditions
.
A
characteristic
ignition
map
is
shown
in
Fig
.
1
.
A

map
similar
to
the
one
shown
is
digitally
stored
in
the
engine

control
module
.

GENERAL

GENERAL
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
130-2



Intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor,

Principles
of
Operatinn
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
130-2



testing
and
replacing
...
.
...
.
.
.
.......
.
130-19

Basic
Engine
Settings
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
:
.
130-3



Throttle
position
sensor
(TPS),

DISA
(Dual
Resonance
Intake
System)
.
.
.
.
.
130-3



testing
and
replacing
...
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.130-19

On-Board
Diagnostics
(OBD)



Idle
speed
control
valve,
testing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-20

and
Fault
Diagnosis
.
.
....
.
......
.
.
.
...
130-4



Idle
speed
control
valve,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
..
130-21

SecondaryAir
Injection
.
.
.....
.
.........
.
130-5



BOSCH
DME
M5
.2
COMPONENT
Warnings
and
Cautions
.
.
...
.
.
.
.........
.
130-6



REPLACEMENT
.....
.
......
.
....
.
.
.
..
130-21

ELECTRICAL
CHECKSAND



Mass
air
flow
sensor,
replacing
.
.
....
.
....
130-22

COMPONENT
TESTING
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
130-7



Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)

Main



sensor,
replacing
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-22
rela
y
testing



130
-7
,...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.



Intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor,
Fuel
pump
relay,
testing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-7



rep
lacin
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.g



.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
..
.130-22
Oxygen
sensor,
testing
(Boschsystems
only)
130-8



Throttle
poson
sensor
(TPS)
replacing



13022
,



..
.-

FUEL
DELIVERY
TESTS
...
.
....
.
.
.
...
.
130-9



Idle
speed
control
valve,
replacing
...
.
....
.130-23

Operating
fuel
pump
for
tests
.
.
.......
.
...
130-9



SIEMENS
MS
41
.1
COMPONENT
Relieving
fuel
pressure
and



REPLACEMENT
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
....
.130-23
connecting
fuel
pressure
gauge
......
.
..
130-10

Residual
fuel
pressure,
testing
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
130-10



Mass
air
flow
sensor,
replacing
.
.......
.
.
.130-25

Fuel
pressure
regulator
response



Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)

to
engine
load,
testing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-11



sensor,
replacing
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.130-25

Fuel
rail
and
injectors,
checking
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-11



Intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.130-25
Fuel
rail
and
injectors,
replacing



..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-12



Throttleposition
sensor
(TPS),
replacing
.
.
.
130-26
Fuel
PressureRegulator
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-13



Idle
s
eed
control
valve,
re
lacin



130-26
Fuel
pressure
regulatorreplacing



p



p



g
.'''...
.
'
,

(fuel
rail
mount)
...
.
.
.
.
.
.............
130-13



ECM
PIN
ASSIGNMENTS
.............
.
.
130-26
Fuel
pressure
regulator,
replacing



Engine
control
module
(ECM),
accessing
...
130-26
(undercar
mount)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
.
130-14

BOSCH
DME
M1
.7
COMPONENT

TESTS
AND
REPAIRS
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-14

Air
flow
sensor,
testing
and
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-14

Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)

sensor,
testing
and
replacing
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-15

Throttle
position
sensor
(TPS),

testing
and
replacing
.
..........
.
.....
130-16

Idle
speed
control
valve,
testing
and
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
............
130-16

BOSCH
DME
M3
.1
AND
M33
.1

COMPONENT
TESTS
AND
REPAIRS
.
.
.
130-17

Mass
Air
Flow
Sensor
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.130-17

Mass
air
flow
sensor
(hotwire),testing
and
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-17

Mass
air
flow
sensor
(hot
film),

testíng
and
replacing
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
130-18
Engine
coolant
temperature
(ECT)

sensor,
testing
and
replacing
..
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
130-18

130
Fuel
i
n
jection

FUEL
INJECTION



130-1

TABLES
a
.
Engine
Management
System
Variants
.........
.130-2
b
.
Mass
Air
Flow
Sensor
Variants
..
.
..
..........
.130-2
c
.
Fuel
Pressure
Specifications
..
.
.
...
..........
130-11
d
.
Engine
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
or
Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor
Test
Values
(DME
1
.7)
...
.
130-15
e
.
ThrottlePosition
Sensor
Tests
(DME
1
.7)
......
.130-16
f
.



Engine
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
or
Intake
Air

Temperature
Sensor
Test
Values
(DME
3
.1/3
.3
.1)130-19
g
.
Throttle
Position
Sensor
Tests
(DME
3
.1/3.3
.1)
.
.130-20
h
.
ECM
Pin
Assignment-Bosch
DME
M1
.7
....
.
..
.130-28
i.



ECM
Pin
Assignment-Bosch
DME
M3
.1
.......
.130-30
j
.



ECM
Pin
Assignment-Bosch
DME
M3
.3
.1
.....
.130-32
k
.
ECM
Pin
Assignment-Bosch
DME
M5
.2
.......
.
130-34
I.



ECM
Pin
Assignment-Siemens
DME
MS
41
.1
..
.
130-36

130-
6



FUEL
INJECTION

Warnings
and
Cautions

For
personal
safety,
as
well
as
the
protection
of
sensitive

electronic
components,
the
following
warnings
and
cautions

should
be
adhered
to
when
working
on
the
engine
manage-

ment
system
.

GENERAL
WARNING
-

"
The
ignition
system
produces
high
voltages
that

can
be
fatal
.
Avoid
contact
with
exposed
termi-

nals
.
Use
extreme
caution
when
working
onacar
with
the
ignition
switched
on
or
the
engine
run-
ning
.

"
Do
not
touch
or
disconnect
any
high
voltage
ca-

bles
from
the
coils
or
spark
plugs
while
the
engine

is
running
or
beingcranked
by
the
starter
.

"
Connect
and
disconnect
the
DME
system
wiring
and
test
equipment
leads
only
when
the
ignition
is
switched
off
.

"
Gasoline
is
highly
flammable
and
fts
vaporsare

explosive
.
Do
not
smoke
or
work
on
a
car
near
heaters
or
other
fire
hazards
when
diagnosing
and
repalring
fuel
system
problems
.
Have
a
tire
extinguisher
avaílable
in
case
of
an
emergency
.

"
When
working
onan
open
fuel
system,
wear
suit-
able
hand
protection,
asprolonged
contact
wfth
fuel
can
cause
illnesses
and
skin
disorders
.

"
Renew
fuel
system
hoses,
clamps
and
O-rings
any
timethey
are
removed
.

"
Before
makingany
electrical
tests
that
require
the
engine
to
be
cranked
using
the
starter,
disable
the
ignition
system
as
described
in
120
Ignition
System
.

CAUTION-

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnectinn
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
vifi
.

"
Do
not
connect
any
test
equipment
that
delivers

a
12-volt
power
supply
to
terminal
15
(+)
of
the
ig-

nitioncoil
.
The
current
flow
may
damage
the

ECM
.
In
general,
connect
test
equipment
only
as

speclfied
by
BMW,
this
manual,
or
the
equipment

maker
.

"
Only
use
a
digital
multlmeter
for
electrical
test
.

"
Only
use
an
LED
test
light
for
quick
tests
.

"
Disconnecting
the
battery
may
erase
fault

code(s)
stored
in
memory
.
Check
for
fault
codes

prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery
cables
.
ff
the

Check
Engine
light
ís
illuminated,
see100En-
gine-General
for
DME
fault
code
information
.
ff
any
other
system
faults
have
been
detected
(indi-
catedbyan
illuminated
warning
light),
see
an
au-
thorized
BMW
dealer
.
Additional
systems
with
self-diagnostic
capabilities
include,
ABS
(Anti-
lock
brakes),
SRS
(Airbags),
EML
and
ASC+T
and
AST
(Traction
Control)
.

"
Do
not
run
the
engine
wfth
any
of
the
spark
plug
wires
dlsconnected
.
Catalytic
converter
damage
may
result
.

"
Always
waitat
least
40
seconds
afterturning
off
the
ignition
before
removing
the
engine
control
module
(ECM)
connector
.
ff
the
connector
isre-
moved
before
this
time,
residual
power
in
the
sys-
tem
relay
may
damage
the
control
module
.

"
Cleanliness
is
essential
when
working
onan
open
fuel
system
.
Thoroughly
clean
fuel
line
con-
nections
and
surroundlng
areas
before
loosen-
ing
.
Avoid
moving
the
car
.
Only
fnstall
cleanparts
.

"
Fuel
system
cleaners
and
other
chemical
addi-
tives
other
than
those
specifically
recommended
by
BMW
may
damage
the
catalytic
converter,
the
oxygensensor
or
other
fuel
supply
components
.

160
Fuel
Tank
and
Fuel
Pump

GENERAL
.
.
.
.
.
.
...........
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-1



Operating
fuel
pump
for
tests
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.160-6

Fuel
Pump
Electrical
Tests
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
160-7

FUEL
TANK
AND
LINES
..
.
.
.
..........
160-2



Fuel
pump
electrical
circuit,
testing.
...
.
.
.
.
.
160-7

Fuel
tank,
draining
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
..........
160-2



Fuel
pump
power
consumption,
testing
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-7

Fuel
tank,
removing
and
installing
.........
160-3



Fuel
Delivery
Tests
....
.
.
.
...
.
.....
.
.
.
..
160-8

Fuel
Tank
Evaporative
Control
System
.....
160-4



Relieving
fuel
pressure
and
connecting

fuel
pressure
gauge
..
.
...........
.
.
.
..
160-8

FUEL
LEVEL
SENDERS
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
160-4



System
pressure,
testing
.................
160-9

Fuel
level
senders,
testing
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
160-5



Fuel
delivery
volume,
testing
.............
160-10

Fuel
leve¡
sender
and
fuel
pump
(right
side),
emoving
and
installing
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-5



TABLES

Fuel
leve¡
sender
(left
side),



a
.
FuelLeve¡
Sender
Resistances
...........
.
.
..
.160-5

removing
and
installing
.........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-6



b
.
Fuel
Pump
Current
...
.................
..
...
160-8

c
.
Fuel
Pressure
Specifications
..............
.
..
160-10

FUEL
PUMP
.
.
.
................
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-6



d
.
Fuel
Pump
Delivery
Specifications
.........
.
..
160-10

Fuel
Pump
Fuse
and
Relay
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
160-6

GENERAL

This
repair
group
covers
service
information
specifically
for



The
cautions
and
warnings
on
this
page
should
beob
the
fuel
supply
system
.
Information
on
the
fue¡
injection
sys-



served
when
servicing
the
fuel
system
.
tem
is
covered
in
130
Fuel
Injection
.

NOTE-

Fue¡
filter
replacement
is
covered
in
020
Maintenance
Program
.

WARNING
-

"
The
fuel
system
is
designed
to
retain
pressure
even
when
the
ignition
isoff
.
When
working
with
the
fuel
system,
loosen
the
fuel
lines
slowly
toal-
low
residual
fuel
pressure
to
dissipate
gradually
.
Avoid
spraying
fuel
.

"
Before
beginning
any
work
on
the
fuel
system,
place
a
tire
extinguisher
in
the
vicinity
of
the
work
area
.

"
Fuel
is
highly
flammable
.
When
working
around
fuel,
do
not
disconnect
any
wires
that
could
cause
electrical
sparks
.
Do
not
smoke
or
work
near
heaters
or
other
tire
hazards
.

"
Always
unscrew
the
fuel
tank
cap
to
release
pres-
sure
in
the
tank
before
working
on
the
tank
or
fines
.

"
Do
not
use
a
work
light
near
any
fuel
.
Fuel
may
spray
onto
the
hot
bulb
causing
a
tire
.

"
Make
sure
the
work
area
is
properly
ventifated
.

FUEL
TANK
AND
FUEL
PUMP



160-1

CAUTION-

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
onpage
viü
.

"
Before
making
any
electrical
tests
with
the
ignition
tumed
on,
disable
the
ignition
system
as
de-
scribed
in
120
Ignition
System
.
Be
sure
the
bat-tery
is
disconnected
when
replacing
components
.

"
To
prevent
damage
to
the
ignition
system
or
the
electronic
fuel
system
components,
including
the
control
unit,
aiways
connect
and
disconnect
wires
and
test
equipment
with
the
ignition
off
.

"
Cleanliness
is
essential
when
working
with
the
fuel
system
.
Thoroughly
clean
the
fuel
fine
unionsbefore
disconnecting
any
of
the
fines
.

"
Use
only
clean
tools
.
Keep
removed
parts
clean
and
sealed
or
covered
with
a
clean,
lint-free
cloth,
especially
if
completion
of
the
repair
is
delayed
.

"
Do
not
move
the
car
while
the
fuel
system
is
open
.

"
Avoid
using
high
pressure
compressed
air
to
blow
out
fines
and
componente
.
High
pressure
can
rupture
infernal
seals
and
gaskets
.

"
Always
replace
seals
and
O-rings
.

GENERAL

170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System

GENERAL
.
.
.....
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.170-1

Coolant
Pump
and
Thermostat
........
.
.
.
.
170-1

Radiator
and
Expansion
Tank
.........
.
...
170-1

Cooling
Fans
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
......
170-2

Warnings
and
Cautions
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
170-2

TROUBLESHOOTING
...
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.170-2

Cooling
System
Pressure
Test
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-3

Thermostat
Quick
Check
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-3

Temperature
Gauge
Quick
Check
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-3

Cooling
fan,
testing
.
.
.
.
........
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-4

COOLING
SYSTEM
SERVICE
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-5

Coolant,draining
and
filling
.
.
......
.
.
.
.
.
..
170-5

Cooling
system,
bleeding

(radiator
with
integral
expansion
tank)
.....
170-6

GENERAL

This
section
covers
repair
and
troubleshooting
information
for
the
engine
cooling
system
.
For
heater
core
and
related
heating
and
air
conditioning
components,
see640
Heating
and
Air
Conditioning
.

Coolant
Pump
and
Thermostat

A
centrifuga¡-type
coolant
pump
is
mounted
to
the
front
of

the
engíne
.
The
belt-driven
pump
circulates
coolant
through

the
system
whenever
the
engíne
is
running
.
A
thermostat
con-

trols
the
flow
of
coolant
into
the
radiator
.

When
the
engíne
is
cold
the
thermostat
is
closed
so
coolant

bypasses
the
radiator,
recirculating
from
the
engíne
directly

back
to
the
pump
.
When
the
engíne
reaches
operating
tem-

perature,
the
thermostat
opens
and
coolant
circulates
through

the
whole
system
including
the
radiator
.

Radiator
and
Expansion
Tank

The
radiator
is
a
crossflow
design
.
A
translucent
expansion

tank
provides
for
coolant
expansion
at
higher
temperatures
and

easy
monitoringof
the
coolant
leve¡
.

On
4-cylinder
modeis,
the
radiator
expansion
tank
is
integral

with
the
radiator
.
See
Fig
.
1
.

RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM



170-1

Belt-driven
cooling
fan,
replacing
.
.......
.
.
.
170-7

Electric
cooling
fan,
replacing
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
170-8

Auxiliary
cooling
fan,
replacing
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
170-8

Thermostat,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
.
.
.
.
.
170-9
Coolant
pump,
replacing
..........
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-10

RADIATOR
SERVICE
.....
.
......
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-11

Radiator,
removing
and
installing
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
170-11

TABLES

a
.
Coolant
Temperature
Sensor
Wire
Colors
...
.
..
.
.
170-3b
.
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Switching
Temperatures
.:.
.170-4
c
.
Auxiliary
Cooling
Fan
Temperature
Switch
Tests
..
..
.
...
...
.
.............
.
..
.
.
170-5d
.
Cooling
System
Capacities
..............
..
.
.
.
170-6

A
.
Expansion
tank



C
.
Dualtemperature
fan
switch
B
.
Radiator
drain
screw

Fig
.
1
.
Radiator
assembly
with
integral
expansion
tank
(4-cylinder
engine)
.

On
6-cylinder
models,
a
standalone
expansion
tank
is
used
.

On
cars
with
automatic
transmission,
ATF
is
circulated
through
an
additional
heat
exchanger
(ATF
cooler)
.

GENERAL

170-2



RADIATOR
AND
COOLING
SYSTEM

Cooling
Fans



TROUBLESHOOTING

Belt-driven
coolingfan
.
The
primary
cooling
fan
is
belt-

driven
.
It
is
mounted
to
the
frontof
the
coolant
pump
through
a

fan
clutch
.
The
fan
clutch
is
a
viscous
fluid
coupling
that
con-

trols
the
speed
of
thefan
based
on
engine
compartment
tem-

perature
.

Electric
cooling
fan
.
Models
with
M44
engine
and
stan-

dard
transmission
substitute
an
electric
fan
for
the
belt-driven

viscous
fan
.
This
is
attached
to
the
rear
of
the
radiator
and

controlledvia
the
DME
5
.2
engine
management
system
.

NOTE-

The
electric
cooling
fan
in
these
models
is
activated
by
the
engine
control
module
(ECM)
.

Auxiliary
coolingfan
.
In
al¡
models
a
two-speed
electric

auxiliary
cooling
fan
is
mounted
behind
the
front
grill
and
in

front
of
the
radiator
.
This
fan
is
primarily
used
for
the
A/C
sys-

tem,
but
also
operates
when
the
coolant
temperature
ex-

ceeds
a
predetermined
leve¡
.

Warnings
and
Cautions

The
following
warnings
and
Cautions
should
beobserved

when
working
on
the
cooling
system
.

WARNING
-

"
Atnormal
operating
temperature
the
cooling
sys-
tem
is
pressurized
.
Allow
the
system
to
cool
as
long
as
possible
before
opening-a
minimum
of
an
hour-then
release
the
cap
slowly
to
allow
sale
release
of
pressure
.

"
Releasing
the
cooling
system
pressure
lowers
the
coolants
boiling
point
and
the
coolant
may
boíl
suddenly
.
Use
heavy
gloves
and
wear
eye
and
laceprotection
to
guard
against
scalding
.

"
Use
extreme
care
when
draining
and
disposing
of
engine
coolant
.
Coolant
is
poisonous
and
lethal
to
humans
and
pets
.
Pets
are
attracted
to
coolant
because
of
its
sweet
smell
and
taste
.
Consult
a
veterinarian
immediately
if
coolant
is
ingested
byan
animal
.

CAUTION-

"
Avoidadding
cold
water
to
the
coolant
while
the
engine
is
hot
or
overheated
.
If
it
is
necessary
to
add
coolant
to
ahot
system,
do
so
only
with
the
engine
running
and
coolant
pump
tuming
.

"
Prior
to
disconnecting
the
battery,
read
the
bat-
tery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.

TROUBLESHOOTING

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
a
visual
inspection
.
Be
sure
to
check
the
con-

dition
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
coolantleaks
from

the
engine
.

Check
that
the
radiator
fins
are
not
blocked
with
dirt
or
de-

bris
.
Clean
the
radiator
using
low-pressure
water
or
com-

pressed
air
.
Blow
outward,
fromthe
engine
side
out
.

Inspect
the
coolant
pump
by
first
removing
the
drive
belt

from
the
pump
.
Firmly
grasp
opposite
sídes
of
the
pulley
and

check
for
play
in
all
directions
.
Spin
the
pulley
and
check
that

the
shaft
runs
smoothly
.

NOTE-

The
coolant
provides
lubrication
for
the
pump
shaft,
soan
occasional
drop
of
coolant
leaking
from
the
pump
is
acceptable
.
If
coolant
drips
steadily
from
the
vent
hole,
the
pump
should
be
replaced
.

The
cooling
system
becomes
pressurized
at
normal
operat-

ing
temperature,
which
raises
the
boiling
point
of
the
coolant
.

Leaks
may
prevent
the
system
from
becoming
pressurized,

allowing
the
coolant
to
boil
at
a
lower
temperature
.
If
visual
ev-

idence
is
inconclusive,
a
cooling
system
pressure
test
can

help
to
pinpointhard-to-find
leaks
.

If
the
cooling
system
is
full
of
coolant
and
holds
pressure,

the
next
most
probable
cause
of
overheating
are
:

"
Faulty
radiator
fan

"
Loose
or
worn
drive
belt

"
Failed
thermostat
or
coolant
pump

"
Clogged/plugged
radiator
or
coolant
passages
.

NOTE
-

"
Some
early
style
coolant
pumps
were
fitted
wíth
fi-
berlplastic
type
impellers
.
Over
time,
this
impeller
can
wear
away
and
result
in
overheating
.
The
plastic
im-
peller
can
also
slip
or
free-wheel
on
the
pump
shaft
.
If
the
engine
overheats
and
no
other
faults
canbe
found,
theold
style
impeller
may
be
the
cause
of
the
problem
.

"
Only
pumps
with
the
updated
metal
impeller
should
be
used
for
replacement
.

400-
4
BODY-GENERAL

INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT

E36
interiors
have
a
unique
character,
with
a
combínation
of
sporty
features
and
innovative
design
.
Al¡
body
versions
were
made
in
a
wide
choice
of
interior
and
exterior
colors
.
New

colors
with
matching
leather
and/or
fabric
upholstery
were
in-
troduced
for
each
model
year,
including
light-alloy
wheels
in
new
designs
.

Driving
comfort
is
enhanced
by
power
steering,
tilt
steering
wheel
(optional),
height-adjustable
front
seats,
and
electrical-
ly
adjustable
and
heated
rear-view
mirrors
.
Inside
thecar
there
are
reading
lights
at
four
seating
positions
.

Seats
and
Seat
Belts



NOTE-

Theseat
base
usedon
cars
with
pyrotechnic
seatbelt

Anatom¡cal
ly-correct
seats
are
constructed
from
polyure-



tensioners
is
not
interchangeable
with
the
earlier
seat

thane
foam
containing
areas
or
"zones"
of
different
firmness
.



base
.

The
seat
bases
have
steel
springs
for
added
support
and
strength
.
The
power
seats
are
provided
with
conveniently
lo-



Instruments
and
Controls
cated
switches
along
the
outside
edge
of
the
seat
.
Heated
seats
are
an
option
in
all
models
.
See
520
Seats
for
more
de-



Everything
in
the
interior
passenger
compartment
essential
tails
.



to
the
driver
is
logically
grouped
and
easy
to
reach
.
Al¡
instru-
ments
and
controls
havebeen
arranged
ergonomically
and
The
M3
sport
seat
is
shown
in
Fig
.
3
.



are
fully
integrated
into
the
overall
design
of
the
vehicle
.

Fig
.
3
.



M3
sport
seat
.

INTERIOR
EQUIPMENT

0013195

The
early
E36
cars
areequipped
with
a
single
(driver
side)
airbag
in
the
steering
wheel
.
Startingwith
the
1994
models,
a
dual
airbag
Supplemental
Restraint
System
has
been
stan-
dard
equipment
.
Side-impact
airbags
in
the
front
doors
are
op-
tional
in
1997
4-door
cars
and
standard
equipment
in
all
1998
models
.

Through
1996,
E36
seatbelts
were
equipped
with
BMW's
original-designspring
tensioners
.
In
1997,
the
seat
base
de-
sign
was
modified
to
accommodate
a
pyrotechnic
(explosive
charge)
seatbelt
tensioner
.
Both
types
of
tensioners
arede-
signed
to
automatically
tension
the
belts
by
about2
inches(55
mm)
in
the
event
of
a
collision
.

The
padded
dashboard
houses
the
instrument
cluster
and
the
ventilation
and
heating
system
.
The
instrument
cluster
uses
large
easy-to-read
analog
instruments
and
is
removable
as
a
unit
without
removing
the
dashboard
.
The
Service
Inter-
val
Indicator
(SII)
will
remind
the
driver
when
thecar
requires
service
.
See
620
Instruments
.

The
Multi-Information
Display
(MID)
unit
in
thecenter
of
the
dashboard
comes
in
a
variety
of
four
configurations,
the
most
advanced
being
the
On-Board
Computer
(OBC)
.
See
Fig
.
4
.

Al¡
versions
of
the
MID
have
a
clock
and
calendar
.
In
addi-
tion,
different
versions
areequipped
with
a
"check
control,"

display
for
fuel-economy
information
and
system
warnings
.
Consult
the
owner's
manual
for
fui¡
operating
instructions
.