
240-2
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
WARNING
-
If
the
appropriate
temperature
measuring
equip-
ment
is
not
available,
ATF
leve¡
checking
shouldbe
left
to
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
The
checking
pro-
cedure
should
be
done
on
a
lift
with
the
engine
run-
ning
in
neutral
.
In
addition,
the
transmission
fluid
temperature
must
be
maintained
within
a
narrow
range
duringthe
checking
procedure
.
1
.
Place
vehicle
on
a
lift
.
WARNING
-
To
lift
the
vehicle
safely,
see
010
Fundamentals
for
the
Do-it-Yourself
Owner
.
2
.
Warm
up
drivetrain
by
running
engine
until
ATF
reach-
es
specified
temperature
.
Apply
brake
and,
while
idling
engine,
shift
through
all
gears
severa¡
times
.
Turn
en-
gine
off
.
ATF
Level
Checking
"
Fluid
temperature
..
...........
30-55°C
(86-131°F)
3
.
Remove
ATF
fill
plug
.
Place
transmission
in
neutral
and
ATF,draining
and
filling
restart
engine
.
See
Fig
.
1
or
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
1
.
ATF
fill
plug
(A)
on
MS
270R/A4S310R
transmissions
.
4
.
With
ATF
at
specified
temperature,
add
(luid
until
it
spilis
from
fill
hole
.
WARNING
-
HotATFcan
scald
.
Weareye
protection
and
protec-
tive
clothing
and
gloves
duringthe
check
.
If
thetransmission
was
overfilled,
hot
ATF
will
spill
from
the
filler
hole
when
the
fill
plug
is
removed
.
5
.
Reinstall
fill
plug
using
new
sealing
ring
.
TRANSMISSION
SERVICE
011743
0011742
Fig
.
2
.
ATF
drain
plug
(A)
and
fill
plug
(B)
on
A5S
310Z
transmission
.
Tightening
Torques
"
ATF
fill
plug
to
ATF
sump
MS
270R/A4S
31
OR
.............
33
Nm
(24
ft-Ib)
MS
310Z
(M30
plug)
............
100
Nm
(74
ft-Ib)
The
procedure
given
here
includes
removal
and
installation
of
the
ATF
(luid
strainer
(filter)
.
1
.
Remove
drain
plug
and
drain
fluidinto
container
.
See
Fig
.
3
or
Fig
.
2
given
earlier
.
0~
0
/\1--Z
.IZ
~
~
A
~
"o
15/
Fig
.
3
.
ATF
drain
plug
(A)
on
A4S
270R/A4S
310R
.
WARNING
-
The
ATF
must
not
be
hot
when
draining
.
Do
not
drain
the
ATF
if
the
engineandlor
transmission
Is
hot
.
Hot
ATF
can
scald
.
Wear
eye
protection,
pro-
tective
clothing
and
gloves
.
0011595

250-2
GEARSHIFT
LINKAGE
5
.
Remove
driveshaft
.
See260
Driveshaft
.
9
.
Release
gearshift
lever
retaining
ring
from
below
by
turningspecial
tool
90°(
1
/4
turn)
counterclockwise
.
See
6
.
Support
transmission
with
transmission
jack
.
Remove
Fig
.
4
.
crossmember
from
rear
of
transmission
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
2
.
Rear
transmission
crossmember
(arrow)
.
7
.
Lower
rear
of
transmission
to
access
gearshift
linkage
.
CAUTION-
Tilting
the
engine
to
lower
thetransmission
can
lead
to
damage
to
various
componente
due
to
lackof
clearance
.
-On
cars
with
AST
remove
throttle
body
.
-Remove
brake
fluid
reservoir
if
necessary
.
0013135
8
.
Working
below
transmission,
disconnect
shift
rod
from
gearshift
lever
.
Note
washers
on
either
side
of
shift
rod
end
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
v
clip
Shift
rod
Fig
.
3
.
Pull
off
shift
rod
retaining
clip
in
direction
of
arrow
(t)
;
disen-
gage
shift
rod
from
gearshift
lever
(2)
.
MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
GEARSHIFT
BMW
Tool
No
.
25
1
110
orequivalent
Fig
.
4
.
Shift
lever
retaining
ring
being
removed
using
BMW
special
tool
25
1
110
.
10
.
Raise
transmission
and
temporarily
instan
transmission
crossmember
.
11
.
Lower
vehicle
.
Working
from
inside
passengercom-
partment,
pull
upon
gearshift
lever
to
remove
it
togeth-
erwith
retaining
ring
and
rubber
grommet
.
Gearshift
lever,
installing
(manual
transmission)
6532
1
.
Instan
shift
lever,
aligninglocking
tabs
with
openings
in
shift
console
.
Press
down
on
retaining
ring
until
it
clicks
into
place
.
See
Fig
.
5
.
\
Retaining
Fig
.
5
.
Shift
lever
retaining
ring
.
Fit
plastic
tabs
into
slots
of
shift
con-
sole(arrows)
.

250-
6
GEARSHIFT
LINKAGE
Shift
interlock,
checking
function
1
.
Shift
selectorlever
to
park
(P)
position
and
turn
ignition
(automatic
transmission)
The
shift
interlock
usesa
cable
between
the
ignition
switch
and
the
shift
lever
to
lock
the
shift
lever
in
the
park
position
when
the
key
is
in
the
off
position
or
removed
.
This
feature
also
prevents
the
key
from
being
removed
from
the
ignition
lock
until
the
selectorlever
is
in
P
.
Fig
.
13
.
Fig
.
13
.
Shift
interlock
serves
two
safety
functions
:
1)
it
locks
shift
le-
ver
in
park
(P)
when
thekey
is
removed,
and
2)
it
prevents
re-
moval
of
key
untilshift
lever
is
moved
into
P
.
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
GEARSHIFT
Latchirig
Gate
0012714
key
to
the
"zero"
(off)
position
.
2
.
Remove
ignition
key
.
Check
that
selectorlever
cannot
be
shifted
out
of
P
position
.
NOTE-
"
lt
must
only
be
possible
to
remove
ignition
key
with
selector
lever
in
P
position
.
"
Shiftinterlock
cable
must
not
be
kinked
.
3
.
Turn
ignition
keyon
and
depressbrakepedal
.
Check
that
selectorlever
moves
freely
from
gear
to
gear
.
4
.
With
the
selectorlever
in
a
gear
position
other
than
P,
attempt
to
move
thekey
to
the
zero
position
.
The
key
shouldnot
go
into
the
zero
position
.
If
any
faults
arefound
check
the
cable
for
kinks
and
theca-
ble
attachment
points
for
damage
or
faults
.

310-2
FRONT
SUSPENSION
WARNING-
"
Physical
safety
could
be
impaired
if
procedures
described
here
areundertaken
without
the
proper
service
tools
and
equipment
.
Be
sure
to
have
the
right
tools
onhand
before
beginning
any
job
.
"
Do
notreuse
self-locking
nuts
or
bolts
.
They
are
designed
to
beused
only
once
and
may
fail
if
re-
used
.
Always
replace
self-locking
fasteners
any
timethey
are
loosenedor
removed
.
"
Do
not
install
bolts
and
nuts
coated
with
under-
coating
wax,
as
the
correct
tightening
torque
can-
not
beassured
.
Always
clean
the
threads
with
solventbefore
installation,
or
install
new
parts
.
"
Do
not
attempt
to
weld
or
straighten
any
suspen-
sion
components
.
Replace
damaged
parts
.
SHOCK
ABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
The
complete
front
strut
assembly
is
shown
in
Fig
.
2
.
Most
strut
assembly
components
are
available
asreplacement
parts
.
NOTE-
Struts
andlor
springs
shouldalways
be
replaced
in
parts
.
Strut
assembly,
removing
and
installing
1
.
Raisecar
and
remove
front
wheel
.
WARNING-
Make
sure
that
the
car
is
firmly
supported
on
jack
standsdesigned
for
the
purpose
.
Place
the
jack
standsbeneath
a
structural
chassis
point
Do
not
place
jack
stands
under
suspension
parts
.
2
.
Unbolt
brake
caliper
assembly,
keepingbrake
hose
connected
.
Detach
brake
hose
from
strut
assembly
.
Suspend
brake
caliper
from
chassis
using
stiff
wire
.
Re-
move
brake
rotor
.
See
340
Brakes
.
SHOCKABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
0011191
Fig
.
2
.
Front
strut
assembly
with
steering
arm,
front
hub,
front
spring
and
strut
upper
mount
.
3
.
Remove
ABS
wheelspeed
sensor
.
See
Fig
.
3
.
4
.
Disconnect
ABS
sensor
wire
harness
and
brake
pad
wear
sensor
wire
harness
(left
side
only)
from
strut
housing
.
5
.
OnM3
modeis
:
Disconnect
stabilizer
bar
link
from
strut
.

310-
4
FRONT
SUSPENSION
Strut
assembly,
disassembling
and
assembling
-
Be
sure
upper
spring
pad
is
correctly
installed
to
upper
NOTE-
spring
plate
and
spring
end
is
correctly
seated
in
up-
Springs
andlor
struts
should
always
be
replaced
in
per
and
lower
spring
plates
.
pairs
.
"
Use
a
new
self-locking
top
(center)
nut
.
Tighten
nut
fui-
¡y
before
releasing
spring
compressor
.
Replacing
the
upper
strut
mount,
spring
and
strut
requires
"
Have
car
professionally
aligned
when
job
is
complete
.
that
the
strut
first
bedisassembled
.
For
a
guide
to
the
parts
during
strut
replacement,
see
Fig
.
5
.
Tightening
Torques
WARNING-
"
Upper
strut
mount
to
strut
shaft
(seif-locking
nut)
Do
not,attempt
to
disassemble
thestruts
without
a
shaft
with
external
hexagon
......
..
65
Nm
(48
ft-1b)
springcompressordesignedspecificallyforthisjob
.
shaft
with
interna¡
hexagon
.......
..
44
Nm
(32
ft-Ib)
"
Road
wheel
to
hub
........
.100±10
Nm
(74
±7
ft-lb)
1
.
Remove
strut
assembly
as
described
earlier
.
Place
in
secure
support
.
Ride
Height
2
.
Using
spring
compressor,
compress
spring
until
spring
force
onupper
mount
is
relieved
.
Ride
height
is
measured
from
the
lower
edge
of
the
wheel
arch
to
the
bottom
edge
of
the
wheel
rim
.
See
Fig
.
6
.
WARNING
-
Make
sure
the
spring
compressor
grabs
the
spring
lf
the
ride
height
is
outside
the
specification
listed,
new
fully
and
securely
before
compressing
it
.
springs
should
be
installed
.
Be
sure
to
have
theold
spring
code
number
on
hand
when
ordering
new
spring
.
3
.
Pry
protective
cover
off
top
ofstrut
assembly,
then
re-
move
top
(center)
nut
andwasher
whileholding
strut
NOTE-
shaftstationary
The
spring
part
number
is
stamped
near
the
end
of
the
spring
cofls
.
4
.
Remove
upper
strut
mount
and
related
components
.
5
.
Release
spring
compressor
carefully
and
evenly,
allow-
ing
spring
lo
expand
slowly
1
Self-locking
hex
nut
Absorber/
Flat
washer
bump
stop
Nut
Cover
Upper
~
strut
mount
Pin
Z
Piston
bellows
Flat
washer
r
i
t1
~
1
Upper
spring
plate
1
1
1
Upper
spring
pad
I
1
-
,
Lower
spring
pad
-
Í
0012136
Fig
.
5
.
Front
spring,
spring
plate
and
related
parts
.
SHOCKABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
6
.
Assembly
is
reverse
of
disassembly,
noting
the
follow-
ing
:
Table
a
lists
front
suspension
ride
height
specifications
.
These
specifications
apply
to
a
car
in
a
normally
loaded
posi-
tion
.
When
checking
ride
height
or
installing
suspension
com-
ponents
that
require
thecar
to
be
"normally
loaded,"load
the
car
as
follows
:

320
Steering
and
Wheel
Alignment
GENERAL
...
.
.
.
...
.
....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
320-1
Outer
tie
rod
end,
replacing
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
320-4
Tie
rod,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.......
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
320-5
STEERING
WHEEL
320-1
Steering
wheel,
removing
and
installing
.....
320-1
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
.
.
.
.........
.
.....
.320-5
POWER
STEERING
SYSTEM
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-2
Front
Toe-in
and
Toe
Difference
Angle
.
.
...
.
320-6
Power
steering
pump,
Rear
Toe-in
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
................
320-6
removing
and
installing
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-2
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.....
.
......
320-6
Power
steering
system,
bleeding
and
filling
.
.
320-3
STEERING
GEAR
.
.
.
.
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.....
320-3
Steering
gear
rack,
removing
and
installing
.
...
.
..
.
..
..
..
.
..
.
320-3
GENERAL
STEERING
WHEEL
This
repair
group
covers
servicing
of
the
mechanical
and
The
BMW
E36
is
equipped
with
an
SRS
airbag
mounted
in
hydraulic
components
of
the
steering
system,
including
wheel
the
steering
wheel
.
Improper
handling
of
the
airbag
could
alignment
information
.
cause
serious
injury
.
The
airbag
is
an
explosivedevice
and
should
be
treated
with
extreme
caution
.
Always
follow
the
air-
The
variable-assist
power
steering
system
consistsof
an
bag
removal
procedure
as
outlined
in
721
Airbag
System
engine-driven
hydraulic
pump,
a
rack-and-pinion
steering
(SRS)
.
gear
assembly
with
an
integral
hydraulic
control
valve,
and
connecting
linkage
to
the
road
wheels
.
WARNING-
"
The
BMW
Supplemental
Restraint
System
(SRS)
At
lowspeeds,
maximum
power
assist
is
provided
to
ease
is
complex
and
special
precautions
must
be
ob-
parking
and
city
driving
.
At
high
speeds,
assist
is
reduced
to
served
when
servicing
.
Serious
injury
may
result
ensure
stability
.
The
power
steering
system
varies
assist
if
system
service
is
attempted
by
persons
unfa-
based
on
engine
speed
.
miliar
with
the
BMW
SRS
and
its
approved
ser-
vice
procedures
.
BMW
specifies
that
all
ING-
inspection
and
service
shouldbe
performed
by
WARN
an
authorized
BMW
dealer
.
"
Do
not
reuse
self-locking
nuts
.
They
are
de-signed
to
beused
only
once
and
may
failif
re-
"
BMW
Supplemental
Restraint
Systems
(SRS)
used
.
Always
replace
them
with
new
locking
nuts
.
are
equipped
with
a
back-up
power
supply
inside
the
SRS
control
module
.
A
10minute
waiting
"
Do
not
ínstall
bolts
and
nuts
coated
with
under-
shouldbe
observed
after
the
battery
cable
has
coating
wax,
as
correct
tightening
torque
cannot
been
disconnected
.
This
will
allow
the
reserve
be
assured
.
Always
clean
the
threads
with
sol-
power
supply
to
discharge
.
vent
before
installation,
or
install
new
parts
.
"
Do
not
attempt
to
weldor
straighten
any
steering
components
.
Always
replace
damaged
parts
.
NOTE-
For
information
on
steering
column-mounted
switches
and
the
ignition
lock,
see
612
Switches
and
Electrical
Accessories
.
STEERING
AND
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT
320-1
Caster
and
Camber
.
.
.
.
.
...........
.
....
320-5
TABLES
a
.
Front
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.
...
.......
320-6
b
.
Rear
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.
...
.......
320-6
Steering
wheel,
removing
and
installing
1
.
Center
steering
wheel
.
Make
sure
front
wheelsare
pointed
straight
ahead
.
2
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
and
cover
terminal
with
insulating
material
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautions
given
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
viii
.
STEERING
WHEEL

330-2
REAR
SUSPENSION
Table
a
.
Rear
RideHeight
Specifications
Wheel
size
318,323,
325,
M3
modeis
328
modeis
17inch
std
.
suspension
546
mm
(21.69
in)
sport
suspension
~
535
mm
(21.06
in)
1
540
mm
(21
.26
in)
Maximum
variation
between
sides
:
10
mm
(0
.4in)
Maximum
deviation
from
specifications
:
10
mm
(0
.4in)
SHOCK
ABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
The
BMW
E36
independent
rear
suspension
is
shown
in
Fig
.
2
.
Refer
tothis
illustration
while
performing
repairs
on
components
covered
in
this
repair
group
.
NOTE-
Shock
absorbers
andlor
springs
shouldalways
be
re-
placed
in
pairs
i
Stabilizer
bar
link
Trailing
arm
-
bushing
Fig
.
2
.
BMW
E36
rear
suspension
.
SHOCK
ABSORBERS
AND
SPRINGS
Lower
control
arm
Trailing
arm
front
bracket
WARNING
-
"
Do
not
reuse
self-locking
nuts
.
They
arede-
signed
to
beused
only
once
and
may
fail
if
re-
used
.
Always
replace
them
with
new
self-locking
nuts
.
"
Personal
injury
may
result
if
procedures
de-
scribed
here
are
undertaken
without
the
proper
service
tools
and
equipment
.
Be
sure
to
have
the
right
tools
onhand
before
beginning
the
job
.
"
Do
not
install
bolts
and
nuts
coated
with
under-
coating
wax,
as
correct
tightening
torque
cannot
be
assured
.
Always
clean
the
threads
with
sol-
vent
before
installation,
or
ínstall
new
parts
.
"
Do
not
attempt
to
weld
or
straighten
any
suspen-
sion
components
.
Replace
damaged
parts
.

9
.
Packeach
CV
joint
and
rubber
boot
with
specified
REAR
SUSPENSION
ARMS
amount
of
lubricant
supplied
.
Apply
adhesive
to
large
end
of
boot
and
mount
it
on
joint
.
Secure
boot
with
clamps
.
The
trailing
arms,
control
arms
and
their
mountingbushings
Apply
sealer
to
inner
CV
joint
dust
cover
and
instan
.
control
the
position
of
the
rear
wheels
.
A
damaged
suspen-
sion
arm
or
worn
bushings
will
change
the
rear
wheel
align
NOTE-
ment
and
may
adversely
affect
handling
and
stability
.
"
Before
installing
each
small
boot
clamp
be
sure
to
"burp"
the
boot
by
flexing
the
CV
joint
as
far
overas
it
WARNING
will
go
.
A
small
screw-driver
inserted
between
the
Do
notattempt
to
straighten
a
damaged
suspension
boot
and
the
axle-shaft
will
help
the
process
.
arm
.
Bending
or
heating
may
weaken
the
original
"
BMW
recommends
Bostil101513
or
EppleC4851
ad-
part
.
If
the
suspension
arm
shows
any
signs
of
hesive,
and
Epple®39
or
Curil©T
sealer
damage
or
excessive
corrosion,
it
must
be
re-
placed
.
CV
Joint
Lubricant
Capacity
"
Wheel
hub
end
ex
.
M3
..
..
.
....
.
.............
80
gram
(2.8
oz
.)
M3
..
...
.
..
.................
100
gram
(3
.5
oz
.)
"
Finaldrive
end
.................
85
gram
(3
.0
oz
.)
10
.
Install
drive
axle
as
described
earlier
.
1
.
Final
drive
carrier
2
.
Stabilizer
bar
3
.
Upper
control
arm4
.
Lower
control
arm5
.
Trailing
arm6
.
Trailing
arm
front
bracket
Fig
.
16
.
Rear
trailing
arms,
control
arms
and
final
drive
carrier
.
If
the
rear
brake
cine
is
disconnected
to
remove
a
trailing
arm,
the
complete
braking
system
must
be
bled
as
partof
the
installation
procedure
.
When
performing
repairs
to
rear
suspension
components,
refer
to
Fig
.
16
.
REAR
SUSPENSION
330-
9
0013112
REAR
SUSPENSION
ARMS