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
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
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
Heater
Recirculation
Flap
Actuator
1992-1998
Below
left
dash
right
side
of
steering
column
HeaterBlowerMotor
Resistor
Pack
1992-1998
Behind
center
of
dashboard
Heater
Regulator
FlapActuator
1997-1998
Right
side
of
heater
box
HeaterValve
Assembly
1992-1998
Left
rear
engine
compartment
HeatingNentilation
Relay
Box
1992-1993
Below
left
side
of
dash
HeatingNentilation
Relay
1994-1998
Left
front
footwell
High
Speed
Cooling
Fan
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Homs,
Right/Left
1993-1998
Front
of
engine
compartment
Horn
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Horn
Relay
(Alpine)
1994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Board
Computer/Anti-Theft
Fig
.
9
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1992-1995
Top
rearof
enginebehind
intake
manifold
(M42
engine)
Fig
.
11
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1992-1995
Top
left
side
of
engine
(M50
engine)
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1993-1996
Below
intake
manifold
(M50/S50US
engine)
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1996-1998
On
throttle
housing
(M44
engine)
Fig
.
15
.
Idle
Speed
Control
Valve
1997-1998
Left
front
of
engine
below
intake
manifold
(M52/S52US
engine)
Ignition
Coils
1992-1998
Right
of
engineunder
plastic
cover
(four-cylinder)
Fig
.
7
.
Ignition
Cofs
1992-1998
Top
of
engine
undercover
(six-cylinder)
Fig
.
17
.
Ignition
Switch
1992-1998
Right
sídeofsteering
column
Intake
Air
Resonance
Changeover
1992-1998
Leftrear
of
engine
compartment
Valve(DISA)
Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1995
In
mass
air
flow
sensor
(M42
engine)
Intake
Air
TemperatureSensor
1996-1998
In
top
ofair
filter
housing
(M44
engine)
Fig
.
12
.
Intake
Air
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1998
I
Left
sídeof
engine
in
intake
manifold
(six-cylinder)
-
-
I
Fig
.
13
.
Fig
.
14
.
Kick-Down
Switch
(A/T)
1
1992-1998
1
Left
footwell
Mixing
Actuators
1
1992-1998
1
Heater
box
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-15
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
Knock
Sensors
1
1992-1998
1
Left
side
of
engine
block
Left
Front
Power
Window
Motor
11992-1998
/
Left
front
door
Left
Front
Window
Monitoring
Switch
1
1997-1998
1
Left
front
door
trim
panel
Left
Front
Window
Retraction
Switch
1
1992
-
1993
1
Left
front
door
handle
lock
assembly
Left
Splice
Panel
1
1992-1998
1
Under
left
side
of
dash
at
kick-panel
1
Fig
.
5
.
Main
Fuse
and
Relay
Box
(Power
1992-1998
I
Left
sideof
engine
compartment
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box)
1
I
Mass
Air
Flow
Sensor
1992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine,
intake
air
duct
Fig
.
7
.1
I
Fig
.
15
.
Continued
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
610-16
ELECTRICAL
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Component
Model
Year
Location
Refer
to
MixingSwitch
1992-1994
Center
console
Multi-Function
Clock
1992-1998
Center
console
Multi-information
Display
(MDI)
1992-1998
Center
console
Normal
Speed
Cooling
Fan
Relay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Neutral
SafetySwitch
(Automatic
1992-1998
Next
to
gear
shift
lever
in
center
console
Fig
.
29
.
Transmission
Range
Switch)
Oil
Pressure
Switch
1992-1998
Left
front
of
engine
below
intake
manifold
at
oil
filter
housing
On-Board
Computer
1992-1998
Center
console
On-BoardComputerHorn
Relay
1992-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
On-Board
Computer
Temperature
11992-1998
I
Right
front
of
engine
compartment
Sensor
Outside
Temperature
Sensor
1992-1997
Inright
front
brake
cooling
duct
Outside
Temperature
Sensor
1998
Right
rear
of
engine
compartment
behind
fresh
air
cowl
Oxygen
Sensor
HeaterRelay
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Fig
.
2
.
Oxygen
Sensor(s)
1992-1998
On
exhaust
pipe
ahead/behind
catalytic
converter
(M42/M44
engine)
Oxygen
Sensor
(x2)
1992-1995
On
exhaust
pipe
ahead
of
catalytic
converter
(M50/S50US
engine)
Oxygen
Sensors
(x4)
1996-1998
On
exhaust
manifold/exhaust
pípe
behind
catalytic
converter
(M52/S52US
engine)
Parking
Brake
Switch
1
1992-1998
I
On
rear
of
parking
brake
lever
Power
Distribution
Box
11992-1998
I
Rear
left
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
Radio
Microswitch
1992
-
1996
Center
console
behind
radio
Radio
Receíver
1
1997-1998
1
Right
rear
luggage
compartment
Relay
And
Fuse
Box
(Power
1992-1998
I
Left
side
of
engine
compartment
I
Fig
.
2
.
Distribution
Box)
Fig
.
7
.
Fig
.
10
.
Rear
Window
Blower
1994-1998
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Rear
Window
Blower
Microswitch
1994-1994
At
convertible
top
linkage
Rear
Window
Blower
Microswitch
1995-1998
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Rear
Window
BlowerRelay
11994-1998
Behind
glove
compartment
Fig
.
8
.
Fig
.
9
.
Fig
.
2
.
Fig
.
30
.
Fig
.
8
.
Rear
Window
DefoggerRelay
Reversing
(Back-up)
Light
Switch
SplicePanel,
Right
Rollover
Protection
Actuator
11994-1998
COMPONENT
LOCATIONS
Table
a
.
E36
Component
Locations
1992-1998
1992-1998
1992-1998
Power
distribution
box
Right
or
left
side
top
of
transmission
Behind
glove
compartment
Behind
rear
seat
(convertible)
Fig
.
9
.
Continued
INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
....
.
.
.
.
.
...
.
..
620-1
Instrument
cluster,
seif-testing
.
.
.......
.
..
620-1
Instrument
cluster,
removing
and
installing
...
620-1
Instrument
cluster
bulbs,
replacing
.
.
.
.
.
.
...
620-2
GENERAL
This
repair
group
covers
removal
and
installation
of
the
in-
strument
cluster
and
the
Multi-information
Display
(MID)
mod-
ule
.
Bulb
replacement
information
for
these
units
is
also
included
here
.
NOTE
-
A
quick
check
of
the
temperature
gauge
and
its
electri-
cal
circuitis
given
in
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
Sys-
tem
.
Use
this
procedure
to
diagnosea
faulty
temperature
gauge
INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
When
servicing
the
instrument
cluster,
always
disconnect
the
negative
(-)
cable
from
the
battery
and
insulate
the
cable
end
to
prevent
accidental
re-connection
.
Instrument
cluster,
seif-testing
Severa¡
different
versions
of
the
basic
instrument
cluster
havebeen
fitted
in
E36
cars
.
It
is
possibleto
perform
an
instru-
ment
cluster
test
and
display
system
test
information
.
Some
of
the
information
displayed
by
the
instrument
cluster
during
seif-testing
is
used
for
interna¡
BMW
organizationpur-
poses,
suchasmatching
the
correct
instrument
cluster
com-
ponents
during
parts
replacement
.
Other
functions
test
the
various
instrument
modules
.
Self-test
is
also
used
to
recode
the
instrument
cluster
after
removal
.
In
later
production
vehicles
(1996
and
later)
the
test
results
canbe
downioaded,
via
the
diagnostic
plug,
byan
authorized
BMW
dealertechnician
.
1
.
Turn
ignition
to
"radio"position
.
2
.
Press
and
hold
reset
button
on
trip-odometer
untiltrip-
odometer
display
shows
numerical
codes
.
620
Instruments
4
.
Turn
off
ignition
.
Instrument
cluster,
removing
and
installing
INSTRUMENTS
620-1
GENERAL
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.........
.
....
620-1
Odometer
coding
plug,
replacing
.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
620-2
Vehicle
speed
sender,
replacing
...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
620-3
MULTI-INFORMATION
DISPLAY
(MID)
.
.
.
620-4
Multi-Information
Display,
removing
and
installing
..
.
....
.
.........
620-4
3
.
With
each
subsequent
press
of
the
button,
a
different
function
is
tested
.
Some
functions
will
activate
need1e
gauges
.
1
.
Disconnect
negative
(-)
cable
from
battery
and
cover
terminal
with
insulating
material
.
CAUTION-
Prior
to
disconnectiog
the
battery,
read
the
battery
disconnection
cautionsgiven
at
the
front
of
this
manual
on
page
vi¡¡
.
2
.
Remove
airbag
unit
from
steering
wheel
.
See
721
Air-
bag
System
(SRS)
.
Store
unit
in
a
safe
place
.
WARNING
-
The
airbag
is
an
explosive
devfce
and
should
be
treated
with
extreme
caution
.
Improper
handling
of
the
airbag
could
cause
serious
injury
or
death
.
Store
the
airbag
with
the
horn
pad
facing
up
.
If
stored
facing
down,
accidental
deployment
couldpropel
it
vfolently
into
the
air,
causing
injury
.
3
.
With
front
wheels
pointed
straight
ahead,
remove
steer-
ing
wheel
.
See
320
Steering
and
Wheel
Alignment
.
4
.
Remove
instrument
cluster
retaining
screws
.
See
Fig
.
1
.
5
.
Place
a
towel
over
steering
column
.
Carefully
tilt
top
of
cluster
out
of
dash
panel
.
Unlock
and
disconnect
har-
ness
connectors
from
back
of
cluster
.
See
Fig
.
2
.
INSTRUMENT
CLUSTER
9
.
Release
blower
motor
retaining
strap
andremove
blow-
er
motor
and
fans
fromcowl
opening
.
NOTE-
Twist
and
rotate
blowermotor
assembly
to
facilítate
re-
moval
from
opening
.
If
the
blower
motor
is
to
be
rein-stafled,
use
care
not
to
damage
fan
wheels
during
removal
.
ff
the
blower
motor
fs
to
be
replaced,
cut
offfan
wheels
at
center
to
aid
in
removal
.
10
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
When
installing
a
re-
placement
blower
motor,
instan
motor
into
cowlarea
before
installing
fan
wheels
.
Blower
motor
test
specifi-
cations
are
listed
in
Table
a
.
NOTE
-
On
replacementblowermotors
from
BMW,
thefan
wheels
come
unattached
to
aid
in
installation
.
Locatearrow
on
blower
motor
and
instan
fan
wheels
atthis
po-
sition
.
Be
sure
color
coolng
matches
.
Retain
fan
wheels
using
the
new
clips
.
See
an
authorized
BMW
parts
de-
partment
for
the
latest
parts
information
.
Table
a
.
Blower
Motor
Test
Values
Testingvoltage
13
VDC
Operating
voltage
9-15
VDC
Max
.
current
consumption
(approx
.)
12
amps
Maximum
speed
3,600-4,000rpm
Axialplay
(max
.
allowable)
1
.0
mm
(0
.04
in
.)
Blower
motor
resistor
pack,
replacing
The
blower
resistor
pack
is
clipped
into
the
upper
left
side
of
theheater
box
.
1
.
Remove
lower
left
dash
trim
panel
.
See513
Interior
Trim
.
2
.
Working
under
left
(driver's)
side
of
dash,
unclip
and
pulí
out
resistor
pack
from
sideof
heater
box
.
Remove
harness
connector
from
resistor
pack
.
See
Fig
.
7
.
3
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Heater
valve,
replacing
The
two-way
heater
valve
is
located
in
the
rear
of
the
engine
compartment
on
the
driver
side
.
The
solenoid
operated
valves
control
the
coolant
flow
through
the
dual-chamber
heater
core
.
1
.
Drain
engine
coolant
.
See
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System
.
HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING
640-
3
uuiGO4I
Fig
.
7
.
Blower
fan
resistor
pack
(black
arrow)
and
resistor
pack
re-
ceptacle
(white
arrow)
below
left
sideof
dash
.
WARNING
-
Allow
the
cooling
system
to
cool
before
opening
ordraining
the
cooling
system
.
2
.
Disconnect
hoses
and
harness
connector
at
heater
valve
.
See
Fig
.
8
.
001[ó38b
Fig
.
S
.
Hoses
(A)
and
harnessconnector
(B)
at
heatervalve
.
3
.
Carefully
pull
heater
valve
out
of
rubber
mounting
and
pull
up
and
out
of
engine
compartment
.
4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Use
new
hose
clamps
.
Inspect
hoses
and
replace
asnecessary
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
640-4
HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING
Heater
box,
removing
and
installing
The
heater
box,
located
underneath
thecenter
of
the
dash-
board,
houses
theheater
core,
the
A/C
evaporator,
and
asso-
ciated
sensors
and
actuators
.
Removal
of
theheater
box
requires
that
the
A/C
refrigerant
be
discharged
.
CAUTION-
"
Removing
the
heater
box
requires
evacuating
the
AIC
system
.
DO
NOT
attempt
this
procedure
without
proper
tools
and
training
.
"
Any
person
who
services
a
motor
vehicle
air
con-
ditioner
must,
by
law,
be
properly
trained
and
cer-
tified,
and
use
approved
refrigerant
recycling
equipment
.
Technicians
must
complete
an
EPA-
approved
recycling
course
to
be
certified
UU12639
Fig
.
10
.
Heater
core
mounting
nuts
at
left
sideof
bulkhead
(arrow)
.
1
.
Drain
engine
coolant
.
See
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
wiper
assembly
shown
removed
for
clarity
.
System
.
2
.
Remove
complete
dashboard
.
See513
Interior
Trim
.
3
.
Remove
blower
motoras
described
earlier
.
4
.
Remove
nut
retaining
water
hose
flange
to
rear
bulk-
head
.
I'ush
flange
to
one
side
.
See
Fig
.
9
.
Fig
.
9
.
Nut
retaining
coolant
hose
flangeat
bulkhead
(arrow)
.
NOTE-
Clear
any
remaining
coolant
from
the
heater
core
by
blowing
compressed
air
finto
the
coolant
feed
hose
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS
0012638b
6
.
Cut
wire
tie
holding
wire
harness
to
heater
box
and
dis-
connect
cable
harness
connector
from
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
11
.
0012647
Fig
.
11
.
Harness
connectors
(A)
and
cable
tie
(B)
at
heaterbox,
under
driver
side
dash
.
7
.
Followingmanufacturer's
instructions,
connect
ap-
proved
refrigerant
recovery/recycling/recharging
unitto
A/C
system
and
discharge
system
.
8
.
Unbolt
A/C
refrigerantlines
flange
from
engine
bay
bulkhead
.
See
Fig
.
12
.
9
.
On
models
with
rotary-knob
A/C
control
head
:
Discon-
5
.
Remove
nuts
from
heater
box
retaining
bracket
on
en-
nect
wiring
harness
connectors
to
A/C
control
module
gine
bulkhead
left
side
.
See
Fig
.
10
.
Repeat
procedure
in
center
console
and
remove
module
.
See
Fig
.
13
.
for
right
side
nuts
.
Fig
.
12
.
Mounting
bolt
for
A/C
refrigerant
line
flange
(arrow)
.
001Suu7
Fig
.
13
.
A/
C
control
module
(A)
behind
center
console
.
Arrows
pointto
electrical
harness
connectors
to
be
disconnected
.
CAUTION
-
Replace
heater
and
AIC
flange
O-rings
and
tight-
en
fasteners
to
specified
torques
.
0012644
HEATING
AND
AIR
CONDITIONING
640-5
Fig
.
14
.
Heating
and
ventilation
ducts
on
left
side
of
heater
box
(arrows)
.
Right
side
ducts
are
similar
.
Fig
.
15
.
Heater
box
retaining
bracket
in
center
console
(arrow)
.
0012645
10
.
Unclip
andremove
heating
and
ventilation
ducts
on
Tightening
Torques
sides
of
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
14
.
"
A/C
refrigerant
lines
flange
to
bulkhead
..............
.
..
..
.
3
.5
Nm
(31
in-lb)
11
.
Remove
heater
box
retaining
bracket
on
center
tunnel
"
Water
hose
flange
to
bulkhead
and
remove
heater
box
.
See
Fig
.
15
.
(M6
nut)
................
.
...
..
3
.5
Nm
(31
in-lb)
"
Heater
box
retaining
bracket
12
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Evacuate
and
re-
to
tunnel
................
.
..
..
.
4
.5
Nm
(40
in-lb)
charge
A/C
system
using
specialized
equipment
.
Fill
and
bleed
cooling
system
.
See
170
Radiator
and
Cooling
System
.
HEATER
AND
CONTROLS