1996 BMW M3 tire pressure

130-
1
4



FUEL
INJECTION

NOTE-

Be
sure
to
retrieve
thrust
washer
behind
fuel
pressure
regulator
on
6-cylinder
engine
.

4
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Replace
O-rings
.

Fuel
pressure
regulator,
replacing

(under
car
mount)

WARNING
-

Fuel
will
be
discharged
.
Do
not
disconnect
any
wires
that
could
cause
electrical
sparks
.
Do
not
smoke
or
work
near
heaters
or
other
fire
hazards
.
Keep
an
approved
tire
extinguisher
handy
.

On
late
4-
and
6-cylinder
cars,
the
fuel
pressure
regulator
is

mounted
beneath
the
left
sideof
the
car,
under
a
protective

cover
.
See
Fig
.
20
.

0012726

Fig
.
20
.
Fuel
pressure
regulatorlocation
underneath
car
(arrow)
.
Vac-
uum
hose
to
regulator
is
shown
at
A
.
(Protective
cover
has
been
removed
.)

5
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.
Replace
O-rings
.

BOSCH
DME
Ml
.
7
COMPONENT
TESTS
AND
REPAIRS

BOSCH
DME
Ml
.7
COMPONENT

TESTS
AND
REPAIRS

CA
UTION-

Use
only
a
digital
multimeter
when
testing
compo-
nents
and
wiring
.
Use
of
an
analog
VOM
may
damage
the
engine
control
module
.

4-cylinder
cars
with
M42
engines(1992
to
1995)use
the

Bosch
DME
M1
.7
fuel
injection
system
.

Electrical
tests
of
the
main
and
fuel
pump
relays
and
the

DME
engine
control
module
(ECM)
are
covered
earlier
in
this

section
.
Fuel
pump
tests
arecovered
in
160
Fuel
Tank
and

Fuel
Pump
.

Air
flow
sensor,
testing
and
replacing

DME
M1
.7
fuel
injection
uses
a
volume
air
flow
type
sensor

with
integrated
intake
air
temperature
(IAT)
sensor
.
The
sen-

sor
provides
a
varyingvoltage
signal
to
the
ECM
based
on
the

position
of
the
air
vane
.
As
the
vane
doorswings
open
thepo-
tentiometer
increases
the
voltage
signal
to
the
ECM
.
The
IATsensor
adapts
theoutput
signal
to
the
ECM
based
on
intake

air
temperature
.

1
.
Check
ECM
reference
voltage
to
sensor
:

"
Peel
back
rubber
boot
from
air
flow
sensor
harness

connector
.

"
Turn
ignition
keyon
.
"
Check
for
5
volts
between
terminal
1
of
harness
con-
nector
and
ground
.
See
Fig
.
21
.

"
Turn
ignition
key
off
.

"
If
voltage
is
not
present
or
incorrect,
check
wring
from

ECM
and
check
air
flow
sensor
reference
voltage
out-

put
at
ECM
.
See
Table
h
.
1
.
Working
under
car
below
driver's
seat,
remove
protec-
tive
cover
from
below
fuel
pressure
regulator
.

"
Remove
intake
air
bootfrom
sensor
.
2
.
Remove
vacuum
hosefrom
fuel
pressure
regulator
.



"
Connect
a
digital
multimeter
(ohms)
across
terminais
1

and
2
.
Swing
air
flow
sensor
vane
through
its
travel
3
.
Remove
locking
clip
retaining
fuel
pressure
regulator
.



range
.
Resistance
should
change
steadily
without
in-

terruption
.
4
.
Wrap
a
shop
rag
around
regulator,
then
remove
regula-



"
If
any
faults
are
found,
the
air
flow
sensor
is
faulty
and
tor
from
213
way
valve
by
pullingstraight
out
.



should
be
replaced
.

2
.
Check
air
flow
sensor
potentiometer
:

3
.
Check
IAT
sensor
resistance
:

"
With
harness
connector
disconnected
at
air
flow
sen-
sor,
check
resistance
across
sensor
terminais
4
and
5

of
air
flow
sensor
.
Compare
tests
results
to
values
in
Table
d
given
later
.
If
any
faults
are
found,
the
air
flow
sensor
should
be
replaced
.

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

160-
4



FUEL
TANK
AND
FUEL
PUMP

Fig
.
4
.



Pinch
off
supply
and
retum
fuel
hoses
(arrows)
before
dis-
connecting
from
rigid
metal
lines
.

0013143

Fig
.
5
.
After
removing
exhaustsystem,
remove
heat
shield
screws
(arrows)
and
heat
shield
.

9
.
Working
underneath
car,
loosen
hose
clamp
and
dis-

connect
filler
hose
.

10
.
Support
tank
from
below
.
Remove
tank
strap
mounting

bolts
.
Lower
and
remove
tank,
disconnecting
right
side



TheE36
model
uses
a
two-lobed
fuel
tank
and
each
lobeof
vent
and
other
hoses/electrical
connectors
as
neces-



the
tank
has
its
own
fuel
level
sending
unit
.
sary
.

11
.
Installation
is
reverse
of
removal
.

"
Always
use
new
seals,
gaskets,
O-rings,
and
hose
clamps
.

"
Inspect
hoses
and
replace
any
that
are
chafed,
dried

outor
cracked
.

"
Inspect
heat
shield
and
replace
if
corroded
.

"
Inspect
rubber
buffers
and
liners
on
fuel
tank,
support
straps
and
on
underside
of
body
.
Replace
rubber

parts
that
are
hardened
or
damaged
.

FUEL
LEVEL
SENDERS

CAUTION-

"
Before
starting
the
engine,
fill
the
fuel
tank
with
at
least
1.5
gallons
(5
liters)
of
fuel
to
prevent

damaging
a
dry
fuel
pump
.

"
If
the
filler
neck
has
been
removed
from
the
body,
be
sure
toreattach
theneck's
grounding
screw
(where
applicable)
.
Check
electrical
resistance
between
the
ground
tab
and
wheel
hub
.
The
re-
sistance
shouldbeno
higher
than
0
.6
ohms
.

Tightening
Torques

"
Fuel
tank
to
body
.............
...
23
Nm
(17
ft-Ib)

"
Hose
clamps
(10
mm-16
mm
día
.)
..
2
.0
Nm
(18
in-lb)

Fuel
Tank
Evaporative
Control
System

The
fuel
tank
evaporative
control
system
is
used
to
vent
the

fuel
tank
to
a
charcoal
canister,
which
is
then
purgedby
en-

gine
vacuum
during
normal
engine
operatíon
.
This
controls

emission
of
raw
hydrocarbons
(fuel)
to
the
atmosphere
.
See

Fig
.
1
.

A
fuel
expansion
tank,
located
under
the
right
rear
fender,

traps
overflow
fuel
and
incorporates
extra
fuel
tank
plumbing
.

Startingwith
1996
models,
OBD
II
standards
require
that

the
fuel
tank
evaporative
control
system
be
monitored
for

leaks
.
This
is
accomplished
usingthe
fuel
tankpressuresen-

sor,
the
ventshut
off
valve,
and
the
evaporative
purge
valve
.

NOTE-

On
most
early
cars(1992-1995),
the
charcoal
canister

is
in
the
engine
compartment
.
On
latercars,
the
char-
coal
canister
is
under
the
spare
tire
in
the
luggage
com-
partment
.

FUEL
LEVEL
SENDERS

The
right
side
fuel
leve¡
sender
is
integrated
with
the
fuel

pump
.
Each
senderhas
a
float
connected
to
a
variable
resis-

tance
for
fuel
leve¡
.
When
replacing
the
sender/pump
assem-

bly
always
replace
hose
clamps,gaskets
and
O-rings
.

WARNING
-

When
removing
the
fuel
level
sender
or
the
fuel
pump,
the
fuel
tank
should
be
emptied
.

300-4



SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL

Three-channel
ABS
ís
used
on
al[
E36
cars
equipped
with



Al¡
Season
Traction
(AST)
standard
ABS
.
Each
front
wheelhas
a
separate
solenoid

valve
to
modulate
hydraulic
pressure
to
that
brake
caliper
.



The
traction
control
system
works
in
conjunction
with
ABS
The
rear
wheels
are
modulated
asa
pair,
controlled
by
a
sin-



and
the
engine
management
system
to
enhance
vehicle
con
gle
solenoid
valve
.



trol
.
The
main
function
of
the
AST
system
is
to
maintain
the
rolling

contact
between
the
tires
and
the
road
surface
under
al¡
driving
E36
cars
equipped
with
ABS/AST
utilize
a
four
channel
sys-



conditions
.
This
is
achieved
through
exact
application
and
tem,
which
functionsexactly
as
the
three
channelsystem



management
of
braking
and
drivetrain
forces
.
above,except
that
the
rear
wheels
are
modulated
individually
.

IDLE
SPEED
CONTROL
VALVE

HROTTLE
PLATE

6
.

Í
III

i



ADS
ACTU
AT
OR

THROTTLE
PLATE
POSITION
SENSOR

DME

Fig
.
6
.
All
Season
Traction
(AS)
works
withother
drivetrain
systems
to
enhance
vehicle
control
.

INTEGRATED
SYSTEMS

The
throttle
control
system
used
in
AST
is
illustrated
in
Fig
.

MASS
AIR
FLOW
SENSOR

JADS
THROTTLE
PLATE
POSITION
SENSOR

0013006

NOTE-

The
traction
control
system
referred
to
as
AST
(all
sea-
son
traction)
may
also
be
referred
to
as
ASC
(Automat-
ic
Stability
Control)
and
ASC+T
(Automatic
Stability
Control+Traction)
.

The
AST
system
improves
traction
by
electronically
apply-

ing
the
rear
brakes
when
therear
drive
wheels
are
spinning
at

a
faster
rate
than
the
front
wheels
.
The
combined
ABS/AST

control
module,
operating
through
the
ABS
hydraulic
control

unit,
modulates
braking
force
at
therear
wheels
.

In
addition,
AST
uses
retarded
ignition
timing
and
an
auxil-iary
engine
throttle
plate
to
reduceengine
torque
and
maintain

vehicle
stability
.

The
auxiliary
throttle
plate
is
held
open
by
spring
pressure
.

The
AST
system
actívates
the
auxiliary
throttie
position
motor

(ADS)
to
cose
the
AST
throttle
as
needed
.
This
reduces
the

volume
of
engine
intake
air
.
Due
to
the
throttle
closing
very
rapidly
during
AST
operationthe
driver
cannot
increase
theengine
power
output
regardless
of
how
far
theaccelerator
pedal
is
pushed
to
the
floor
.

The
auxiliary
throttle
plate
is
placed
ahead
of
the
conven-

tional
throttle
plate
in
the
throttle
body
.

Traction
control
also
comes
into
operationduringdecelera-
tion
.
Decelerating
on
snowy
or
icy
road
surfaces
can
lead
to
rear
wheel
slip
.
If
a
rear
wheel
startsto
drag
or
lock
up
when

the
throttle
is
closed
rapidly
orduringdownshifting,the
AST
system
can
limit
the
problem
by
advancing
the
ignition
timing
.

A
switch
on
the
center
console
is
used
to
togglethe
AST
on

or
off
.

The
AST
system
is
designed
to
be
maintenance
free
.
There

are
no
adjustments
that
can
be
made
.
Repair
and
trouble-
shooting
of
the
AST
system
requires
special
test
equipment

andknowledgeand
should
be
performed
only
by
an
autho-

rized
BMW
dealer
.
Table
a
lists
theconditions
indicated
by

the
AST
indicator
light
in
the
instrument
cluster

SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL



300-5

Tablea
.
AST
Indicator
Lamp
Function

Indicator
lamp



1
Condition



1
Comment

Light
on



Normal
AST
start-



Automatic
AST
up



self-test

Light
off



AST
monitoring



Automatic
AST
op-
mode



eration

Press
AST
button,



AST
off
(disabled)



Rocking
the
car
tolight
comes
on



getout
of
snow
or
other
loose
surface
Driving
with
snow
chains

Press
AST
button
:



AST
monitoring



Automatic
AST
op-
light
goes
out



I
mode



eration

Light
flashes



AST
active
mode



I
Normal
AST
oper-
ation
as
it
controls
wheel
speed

Light
stays
on
af-



Defect
in
AST



Consult
BMW
ter
start
up
or



dealer
for
diagno-
comes
on
while



sis/repair
driving



(Vehicle
operation
remains
normal)

WARNING
-

Even
a
car
with
AST
is
subject
to
the
normal
physi-
cal
laws
.
Avoid
excessive
speeds
for
the
road
con-
ditions
encountered
.

CAUTION-
"
If
the
tires
on
the
carare
of
different
makes,
the
AST
system
may
over-react
.
Only
fit
tires
of
the
same
make
and
tread
pattem,

"In
adverse
conditions,
such
as
trying
to
rock
the
car
outof
deep
snow
or
another
soft
surface,
or
when
snow
chainsare
fitted,
it
is
advisable
to
switch
off
AST
and
allow
the
cars
driveline
to
op-
erate
conventionally
.

INTEGRATED
SYSTEMS

increased
power
output
and
road-handling
demands
.

The
steering
geometry
is
modified
by
changing
the
cast-

er/camber
angles
slightly
.
This
is
accomplishedby
reposition-

ing
the
upper
strut
mounting
holes
in
the
frontstrut
towers
and

through
different
front
and
rear
control
arms
.

M3
Brake
System
Improvements

"
Vented
directionalfront
rotors
:
315
mm
dia
.
x
28
mm
thick
.

"
Vented
directional
rear

rotors
:
312
mm
dia
.
x20
mm
thick
.

"
Larger
brake
pads
and
calipers
.

"
Modified
Teves
ABS
system
.

SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL



300-
7

M3
SUSPENSION
AND
BRAKES



NOTE-

M3
brake
rotors
are
directional,
having
a
different
part

TheE36
M3
was
introduced
in
late
1994
as
a
1995
model
.



number
for
each
side
.
Rotors
with
an
odd
part
number

The
design
of
the
M3
suspension,
steering
and
brakes
is
a



go
on
the
left
while
rotors
with
en
even
part
numbergo

modification
of
existing
E36
systems
which
accommodates



on
the
right
.

M3
Front
SuspensionImprovements

"
Reinforced
spring
plates,control
arms,
control
arm
bush-

ings,
steering
arms
.

"
Recalibrated
struts,
firmer
springs
.

"
Stiffer
stabilizerbar,
larger
stabilizer
bar
bushings
.

"
Front
stabilizer
linked
to
struts
.

M3
Wheels/Tires

"
Front
wheels
1992-1998
:.....
7
.5J
x
17
in
.
light
alloy

"
Rear
wheel
1992-1997
.......
7
.5J
x17
in
.
light
alloy

"
Rear
wheel
(option)
........
.8
.5
Jx17
in
.
light
alloy

"
Front
and
rear
tire

1992-1997
.............
.
.
.
...
...
235/40
x
17
in
.

"
Front
tire
1998
only
......
...
.
.
.
...
225/45
x
17
in
.

"
Rear
tire
1998
only
.......
.
.
.
...
...
245/40
x
17
in
.

CAUTION-

In
en
emergency,
an
M3
front
wheel/tire
assembly
may
be
mounted
on
the
rearaxle
.
However
a
rear
wheel/tire
assemblymust
not
be
mounted
on
the
front
axle
.

M3
RearSuspensionImprovements

"
Reinforced
trailing
arms
.

"
Recalibrated
shock
absorbers,
firmer
springs
.



SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING

TROUBLESHOOTING

Stable
handling
and
ride
comfort
both
depend
on
the
integ-

rity
of
the
suspension
and
steering
components
.
Any
symp-

tom
of
instability
or
imprecise
road
feel
may
be
caused
by

worn
or
damaged
suspension
components
.

When
troubleshooting
suspension
and
steering
problems,

also
consider
the
condition
of
tires,
wheels,
and
their
align-

ment
.
Tire
wear
and
incorrect
inflation
pressures
can
dramati-

cally
affect
handling
.
Subtie
irregularities
in
wheel
alignment

angles
also
affect
stabílity
.
Mixing
different
types
or
sizes
of

tires,
particularly
on
the
same
axle,
can
affect
alignment
and

may
unbalancea
car's
handling
.

Table
b
lists
the
symptoms
of
common
suspension
and

steering
problems
and
their
probable
causes,
and
suggests

corrective
actions
.
Bold
type
indicates
the
repair
groups

where
applicable
test
and
repair
procedures
can
befound
.

SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING
TROUBLESHOOTING

300-8



SUSPENSION,
STEERING
AND
BRAKES-GENERAL

Tableb
.
Suspension
and
Steering
Troubleshooting

Symptom



1



Probable
cause
Repairs
(Repair
Groups
shown
in
bold)

Car
pulís
to
one
side,
wanders



a
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



a
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
b
.
Incorrect
wheel
alignment



b
.
Check
and
adjust
wheel
alignment
.
320
c
.
Faulty
brakes
(pulls
only
when
braking)



I
c
.
Check
for
sticking/damaged
front
caliper
.
340

Steering
heavy,
poor
return-



a
.
Worn
upper
strut
bearing(s)



a
.
Replace
strut
bearings
.
310
to-center



b
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



b
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
c
.
Power
steering
system
faulty



c
.
Check
power
steering
fluid
level
.
Test
system
pressure
.
320

Front-end
or
rear-end
vibra-



a
.
Worn
strut
cartridgesor
shock
absorbers



a
.
Replace
strut
cartridges
.
310,
330
tion
or
shimmy



b
.
Worn
suspension
bushings
(control
arm
or
trail-



b
.
Replace
worn
bushings
.
310,
330
ing
arm)
c
.
Worn
front
suspension
ball
joints
(control
arm,



c
.
Replace
worn
ball
joints
.
310
steering
arm
orsteering
tie-rod
end)d
.
Unbalanced
or
bent
wheels/tires



d
.
Balance
tires
.
Check
tiresfor
uneven
wear
pat-
terns
.
Check
wheels
for
damage
.
e
.
Loose
wheel
lug
boits



e
.
Tighten
lug
boits
to
proper
torque
.

Poor
stability,
repeated
bounc-
I
a
.
Worn
strut
cartridgesor
shock
absorbers



I
a
.
Replace
strut
cartridges
.
310,
330
ing
after
bumps,
suspension
bottoms
outeasily

Suspension
noise
(especially



a
.
Worn
front
upper
strut
bearings



a
.
Replaceupper
strut
bearings
.
310
over
bumps)



b
.
Loose
front
strut
cartridge



b
.
Check/tighten
strut
cartridge
collar
nut
.
310
c
.
Worn
suspensionbushings
(control
arm
or
trail-



c
.
Replace
worn
bushings
.
310,
330
ing
arm)d
.
Worn
stabilizer
bar
rubber
mounts



d
.
Replace
stabilizer
bar
rubber
mounts
.
310,
330
e
.
Loose
suspension
crossmember



e
.
Check
crossmember
for
damage
.
Tighten
mounting
boits
.

Uneven
ride
height



a
.
Incorrect
coil
springs



a
.
Measure
ride
height
and
replacesprings
as
re-
quired
.
310,
330
b
.
Bent
or
damaged
suspension
components



b
.
Inspect,
repair/replace
asnecessary
.
310,
330
c
.
Sagging
coil
springs



c
.
Measure
ride
height
and
replace
springs
as
re-
quired
.
310,
330

Wheel
noise,
continuous



I
a
.
Worn
wheel
bearing



I
a
.
Replacewheel
bearing
.
310,
330
growling,
may
be
more
notíce-
able
when
turning

Steering
loose,
imprecise



a
.
Incorrect
tire
pressure



a
.
Check
and
correct
tire
pressures
.
020
-



b
.
Loose
steering
gearmounting
bolt(s)



b
.
Inspect
and
tighten
boits
.
320
c
.
Worn
tie
rodend(s)



c
.
Replace
tie
rod(s)
and
align
wheels
.
320
d
.
Faulty
front
wheel
bearing



d
.
Replace
wheel
bearing
.
310
e
.
Worn
or
damaged
steering
gear



e
.
Adjust
or
replace
steering
gear
.
320
f
.
Worn
tires



f
.
Replace
tires
.
010

SUSPENSION
AND
STEERING
TROUBLESHOOTING

320-
6



STEERING
AND
WHEEL
ALIGNMENT

Front
Toe-in
andToe
Difference
Angle



Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

Toe-in
is
the
difference
in
the
distance
between
the
front
of



Alignment
specificationsfor
the
E36
are
listed
in
Table
a

the
front
wheels
and
the
rear
of
the
front
wheels
.
It
is
adjusted



and
Table
b
.
The
specifications
only
apply
under
the
following

by
altering
the
length
of
the
outer
tie
rods
.



conditions
:

Toe-in
adjustments
should
only
be
made
on
alignment
equipment
with
the
car
in
normalloaded
position
as
described

below
under
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications
.

Toe
difference
angledetermines
the
progressively
different

pathstaken
by
the
front
wheelsas
the
car
is
turning
.
It
is
fixed
by
the
steering
gear,
but
depends
on
accurate
setting
of
the
toe-in
.

Rear
Toe-in

There
is
no
provision
for
routinerear
wheel
toe-in
adjust-

ment
.
If
any
alignment
angles
deviate
from
specifications,
carefully
inspect
the
rear
trailing
arms,
rear
suspension
sub-
frame
and
al¡
associated
bushings
and
flexible
mounts
for
wear
or
damage
.
After
replacing
any
parts
that
appear
worn
or
damaged,
re-check
thetoe
measurements
.

WHEEL
ALIGNMENT

Table
a
.
Front
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

"
Correct
wheels
and
tires
are
installed,
in
good
condition,
and
are
at
the
correct
inflation
pressures
.

"
Al¡
steering
and
suspension
parts
and
bushings
areun-

damaged
and
show
no
signs
of
abnormal
wear
.

"
Wheel
bearings
are
in
good
condition
.

"
Ride
height
is
in
accordance
with
specifications
.

See
310
Front
Suspension
and330
Rear
suspension
.

"
Car
isin
normal
loaded
position
.

Normal
loaded
position

"
Each
front
seat
.....:.............
68
Kg
(150
lb)

"
Rear
seat
(center)
................
68
Kg
(150
lb)

"
Trunk
.
.
.
..
.......................
21
Kg
(46
lb)

"
Fueltank
.
........................
...
.
..
..
full

3181325
Model



3181325



sport



M3
3
.0
liter



M3
3
.2
liter
suspension

Toe
angle
(total)



0°
18'±8'



0°
18'±8'



0°
10'
±5'



0°
10't5'

Camber

To
1995



-0°
40'±30'



-0°
58'±
30'



-0°55'±30'



-

1995
on



-0°
30'
±30'



-0°
51'±30'



-0°55'±30'



-0°
46'±30'

Caster

10°
wheel
lock



3°
41'±30'



3°
50'±30'



6°
38'±30'



9°
35'±30'

20°
wheel
lock



3°
52'±30'



3°
57'
t30'



6°
52'±30'



7°
50'±30'

Front
Wheel
Displacement



0°
t15'



0°t15'



0°
±15



0°
±15'

Table
b
.
Rear
Wheel
Alignment
Specifications

3181325
Model



3181325



sport



M3
3
.0
liter



M3
3
.2
liter
suspension

Toe
angle
(total)



0°
24't6'



0°
24'±6'



0'30'
.-t6'



0°
30't6'

Camber



-l'
40'
t15'



-2°
0'
t15'



-1
°
45'
t10'



-1'45'±10'

Maximum
allowabledeviation
between
sides



0°
±3'



0°
±3'



0°
t3'



0°
t3'