1996 BMW M3 service and repair manual — a detailed, factory-style reference for maintenance, diagnostics, and repair. Use it to confirm correct procedures, specifications, and system coverage before you start work.
Designed for technicians and DIY owners, this manual helps you troubleshoot accurately, follow step-by-step repair procedures, and reference wiring diagrams and system sections quickly while you work.
What’s included
- Step-by-step repair procedures and service information
- Specifications and reference data (where provided)
- Wiring diagrams and electrical sections
- Powertrain, brakes, steering, suspension, HVAC and more
Trims covered
- Base Coupe 2-Door
Engines covered
- 3.2L 3152CC l6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Index / Table of contents
- Body
- Brakes
- Chassis Electrical
- Driveline
- Engine Cooling
- Engine Electrical
- Engine Mechanical
- Engine Performance & Emission Controls
- Fuel System
- General Information & Identification
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Systems
- Steering
- Suspension
- Transmission, Clutch, & Transfer Case
- Wiring Diagrams
THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVI
THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT N
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTIN
Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-
BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM
BMW: THERMOSTAT HOUSING INSPECTION. THE RETAINING SPRINGS OF THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING QUICK RELEASE COUPLINGS FOR THE COOLANT HOSES MAY NOT BE LOCKED CORRECTLY. THIS SITUATION MAY RESULT IN A COOLANT LEAK. MODELS AFFECTED ARE M3 SEDAN (E90),
CUSTOMER MAY COMPLAIN OF ENGINE RUNNING ROUGH ON COLD START. *TT
SUBJECT ON VOLUNTARY EXHAUST EMISSION SERVICE ACTION NO. 98E-A01. *YC *JN
SUBJECT ON VOLUNTARY EXHAUST EMISSION SERVICE ACTION NO. 98E-A01. PRODUCED FROM 10/95 - 11/97 *YC*DB
INFORMATION ON EVAPORATIVE EMISSION CONTROL AND FUEL FILLER CAP / FILLER DOOR LABELS. *YC
SUBJECT PERTAINING TO MICHELIN PILOT SX MXX3 TIRES IN 235/40 ZR 17 AND 225/45 ZR 17 SIZES. *YC
Showing the 8 most recent of 9 technical service bulletins on file with NHTSA.
I OWN A 1996 BMW M3. FOUR TIMES SINCE IT WAS NEW THE FUEL GAUGE HAS FAILED, AND EACH TIME FUEL SENDERS WERE REPLACED TO GET IT WORKING AGAIN. AS YOU'LL SEE, THE PROBLEM IS WIDESPREAD AMONG BMWS, BUT O
