Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series sedan
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: BMW E36 3-Series sedan
- In February 1992, a recall was issued for certain 318i, 320i and 325i E36 3-Series vehicles due to possible chafing of the power lead insulation as it passed through the firewall – this could create a fire hazard (PRA 1992/1528).
- In July 1996, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a fault in the brake light switch which could result in the brake lights not cancelling after the vehicle has stopped braking, or not illuminating at all (PRA 1996/2870).
- In November 1996, a recall was issued for 1995 BMW 318i Signature Edition (or SE) vehicles due to a terminal at the fuse link potentially coming loose on the battery cable, causing the engine to stall or the electrical system to fail (PRA 1996/2994).
- In November 1998, a recall was issued for certain BMW E36 vehicles due to a defective radiator cap (PRA 1998/3726).
Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series sedan
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
E36 323i and 328i: M52 VANOS failure
Forthe M52 and M52TU engines, the VANOS units may fail due to deterioration of the VANOS piston seal O-ring which is made from Buna (a material with limited temperature resistance). Over time, the O-ring hardens and shrinks, causing it to lose its functional characteristics – this can cause symptoms such as a loss of power below 3000 rpm, surging around 3000 rpm, a louder idle and rough running.
The piston O-ring lies under and provides support to a Teflon piston seal ring. Replacing the O-ring requires the Teflon seal to be removed for access. Since the Teflon seal cannot be removed from the piston seal groove without damaging it, the Teflon and O-ring seals must be replaced simultaneously. For greater longevity, the Buna O-ring can be replaced with an O-ring made from Viton.
For the M52TU engine, the VANOS units had two piston seals with O-rings, while each piston had two O-ring sizes to provide hydraulic sealing in two VANOS cylinders of different sizes and an additional, smaller O-ring that was used to seal off a piston bearing. It is understood that the O-ring for this cap was also made from Buna and deteriorated in the same manner as the piston seal O-rings.
E36 320i and 325i: M50 overheating, ticking and timing chains
- Overheating may be caused by a defective water pump or thermostat –
- For the water pump, the plastic impellor can become brittle and crack. To prevent this, a water pump with a metal impellor can be installed. For later pumps, BMW used a higher-grade plastic; and,
- The plastic thermostat housing can become brittle and crack. aluminium thermostat housings are available as a replacement.
- The hydraulic lifters can wear out, producing noisy and inefficient valvetrain operation. This can be detected by a ‘ticking’ noise from the engine.
- On high mileage engines, the timing chain can stretch, causing poor running and a ‘clagging’ noise. Replacement of the timing chain tensioner may fix this issue and alleviate the noise.
Problems and faults: BMW E36 3-Series sedan
- The automatic transmission may be slow to engage gears after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter.
- The hazard lights may start flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board.
- If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective; alternatively, the boot lock may need to be adjusted.
- For models with 2.5- and 2.8-litre engines, the variable valve timing system (VANOS) may jam, causing a rough idle and the ‘check engine’ light to illuminate.
- The starter motor may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts and eventually burns out – this can occur due to a sticking ignition switch. To fix, the whole lock and switch must be replaced.
