Recomended Service Manual

[jac_buffalo]

I was wondering if anyone could recomend a good service manual that covers the ti. In particular, I'm looking for one that has good diagrams on how to take off the door panels (Yeah, I've got the window track problem). But I figured I probably will need this manual for other things as well, so if anyone has a recomendation I'd appreciate it.

[ZeroG]

Originally Posted by jac_buffalo

I was wondering if anyone could recomend a good service manual that covers the ti. In particular, I'm looking for one that has good diagrams on how to take off the door panels (Yeah, I've got the window track problem). But I figured I probably will need this manual for other things as well, so if anyone has a recomendation I'd appreciate it.

I don't know if they have one specific for the "TI" or not but I have one for my 318IS and it is great. Let me know if there is a specific one for the "TI"

As far as getting information on how to's you are in one of the best places.

-Chad

[1996 328ti]

There are no specific ti manuals.
The 3-series manual by Bentley Publishing seems to be the best.
You can always supplement it with the Z3 manual for suspension service I suppose.

[mickd]

The factory Bentley manuals are probably the best, but I have used the Haynes manual on a ground-up restoration and they are great. From a practical aspect, they go step by step on a complete disassembly and reassembly on all major parts of the car, with pictures. There is a Haynes manual for the E36 92-98 including the Z3, the number is 18021. I believe it does reference the ti, from what I had found searching the internet.

[robcarync]

http://www.ohiomotorcycle.com/understeer/window.shtml

has the window fix and how to remove the door panel.

in my experience...ive been able to find most of everything i wanted to know online or in the forums...and from what ive heard...the bentley manual is the best though ive never actually seen one. i may be buying one soon though.

[mickd]

I've had the door panel off numerous times to fix the window problem, getting the door panel off is a piece of cake, 2 screws, 1 under the mirror control and the other by the armrest, 1 is a torx and other a phillips. Then just pop the pins along the door perimeter. I would suggest using silicone spray to lubricate the tracks, haven't had a problem since I did this. Make sure the track at the rear door edge is in alignment with the glass and the rubber guide hasn't come loose from the metal channel. It's best to replace the nylon sliders, once the ball sockets pull out they don't seem to hold as well as new.

[mharrigan]

The Chilton manual is pretty non-specific, but I didn't know when I bought it. So far it has assisted me in removing the wiper motor (real hard!) and fixing the drivers door window when it came off the channel. You sort of have to read between the lines to decide what applies to 318ti models since they are slightly different from other BMWs of same vintage. Also got the radio out and replaced using the manual. It DOES have some sections that refer specifically to the 318ti, so for the price I would recommend it.

Mike Harrigan