Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Timing Belt (inspect) |
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1995 325I - E36.
The 1995 BMW 325i represents the E36 platform at its mid-cycle peak—a refined yet driver-focused passenger car that balanced sportiness with everyday usability. Under the hood, its inline-six engine and 7.0-quart oil capacity underscored BMW’s commitment to durability, while the available 15W-40, 10W-40, or 10W-30 viscosities reflected the era’s engineering standards. Though EPA ratings of 18 city and 26 highway mpg were modest by later benchmarks, this model year stands as one of the more dependable entries in the E36 lineage, with just 71 owner complaints and six recalls—primarily centered on airbag systems—suggesting a relatively stable build quality for its time.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 92 · 575 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11421730389. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421730389 |
| Engine air filter | 13721730449 |
| Fuel filter | 13321740985 |
| Spark plug | 12129064619 alt 12129064617 |
| Battery | 61218381724 |
| Front wiper blades | 61618353289 alt 61611387678 |
| Serpentine belt | 11281703943 alt 11287636378 |
| Thermostat | 11537511580 alt 11531265084 |
| Cabin air filter | 64119069895 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic 4-spd |
| Overall length | 174.4 in |
| Overall width | 67.3 in |
| Overall height | 53.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 in |
| Curb weight | 3351 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 55.5 / 55.5 in |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 18 / 26 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 7.0 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, GL-5 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 17mm: 22.0-26.0, 19mm: 43.0-45.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 3.6 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 7.0 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | 85 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 17mm: 22.0-26.0, 19mm: 43.0-45.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | 145.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.76-2.26 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Capacity | 4.05-5.10 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 92 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 575 cca |
| Optional BCI Group Number | 92 |
| Optional BCI Cranking Performance | 650 cca |
| Pressure Test | 28-32 psi |
| Radiator Cap Pressure Relief | 28-32 psi |
| Thermostat Opening Temperature | 190 °F |
| Engine Compression | 156 |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 7.25 at idle, 58.0 regulated. psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 18-22 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 81 ft-lbs / 49 ft-lbs |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| Brake Application | WITH SOLID ROTOR / WITH VENTED ROTOR |
| Rotor Minimum Machining | 0.031 in |
| Rotor Discard at or Under | 0.409 in / 0.331 in / 0.803 in / 0.685 in |
| Rotor Finish | 0.5 - 3.5 μin |
| 1 | 14 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 14 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 14-18 ft. lbs., Step 2: 50 | 14–18 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 50,000 mi | Timing Belt (inspect) |
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Owner complaints about the 1995 BMW 325I - E36 top in one area — the air bags, 11 of 71 reports (15%), well ahead of the next concern. None of this vehicle's 2 recall campaigns target the air bags, so those reports read as owner-reported wear-and-tear rather than an acknowledged defect. 13 of the reports describe a crash and 0 a fire — a small share of the total, but worth weighing against the air bags pattern above. These are tallies of what owners actually reported to the federal government, not an editorial score — and higher-selling models naturally rack up more reports.
All 71 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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 ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE…
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM… Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
Showing 5 of 31 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B510819 | 2024-01-16 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. |
| SIB270212 | 2012-12-01 | Power Train | BMW: DSC WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THE WARNING LAMPS FOR DSC, ABS AND BRAKE WARNING… |
| SIB-61-37-12 | 2012-12-01 | Electrical System | BMW: THE HIGH-VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERY CELLS COULD BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS PREVENTED… |
| SIB122512 | 2012-12-01 | Engine | BMW: VEHICLE DOES NOT START: LOOSE GROUND Z6000 *4B. COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW… |
| B63-03-12 | 2012-04-01 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR LIGHT IN THE SIDE PANEL HAS CONDENSATION CONCERNING VEHICLES… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
7.0 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 26 highway / 20 combined mpg.