BMW 3 1992 User Manual

Non-returnable Parts
FUNDAMENTALS
FOR THE DO-ITYOURSELF OWNER 010- 7
Many independent repair shops make a point of using genu-

Original body paneis and other large components are
identi-
ine BMW parts, even though they may at times be more expen-

fied by a label bearing the
VIN
and two
BMW roundel logos . Re-
sive . They know the value of doing the job right with the right

placement
parts have a similar label, bearing one BMW roundel
parts . Parts from other sources can be as good,
particularly
if

logo and the letters DOT-R . See Fig . 6 . Parts or assemblies
manufactured by one of BMWs original
equipment suppliers,

bearing the label are the engine, transmission, front and rear
but it is often difficult to know .

bumpers, front fenders, rear quarter paneis, hood, trunk lid and
doors . These labels should not be removed as
they will tear
BMW is constantly updating and improving their cars, often

apart .
making improvements during a given model year . BMW may
recommend a newer, improved part as a replacement, and
your authorized dealer's parts department will know about
it
and provide it . The BMW parts organization is
best equipped to
deal with any BMW parts needs .
Some parts cannot be returned for credit, even if they arethe
wrong parts for the car . The best example is
electrical parts,
which are almost universally
considered non-returnable be-

, ..
cause they are so easily
damaged internally .
Buy electrícal
parts carefully, and be as sure as possible that
P-
DOT~ R
a replacement is
needed, especially for expensive parts such
as electronic
control units . It may be wise to let an
authorized

B328FUN
BMW dealer or other qualified shop confirm your
diagnosisbe-
fore replacing an expensive part that cannot
be retuned .

Fig .
6 .

Labels used to identiy parts . Original equipment label
with
VIN number and roundel logos (top)
and replacement part la-
bel with one roundel logos
Information You
Need to Know
Engine . 3-Series cars covered in this manual
are powered
Model . When
ordering parts it is important that you know
the

by either a 4- or 6-cylinder engine .
For information - on engine
correct model
designation for your car . Models covered
in this

codes and engine applications,
see100 Engine-General .
manual
are E36 3 Series in both 4- and
6-cylinder configura-
tions .

Transmission
. The transmission type with its
identifying
code
may
be
important when buying clutch parts, seals, gas
Moda¡ Year . This is not necessarily
the same as date of

kets, and
other transmission-related parts . For
information on
manufacture or date of sale .
A 1997 model may have been

transmission codes and applications, see 200
Transmission
manufactured in late
1996, and perhaps not sold until
early

General .
1997 . It is
still a 1997 model . Model years covered
by this man-
ual are
1992 to 1998 .
SERVICE
Date of Manufacture . This
information is helpful when or-
dering replacement parts or
determining if any of the warranty

BMW
dealers are uniquely
qualified to provide service for
recalls are applicable to your
car . The label on the driver's door

BMW
cars . Their authorized
relationship with the large BMW
below the door latch
will specify the month and year that
the car

service organization means
that they are constantly receiving
was built .

new tools and
equipment, together with the latest and
most ac-
curate
repair information .
Vehicle
Identification Number (VIN) . This
is a combination
of letters
and numbers that identify the
particular car . TheVIN
appears on the state
registration document, and on the
car it-
self . One location
is in the rear of the engine compartment,
en-
other in the lower
left comer of the windshield .
The
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHT-
SA) requires passenger cars
with a high theft rate to
have the
VINmarked on specific
parts of thecar when manufactured
. On
BMW cars, these
parts are identified by an adhesive
label .
)WBADK00000000
0 000 0
The BMW dealers service technicians
are highlytrained and
very capable . Unfke
most independent repair shops,
autho-
rized BMW
dealers are intensely committed
to supporting the
BMW product . They share the
owners interest in BMW value,
performance, and reliability . On
the other hand, there are many
independent shops that
specialize in BMW service
and are ca-
pable of doing
high quality repair work .
Checking with other
BMW
owners for recommendations on
service facilities is a
good way to leam of reputable BMW
shops in your area .
SERVICE

BMW 3 1992 Specifications

General

Brand	BMW
Model	3 1992
Category	Automobile
Language	English