Interior

For the first time in the 3 Series (325is), a mechanically adjustable steering wheel is incorporated. The wheel adjusts vertically over a range of 1.34 in. (34 mm).

Standard leather upholstery is featured in the 325is. Adding greater luxury and distinction from the sedan model, leather is also used for the 325is manual gear shift knob, parking brake grip and parking brake boot.

A center arm rest located between the front seats on the 325is (optional on 318is model) is wide enough to provide a resting place for the driver's and front passenger's arms. The arm rest can be folded up out of the way when not in use.

The rear seatback is split in two halves that fold down individually to provide seating for two passengers, one passenger and extra cargo, or maximum cargo space. This is the first time such an arrangement has been offered in a BMW in North America.


To release the new seat backrests the recessed grip located on the top of each backrest must be pushed down then, forward. When folding the backrests up, the locks must engage and the safety belts must function properly. In the locked position the red latch button will be flush with the plastic trim cover.

The all - mechanical (not pyrotechnic) automatic front safety belt tensioning system as introduced on the E36 4 door sedan model is used on the E36 coupe as well, for improved restraint in a frontal collision. See BMW Technical Reference Information number 00 01 91 (2113) for further technical details on this system.

The 318is includes the BMW anti-theft AM/FM stereo radio/cassette CD ready audio system with six speakers; the 325is features the BMW 10 speaker sound system with power amplifier and custom-contoured equalizer. Both models incorporate the amplified rear window antenna system as standard equipment.

Other features included on the E36 coupe depending on model/option package are:

- Multi Information Display (MID) with check control vehicle monitor system

- On-Board Computer BC V

- Alarm and CD Factory Pre-wiring