BMW E36 Forum

I was shopping for front struts for my 1995 325i vert and discovered why I have so much confusion at times ordering things...chipped key, non-chip key, etc...I think I understand the 3 series was one that BMW did not actually roll out a 1996 year model on several series because they were not ready to be OBDII compliant...so they extended the 1995 year models of these and rolled out the 1997's all OBDII compliant. My e36 was produced 10/95, which kind of 'blew my mind' since typically by that late in the year, everyone is making the 'next' year model. I originally thought maybe BMW was actually hung up on an actual calender. Maybe not. Anyone else familiar with this?
My first problem was buying a key for my 325i, and having them tell me my key had a programmable chip in it...yet everything including my owners manual indicated it did not. My lock smith cut me one to prove it to me (without chip) and it unlocks doors, trunk and glove box...will even turn the ignition but will NOT start the car. Oh well...everyday I learn something is a good day.
Now I am curious as to if I can actually do the remote bit?? Anyone have any idea? Thanks for reading my ramble. Jim

Hi...I have a '96 328ci and it has a chip key, even though owners manual doesn't mention it; it also does have the OBD port under the driver's dash, was told this was the first year they came out with it (or had to come out with it); I believe that was a US gov regulation that all cars made in 96 has to have it.

Thank you. I am trying to get a backup master key and having fun with that...no chip blank exists per locksmiths and websites for a 1995 BMW...I haven't checked dealer yet (probably $300). I definitely wanted to make sure I didn't get caught in a "catch 22" and get the wrong ones. According to one BMW history site I got when I googled the OBDII datas, your 1996 doesn't exist outside of europe as BMW continued to produse the 1995 since they were not ready to do the OBD2 installation of changes needed for it. I guess even with BMW can suffer 'misinformation. Again, thank you for your information. Jim

Thanks Jim for the info., actually I've been kinda wondering about my 96 vert., let me ask...does your 95 display Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F) on the AC/Heater control board? Mine has Celsius and since this is my first E36, I wondered if they all had Celsius or if mine was a European model...like I said it does have the OBD under the dash. Thanks. Oh, and I looked into an extra key with a chip and several locksmiths told me "Stealership" only @ a cost of around $300.

There should be a setting where you can switch between C or F...same as KM versus Miles...thankfully I have an operator's manual which told me that...still I kind of 'stumbled' on it...I would be totally lost with celcius

hi i live in south africa and my '95 e36 325i has a chipped key and obd plug underneath the hood.so is this car obd1 or 2 cause i have tried the paddle-trick on it without any luck.

1995 should be OBDI , 1996 was when everyone supposedly when OBDII. The round one under the hood takes a special (and I understand expensive) BMW reader. I recently found an adapter for the round plug on my 1995 BMW 325i to OBD and was ecstatic when my OBDII reader would work with it. If You have the plug beneath the dash it should be OBDII on BMW...BUT there was a transistion where some seem to have a access cover for the plug, but no plug. I have heard of this in both late 1995s and a few early 1996s?????
Wow....I sure wasn't any help.....jim