* 5-speed manual: This was the standard transmission.
* 4-speed automatic: This was an optional transmission.
To know which transmission is in your specific 1996 BMW 318i, you can:
* Check the VIN: The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) can be used to decode the vehicle specifications, including the transmission type.
* Look at the gear selector: If it has a "P" (Park), "R" (Reverse), "N" (Neutral), "D" (Drive), and "3" (3rd gear), then it's the automatic transmission. If it has "R" (Reverse), "N" (Neutral), "1", "2", "3", "4", and "5", then it's the manual transmission.
* Check your owner's manual: If you still have the original owner's manual, it should list the transmission type.
Let me know if you have any more questions about your 1996 BMW 318i!
