Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Brand Philosophy:
Driving Dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine')
Primary Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20
Chassis Design:
Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced weight distribution (near 50/50)
Engine Availability:
Known for its smooth inline-six engines, particularly the M50 and M52 series.
Handling Characteristics:
Renowned for sporty handling, precise steering, and communicative chassis
Target Audience:
BMW owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts
Benefit To Owner:
Enables informed maintenance, accurate diagnosis, and efficient repair, potentially saving significant costs.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management (DME), turbocharging (if applicable to specific variants not explicitly excluded), diagnosis
Transmission:
Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes (front and rear), parking brake, brake fluid
Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arm), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, subframes, wheel bearings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostics, body control modules (BCM)
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning (A/C), heater core, blower motor, climate control module
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis components, structural analysis
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, passive safety systems
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), belt inspections and replacement, battery maintenance
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagram interpretation
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair/replacement, bodywork repairs, interior component repair
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II in later models), sensor testing, actuator testing, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) diagnostics
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools Required:
Mentions use of BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, INPA) and general automotive scan tools where applicable
Technical Drawings:
Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and illustrations of components and systems
Engine Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended)
ECU:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-pack arrangement
Emission Systems:
Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (on some early models), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) on some markets
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-speed automatic transmission (Steptronic on later models)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) available as an option or on specific models (e.g., M Sport)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent
NHTSA Crash Test Results:
Results vary by year and test, but generally performed well for its era. Specific data would need to be cross-referenced with official NHTSA archives for exact model year.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear, pretensioners for front seats
Crumple Zones:
Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on later models
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) system if equipped.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, using BMW-approved coolant.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, consult manual for specific type and gap.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil, meeting BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank failure, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks
Vanos System:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoid issues leading to rough idle or loss of power
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear subframe bushings, strut mounts wear
Electrical:
Alternator failure, ABS sensor failure, window regulator failure, headlight leveling system issues
Interior:
Headliner sagging, pixelated instrument cluster displays (dead pixels)
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket
Brand Focus:
BMW AG, a German manufacturer renowned for luxury and performance vehicles.
E36 Introduction:
The E36 3 Series was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year in Europe and 1991 in North America, replacing the E30 3 Series.
328 Introduction:
The 328i model, powered by the M52 engine, was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in North America, replacing the 325i.
Production Period:
1992-1998 for the 328 variants covered by this manual.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily produced in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly occurring in other international locations.
