🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Model Variant:

328

Year:

1996

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M52B28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional automotive workshops seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the E36 generation 3 Series.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Acura TL.

Handling:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, and engaging driving dynamics, setting a benchmark for sport sedans.

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful M52 inline-six engine, offering a refined driving experience and strong performance.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality with durable materials and a focus on driver ergonomics and a premium feel.

📋 Manual Details

Engine:

Yes

Transmission:

Yes

Drivetrain:

Yes

Suspension:

Yes

Brakes:

Yes

Steering:

Yes

Electrical System:

Yes

Body And Chassis:

Yes

Heating And Air Conditioning:

Yes

Interior:

Yes

Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:

Yes

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Management:

Detailed coverage of DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensors, actuators, ignition system, fuel injection, and emissions control.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, and cooling fan operation.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust pipes, and oxygen sensors.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulator.

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gear selection mechanism, internal components, and maintenance procedures for the Getrag S5D 250G 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Operation of the ZF 5HP18 5-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic control, torque converter, and electronic control unit (EGS).

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Differential, driveshafts, CV joints, and rear axle assembly.

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, ball joints, sway bar, and wheel bearings.

Suspension Rear:

Multi-link rear suspension, trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, and wheel bearings.

Brakes Hydraulic:

Brake master cylinder, brake lines, brake fluid, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components, and brake booster.

Brakes Friction:

Front and rear brake calipers, brake pads, brake rotors, and parking brake system.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column.

Body Electrical:

Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, power locks, mirrors, and central locking system.

Instrument Cluster:

Speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, warning lights, and onboard computer (OBC) functions.

Audio System:

Factory radio, speakers, antenna, and wiring.

HVAC System:

Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate controls, and refrigerant system.

Chassis Electrical:

Alternator, starter motor, battery, fuses, relays, and wiring harnesses.

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, and general inspection procedures.

Engine Repair:

Engine removal and installation, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing replacement, camshaft and timing chain service, and valve train adjustments.

Transmission Repair:

Transmission fluid and filter changes (automatic), clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement, transmission overhaul and rebuilding procedures for both manual and automatic transmissions.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Shock absorber and strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, power steering pump and rack replacement, and wheel alignment specifications.

Brake System Repair:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake line replacement, master cylinder replacement, ABS system diagnostics and repair, and bleeding procedures.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting wiring diagrams, component testing using multimeters and oscilloscopes, diagnosing sensor faults, ABS warning light diagnosis, and DME fault code interpretation.

Body And Interior Repair:

Door panel removal, seat removal, dashboard disassembly, body panel repair and replacement, and trim piece installation.

HVAC Service:

Refrigerant charging, leak detection, compressor replacement, evaporator and condenser service, and blower motor replacement.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, starting problems, charging system faults, and HVAC malfunctions.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine, transmission, and chassis overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications for professional technicians.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear printing of all diagrams, schematics, and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Text Search:

Yes, fully text-searchable for quick access to specific topics.

Navigability:

Includes a table of contents and often internal hyperlinks for easy navigation within sections.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M52B28

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 24 valves

Displacement:

2.8 liters (2793 cc)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5500 rpm (U.S. Spec)

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (U.S. Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) - Bosch Motronic M5.2

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Cooling Type:

Liquid-Cooled

Oil Capacity:

6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag S5D 250G 5-Speed Manual

Type:

ZF 5HP18 5-Speed Automatic

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent synthetic manual transmission fluid)

Automatic Fluid Type:

ZF LifeguardFluid5 (or equivalent ATF specified for ZF 5HP18)

Rear Differential Fluid Type:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

57.4 inches (1458 mm)

Rear Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

3373 lbs (1530 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3404 lbs (1544 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4586 lbs (2080 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Wheel Offset:

ET47

Tire Size Front:

205/60R15 (standard), 225/50R16 (optional)

Tire Size Rear:

205/60R15 (standard), 225/50R16 (optional)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Stars

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners

Chassis Construction:

Reinforced steel unibody construction with crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard BMW Business CD or C43 stereo with AM/FM radio, cassette player, and CD compatibility. Optional premium sound systems available.

Display:

Basic LCD display for radio information and OBC readouts. No integrated navigation or large color screens common in modern vehicles.

ABS:

Standard ABS provides improved braking stability.

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T offers a rudimentary form of stability control and traction management.

Connectivity Options:

Limited to basic audio inputs. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity available from the factory. Some models may have provisions for aftermarket phone integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically using synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 to 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for long-life plugs (check specific plug type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 to 60,000 miles or every 2-4 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG/SH or ACEA A2/A3, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4

Cooling System Failure:

Plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, thermostat housing, water pump impeller) are prone to cracking or failure over time, leading to leaks and overheating. Regular inspection and proactive replacement are recommended.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket can degrade and leak oil due to age and heat. These are common maintenance items.

Subframe Mounts:

Rear subframe mounting points can crack or fatigue on the chassis, leading to clunking noises and compromised handling. This is a known structural issue requiring specialized repair.

ABS Sensor Failure:

ABS wheel speed sensors can fail due to age, heat, or corrosion, leading to ABS and traction control warning lights.

Heater Core Leaks:

Heater core located behind the dashboard can develop leaks, resulting in a sweet smell inside the cabin and coolant loss.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for building high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure and engineering excellence.

Generation:

E36 generation, produced from 1990 to 1999. The 328i replaced the 325i in the lineup for the 1996 model year in the U.S. market.

Engine Upgrade:

Introduction of the M52 engine, an evolution of the M50 engine, featuring a larger displacement and improved efficiency and torque.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly also occurring in other global locations.

Sales Performance:

The E36 3 Series was a highly successful model for BMW, solidifying its position in the compact executive segment and contributing significantly to the brand's global growth.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series, including variants like the 325i and M3, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list for its exceptional driving dynamics and performance throughout its production run.

Motor Trend Import Car Of The Year:

While not specifically for the '96 328i, the E36 generation was highly regarded by automotive publications for its engineering and sport-sedan capabilities.