Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Competitors 1999:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS300, Acura TL
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for sporty handling, rear-wheel-drive bias, and balanced chassis
Engine Performance:
Smooth, powerful inline-six engine
Build Quality:
Excellent German engineering and materials
Engine Coverage:
M52B28 engine
Transmission Coverage:
Getrag 420G manual transmission, ZF 5HP18/5HP19 automatic transmission
Electrical System Coverage:
Complete wiring diagrams, diagnostics, component locations
Body And Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, steering, brakes, body panels, interior trim
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF)
Engine:
Detailed overhaul, component replacement, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures
Suspension And Steering:
Shock absorbers, struts, control arms, ball joints, tie rods, power steering system
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, ECU diagnostics, sensor testing
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, blower motor, refrigerant charging, troubleshooting
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold, O2 sensors
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common symptom analysis, DTC explanations
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, sensor testing, component voltage checks
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics
Transmission Type Std:
Getrag 420G 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
ZF 5HP18 5-speed Automatic Transmission (with Steptronic on some models)
Rear Axle Ratio:
3.07:1 (Manual), 3.46:1 (Automatic - typically)
Manual Trans Fluid:
BMW Synchromesh Oil or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X)
Automatic Trans Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LT 71141) or Dexron III/Mercon
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
4/5 Stars (1999 Model Year)
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
4/5 Stars (1999 Model Year)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or BMW Professional RDS cassette/CD player
Speakers:
Up to 10 speaker Hi-Fi system available
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (MKII or MKIII unit)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Phone:
Optional integrated car phone or Bluetooth preparation on later models
Oil Change Interval:
Approximately every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12-15,000 km (depending on driving conditions and oil used; check oil level indicator via OBC)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for standard plugs, potentially longer for iridium plugs if fitted.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (50,000 km)
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 specification synthetic oil (e.g., Castrol Edge 5W-40 or 0W-40, Mobil 1 0W-40)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or Pentosin CHF 11S (depending on exact system)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank, water pump, and thermostat housing prone to cracking; fan clutch failure.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket (O-rings) are common leak points.
Suspension:
Subframe bushings, control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC sensor failures, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids/seals, heater core leaks.
Interior:
Headliner sagging, pixelation on the instrument cluster OBC display.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German company with a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles, particularly known for its sophisticated engineering and driving dynamics.
E36 Generation:
The 328i is part of the E36 generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1990 to 2000. It succeeded the E30 and was known for its improved chassis, multi-link rear suspension, and more refined interior.
328I Introduction:
The 328i variant was introduced in 1996, replacing the 325i as the top-tier inline-six model for the US market, featuring the larger M52B28 engine.
Production Years E36:
1990-2000 (sedan, coupe, convertible, touring); 1993-1999 (compact/hatchback)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Munich, Germany; also produced in Dingolfing, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.
