🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Model Variant:

328

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Positioning Statement:

The BMW 3 Series (E36) represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car lineup, balancing sporty driving dynamics with premium refinement and technology.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES, Acura Integra/Vigor

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging handling characteristics.

Powertrain:

Utilized BMW's smooth and powerful inline-six engines, emphasizing performance and refinement.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality with a focus on durable materials and precise assembly.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (specific count not provided in product info, but described as 'hundreds of pages')

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical (M50B28), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine management (DME)

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmission (Getrag 250G, ZF 4HP22/GA4HP24)

Drivetrain:

Clutch, drive shafts, differential, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid system

Electrical:

12V battery system, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, engine control unit (ECU), dashboard instruments

Body And Chassis:

Body structure, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, chassis components

Climate Control:

HVAC system, refrigerant, blower motor, controls

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), oxygen sensors

Maintenance:

Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug replacement

Repair:

Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, specialized repair techniques

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values

Diagrams:

Wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, exploded views

Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Printability:

Printable (as stated in product description, allowing printing of entire manual or selected pages)

Searchability:

Assumed searchable text within PDF for efficient information retrieval

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M50B28

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5300 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics) M5.2

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250G)

Transmission Type Optional:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22/GA4HP24)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate

Automatic Features:

Optional Steptronic manual shift mode (availability varies by specific model/market)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

Approx. 55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (driver/passenger) (for 1995 model year E36 sedan)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags

Seatbelts:

Front 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point belts

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory BMW AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player, often with upgraded premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Display:

Minimal digital display for climate control and radio, often with an OBC (On-Board Computer) display on the instrument cluster.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Remote Keyless Entry:

Available on most models.

Diagnostic Interface:

OBD-II connector, enabling modern diagnostic tools.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 100,000 miles with Long Life spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (using BMW-approved coolant).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (DOT 4 brake fluid).

Engine Oil Spec:

API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or A3-98, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW recommends synthetic).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol (G48) or compatible, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW P/N 83222339219 or equivalent).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent) (e.g., BMW P/N 83229407807).

Differential Fluid:

GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Common Wear Items:

Cooling system components (water pump, hoses, expansion tank), VANOS unit (variable valve timing), front suspension bushings, rear subframe bushings, oil pan gasket leaks, heater core leaks.

Vanos Performance:

Early VANOS units can suffer from degradation of seals leading to rough idle, loss of low-end torque, and increased fuel consumption.

Cooling System Failures:

Plastic components in the cooling system are prone to cracking and failure, potentially leading to overheating.

Rear Main Seal Leaks:

The rear main crankshaft seal can develop leaks over time.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage Statement:

BMW, known as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series was produced from 1990 to 1999 (sedan/coupe/convertible) and 1995-2002 (M3). The 328i was introduced in 1995 as a successor to the 325i, offering increased displacement and power.

Production Period:

1995-1999 for the 328i model

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E36 3 Series platform (including earlier models like the 325i) was frequently honored on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists, recognized for its performance and handling.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for driving dynamics but could receive mixed reviews for reliability in later years compared to some Japanese competitors, particularly regarding certain common issues.