Positioning:
Premium sport sedan, popular for performance and driver engagement
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300 (later models)
Vehicle Highlights:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, driver-focused interior
Value:
Essential tool for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians to maintain and repair the 1999 BMW 328is efficiently and accurately.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, engine management (DME)
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and Automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension (MacPherson strut, multi-link), power steering system, steering rack
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (vented front), ABS system, parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instruments, power accessories, wiring diagrams
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation
Repair Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters, wiring diagrams
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to full component overhaul and diagnostics
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
2793 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Bosch Motronic M5.2 Fuel Injection (Sequential Port Injection)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane recommended)
Engine Control Unit:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 250G 5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
ZF 5HP18 4-speed Automatic Transmission
Clutch Type:
Single dry plate, hydraulic actuation (for manual)
Automatic Features:
Sport and Economy modes
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL 70W80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Audio System:
Available premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), CD player, cassette player
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (MK-I or MK-II)
Parking Assist:
Rear parking sensors available on some models
Phone Integration:
Optional BMW Onboard Telephone system
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or annually (depending on driving conditions and oil used)
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (Long Life Platinum or Iridium)
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Common Problems:
Cracked plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, water pump), VANOS unit issues, subframe cracking (rare but serious), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ABS sensor failures, microfilter clogging.
Preventative Maintenance:
Regular inspection of cooling system hoses and plastic parts, periodic VANOS solenoid cleaning or replacement, subframe reinforcement checks.
Brand Focus:
Performance, luxury, driving dynamics
E36 Generation:
Fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, introduced in 1990 (Europe) / 1991 (North America)
328Is Introduction:
Introduced in 1996 as a replacement for the 325is, featuring the larger 2.8L M52 engine.
Production Years:
1996-1999 (for 328is)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10 Best list throughout the E36 generation, including the 328is.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
Lauded for its driving dynamics, handling, and performance by numerous automotive publications.
