🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

328i

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan / Coupe

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti J30

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, and driver-focused experience

Engine Performance:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engine

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality and premium interior materials

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable text assumed)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanicals (M52B28), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system

Transmission:

Manual transmission (Getrag 260/6) and Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP18) overhaul, operation, and troubleshooting

Drivetrain:

Clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arm), shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Brakes:

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

Steering:

Power assisted steering system, steering rack, components

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I)

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags (SRS)

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation

Safety Systems:

Seatbelts, SRS airbag system components and diagnostics

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions, fault code interpretation (OBD-I)

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement

Diagnostics:

Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, ABS system diagnostics

Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems

Depth:

Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Image Resolution:

High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text

Binding:

Not applicable (digital format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (digital format)

Text Search:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52B28

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5300 RPM

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Oil Type:

Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG/SH or higher)

Oil Capacity:

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

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/6)

Transmission Type:

4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP18)

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, traction control (ASC+T on some models)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (GL-4, SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III / Mercon or ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (LF-5)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on body style and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4100-4200 lbs (1860-1905 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1995 model year)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1995 model year)

ABS:

Standard (Bosch 2S ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Optional BMW Business CD or Bavaria C professional radio/cassette players

Speaker System:

Optional premium sound systems

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models

Parking Sensors:

Not typically available for this model year

On Board Diagnostics:

OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) with specific BMW diagnostic connectors

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable (based on Condition Based Service - CBS, or typically 7,500-15,000 miles for synthetic oil)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Typically as needed or at high mileage intervals. Automatic: Every 50,000-100,000 miles (dependent on manufacturer recommendation and driving conditions)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific vehicle information, BMW later standardized to CHF 11S)

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear shock mounts, subframe bushings

Electrical:

Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, VANOS solenoid failure, ABS wheel speed sensor failures, door handle microswitches

Engine:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure - focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement

E36 Introduction:

The E36 chassis replaced the E30 3 Series in 1991 (in Europe) and 1992 (in North America). The 328i model was introduced later in the E36 lifecycle, often seen as a successor to the 325i with a larger, more powerful engine.

E36 Production Years:

1990-2000 (global)

E36 Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), USA (Spartanburg, SC)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

E36 3 Series models (including 325i, predecessor to 328i) were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's 10Best list during the early and mid-1990s, highlighting its benchmark status in the segment.