Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Coupe.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS (XE10), Acura Integra Type R.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive dynamics, and responsive steering, offering a classic BMW driving experience.
Design:
Iconic E36 coupe profile, clean lines, and driver-focused interior.
Engine:
Smooth and powerful M52 2.8L inline-six engine, providing excellent performance and refinement.
Official License:
Officially Licensed Product, ensuring accuracy and authenticity.
Engine:
2.8L Inline-6 (M52B28): maintenance, troubleshooting, overhaul, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, ignition system, emission control.
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 260/5) and Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH): overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, shifting mechanisms.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive, differential, driveshaft, CV joints, axle shafts: maintenance, repair, specifications.
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link: ball joints, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear solid discs, ABS: master cylinder, calipers, pads, rotors, lines, bleeding procedures, diagnostics.
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, rack and pinion: pump, hoses, fluid, steering column, linkage.
Electrical:
Full wiring diagrams, ETM (Electrical Troubleshooting Manual), starter, alternator, battery, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, HVAC controls, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System).
Body:
Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers: removal, installation, adjustment, alignment.
HVAC:
Air conditioning, heating, ventilation: compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, refrigerant, control module.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, regulator, tank, lines, ECU control.
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EVAP system, secondary air injection, PCV system.
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical diagnostics, mechanical system checks.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, adjustment, rebuild procedures for all major systems.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, alignment angles, diagnostic parameters.
Wiring:
Detailed Electrical Troubleshooting Manual (ETM) with comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced diagnostics, and electrical troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol based)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (synthetic recommended)
Part Number:
Mann-Filter: HU 832 x, Mahle: OX 153/1
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.23:1, 2nd: 2.52:1, 3rd: 1.67:1, 4th: 1.24:1, 5th: 1.00:1, Reverse: 3.71:1
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MTF LT-2 (or Pentosin MTF 2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Not Specifiable for this era, but E36 chassis known for robust structure.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not Specifiable for this era.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags (SRS).
Seatbelts:
3-point front seat belts with pretensioners, rear lap/shoulder belts.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months (synthetic oil recommended).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (using NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent).
Accessory Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically between 40,000-60,000 miles).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 fluid).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check manual for exact spec, Pentosin CHF 11S often used).
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5 rated).
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Concentrated washer fluid or de-ionized water with a small amount of mild soap.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failures are common due to plastic impeller degradation.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (bushings are often pressed into the arms, requiring replacement or specialized service), rear shock mounts cracking.
Electrical:
Vanishing pixel displays in the instrument cluster, failing door handle microswitches, headlight switch failures, ABS sensor failures.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump failures, fuel filter clogs.
Engine:
Oil filter housing gasket leaks (common on M52 engines), VANOS unit issues leading to rough idle or performance loss.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, sporting sedans and coupes with excellent engineering.
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation (1990-1999) represented a significant technological and design advancement over its E30 predecessor, introducing more sophisticated suspension and electronics.
328Is Introduction:
The 328is variant, introduced in 1995 (as a 1996 model year in North America), featured the larger 2.8L M52 engine, offering a substantial performance upgrade over the 325is it replaced.
Production Years:
1996-1999 (for 328is coupe in North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany.