🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Year:

1995

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M52B28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Positioning:

Sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicle offering a balance of performance, comfort, and handling.

Competitors 1995:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and precise steering.

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engine (M52B28) providing excellent torque and refinement.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW high standard of interior and exterior build quality.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage:

Full Service, Repair, Rebuild, Refurbish, Restoration

Pages:

Extensive (precise count not provided, but described as 'very detailed')

Type:

Full Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Likely digital (PDF) or printed, based on typical offerings for this era.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Diagnosis, Repair, Rebuild, Tuning of M52B28 engine.

Fuel System:

Fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel lines, injectors.

Ignition System:

Spark plugs, coils, ECU control.

Cooling System:

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

Exhaust System:

Manifolds, catalytic converter, muffler, pipes.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, and overhaul.

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, CV joints, differential, axle shafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, alignment.

Steering:

Power steering system, rack and pinion, tie rods.

Brakes:

Front and rear brakes, ABS system, brake fluid, calipers, rotors, pads.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, lighting.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, structural components.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, heater core, blower motor, climate control modules.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-I/OBD-II) procedures, trouble code interpretation.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections and replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic approaches for common and uncommon issues.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair across all systems.

Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Refurbish:

Guidance on restoring worn or aged components.

Restoration:

Comprehensive guidance for full vehicle restoration projects.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Use of multimeters, oscilloscopes, and wiring diagrams for fault finding.

Wheel Alignment:

Specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Detailed procedure for timing belt inspection and replacement (if applicable for M52 - likely chain-driven).

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Assumed PDF for modern digital versions, with searchable text and high-resolution images/diagrams.

Print Quality:

High-resolution diagrams, clear text, durable paper for printed versions.

Binding:

Spiral-bound or perfect-bound for ease of use in a workshop environment.

Paper:

Durable, high-quality paper stock resistant to workshop grease and oils.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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, 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake camshaft.

Horsepower:

190 hp (142 kW) @ 5300 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft (271 Nm) @ 3950 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic M5.2

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)

Transmission Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual).

Automatic Modes:

Sport and Economy modes on automatic transmission.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or Mercon equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.0 inches (2692 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3350 lbs (1520 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4387 lbs (1990 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Specified/Recommended for this model.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Likely 4-star (based on similar E36 models from NHTSA tests of the era).

IIHS Side Impact:

Data for this specific year/model may be limited; E36 general performance was moderate.

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) available.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with cassette and CD player options.

Speaker System:

Standard 6 or 8 speaker system, with premium Hi-Fi options available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Phone Integration:

Optional early cellular phone integration systems were available.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Check Condition Based Service (CBS) if equipped.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Platinum plugs: approx. 100,000 miles. Standard plugs: approx. 30,000 miles.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Transmission Fluid Change Auto:

BMW typically recommended 'lifetime' fill, but proactive changes every 60,000-100,000 miles are advised by enthusiasts.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Check manufacturer recommendations, typically 50,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-98 specifications (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-40, Mobil 1 0W-40).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

CHF 11S or Pentosin (BMW OE fluid).

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gaskets are common leak points.

Suspension:

Subframe bushings, control arm bushings, and shock mounts can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Electrical:

Mass airflow sensor (MAF), idle control valve (ICV), and alternator can fail. "Ticking" noise from VANOS unit can occur.

Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixels on the instrument cluster can fade.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW AG, a German multinational company, is renowned for its luxury and performance vehicles, with a strong emphasis on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E36 Generation:

The E36 generation 3 Series was produced from 1990 to 2000, succeeding the E30 and preceding the E46. The 328i variant was introduced in 1995, replacing the 325i and featuring the new M52 engine.

Production Location:

Primarily Germany (e.g., Dingolfing plant).

Model Production Years:

BMW 328i (E36) produced from 1995-1999.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series platform, including variants like the 325i and 328i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards throughout its production run, recognizing its exceptional driving dynamics and overall value.

Performance Car Of The Year:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its sports sedan credentials.