BMW 328i 1996 Full Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328i Year: 1996 Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Entry-luxury/Compact Executive Sedan Target Demographic: Professionals, enthusiasts, and those seeking a blend...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 421446

Tags: 1996 328i BMW Car Cars Misc

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Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

Year:

Chassis Code:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Segment:

Entry-luxury/Compact Executive Sedan

Target Demographic:

Professionals, enthusiasts, and those seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and sporty driving dynamics.

Competitive Analysis

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Acura TL.

Key Features

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias, and communicative steering, providing a engaging driving experience.

Engine Performance:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engine.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW high-quality interior materials and solid construction.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Coverage Type:

Full Service Repair

Target Audience:

Professional Technicians and DIY Enthusiasts

Page Count

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Manual Type

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed overhaul procedures for M52B28 engine, including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of DME (Digital Motor Electronics) systems, sensors (MAF, O2, Crankshaft Position, Camshaft Position), actuators (injectors, ignition coils), fuel delivery, and emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul and repair of Getrag 250G 5-speed manual transmission, including clutch service, gear selection, and torque specifications.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair of GM 4L30-E 4-speed automatic transmission, including fluid service, valve body troubleshooting, and electronic control unit (TCU).

Drivetrain:

Service and repair of rear-wheel drive system, including driveshaft, universal joints, and differential maintenance.

Suspension:

Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, and wheel alignment specifications.

Steering:

Diagnosis and repair of hydraulic power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, and fluid specifications.

Brakes:

Comprehensive coverage of front and rear disc brake systems, including rotor and pad replacement, caliper service, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnosis, and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System:

Extensive wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides for all electrical components, including lighting, power windows, central locking, HVAC controls, and instrument cluster.

Body And Chassis:

Panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, and basic body repair procedures.

HVAC:

Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, including refrigerant service (R134a), compressor, evaporator, and blower motor.

Comfort And Convenience:

Service for power seats, mirrors, sunroof, cruise control, and central locking systems.

Procedures Included

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation and pressure checks.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts and symptom-based troubleshooting for common and uncommon problems.

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for all major systems.

Troubleshooting:

Specific guidance for identifying and resolving issues related to engine performance, electrical faults, HVAC operation, and more.

Component Replacement:

Guides for replacing parts such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, and exhaust components.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, ensuring proper assembly and preventing component damage.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for BMW-specific tools required for certain repair procedures.

Technical Depth

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures leveraging understanding of OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) and proprietary BMW systems.

Electrical Diagrams:

High-quality, detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

Searchable PDF

Searchability:

Full text search capability for efficient information retrieval.

Print Quality

Printability:

Printable pages for on-site workshop use.

Binding Type

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Code:

M52B28

Engine Type:

DOHC Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Performance

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2.1)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded 91 Octane

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

Getrag 250G 5-speed Manual

Optional

Type:

GM 4L30-E 4-speed Automatic

Features

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.51, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.87

Automatic Gear Ratios:

1st: 2.48, 2nd: 1.48, 3rd: 1.00, 4th: 0.75

Final Drive Ratio:

3.07 (Standard)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Front Track:

57.2 inches (1453 mm)

Rear Track:

57.5 inches (1461 mm)

Weights

Curb Weight:

3397 lbs (1541 kg) (Manual)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4431 lbs (2010 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (Driver and Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (though specific 1996 E36 data may vary by test).

Active Features

Standard Bosch 2-channel ABS

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

BMW Business or Professional CD/Cassette radios with optional premium sound systems.

Display:

Basic dashboard displays for climate control and radio information.

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Not available.

Connectivity

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; some aftermarket solutions may exist.

Bluetooth:

Not available.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (using synthetic oil).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (if using original long-life spark plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EKPB).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW Longlife-01 approved)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or ATF Dexron III

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III ATF or BMW MTF LT-2

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III ATF

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Known Issues

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank and water pump are common failure points, leading to leaks.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are prone to leaking.

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings, shock mounts, and ball joints can wear out, affecting handling and ride quality.

ABS Module:

ABS/ASC control module failure can occur.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in power window regulators can break.

Door Panel Clips:

Door panel clips can become brittle and break during removal.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Brand Focus:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles known for their driving dynamics.

Model Evolution

Generation Designation:

E36 (Third Generation 3 Series)

Introduction Year:

1990 (globally), 1991 (North America)

1996 Updates:

Introduction of the M52 engine (replacing the M50), revised exterior styling cues (e.g., clear front turn signals), and updated interior features.

Production

Production Years:

1992-1999

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Mexico.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E36 3-series (including variants like the 328i) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during its production run.

Ratings

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for performance and handling, with typical German luxury car maintenance expectations.

Certifications

Emisiones Standards:

Meets U.S. EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for 1996 model year.