🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

328

Generation Code:

E36

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code For 328:

M52B28

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Brand Philosophy:

Driving Dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine')

Primary Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20

Chassis Design:

Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced weight distribution (near 50/50)

Engine Availability:

Known for its smooth inline-six engines, particularly the M50 and M52 series.

Handling Characteristics:

Renowned for sporty handling, precise steering, and communicative chassis

Target Audience:

BMW owners, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts

Benefit To Owner:

Enables informed maintenance, accurate diagnosis, and efficient repair, potentially saving significant costs.

📋 Manual Details

Years Covered:

1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998

Page Count:

750

Manual Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emission control, engine management (DME), turbocharging (if applicable to specific variants not explicitly excluded), diagnosis

Transmission:

Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, disc brakes (front and rear), parking brake, brake fluid

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arm), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, subframes, wheel bearings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, tie rods

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostics, body control modules (BCM)

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning (A/C), heater core, blower motor, climate control module

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, chassis components, structural analysis

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelts, passive safety systems

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), belt inspections and replacement, battery maintenance

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, wiring diagram interpretation

Repair:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, steering system repair, electrical component repair/replacement, bodywork repairs, interior component repair

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-I and early OBD-II in later models), sensor testing, actuator testing, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) diagnostics

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and installing major components and sub-assemblies

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostics

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Mentions use of BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, INPA) and general automotive scan tools where applicable

Technical Drawings:

Includes detailed diagrams, schematics, and illustrations of components and systems

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF, allowing quick access to specific topics

Software Compatibility:

Compatible with standard PDF readers (Adobe Acrobat Reader, etc.)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M52B28

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

2.8 liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5500 rpm (US Spec)

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline (91 octane recommended)

ECU:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-pack arrangement

Emission Systems:

Catalytic converter, secondary air injection (on some early models), EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) on some markets

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed manual transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

4-speed automatic transmission (Steptronic on later models)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) available as an option or on specific models (e.g., M Sport)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Overall Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Overall Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Overall Height:

54.4 inches (1382 mm)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

3186 lbs (1445 kg)

Curb Weight Sedan Automatic:

3230 lbs (1465 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels

Standard Tire Size:

205/60R15 or 205/55R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Crash Test Results:

Results vary by year and test, but generally performed well for its era. Specific data would need to be cross-referenced with official NHTSA archives for exact model year.

Airbags:

Driver and passenger front airbags standard

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear, pretensioners for front seats

Crumple Zones:

Designed with front and rear crumple zones for energy absorption

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on later models

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory cassette or CD player with optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon)

Navigation:

Optional BMW navigation system (older, CRT-based or early color LCD)

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Parking Assistance:

Rear parking sensors available on some later models, but not widely common

Phone Integration:

Optional BMW cellular phone cradle or Bluetooth preparation on very late models.

Climate Control Type:

Manual or automatic climate control (ECC - Electronic Climate Control)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles, using BMW-approved coolant.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 100,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs, consult manual for specific type and gap.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic engine oil, meeting BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01 specifications.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank failure, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoid issues leading to rough idle or loss of power

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear subframe bushings, strut mounts wear

Electrical:

Alternator failure, ABS sensor failure, window regulator failure, headlight leveling system issues

Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixelated instrument cluster displays (dead pixels)

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW AG, a German manufacturer renowned for luxury and performance vehicles.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 3 Series was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year in Europe and 1991 in North America, replacing the E30 3 Series.

328 Introduction:

The 328i model, powered by the M52 engine, was introduced in 1995 for the 1996 model year in North America, replacing the 325i.

Production Period:

1992-1998 for the 328 variants covered by this manual.

Manufacturing Plants:

Primarily produced in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly occurring in other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series, including the 325i and later 328i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run for its exceptional driving dynamics.

Automotive Journalism Acclaim:

Widely praised by automotive journalists for its handling, build quality, and performance, solidifying BMW's reputation.

Emissions Certification:

Complies with US EPA and CARB emissions standards for the respective model years.