🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

328i

Year:

1994

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code Primary:

M52B28 (for 328i)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Philosophy:

Performance-oriented, driver-focused luxury vehicle

Primary Competitors 1994:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, responsive steering, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics

Powertrain Emphasis:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality and attention to detail

Target Audience:

BMW Technicians, Independent Repair Shops, Enthusiast DIYers

📋 Manual Details

Countries:

Global (primarily North America/Europe)

Vehicle Variants Covered:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M52B28), Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Transmission (Manual & Automatic)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (Front & Rear), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), HVAC Controls, Starter & Charging System, SRS (Airbag) System

Body:

Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Seals, Interior Trim

Maintenance:

Routine Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Inspection & Replacement

Repair Rebuild:

Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis & Replacement, Body Panel Repair

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics, Wiring Diagrams, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)

Installation:

Component Installation & Removal (e.g., alternator, starter, sensors)

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures)

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

Digital (PDF)

Searchability:

Likely searchable text (depending on scan quality)

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original documentation

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder

Engine Code:

M52B28

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm

Induction:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 Engine Management System with Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic

Coolant Capacity:

9.0 Liters (9.5 US Quarts)

Coolant Type:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant, Blue (G48)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5D 310Z)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch

Automatic Shift Modes:

Sport (S) and Economy (E) modes

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 7100)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4,433 mm (174.5 in)

Width:

1,711 mm (67.4 in)

Height:

1,393 mm (54.8 in)

Wheelbase:

2,700 mm (106.3 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

1,420 kg (3,130 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

1,450 kg (3,197 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1,900 kg (4,189 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Specified by Manufacturer

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary E36 testing)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

Likely 4-star (based on contemporary E36 testing)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags (SRS)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Integrated safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory AM/FM Cassette player with optional CD changer. Basic speaker system.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC)

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory

Usb:

Not available from factory

Headlights:

Halogen Projector Headlights

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first (with synthetic oil)

Engine Air Filter:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions

Cabin Air Filter:

Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months

Spark Plugs:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) (use premium long-life plugs like NGK BKR6EK or equivalent)

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Synthetic

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 455

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks are prone to cracking; water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (bushings), ball joints, and tie rod ends wear out, leading to steering wander.

Electrical:

ABS sensor failure, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.

Engine:

Oil filter housing gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, some early M52 engines experienced cylinder wall scoring (less common on 2.8L).

Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixelated instrument cluster displays, HVAC blower motor resistor failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasis on performance, engineering, and luxury.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation was introduced in 1990 as a successor to the E30. The 328i model replaced the 325i in North America for the 1996 model year, but the M52 engine was introduced in Europe earlier.

E36 Body Styles:

Available as Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Hatchback (318ti Compact), and Touring (Wagon).

Production Period E36:

1990-2000

E36 Assembly Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), Austria, South Africa, Mexico, USA (Spartanburg)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

E36 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally rated well for performance and handling, with common criticisms around reliability of certain electrical components and cooling system.

Manufacturer Certification:

Built to BMW's rigorous internal quality and safety standards.