🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Model Variant:

328

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B28

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Premium compact executive sedan.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz 190E, Audi 80/90, Lexus ES250.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its sporty handling, balanced chassis, and engaging driving experience characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.

Engine Performance:

The 328i offered a significant power upgrade over previous 3-series models, providing strong acceleration and refined performance.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair

Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact number not specified, implies comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair for M50B28 engine.

Engine Management:

Engine control unit (ECU), fuel injection (DME), ignition system, emissions control.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair of the 5-speed Getrag manual transmission.

Transmission Automatic:

Service and repair of the ZF 4HP22 or 4HP24 automatic transmission (if applicable to 328i).

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, alignment.

Steering:

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

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, brake fluid, lines, calipers, rotors.

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system, starter, alternator, lighting, fuses, relays.

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, windows, glass, trim, chassis components, rust prevention.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system components and service.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard, seats, door panels, headliner, interior components.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Systematic troubleshooting guides, fault codes, diagnostic procedures.

Preventative Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks.

Routine Maintenance:

Brake adjustments, tire rotation, spark plug replacement.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major and minor components.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Full rebuild procedures for engine, transmission, and other key assemblies.

Adjustment Procedures:

Alignment, brake adjustment, clutch adjustment (manual).

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostic charts and fault finding sequences.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical components.

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete overhauls and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Tools Required:

Includes procedures for using factory diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) and common aftermarket tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, enabling quick navigation.

Printability:

High quality, designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

Not applicable (PDF format)

Paper Type:

Not applicable (PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Engine Code:

M50B28

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)

Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic DME engine management with multi-point fuel injection (MPI).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Getrag manual transmission.

Transmission Type Optional:

ZF 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4HP22 or 4HP24).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual transmission).

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/Mercon or equivalent ATF (check specific ZF application).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.7 inches (1720 mm)

Height:

55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Front Track:

56.5 inches (1435 mm)

Rear Track:

57.1 inches (1450 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3260 lbs (1479 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3350 lbs (1520 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by specific model and options.

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 15.1 cubic feet (428 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not explicitly rated by NHTSA for this vintage in a comparable manner to modern vehicles. BMW typically engineered for occupant safety.

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on all four wheels.

Traction Control:

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

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard. Passenger airbag generally optional or not available for 1992 model year.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts for all occupants.

Body Construction:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory BMW radio/cassette system, often with optional CD player. Upgrades common.

Climate Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard or optional cruise control system.

Onboard Computer:

Optional Check Control system or On-Board Computer (OBC) providing basic vehicle status and trip data.

Connectivity Features:

Limited by 1992 standards; primarily focused on basic vehicle functions. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed, typically every 30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or standard copper).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 to 3 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-98 or equivalent).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue/Green Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free antifreeze/coolant.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Coolingsystem:

Plastic cooling system components (e.g., expansion tank, water pump impellers) can become brittle and prone to cracking/leaks.

Vanos:

Variable valve timing (VANOS) system can suffer from seal degradation, leading to rough idle, poor low-end torque, and rattling noises.

Oil Leaks:

Common oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seals.

Suspension Bushings:

Wear in control arm bushings and sway bar bushings leading to clunks and imprecise handling.

Heater Core:

Heater core leaks can cause coolant to enter the cabin, producing a sweet smell and fogged windows.

Window Regulators:

Power window regulators can fail, often due to plastic guide failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer, known for its emphasis on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1990 for the 1991 model year, replacing the E30. The 328i model specifically debuted later in the E36's lifecycle.

328I Placement:

The 328i was positioned above the 325i, offering a larger displacement engine and increased power, slotting into the premium performance sedan market.

Production Period:

E36 generation produced from 1990 to 2000. The 328i model was primarily produced from model year 1995-1999 in many markets, but this manual covers the specific 1992 model year introduction (likely as a precursor or early release, with the common 328i M52 engine appearing later).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Acclaim:

The E36 chassis in general received numerous awards and critical acclaim for its chassis dynamics, engine performance, and build quality, setting benchmarks in the compact executive class.