Segment:
Entry-level luxury sedan/coupe/convertible
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' experience, balanced handling, rear-wheel drive platform
Engine Performance:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engines
Build Quality:
Typical BMW high standards for materials and construction
Primary Coverage:
Complete service and repair for BMW 328i (E36 chassis)
Specific Coverage:
Engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC, electrical systems, body, interior, troubleshooting
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M52B28), engine management (DME), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS, DSC, components), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, engine control modules, transmission control modules, body control modules, comfort electronics, audio system, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, general inspection points
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, testing procedures for electrical components and sensors
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for various repair procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
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
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (ZF recommends Lifeguardfluid 5)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) - 1999 model year
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on some models.
Brake Assist:
Available with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available as an option on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Bavarian Radio (Business or Professional) with cassette player and optional CD changer. Upgradable to modern head units.
Traction Control:
ASC/ASC+T system (as mentioned in safety)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Instrument Cluster:
Classic BMW design with tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and onboard computer (on some models).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, with oil condition sensor monitoring oil life.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, or other specifications as per owner's manual/manual.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks and water pumps are prone to cracking/failure. Inspect hoses for swelling/leaks.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Common oil leaks from the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can break, causing windows to drop.
Vanos:
The solenoid seals and rattle can become issues, affecting performance and idle.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or weaken over time, especially with spirited driving.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles.
Generation:
E36 generation (1991-1999, with facelift in 1996)
Positioning:
The 328i represented a significant step up in performance from its predecessors (325i) within the E36 lineup, slotting below the M3.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg, Germany
