🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Model Variant:

328

Year:

1992

Chassis Code:

E36

Engine Code:

M50B28

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, independent mechanics, and BMW owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/90, Lexus ES, Acura Legend

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging driving experience.

Engine Smoothness:

The M50 inline-six engine is celebrated for its refinement and power delivery.

Manual Utility:

Essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of a classic BMW.

Coverage Scope:

Authoritative technical information directly from BMW's service documentation.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

Approximately 500-800 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) or Printed

File Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing

Print Quality:

High-resolution scans with clear diagrams and text

Binding Type:

N/A (for digital format); If printed, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability

Paper Type:

N/A (for digital format); If printed, typically heavy-duty, glossy paper stock for workshop environment

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic), ignition system, exhaust system

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission overhaul, operation, and repair

Drivetrain:

Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, components, alignment procedures

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), disc brake service, caliper repair

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, component testing, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, fuses, relays

Body:

Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis and repair

Emissions:

Emission control systems, diagnosis, and adjustment

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head service, transmission rebuild, differential overhaul

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (where applicable)

Testing:

Component testing procedures, electrical continuity and resistance tests

Adjustments:

Idle speed, ignition timing (where applicable), brake adjustments

Replacements:

Component replacement procedures (e.g., water pump, alternator, starter, fuel pump)

Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, critical clearances, material specifications

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Advanced diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting flowcharts

Electrical Detail:

Detailed wiring diagrams with component locations and connector views

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

High (if digital PDF with OCR)

Printable:

Yes

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 24 valves

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 81.0 mm (typical for M50B28)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical for M50B28)

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5300 rpm (approximate)

Torque:

205 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approximate)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M3.1 Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 8.5 Liters (specific capacity to be confirmed in manual)

Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 Liters (with filter change)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (verify specific BMW approval in manual)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5-16)

Type:

4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MTF LT-2 or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW PN)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)

Height:

Approx. 54.7 inches (1390 mm)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 106.3 inches (2700 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3150 - 3300 lbs (depending on transmission and options)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

To be specified in manual

Towing Capacity:

Not typically recommended or specified for this model

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Ratings:

N/A for this era of vehicles, but generally considered safe for its time.

ABS:

Standard Bosch ABS II system

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Chassis Construction:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Bavaria C Business or Professional RDS radio/cassette player, optional CD changer.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (ECC).

Cruise Control:

Available as an option.

Early Features:

Limited by modern standards; focused on core vehicle functions and driver feedback.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Every 60,000 miles. Automatic: Every 30,000-50,000 miles (check manual).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent BMW fluid (check manual)

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank and radiator prone to cracking; water pump impeller can degrade.

Rear Subframe:

Mounts can crack and separate from the chassis, requiring reinforcement.

Oil Pan Gasket:

Common source of oil leaks.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components can break, leading to windows not operating.

ABS Sensors:

Front ABS sensors can fail, causing ABS warning lights.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles.

E36 Introduction:

The E36 platform replaced the E30 3 Series in 1990 (1991 model year in North America).

328I Positioning:

The 328i replaced the 325i as the mid-range performance model in the E36 lineup for 1996 in North America, but the 328i designation was used globally earlier. This manual covers the 1992 model year, indicating an early introduction of this engine/model designation outside North America or specific market variants. The 328i in North America was introduced for the 1996 model year, typically with the M52 engine. This manual might cover earlier international models or a specific variant.

Production Years E36:

1990-2000

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Thailand

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

The E36 generation was generally well-received for its driving dynamics and build quality.

Automotive Press:

Often praised by automotive journalists for its sporting character and luxurious interior.