🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

328i

Year:

1993

Chassis Code:

E36

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Reputation:

Renowned for its sporty handling, refined driving experience, and build quality

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi 80/90, Lexus ES250/LS400 (depending on market)

Driving Dynamics:

Exceptional chassis tuning, rear-wheel drive bias, responsive steering

Engine Performance:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines offering a good balance of performance and refinement

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality, durable materials, and solid construction

Design:

Iconic E36 styling, a blend of classic BMW design cues with modern aerodynamics

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 1993 BMW 328i models

Engine Variants Covered:

All engine types for 328i

Transmission Types Covered:

All transmission types (Manual & Automatic)

Trim Levels Covered:

All trim levels

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, timing, valve adjustments, lubrication, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, ECU diagnostics

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission repair, clutch service, driveline

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, steering

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS system, hydraulic components

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, mirrors

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, rust prevention, interior trim, chassis components

Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:

HVAC system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, scheduled maintenance intervals

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle components

Diagnostics:

Diagnostic flowcharts, component testing, electrical tracing

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and advanced diagnostics

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Quality:

High-resolution, professional scan quality

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M50B25TU (for 325i), M52B28 (for 328i)

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve

Displacement:

2.5L (for 325i), 2.8L (for 328i)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm (M50B25TU), 84.0 mm x 86.0 mm (M52B28)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (M50B25TU), 10.2:1 (M52B28)

Horsepower:

~189 hp @ 5900 rpm (M50B25TU), ~190 hp @ 5300 rpm (M52B28)

Torque:

~181 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (M50B25TU), ~206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm (M52B28)

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil packs

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (Getrag 260/5, ZF S5-16)

Type:

4-speed automatic transmission (ZF 4HP22 EH)

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual)

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 3.46:1 (may vary slightly by model/option)

Transmission Fluid Spec:

BMW ATF LT-2 (or equivalent specification for automatic), SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 for manual

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.1 inches (2695 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

67.5 inches (1715 mm)

Height:

55.4 inches (1407 mm)

Curb Weight:

~3200-3400 lbs (1450-1542 kg) depending on body style and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult specific vehicle documentation

Trunk Volume:

~15.1 cubic feet (427 liters) for Sedan

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4-star (for 1993 models)

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4-star (for 1993 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Steering:

Power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering

Airbags:

Driver's side airbag standard, passenger airbag optional on some models

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts front and rear

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player available.

Speakers:

Typically 6-10 speaker systems depending on trim and options.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Onboard Computer:

Optional OBC (On-Board Computer) providing average speed, fuel consumption, etc.

Auxiliary Input:

N/A (no factory auxiliary input)

Bluetooth:

N/A (no factory Bluetooth)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, as indicated by the oil service indicator system or specific mileage recommendations.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-40,000 miles, using BMW-approved coolant

Spark Plugs:

Platinum or Iridium plugs typically rated for 60,000-100,000 miles; check specific plug type

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic, meeting BMW LL-98 or LL-01 specifications (check owner's manual for specific 1993 requirements).

Coolant:

BMW Blue or Green antifreeze (ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 or DOT 4 Plus synthetic brake fluid

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump plastic impeller can degrade.

Oil Pan Gasket:

Oil pan gasket and rear main seal leaks are common with age and mileage.

Suspension Bushings:

Control arm bushings (RTABs), tie rod ends, and shock mounts can wear, affecting handling.

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system on some M50/M52 engines can develop issues with seals, causing rough idle or power loss.

Electrical Connectors:

Corrosion and wear on electrical connectors, especially in engine bay, can cause intermittent faults.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence and sporting sedans dating back to its founding

E36 Introduction:

The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series in 1991 (for the 1992 model year in North America). It marked a significant modernization in design, technology, and platform.

E36 Generations:

The E36 featured various engine displacements and body styles including Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, and later the Touring (wagon) and Compact (hatchback) variants. The 328i was introduced in North America for the 1996 model year, replacing the 325i, often featuring the M52 engine. However, this manual specifically targets the 1993 model year, which would primarily be the 325i in the US market. The 328i designation may have been used in other markets for similar displacements, or this manual might encompass early indications or a slightly different regional specification for 1993.

Production Period:

E36 production ran from 1990 to 2000.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly also occurring in South Africa and other international locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E36 3 Series consistently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists throughout its production run, including for the 325i and later the 328i, due to its superior handling and performance.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not winning the overall award, the 3 Series was highly regarded and a strong contender in its class during this period.

Value Retention:

Known for strong residual values due to its enduring appeal and build quality.