🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328is

Year:

1997

Chassis Code:

E36

Generation:

Third Generation (E36)

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 1997 BMW 328is (E36) was positioned as a premium sport coupe/sedan offering a balance of performance, luxury, and handling. It competed against rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.

Competitive Analysis:

The E36 platform was renowned for its driver-focused dynamics, superior chassis tuning, and sophisticated inline-six engines, setting it apart in its segment.

Key Features:

Inline-six engine performance, excellent handling characteristics, refined interior, rear-wheel-drive platform, sporty coupe styling.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, Electrical System, HVAC, Bodywork, Diagnostics

Page Count:

Estimated 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive E36 service manuals)

Manual Type:

Official Factory Service & Repair Manual (Software)

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

M52B28 engine specifications, overhaul procedures, component testing, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, emission control systems

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system, sensor diagnostics, ignition system, fuel injection control, OBD-II diagnostics

Transmission:

Getrag 250G (5-speed manual) and ZF 5HP18/5HP19 (5-speed automatic) specifications, overhaul, fluid specifications, shifting mechanisms

Drivetrain:

Clutch operation, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, U-joints, wheel bearings

Suspension:

Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, anti-roll bars

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (solid/ventilated), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) operation and diagnostics, brake fluid specifications, hydraulic system

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, universal joints, steering column

Electrical System:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, central locking, alarm system

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, controls, refrigerant specifications, climate control diagnostics

Bodywork:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, bumpers, seals

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault codes (DTCs), diagnostic connectors, scan tool procedures, wiring diagrams

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacement, tune-ups

Repair:

Engine component overhaul (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, electrical component repair

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, symptom-based troubleshooting flowcharts

Installation:

Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance, routine servicing, in-depth diagnostics, component-level repair, and complete system overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software, likely searchable and with embedded diagrams.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52B28

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (DOHC, 24 valves)

Displacement:

2793 cc (2.8 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Horsepower:

190 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic M5.2 Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Block Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Variable Valve Timing:

VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag 250G 5-Speed Manual

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP18/5HP19 5-Speed Automatic (with Steptronic on later models, though typically not for '97 328is)

Clutch:

Hydraulic Actuation

Manual Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.524, 3rd: 1.667, 4th: 1.207, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.902)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW LT71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

106.2 inches (2698 mm)

Length:

174.5 inches (4432 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

53.9 inches (1370 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Rear Track:

58.4 inches (1483 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg), depending on transmission and options

Gvw:

Refer to vehicle documentation

Towing Capacity:

Not typically specified or recommended by BMW for this model.

Trunk Volume:

Approximately 14.2 cubic feet (402 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) - Refer to specific NHTSA records for exact model year and configuration.

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard Bosch 3-channel ABS

Traction Control:

ASR (Automatic Stability Control) - standard on 328is

Airbags:

Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger safety cell

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Basic factory radio/cassette/CD player. Optional premium sound systems available. Limited to analog controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, Traction Control (ASR). No modern electronic driver aids like stability control (beyond ASR), adaptive cruise control, or lane keeping assist.

Connectivity:

Limited to basic diagnostic port (OBD-I/OBD-II transition) and optional remote keyless entry.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

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

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving conditions.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type, iridium recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic (API SG/SH/SJ or ACEA A3/B3 equivalent)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.7 US quarts (6.3 liters) with filter change

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

MTF LT-2 (BMW part 83 22 9 408 242) or equivalent

Differential Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Hypoid Gear Oil (API GL-5)

Known Issues:

Cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, hoses) are known failure points. VANOS unit seal wear can lead to rough idle and low-end torque loss. Subframe mounting points can fatigue. Door panel vapor barriers can degrade, leading to water intrusion. Window regulator failures are common.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for building sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles with a strong emphasis on engineering and performance.

Model Evolution:

The E36 generation replaced the E30 3 Series and continued to refine the compact executive sports car formula. The 328is variant replaced the 325i, offering increased displacement and power from the new M52 engine.

Production Years:

E36 generation: 1990-2000. 328is specific production: approx. 1996-1999 (US Market).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The E36 3 Series, including the 328is, was widely praised by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and build quality. It consistently ranked highly in its class for driving dynamics.