🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328i Model Variant: 328 Year: 1995 Codes Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Positioning Statement: The BMW 3 Series (E36) represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car lineup, balancing sporty driving dynamics with premium refinement and technology. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES, Acura Integra/Vigor Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging handling characteristics. Powertrain: Utilized BMW's smooth and powerful inline-six engines, emphasizing performance and refinement. Build Quality: Typical BMW build quality with a focus on durable materials and precise assembly. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Complete factory service and repair Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (specific count not provided in product info, but described as 'hundreds of pages') Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanical (M50B28), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, exhaust, engine management (DME) Transmission: Manual and Automatic Transmission (Getrag 250G, ZF 4HP22/GA4HP24) Drivetrain: Clutch, drive shafts, differential, axle shafts Suspension: Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, springs, shock absorbers, bushings Steering: Power steering system, steering column, steering rack Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid system Electrical: 12V battery system, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, engine control unit (ECU), dashboard instruments Body And Chassis: Body structure, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, chassis components Climate Control: HVAC system, refrigerant, blower motor, controls Fuel System: Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, fan clutch Emission Control: Catalytic converter, EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation), oxygen sensors Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid top-offs, spark plug replacement Repair: Component removal and installation, overhaul procedures, specialized repair techniques Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, symptom-based troubleshooting Diagnostics: OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, electrical resistance values Diagrams: Wiring diagrams, vacuum diagrams, exploded views Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Printability: Printable (as stated in product description, allowing printing of entire manual or selected pages) Searchability: Assumed searchable text within PDF for efficient information retrieval Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M50B28 Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2793 cc) Performance Horsepower: 190 hp @ 5300 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market) Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market) Fuel System Fuel Injection: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU: DME (Digital Motor Electronics) M5.2 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type Standard: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250G) Optional Transmission Type Optional: 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22/GA4HP24) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single dry plate Automatic Features: Optional Steptronic manual shift mode (availability varies by specific model/market) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm) Width: Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm) Height: Approx. 55.2 inches (1402 mm) Wheelbase: Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4/5 Stars (driver/passenger) (for 1995 model year E36 sedan) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and passenger front airbags Seatbelts: Front 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point belts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory BMW AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player, often with upgraded premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon). Display: Minimal digital display for climate control and radio, often with an OBC (On-Board Computer) display on the instrument cluster. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Connectivity Remote Keyless Entry: Available on most models. Diagnostic Interface: OBD-II connector, enabling modern diagnostic tools. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations). Spark Plug Replacement: Around 100,000 miles with Long Life spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent). Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (using BMW-approved coolant). Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years (DOT 4 brake fluid). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Spec: API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or A3-98, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW recommends synthetic). Engine Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change. Coolant Type: BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol (G48) or compatible, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Transmission Fluid Manual: GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW P/N 83222339219 or equivalent). Transmission Fluid Automatic: ZF LifeguardFluid 5...
The BMW 3 Series (E36) represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive car lineup, balancing sporty driving dynamics with premium refinement and technology.
Competitive Analysis
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES, Acura Integra/Vigor
Key Features
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging handling characteristics.
Powertrain:
Utilized BMW's smooth and powerful inline-six engines, emphasizing performance and refinement.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality with a focus on durable materials and precise assembly.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Complete factory service and repair
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided in product info, but described as 'hundreds of pages')
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to major overhauls and advanced diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Print Quality
Printability:
Printable (as stated in product description, allowing printing of entire manual or selected pages)
Searchability:
Assumed searchable text within PDF for efficient information retrieval
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M50B28
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Performance
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5300 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approximate, may vary slightly by market)
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Engine Management
ECU:
DME (Digital Motor Electronics) M5.2
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250G)
Optional
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22/GA4HP24)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate
Automatic Features:
Optional Steptronic manual shift mode (availability varies by specific model/market)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approx. 174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
Approx. 67.3 inches (1709 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 106.1 inches (2695 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200-3300 lbs (1450-1500 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (driver/passenger) (for 1995 model year E36 sedan)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and passenger front airbags
Seatbelts:
Front 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point belts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory BMW AM/FM cassette stereo with optional CD player, often with upgraded premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Display:
Minimal digital display for climate control and radio, often with an OBC (On-Board Computer) display on the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Connectivity
Remote Keyless Entry:
Available on most models.
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II connector, enabling modern diagnostic tools.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles with Long Life spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (using BMW-approved coolant).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 brake fluid).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
API SG/SH, ACEA A2-96 or A3-98, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW recommends synthetic).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol (G48) or compatible, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW P/N 83222339219 or equivalent).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent) (e.g., BMW P/N 83229407807).
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Known Issues
Common Wear Items:
Cooling system components (water pump, hoses, expansion tank), VANOS unit (variable valve timing), front suspension bushings, rear subframe bushings, oil pan gasket leaks, heater core leaks.
Common Issues
Vanos Performance:
Early VANOS units can suffer from degradation of seals leading to rough idle, loss of low-end torque, and increased fuel consumption.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic components in the cooling system are prone to cracking and failure, potentially leading to overheating.
Rear Main Seal Leaks:
The rear main crankshaft seal can develop leaks over time.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Statement:
BMW, known as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering.
Model Evolution
E36 Generation:
The E36 generation of the 3 Series was produced from 1990 to 1999 (sedan/coupe/convertible) and 1995-2002 (M3). The 328i was introduced in 1995 as a successor to the 325i, offering increased displacement and power.
Production
Production Period:
1995-1999 for the 328i model
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E36 3 Series platform (including earlier models like the 325i) was frequently honored on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists, recognized for its performance and handling.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for driving dynamics but could receive mixed reviews for reliability in later years compared to some Japanese competitors, particularly regarding certain common issues.