🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 328i Year: 1995 Codes Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan / Coupe Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti J30 Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, and driver-focused experience Engine Performance: Smooth and powerful inline-six engine Build Quality: Typical BMW build quality and premium interior materials 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Workshop Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, searchable text assumed) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Engine mechanicals (M52B28), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control system Transmission: Manual transmission (Getrag 260/6) and Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP18) overhaul, operation, and troubleshooting Drivetrain: Clutch, driveshafts, differential, axle shafts Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (multi-link semi-trailing arm), shock absorbers, springs, bushings Brakes: Front disc brakes (vented), rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), brake fluid, hydraulic system Steering: Power assisted steering system, steering rack, components Electrical: Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wipers, horn, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-I) Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags (SRS) Climate Control: HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation Safety Systems: Seatbelts, SRS airbag system components and diagnostics Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tune-ups, spark plug replacement Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, common problems and their solutions, fault code interpretation (OBD-I) Repair: Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper overhaul, suspension component replacement Diagnostics: Electrical system diagnostics, engine performance diagnostics, ABS system diagnostics Specifications: Torque specifications, clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Image Resolution: High resolution, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital format) Paper Type Paper Type: Not applicable (digital format) Searchability Text Search: Searchable text for quick information retrieval ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M52B28 Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2793 cc) Performance Horsepower: 190 hp @ 5300 RPM Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 3950 RPM Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic 5.2) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent Lubrication System Oil Type: Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG/SH or higher) Oil Capacity: Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/6) Optional Transmission Type: 4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP18) Features Automatic Features: Sport mode, traction control (ASC+T on some models) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (GL-4, SAE 75W-90) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III / Mercon or ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (LF-5) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 107.1 inches (2720 mm) Length: 174.5 inches (4432 mm) Width: 68.5 inches (1740 mm) Height: 54.7 inches (1390 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on body style and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4100-4200 lbs (1860-1905 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver: 4 Stars (1995 model year) NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger: 4 Stars (1995 model year) Active Features ABS: Standard (Bosch 2S ABS) Traction Control: Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System) Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: Optional BMW Business CD or Bavaria C professional radio/cassette players Speaker System: Optional premium sound systems Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models Parking Sensors: Not typically available for this model year Connectivity On Board Diagnostics: OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) with specific BMW diagnostic connectors 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable (based on Condition Based Service - CBS, or typically 7,500-15,000 miles for synthetic oil) Spark Plug Replacement: Approx. 60,000 miles (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP) Coolant Flush: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles Transmission Fluid Change: Manual: Typically as needed or at high mileage intervals. Automatic: Every 50,000-100,000 miles (dependent on manufacturer recommendation and driving conditions) Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid: ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific vehicle information, BMW later standardized to CHF 11S) Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks Suspension: Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear shock mounts, subframe bushings Electrical: Mass Air Flow (MAF)...
BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (API SG/SH or higher)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/6)
Optional
Transmission Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP18)
Features
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, traction control (ASC+T on some models)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III / Mercon or ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (LF-5)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
107.1 inches (2720 mm)
Length:
174.5 inches (4432 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200-3400 lbs (1450-1540 kg) depending on body style and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4100-4200 lbs (1860-1905 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (1995 model year)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (1995 model year)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 2S ABS)
Traction Control:
Optional (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags (SRS - Supplemental Restraint System)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
Optional BMW Business CD or Bavaria C professional radio/cassette players
Speaker System:
Optional premium sound systems
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Parking Sensors:
Not typically available for this model year
Connectivity
On Board Diagnostics:
OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostics, First Generation) with specific BMW diagnostic connectors
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (based on Condition Based Service - CBS, or typically 7,500-15,000 miles for synthetic oil)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Typically as needed or at high mileage intervals. Automatic: Every 50,000-100,000 miles (dependent on manufacturer recommendation and driving conditions)
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific vehicle information, BMW later standardized to CHF 11S)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), rear shock mounts, subframe bushings
Electrical:
Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor issues, VANOS solenoid failure, ABS wheel speed sensor failures, door handle microswitches
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure - focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement
Model Evolution
E36 Introduction:
The E36 chassis replaced the E30 3 Series in 1991 (in Europe) and 1992 (in North America). The 328i model was introduced later in the E36 lifecycle, often seen as a successor to the 325i with a larger, more powerful engine.
Production
E36 Production Years:
1990-2000 (global)
E36 Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), USA (Spartanburg, SC)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
E36 3 Series models (including 325i, predecessor to 328i) were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's 10Best list during the early and mid-1990s, highlighting its benchmark status in the segment.
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