🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 328i Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: E36 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Entry-level luxury sedan/coupe/convertible Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' experience, balanced handling, rear-wheel drive platform Engine Performance: Smooth and powerful inline-six engines Build Quality: Typical BMW high standards for materials and construction 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Complete service and repair for BMW 328i (E36 chassis) Specific Coverage: Engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, HVAC, electrical systems, body, interior, troubleshooting Page Count Estimated Pages: Approximately 800-1200 pages (typical for factory service manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical (M52B28), engine management (DME), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS, DSC, components), wheels and tires Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, engine control modules, transmission control modules, body control modules, comfort electronics, audio system, power accessories Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, general inspection points Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, testing procedures for electrical components and sensors Repair And Overhaul: Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, steering rack replacement, electrical component repair Special Tools: Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for various repair procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, allowing for clear printing of all text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF - Printable) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF - User to print) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M52B28 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2793 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 83.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Performance Horsepower: 193 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Other Valvetrain: Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP18) Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (Manual transmission) Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Dexron III or equivalent (ZF recommends Lifeguardfluid 5) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 174.5 inches (Sedan/Coupe) Width: Approximately 67.3 inches Height: Approximately 54.7 inches (Sedan) Wheelbase: 106.1 inches Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and equipment) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) - 1999 model year Active Features Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on some models. Brake Assist: Available with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available as an option on some models. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Bavarian Radio (Business or Professional) with cassette player and optional CD changer. Upgradable to modern head units. Driver Assistance Traction Control: ASC/ASC+T system (as mentioned in safety) Connectivity Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Other Instrument Cluster: Classic BMW design with tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and onboard computer (on some models). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, with oil condition sensor monitoring oil life. Spark Plug Replacement: Around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs. Coolant Flush Interval: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, or other specifications as per owner's manual/manual. Coolant: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus. Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic expansion tanks and water pumps are prone to cracking/failure. Inspect hoses for swelling/leaks. Oil Pan Gasket: Common oil leaks from the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket. Window Regulators: Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can break, causing windows to drop. Vanos: The solenoid seals and rattle can become issues, affecting performance and idle. Subframe Mounts: Rear subframe mounting points can crack or weaken over time, especially with spirited driving. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Brand Philosophy: BMW's long-standing reputation for building...
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (ABS, DSC, components), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, lighting systems, instrument cluster, engine control modules, transmission control modules, body control modules, comfort electronics, audio system, power accessories
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable)
Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for various repair procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Digital Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, allowing for clear printing of all text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF - Printable)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF - User to print)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M52B28
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Performance
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Dexron III or equivalent (ZF recommends Lifeguardfluid 5)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 174.5 inches (Sedan/Coupe)
Width:
Approximately 67.3 inches
Height:
Approximately 54.7 inches (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
106.1 inches
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3200-3400 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver), 4-star (Passenger) - 1999 model year
Active Features
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) available on some models.
Brake Assist:
Available with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags standard. Side airbags available as an option on some models.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Bavarian Radio (Business or Professional) with cassette player and optional CD changer. Upgradable to modern head units.
Driver Assistance
Traction Control:
ASC/ASC+T system (as mentioned in safety)
Connectivity
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Other
Instrument Cluster:
Classic BMW design with tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge, and onboard computer (on some models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, with oil condition sensor monitoring oil life.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-45,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, or other specifications as per owner's manual/manual.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks and water pumps are prone to cracking/failure. Inspect hoses for swelling/leaks.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Common oil leaks from the oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can break, causing windows to drop.
Vanos:
The solenoid seals and rattle can become issues, affecting performance and idle.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or weaken over time, especially with spirited driving.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles.
Model Evolution
Generation:
E36 generation (1991-1999, with facelift in 1996)
Positioning:
The 328i represented a significant step up in performance from its predecessors (325i) within the E36 lineup, slotting below the M3.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E36 3 Series, including variants like the 328i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run for its driving dynamics.