🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 328i Year: 1992 Codes Chassis Code: E36 Engine Code Primary: M50B28 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: Premium compact executive sport sedan, enthusiast-focused Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi 80/A4 (B4/B5), Lexus ES250/LS400 Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for balanced handling, rear-wheel drive platform Engine Smoothness: M50 inline-six engine known for its refinement and power delivery Build Quality: Typical BMW high-quality interior and exterior fit and finish 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types Page Count Estimated Page Count: 800+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Yes, comprehensive Engine Management Electronic: Yes, including DME, sensors, actuators Fuel System: Yes, fuel injection, pump, injectors Ignition System: Yes, ignition coils, spark plugs, timing Transmission Manual: Yes Transmission Automatic: Yes Drivetrain: Yes, driveshafts, differential Suspension: Yes, front and rear components Steering: Yes, power steering system Brakes: Yes, ABS, hydraulic components, pad/rotor replacement Electrical System: Yes, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays HVAC: Yes, climate control system Body Exterior: Yes, panels, doors, glass Body Interior: Yes, trim, seats, dashboard Body Chassis: Yes, frame, unibody structure Safety Systems: Yes, airbags (if equipped), seatbelts Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Yes, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks Troubleshooting: Yes, diagnostic procedures, common fault finding Component Removal Installation: Yes, detailed step-by-step instructions Rebuilds Overhauls: Yes, engine, transmission, differential Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Yes, code interpretation and repair paths Wiring Diagrams Interpretation: Yes, detailed schematics Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive (all systems, from basic to advanced rebuilds) 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable (depending on source quality) Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital PDF) Completeness Manual Scope: Full workshop manual covering all aspects of repair and maintenance. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Code: M50B28 Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2793 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.0:1 Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves (4 per cylinder) Horsepower Est: 190 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque Est: 200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm Performance 0 60 Mph Est: 7.2 seconds Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5) Optional Type: 4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22) Features Rear Axle Ratio Std Manual: 3.46:1 Rear Axle Ratio Std Auto: 3.15:1 Clutch Type: Hydraulic, single dry plate 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 106.3 inches (2700 mm) Length: 175.1 inches (4448 mm) Width: 67.5 inches (1715 mm) Height: 54.7 inches (1390 mm) Weights Curb Weight Est Manual: 3300 lbs (1497 kg) Curb Weight Est Auto: 3375 lbs (1531 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact Driver: Not explicitly rated for this year/model, but generally considered robust IIHS Side Impact: Not rated Active Features ABS: Standard (Bosch 2-channel ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/late availability Seatbelts: 3-point front and rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Bavaria C Reverse RDS (optional premium sound system) Speakers: Up to 10 speakers with premium sound option Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval Est: Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service intervals based on driving conditions) Spark Plug Replacement Est: Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type) Coolant Flush Interval Est: Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-98 or API SJ/SL) Engine Oil Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) Transmission Fluid Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (SAE 75W-90 GL-4) Transmission Fluid Automatic: ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Power Steering Fluid Type: Pentosin CHF 11S or ATF Dexron III Known Issues Cooling System: Water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, radiator failure (plastic tanks) Oil Leaks: Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal Suspension Wear: Control arm bushings (RTABs), ball joints, shock absorbers Electrical Gremlins: Corrosion in electrical connectors, EWS (immobilizer) issues Window Regulators: Plastic components prone to breaking Vanos System: Variable valve timing system can develop noise or operational issues (especially on later M50 variants, less common on early ones but covered). 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage: BMW's long-standing reputation for performance and engineering excellence Model Evolution E36 Generation: Introduced in 1990 (Europe) / 1991 (North America), replaced the E30 3 Series. Marked a significant step up in size, refinement, and technology. 328I Introduction: The 328i model, featuring the M50B28 engine, replaced the 325i in the US market for the 1996 model year. However, the manual covers the 1992 model, implying it may...
Comprehensive (all systems, from basic to advanced rebuilds)
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable (depending on source quality)
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Completeness
Manual Scope:
Full workshop manual covering all aspects of repair and maintenance.
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Code:
M50B28
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.0:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves (4 per cylinder)
Horsepower Est:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque Est:
200 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Performance
0 60 Mph Est:
7.2 seconds
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Optional
Type:
4-Speed Automatic (ZF 4HP22)
Features
Rear Axle Ratio Std Manual:
3.46:1
Rear Axle Ratio Std Auto:
3.15:1
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
106.3 inches (2700 mm)
Length:
175.1 inches (4448 mm)
Width:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
54.7 inches (1390 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Est Manual:
3300 lbs (1497 kg)
Curb Weight Est Auto:
3375 lbs (1531 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Not explicitly rated for this year/model, but generally considered robust
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated
Active Features
ABS:
Standard (Bosch 2-channel ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag standard; passenger airbag optional/late availability
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Bavaria C Reverse RDS (optional premium sound system)
Speakers:
Up to 10 speakers with premium sound option
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval Est:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (flexible service intervals based on driving conditions)
Spark Plug Replacement Est:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type)
Coolant Flush Interval Est:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-98 or API SJ/SL)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (SAE 75W-90 GL-4)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent (Dexron III/Mercon)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or ATF Dexron III
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, radiator failure (plastic tanks)
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings (RTABs), ball joints, shock absorbers
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion in electrical connectors, EWS (immobilizer) issues
Window Regulators:
Plastic components prone to breaking
Vanos System:
Variable valve timing system can develop noise or operational issues (especially on later M50 variants, less common on early ones but covered).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW's long-standing reputation for performance and engineering excellence
Model Evolution
E36 Generation:
Introduced in 1990 (Europe) / 1991 (North America), replaced the E30 3 Series. Marked a significant step up in size, refinement, and technology.
328I Introduction:
The 328i model, featuring the M50B28 engine, replaced the 325i in the US market for the 1996 model year. However, the manual covers the 1992 model, implying it may be a transitional or early introduction, or the product name might be slightly misaligned if it truly is 1992 *only* for the 328i designation in all markets. This manual likely covers the M50 engine variants leading up to the 328i.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Mexico (for North American market)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
E36 generation 3 Series consistently received Car and Driver 10 Best awards during its production run.
Ratings
Road And Track:
Praised for performance, handling, and driver engagement by automotive publications.