🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328Ci

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code General:

M52TU

Generation:

E46 (Second Generation 3 Series)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Coupe/Convertible

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Lexus IS Convertible (later models)

Vehicle Attributes:

Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced chassis, responsive inline-six engines, premium interior, sporty handling

Manual Value Proposition:

Officially licensed software provides authoritative repair information, crucial for maintaining the complex systems of a BMW

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service information for the 2000 BMW 328Ci

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary viewer)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission, Automatic transmission, Clutch, Driveshafts, Differential, Axles

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires

Electrical:

12V electrical system, Battery, Charging system, Starting system, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power accessories, Engine control module (ECM), Transmission control module (TCM), Body control module (BCM), Antitheft system

Body And Trim:

Body panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior trim, Exterior trim, Convertible top system (if applicable)

Maintenance:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection and replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics, Component testing

Repair:

Engine overhaul, Transmission repair, Brake component replacement, Suspension component replacement, Steering component replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Bodywork repairs

Diagnostics:

On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), Specific system diagnostic procedures, Wiring diagrams, Component location diagrams

Depth:

Detailed technical specifications, repair procedures with step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, special tool requirements, diagnostic flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

Software Requirements:

Compatible with Windows operating systems (specific version likely required)

Print Quality Expectation:

High-resolution diagrams and text for clear reproduction if printed

Binding Type:

N/A (Software format)

Paper Type Expectation:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Engine Model Code:

M52TU B28

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft (279 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Port Injection

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

ECU:

MS43 Engine Control Unit

Emission Controls:

Secondary Air Injection, EGR (some markets), Catalytic Converters

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-80)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Coupe Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Coupe Height:

53.7 inches (1364 mm)

Coupe Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4

Coupe Trunk Volume:

11.2 cubic feet (317 liters)

Curb Weight Manual:

3397 lbs (1541 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3450 lbs (1565 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4409 lbs (2000 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:

5-Star Driver, 4-Star Passenger (for E46 Coupe generation)

IIHS Ratings General:

Good in frontal offset (for E46 generation)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking System:

Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side airbags (front seat occupants), Optional head airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger safety cell

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

BMW Business CD (AM/FM/CD), BMW Professional CD (higher wattage, more speakers), Optional navigation system (MKIII or MKIV)

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional 10-speaker Hi-Fi system with amplifier.

Stability Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) depending on build date and options.

Cruise Control:

Standard feature.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system for monitoring vehicle status and basic trip computer functions.

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist telematics system for emergency services and roadside assistance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Engine Oil Filter Replacement:

Recommended with every oil change.

Engine Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Cabin Microfilter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) specifications.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based) diluted 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 PLUS.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. Water pump failure, especially the plastic impeller, is common around 80,000-100,000 miles.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and ball joints wear out, leading to steering looseness and tire wear. Rear shock mounts can fail.

Electrical:

Cracked/leaking valve cover gaskets (M52TU engines) can cause oil leaks and fouled spark plugs. VANOS solenoid issues can lead to rough idle and loss of power. ABS/DSC sensor failures.

Interior:

Headliner sagging, pixelation on the instrument cluster display, worn seat bolsters.

Convertible Top E46Ci:

Hydraulic pump failure, cylinder leaks, fabric wear, and faulty microswitches can affect convertible top operation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation was introduced in 1998 as a replacement for the E36. The 328Ci coupe variant debuted for the 2000 model year.

328Ci Positioning:

Positioned above the 323Ci and below the M3, offering a balance of performance and luxury.

Manufacturing Plant:

Regensburg, Germany (Primary)

Production Years E46 Coupe:

1999-2006

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Ward'S Auto:

The M52 engine (variant used in the 328Ci) was a recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award in 1999.

Car And Driver Best Driver Cars:

The E46 3 Series consistently ranked on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run.

Certification Type:

Official BMW Service and Repair Manual Software