Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its sporty handling, balanced chassis, and driver-focused cockpit, epitomizing the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Build Quality:
High-quality interior materials and solid construction, typical of BMW's premium segment offerings.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Driveshaft, Axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks), HVAC Controls, SRS (Airbag) System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats
Maintenance:
Routine Inspections, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Brake Pad/Rotor Replacement, Fluid Checks and Replenishment
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Body Panel Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Explanation, Electrical Schematics, Component Testing Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic routine maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Engine Code:
M52TU B28 (Double VANOS)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 83.6 mm
Horsepower Hp:
190 hp @ 5500 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Oil Capacity W Filter:
6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-01 or BMW Longlife-98 approved)
Transmission Type Std:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/6)
Transmission Type Opt:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate (Manual Transmission)
Automatic Features:
Sport Mode, Manual Override (Steptronic)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent synthetic gear oil (e.g., Castrol TAF-X)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT 71141 or equivalent synthetic ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 1540 kg (3395 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:
Approx. 1990 kg (4387 lbs)
Trunk Volume:
410 Liters (14.5 cubic feet)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (E46 generation models with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Traction Control (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Audio System:
BMW Business CD/RDS or Professional CD/RDS, optional Harmon Kardon sound system.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System (MK III or MK IV Professional) with CD-ROM maps.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation (if equipped with appropriate module).
Climate Control:
Manual air conditioning or optional Automatic Climate Control.
Oil Change Interval Bmw Ll:
Up to 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (with BMW Longlife oil). Refer to Condition Based Service (CBS) system for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium plugs).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as per BMW Longlife coolant recommendations.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends high-performance DOT 4 or DOT 5.1)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failure are common; VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid seals can degrade.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings and ball joints, rear subframe bushings, and thrust arm bushings are wear items.
Electrical:
Heater core O-rings, blower motor resistor, ABS sensor failures, and sometimes "ABS/DSC Failure" warnings are reported.
Engine:
Oil filter housing gasket leaks, vacuum hose degradation.
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-oriented, performance-focused luxury vehicles.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series succeeded the E36 and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It represented a significant step forward in styling, technology, and driving dynamics.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other global locations.
E46 328I Production Years:
1999-2000 (North America), later models in other markets might vary slightly.
