Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Luxury car buyers seeking sporty performance and refined handling
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics, balanced chassis, RWD bias
Engine Smoothness:
Inline-six engine known for its refinement and power delivery
Build Quality:
High level of interior and exterior fit and finish
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emission control systems
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch service (manual)
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering, drive axles, differential
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, ABS, rotor and pad replacement, fluid flush
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, power windows, central locking
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, interior trim, HVAC system, chassis lubrication, corrosion protection
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, common fault identification
Repair:
Component-level repair and replacement for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Advanced diagnostic procedures, use of BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA) principles
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 81.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft (280 Nm) @ 3200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Manual Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Automatic Modes:
Sport and Manual (Steptronic) modes
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF ETL-7045E or Dexron III
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., BMW Gear Oil SAF-XJ)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles tested with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones
Audio System:
Optional BMW Professional CD/Radio, with Sirius satellite radio integration available
Navigation:
Optional MKIV (Mark IV) navigation system
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control, optional heated seats
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration for mobile phones
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (using BMW LL-01 oil)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (using correct spark plugs like NGK BKR6EQUP)
Coolant Flush:
Every 3-4 years or 50,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (FCABs), rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs), shock mounts
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, headlight condensation
Interior:
Headliner sagging, pixelated instrument cluster displays
Bmw Legacy:
Long history of producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles with sophisticated engineering
E46 Generation:
Part of the highly acclaimed E46 generation (1998-2006), known for its chassis dynamics and design
328I Positioning:
Positioned as a powerful, mid-range offering within the E46 lineup, above the 325i and below the 330i
Production Years:
The 328i model was primarily produced for the 1999-2000 model years in most markets, with the M52TU engine being superseded by the N52 in later E46 iterations for the 328i/330i designations. The 2003 model year E46 typically featured the 325i (M54B25) and 330i (M54B30). It's possible this manual covers an E46 chassis with a 3.0L engine (M54B30) rebadged or specifically referring to a variant that retained the 328i nomenclature in certain regions or for specific export markets, or it might be an error and should reference a 330i. However, for the purpose of this analysis, we will assume the manual is accurate for a 2003 E46 328i as stated, which may be a regional designation or a specific engine tune.
