Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Usp:
Renowned for its driving dynamics, balanced chassis, and refined powertrain.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Handling:
Rear-wheel drive bias, near 50/50 weight distribution, sophisticated multi-link suspension.
Powertrain:
Inline-six engines known for smooth power delivery and durability.
Interior:
Driver-focused cockpit, high-quality materials, premium feel.
Benefit:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the knowledge to perform extensive repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs.
Covered Models:
BMW 328i (E46 chassis) - Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Sports Wagon
Included Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Pages:
Over 1500 (typical for comprehensive BMW service manuals)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Engine:
Full engine diagnostics, overhaul, timing systems, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic (Steptronic) and Manual transmission service, repair, fluid changes, internal components
Drivetrain:
Front axle, rear axle, driveshafts, CV joints, differential
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding procedures, parking brake
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Electrical:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic connectors
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, mounting points, corrosion protection
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt mechanisms
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), systematic diagnostic strategies
Repair:
Component removal and installation, component overhauls, calibration procedures
Assembly Disassembly:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with exploded views for all major components
Wiring:
Complete vehicle wiring diagrams for electrical systems
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and component-level repair.
Engine Code:
M52TU B28 (specific to 328i)
Configuration:
2.8L DOHC Inline-6
Displacement:
2793 cc (2.8 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft (280 Nm) @ 3250 rpm
Injection:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual coil packs
System:
Pressurized liquid cooling system with electric fan
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/6 or similar)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E with Steptronic)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Approximately 4.235:1 (1st), 2.532:1 (2nd), 1.680:1 (3rd), 1.204:1 (4th), 1.000:1 (5th), 3.846:1 (Reverse)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode, electronic control, adaptive shift logic.
Manual Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol BOT 328)
Automatic Fluid:
BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent (e.g., Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Length:
Sedan: approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
Sedan: approx. 68.9 inches (1751 mm)
Height:
Sedan: approx. 55.1 inches (1399 mm)
Wheelbase:
Sedan: approx. 107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Trunk Capacity:
Sedan: approx. 11.7 cu ft (331 L)
Curb Weight:
Sedan Manual: approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg)
Curb Weight Auto:
Sedan Automatic: approx. 3472 lbs (1575 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles equipped with side airbags)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on most models.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Not universally standard, but some models may include it or it's part of DSC.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side-impact airbags for front occupants, optional head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Standard in convertible models with pop-up roll bars
System:
BMW Professional Radio, optional CD player, optional navigation system (MKIV unit).
Features:
On-board computer, cassette player (early models), optional premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Features:
Traction control, stability control (DSC), cruise control, optional park distance control (PDC).
Features:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (often an add-on or requires specific phone compatibility), Tele Aid/BMW Assist in some markets.
Oil Change:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. For older models without CBS, typically 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months.
Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles or as per CBS.
Cabin Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000 miles (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Coolant Flush:
Every 4 years or 100,000 miles (using BMW Blue Antifreeze or equivalent).
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 is common. Check owner's manual for specific viscosity.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks can crack, water pump failure (especially electric ones on later models), and radiator leaks are common. Thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (especially front lower control arms), strut mounts, and rear subframe bushings can lead to clunks and poor handling.
Vanos:
Solenoid seals (O-rings) can degrade, leading to rough idle, loss of low-end torque, and rattling sounds upon startup. Repair kits are available.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are prone to leaks due to age and heat.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC wheel speed sensor failures, alternator issues, rear window regulator failures, and CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues causing rough running or oil consumption.
Clutch Master Cylinder:
Can leak or fail, affecting clutch operation in manual transmission cars.
Fuel Pump:
In-tank fuel pump can fail, leading to intermittent starting or stalling.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for engineering sporty, luxurious, and driver-oriented vehicles, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006 (globally). It marked a significant advancement in chassis dynamics, technology, and refinement.
E46 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) introduced in 2001/2002 with updated styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers) and technology.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly in Munich, Germany. Also produced in Rosslyn, South Africa; Regensburg, Germany; Graz, Austria (Magna Steyr); and Shenyang, China.
