Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for BMW's characteristic 'Ultimate Driving Machine' handling, responsive steering, and balanced chassis.
Engine Availability:
Offered with a range of inline-6 engines, with the 328i specifically featuring the robust and refined M52TUB28 and later the M54B28.
Powertrain:
Engine (M52TUB28, M54B28), Transmission (5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 6-speed manual), Differential, Driveshafts, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), Steering (rack and pinion, power assist), Brakes (ABS, DSC, disc brakes front/rear), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management System (DME), Ignition System, Fuel System, Charging System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Infotainment System, Body Control Modules (BCM), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Bumpers, Convertible Top (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection/Replacement, Air Filter Replacement
Repair:
Engine Component Replacement (e.g., VANOS, cooling system, fuel injectors), Transmission Repair/Replacement, Brake System Repair, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, HVAC System Service
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation, electrical circuit testing
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Code:
M52TUB28 (most common for 328i in this range)
Engine Type:
2.8L (2793 cc) DOHC Inline-6
Horsepower:
Approx. 193 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque:
Approx. 206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Siemens MS43 or MS45 (depending on exact year/market)
Vanos:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system
Type Early:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type Auto:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Plate Dry Clutch (Manual)
Manual Example:
Refer to manual for specific ratios for Getrag 420G
Manual Fluid Spec:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF for some applications)
Automatic Fluid Spec:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or equivalent
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.9 inches (1751 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.3 inches (1405 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3307 lbs (1500 kg)
Curb Weight Auto:
Approx. 3395 lbs (1540 kg)
Gvwr:
Refer to vehicle data plate
Towing Capacity:
Not officially recommended for towing in most markets
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.7 cu ft (331 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Active rollover protection system for convertible models
Head Unit:
Business CD, Professional CD, or Navigation systems with Integrated Radio, CD Player, and optional Cassette.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Display:
LCD screen for radio, climate, and navigation information. Often green monochrome or color for navigation.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration with compatible phone cradles.
Aux Input:
Optional AUX input port on some head units.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years (recommended)
Coolant Interval:
First change at 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (using BMW Blue coolant).
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Common Wear Item:
Window regulators (especially rear) and door lock actuators can fail.
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU830/1x, Mahle OX150/7D, BMW 11427518055
Air Filter Example:
Mann-Filter C37133, K&N 33-2075, BMW 13721730948
Bmw Legacy:
BMW is renowned for its engineering prowess, sporty driving characteristics, and luxury vehicle manufacturing dating back to the early 20th century.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation succeeded the E36 and was produced from 1998 to 2006, representing a significant step forward in design, technology, and performance.
Production Years:
1999-2005 (for the 328i model within the E46 lifecycle)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing, Munich), also South Africa, Egypt, Russia, Thailand, and others depending on market and CKD assembly.
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 3 Series models (including variants like the 328i) were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during their production run for their driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally received good to excellent ratings from consumer organizations for performance and reliability, though specific model years/issues can vary.
Emissions Standards:
Compliant with ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) standards in relevant markets.
