🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Primary:

M52TU B28

👋 Introduction

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

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

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

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Image Resolution:

High-resolution scans for clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Text Search:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

⚙️ Engine Specifications

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

🔧 Transmission

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)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4524 mm (178.1 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

1500 kg (3307 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

1530 kg (3373 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1990 kg (4387 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

1500 kg (3307 lbs) (if equipped with factory tow hitch)

🛡️ Safety Features

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)

Brake Assist:

Standard

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

💡 Technology Features

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

🔧 Maintenance

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

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4

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

📚 Vehicle History

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.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

E46 generation was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for reliability and driving dynamics, though some model years and specific components could be flagged

Manufacturer Standards:

Meets BMW's stringent internal quality and performance standards