Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe.
Usp:
Renowned for sporty handling, refined powertrains, and premium interior quality.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS.
Performance Focus:
Emphasis on driver engagement and dynamic performance.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality and attention to detail.
Engine:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control, engine management (DME).
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag 260/6) and Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP19).
Drivetrain:
Clutch, driveshaft, differential, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment.
Brakes:
Brake system components (front and rear), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, DME wiring diagrams, comfort electronics.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, glass, seals.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seatbelt mechanisms.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes.
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and repair procedures.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, fault finding charts, error code explanations.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II), specific BMW diagnostic procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve, VANOS.
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/6)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
Steptronic:
Driver-selectable manual shifting mode.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent ATF) - often BMW Part No. 83 22 0 026 918
Length:
177.4 inches (Sedan), 173.1 inches (Coupe/Convertible)
Height:
56.0 inches (Sedan), 54.5 inches (Coupe), 53.5 inches (Convertible)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3300 - 3500 lbs (depending on body style and transmission)
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
4 out of 5 stars (Driver), 4 out of 5 stars (Passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) standard.
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, available rollover protection (Convertible).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner front seatbelts.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD audio systems. Optional navigation system.
Stability Control Features:
DSC system with ABS and traction control integration.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration for phone calls via 'Retrofit' kits or aftermarket solutions.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions (as indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 - 100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 764
Cooling System:
Water pump failure (plastic impeller), coolant hoses degradation, expansion tank leaks.
Vanos:
VANOS seals can degrade, leading to rough idle or loss of low-end torque.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and potential oil leaks.
E46 Specific:
Subframe cracking (especially rear), strut tower mounts, and rear shock mounts.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW, 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizes performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) represents the fourth generation of the 3 Series, succeeding the E36.
328I Positioning:
The 328i was a popular mid-range engine option in the E46 lineup, balancing performance and efficiency.
Production Years:
The E46 328i was produced from 1998-2000 in Europe and 1999-2000 in North America. The 2002 model year 328i refers to a specific variant within the E46 lifecycle, likely a placeholder or a specific market designation if production of the 328i nameplate extended beyond 2000 for certain markets. For North America, the successor to the 328i was the 330i with the M54 engine for 2001+ models. This manual likely covers the M52TUB28 engine specific to the earlier E46 years or a specific regional variant. (Clarification on the exact engine code for a '2002 328i' would be crucial, as the primary US 328i was phased out for the 330i for 2001. Assuming this manual covers the M52TUB28 for a specific market or an error in the model designation).
