Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking performance, luxury, and advanced engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and excellent steering feel
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engine, refined drivetrains
Build Quality:
Typical BMW high-quality interior and exterior fit and finish
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive factory service and repair for BMW 328i E46 model
Secondary Coverage:
Includes troubleshooting, diagnostics, maintenance, and repair procedures
Estimated Pages:
800-1200 (typical for comprehensive factory manuals)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine:
Engine mechanical (M52TU B28), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust, ignition, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 5-speed), Automatic (GM A5S360R/Z/R), clutch, drive shafts, differentials
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake rotor and pad replacement, caliper service
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Electrical:
12V battery, charging system, starter, lighting, infotainment, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), SRS (Airbag) system
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation, component testing
Repair:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement, suspension component replacement
Installation:
Component replacement procedures for all major systems
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific service tools
Depth:
Complete factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Diagnostics Level:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, including electrical schematics and pinpoint tests
Rebuild Instructions:
Detailed procedures for major component rebuilds (engine, transmission)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, enabling quick information retrieval
Quality:
High resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual
Binding For Print:
Printable (user dependent)
Paper For Print:
Standard paper (user dependent)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/Z/R)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual)
Differential:
Limited-slip differential (LSD) often optional or standard on specific trims/markets
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (as per contemporary testing standards)
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
Likely 4-star
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard or optional
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) standard or optional
ABS:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on market)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts
Radio:
Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player, cassette player (often) and optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (Mk III or Mk IV BMW Navigation System).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (older implementation).
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 7,500-10,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's computer
Engine Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000-50,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (e.g., Bosch FGR7DQP+) as part of the 'Longlife' service
Coolant Flush:
BMW Long-life coolant, typically inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as per CBS or around 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 specification. (e.g., Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W-30)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation), mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 low viscosity (LV) synthetic brake fluid (BMW recommends Pentosin DOT 4 LV)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent Dexron III (ATF)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 (BMW specification) or equivalent SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III ATF or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (as per specific GM A5S360R/Z/R requirements)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure is also common.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and rear shock mounts can lead to steering looseness and noise.
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, instrument cluster pixels (often called dead pixels), ABS/DSC sensor failures, and VANOS solenoid issues.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack from stress over time, a critical structural issue.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) is the fourth generation of the 3 Series, succeeding the E36. It is widely praised for its balanced chassis and refined driving dynamics.
328I Positioning:
The 328i was a strong mid-range offering in the E46 lineup, providing a potent blend of performance and luxury before the introduction of the M3 and higher-spec variants.
Production Years E46:
1998-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some production in South Africa and other global facilities.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 3 Series, including the 328i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run.
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Consistently lauded for its driving dynamics, chassis balance, and powerful inline-six engines.
