Segment:
Compact executive sedan/coupe, known for sporty handling and premium features.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and precise steering.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth inline-six engine, delivering strong performance and characteristic BMW sound.
Build Quality:
High-quality interior materials and robust overall construction typical of the BMW brand.
Regions Covered:
Primarily North America (USA, Canada), but general mechanical principles apply globally.
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (precise count not specified, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic & parking), wheels & tires.
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, instrument cluster, body control modules (BCM), convenience features, power accessories.
Body:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, glass, interior trim, body sealing.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing, electrical schematics.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component overhauls, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension arm replacement, electrical component repair.
Disassembly Reassembly:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing all major components and sub-assemblies.
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical resistance values.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and repair strategies.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Type:
5-speed Getrag manual transmission (S5D 320Z)
Type:
5-speed ZF Steptronic automatic transmission (5HP19)
Automatic Mode:
Steptronic feature allows manual gear selection.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW Blue MTF LT-1 / LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW Blue ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
Sedan: 177.5 in (4509 mm), Coupe: 176.8 in (4491 mm), Convertible: 176.8 in (4491 mm), Touring: 177.5 in (4509 mm)
Width:
Sedan/Coupe/Convertible: 68.9 in (1750 mm), Touring: 68.9 in (1750 mm)
Height:
Sedan: 55.7 in (1415 mm), Coupe: 53.5 in (1359 mm), Convertible: 54.2 in (1377 mm), Touring: 55.1 in (1400 mm)
Wheelbase:
Sedan/Coupe: 107.4 in (2728 mm), Convertible/Touring: 107.4 in (2728 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg) depending on body style and transmission.
Trunk Volume:
Sedan: Approx. 14.1 cu ft (400 L)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) - 2001 Model Year (Sedan)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good - 2001 Model Year (Sedan)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available on most models.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) standard on most.
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional Navigation system.
Audio System:
Standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi system or optional Harman Kardon system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface available on later models/packages.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with recirculation mode and cabin microfilter.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter change.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 BMW Heavy Duty Brake Fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Vanos seals, eccentric shaft sensors, PCV valve/hose, water pump, thermostat, cooling system components (hoses, radiator), ignition coils, VANOS solenoids, oil pan gasket, rear main seal.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can be susceptible to electrical issues, particularly related to the ABS/DSC module, headlight switch modules, and various sensors.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and ball joints can wear over time.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, 'Bayerische Motoren Werke AG,' is a German luxury and performance vehicle manufacturer with a long history dating back to 1916.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1997/1998 to 2006. The 328i was a key model within this generation.
Production Years Covered By Manual:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Munich, Germany; some assembly in South Africa and other locations.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series (including variants like the 328i) was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run for its driving dynamics.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings varied by year and specific components, but generally considered good to above average for its class at the time. Manual provides insights into common wear items to maintain reliability.
