🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Model Variant:

328

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Primary:

M52TU B28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series (E46) represented BMW's entry into a more mainstream luxury compact sedan segment, competing with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. The 328i specifically offered a balance of performance and luxury, making it a popular choice.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C280 (W202), Audi A4 2.8 quattro (B5), Lexus ES300, Infiniti I30.

Vehicle Strengths:

Renowned driving dynamics (sport-tuned suspension, RWD bias), powerful inline-six engine, premium interior materials, build quality, sophisticated design.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides authoritative, technician-level repair and maintenance guidance, enabling owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the vehicle to factory specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, but not explicitly stated, common for such products)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete overhaul, tuning, diagnostics, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2), exhaust system, emission controls.

Transmission:

Manual (Getrag 260/5/6) and Automatic (ZF 5HP19) transmission repair, fluid changes, diagnostics, control modules.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, universal joints, rear axle, differential, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/disc replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures.

Suspension:

Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, ignition system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ECU (Engine Control Unit) functions, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, body repairs, rust prevention, collision repair basics.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, blower motor, evaporator, condenser.

Interior:

Seats, dashboard, door panels, headliner, instrument cluster, airbag systems (SRS).

Basic Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change.

Component Replacement:

Alternator, starter, water pump, thermostat, fuel pump, O2 sensors, MAF sensor, ignition coils, brake pads and rotors, clutch, suspension components.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability issues, electrical faults.

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic scan tools, interpretation of sensor data, testing of electrical circuits.

Rebuilds:

Engine internal component replacement, transmission overhaul.

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures).

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (assumed, standard for digital workshop manuals)

Searchability:

Searchable text content (if a properly created PDF)

Print Ability:

Printable pages (standard for digital manuals)

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code:

M52TUB28

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 83.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake and exhaust camshafts.

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft (280 Nm) @ 3800 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 Electronic Fuel Injection

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-01 FE specification)

Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter

Spark Plugs:

Bosch Super Plus or Platinum (e.g., Bosch FGR7DQP0) - 14mm thread, 1.02 inch reach, 5/8 inch hex, single ground electrode.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or Dexron III (Mercon). Note: ZF recommends their specific fluid for optimal performance and longevity.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4505 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches (2725 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

3307 lbs (1500 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3362 lbs (1525 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4586 lbs (2080 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 stars

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 stars

ABS:

Standard

Dsc:

Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)

Traction Control:

Integral to DSC

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners front and rear.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW Business CD or BMW Professional CD radios with optional CD changer integration. Standard analog displays and controls.

Driver Assistance Features:

ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Cruise Control.

Connectivity Features:

Optional cellular phone integration via BMW Assist (early telematics).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system or approximately every 10,000-15,000 miles / 12-24 months. Consult the owner's manual or CBS for specific intervals based on driving conditions.

Air Filter Interval:

Check every ~30,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace per CBS recommendations.

Cabin Air Filter Interval:

Replace annually or every 15,000-20,000 miles.

Spark Plug Interval:

Approximately every 100,000 miles (for long-life platinum/iridium plugs). Consult manual for specific type.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. Check condition.

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific vehicle documentation as some early E46s used different fluids).

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.9 quarts (7.5 Liters)

Common Problems Engine:

VANOS solenoid failure, oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, cooling system leaks (cracked expansion tank, failed water pump, thermostat housing), PCV system issues, rough idle due to vacuum leaks.

Common Problems Drivetrain:

Clutch wear (manual), automatic transmission torque converter shudder or failure, driveshaft guibo (flex disc) deterioration, differential seal leaks.

Common Problems Suspension Steering:

Front control arm bushings (RTABs), ball joints, wheel bearings, steering rack leaks, rear subframe mount cracks (late E46 models but can affect early ones).

Common Problems Electrical:

CCFL angel eye failure (if installed), instrument cluster dead pixels, ABS/DSC sensor failures, alternator failure, central locking issues, blower motor resistor failure.

Common Problems Body:

Rust on fenders, door bottoms, and rocker panels; sunroof drain blockage leading to water ingress.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics, engineering precision, and driver engagement.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (for the 1999 model year in North America) and succeeded the E36. It marked a significant advancement in design, technology, and chassis engineering.

328I Positioning E46:

The 328i was positioned as a higher-performance variant within the E46 lineup, offering the potent M52TUB28 engine before the introduction of the M3 and 330i models.

E46 Production Years:

1998-2006 (globally, model years vary by market)

E46 Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg), Austria, South Africa, Mexico, Egypt.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Model Recognition:

Car and Driver 10 Best (1999-2000), MotorTrend Car of the Year (1999 - for the 3 Series family) are indicative of the platform's quality.

Platform Reputation:

The E46 3 Series is widely considered one of the benchmark vehicles in its class for handling, ride comfort, and overall driving enjoyment.