Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance and handling
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Focus:
Rear-wheel drive platform, balanced chassis, refined inline-six engines
Manual Value:
Essential resource for DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics to maintain and repair the E46 328i
Download Benefit:
Instant access, no shipping delays or costs
Engine:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Control, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Ignition System
Transmission:
Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Clutch System, Drive Axles
Chassis:
Suspension System (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, DSC), Wheel Alignment
Electrical:
Electrical System Overview, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Battery, Alternator, Starter
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, HVAC System
Electronics:
Engine Management Systems (DME), ABS/DSC Control Modules, Immobilizer System (EWS), Instrument Cluster Diagnostics
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Belt Replacement
Repair:
Component Removal and Installation, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting Guides, Wiring Diagrams
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Diagnosis, Live Data Interpretation, Component Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
Covers procedures for use with BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS, ISTA/D) and common OBD-II scanners
Configuration:
2.8 Liter, 24-Valve, Inline 6-Cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 87.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Induction:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag Type D or ZF S5-31)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic GM A5S-325Z)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuation, Single Dry Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (check manual for specific part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (check manual for specific part number)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4398 lbs (1995 kg)
Trunk Volume:
13.6 cu ft (385 L) (Sedan)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles of similar design)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ventilated front discs, solid rear discs
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
Optional BMW Professional Radio/Cassette or CD player, optional navigation system (MK III or MK IV)
Speakers:
Typically 10-speaker Hi-Fi system
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control
Seating:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory function (optional)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) or manufacturer recommendation.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, typically iridium)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-01)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4 recommended)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (often plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (bushings fail), rear shock mounts, front strut mounts
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging (can lead to oil leaks/rough idle)
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks
Philosophy:
BMW's reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury driving dynamics
E46 Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 (for model year 1999), replacing the E36 generation
328I Positioning:
Offered a potent inline-six engine as a step up from the 323i, below the M3
Production Years Covered:
1999, 2000
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing)
