Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional workshops seeking detailed repair information.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Model Strengths:
Sporty handling, refined interior, powerful inline-six engine, excellent build quality.
Value Proposition:
Provides the definitive resource for maintaining and repairing the BMW 328i (E46), enabling cost savings and in-depth understanding of the vehicle's systems.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, fuel, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differentials, clutch (manual transmission), wheel bearings
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, ABS, component replacement (pads, rotors, lines), bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, pump, fluid replacement
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control electronics
Body:
Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement
Chassis:
Frame, unibody structure, rust prevention, chassis components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) system, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all components and systems
Rebuild:
Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, including torque specifications and clearances
Troubleshooting:
Comprehensive troubleshooting guides and flowcharts for common and complex issues
Installation:
Installation procedures for aftermarket parts and upgrades, where applicable
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system schematics.
Engine Name:
BMW M52TUB28
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 Valves
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Engine Control System:
Siemens MS43 Electronic Engine Control Unit (ECU)
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE Net)
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
60 Liters (15.8 US Gallons)
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Synthetic, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), 50/50 mix with distilled water
Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR6EQUP (Platinum) or equivalent
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 250G)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (GM A5S 325Z)
Manual Gear Ratios 1-5:
3.50, 2.14, 1.42, 1.00, 0.81
Manual Reverse Gear Ratio:
3.00
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 gear oil)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent ATF)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Asc:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
DTC:
Optional Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Airbags Front:
Standard driver and front passenger airbags
Airbags Side:
Optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Infotainment System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation System (MK III or MK IV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker audio, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity Features:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (BMW Assist).
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (BMW Condition Based Service), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 1 year.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 60,000 miles for platinum plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Replace coolant every 4 years or 60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Replace brake fluid every 2 years or 24,000 miles.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or compatible hydraulic fluid)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid Concentrate or equivalent, mixed with water.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank failures, water pump impeller failure, thermostat housing leaks.
Vanos:
Degradation of O-rings in the VANOS system leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket are common leak points.
Subframe:
Cracking of the rear subframe mounting points due to stress.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation system (CCV) failure, leading to oil consumption and rough running.
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer renowned for its performance-oriented cars and motorcycles.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series was produced from 1998 to 2006, representing the fifth generation of BMW's compact executive car.
Production Years E46 328I:
1999-2000 (pre-facelift), replaced by 330i with the 2001 facelift. However, the 328i moniker continued in certain markets like North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), also South Africa, Egypt, Thailand, Russia, Indonesia, China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam.