🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

328i

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Primary:

M52TU B28

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The 1999 BMW 328i (E46) represented BMW's entry into a more refined and technologically advanced compact executive sedan segment, offering a balance of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.

Competitors:

Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, and Infiniti G20.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, near 50/50 weight distribution, and responsive handling, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.

Engine Powertrain:

Featured the robust and smooth M52TU inline-six engine, known for its reliability and performance for the era.

Interior Appointments:

Offered a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and ergonomic design, typical of BMW interiors.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 1999 BMW 328i (E46 chassis).

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Official Service & Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M52TU B28), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine management (DME).

Drivetrain:

Manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 420G), automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP19), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles.

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (rack and pinion, power assist), braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels and tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), instrument cluster, sensors, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, HVAC system, airbags, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable).

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, electrical circuit testing.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper and rotor replacement, steering rack replacement, AC system service, starter and alternator replacement.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for various repair procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostics and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text (typical for official software), enabling precise keyword searches.

Accessibility:

Instant download/access, no physical shipping delays.

Printability:

Likely printable, allowing users to create hard copies of specific sections.

Binding:

N/A (Software format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Software format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves

Engine Code:

M52TU B28 (Technical Update)

Displacement:

2.8 Liters (2793 cc)

Horsepower:

193 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Redline:

Approx. 6500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2

Variable Valve Timing:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing on intake and exhaust camshafts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)

Transmission Fluid Type Manual:

BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent for manual transmissions.

Transmission Fluid Type Automatic:

BMW recommends ATF Dexron III or equivalent for automatic transmissions.

Final Drive Ratio:

Typically 3.07:1 (may vary slightly by region/options)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

55.2 inches (1402 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches (2726 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3350 lbs (1519 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3450 lbs (1565 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4586 lbs (2080 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4-star driver, 4-star passenger (as per contemporary NHTSA standards)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) depending on specific model options.

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). Optional DSC.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights for improved visibility.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones for impact energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

Factory BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with CD player.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CRT display.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

OBD Ii Port:

Standard OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) port for emission control and fault code reading.

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist telematics system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system or typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, whichever comes first.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km).

Spark Plug Interval:

Around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) with long-life spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 low viscosity (e.g., Pentosin DOT 4 LV).

Cooling System Failure:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks and radiator end tanks are prone to cracking over time, leading to leaks.

Oil Filter Housing Gasket:

Oil leaks from the oil filter housing gasket are common.

Ccv System:

The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can become clogged, leading to increased oil consumption and potential pressure buildup.

Vanos Solenoids:

VANOS solenoids can fail, causing rough idling, loss of power, and rattling noises.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 chassis replaced the E36 generation, marking a significant evolution in design, technology, and driving refinement for the BMW 3 Series.

E46 Market Impact:

The E46 was a critical success, lauded for its improved chassis rigidity, refined suspension, and the introduction of more advanced engine technologies like VANOS.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (for E46 platform globally)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production in Dingolfing, Germany. Also produced in South Africa, Mexico, and Thailand.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list multiple times during its production run.

Automotive Journalism Praise:

Widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance.

Consumer Reports Ratings:

Generally received good ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, although specific issues like cooling system components were noted.

Emissions Standards:

Meets EPA emissions standards for its model year.