🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328i Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Target Audience: Enthusiast owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, professional independent mechanics. Competitive Analysis Primary Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Acura TL. Key Features Vehicle Reputation: Known for sporty handling, refined interior, and potent inline-six engine. Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners with comprehensive knowledge for DIY servicing, cost savings, and deeper vehicle understanding. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Full Service Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (likely PDF, implied by 'diagnostic...') Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500+ 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, component testing, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, exhaust systems. Engine Management Electronics: ECU diagnostics, sensor data interpretation, ignition system, fuel injection control, emissions control systems. Transmission Manual: Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, linkage adjustments, fluid specifications. Transmission Automatic: Torque converter, valve body, hydraulic control, shift solenoid testing, fluid service, rebuild procedures. Drivetrain: Driveshafts, CV joints, differential assembly, wheel bearings, prop shaft balancing. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, column, hydraulic pump, fluid specifications. Brakes: Brake system hydraulics, ABS, DSC, EBD, rotor and pad replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, parking brake. Electrical System: Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, component testing. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, bumper systems, underbody protection, rust prevention. HVAC: Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant handling, cabin air filter. Interior Appointments: Seats, dashboard, center console, airbags, seatbelts, infotainment system interface. Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, tire rotation. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical, electrical, and body components. Rebuild: Complete engine and transmission rebuild procedures with torque specifications and critical measurements. Refurbish: Procedures for restoring worn or damaged components, detailing refurbishment techniques. Restoration: Guidance for bringing the vehicle back to its original factory condition, including cosmetic and mechanical aspects. Technical Depth Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostic procedures utilizing BMW-specific tools and diagnostic protocols. Special Tools: Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for various repair and diagnostic tasks. Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems. Torque Specifications: Precise torque values for all fasteners and critical engine/chassis components. Tightening Sequences: Specific tightening sequences for critical components like cylinder heads and wheel bolts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and graphics. Print Quality Graphic Resolution: High-resolution images and diagrams suitable for clear viewing and printing. Binding Type Binding Style: N/A (Digital) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M54B30 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2979 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Engine Management ECU Type: MS43 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G) Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/Z/R) Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.23:1, 2nd: 2.52:1, 3rd: 1.67:1, 4th: 1.24:1, 5th: 1.00:1, Reverse: 3.93:1 Automatic Fluid Type: BMW LT-2 or Pentosin ATF-1 Manual Fluid Type: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2729 mm) Front Track: 58.5 inches (1486 mm) Rear Track: 59.2 inches (1504 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3373 - 3494 lbs (1530 - 1585 kg), depending on transmission Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4431 lbs (2010 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Driver: Good NHTSA Frontal Crash Test Passenger: Good IIHS Front Impact: Good Active Features Traction Control: Standard (ASC+T) Stability Control: Optional (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control) Anti Lock Brakes: Standard (ABS) Passive Features Airbags Front: Dual front airbags Airbags Side: Optional front side-impact airbags Seatbelts: Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard BMW Business CD audio system, optional BMW Professional CD with enhanced speakers and amplifier. Navigation: Optional MKIV navigation system with DVD-ROM map updates. Climate Control: Manual or optional automatic climate control with integrated pollen filter. Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC). Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional Bluetooth preparation with integrated hands-free system. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically recommends every 7,500 - 15,000 miles...
Standard BMW Business CD audio system, optional BMW Professional CD with enhanced speakers and amplifier.
Navigation:
Optional MKIV navigation system with DVD-ROM map updates.
Climate Control:
Manual or optional automatic climate control with integrated pollen filter.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with integrated hands-free system.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically recommends every 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km), or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30, meeting BMW LL-01 specification.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Mann-Filter HU833x, Mahle OX38D, or equivalent OEM part.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48), or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with silicate inhibitors. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km) for platinum or iridium plugs, depending on the specific plug used.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles (24,000 - 48,000 km) or annually.
Known Issues
Common Problems E46:
Coolant expansion tank cracks, water pump failure, VANOS solenoid issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket), subframe cracking (rear), DSC sensor issues, CCV (crankcase ventilation) system clogging.
M54 Engine Specific:
VANOS rattle on startup, oil consumption, eccentric shaft sensor failure.