🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328i Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The BMW 3 Series (E46) was a benchmark in the compact executive sedan market, known for its driving dynamics and premium feel. The 328i, with its potent inline-six engine, represented a strong balance of performance and refinement within the E46 lineup. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, and Infiniti G20 during its production run. Key Features Vehicle Features: Rear-wheel drive bias, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, premium interior materials, advanced chassis engineering for its era. Manual Value Proposition Value: Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the detailed information necessary to maintain and repair the 2000 BMW 328i accurately and efficiently, potentially saving significant costs associated with dealership service. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Engine Coverage: All 328i engine variants for 2000 model year Transmission Coverage: Automatic and Manual transmissions System Coverage: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust, HVAC, brakes, steering, suspension, driveline, chassis, interior, exterior, body electrical, safety systems (airbags, ABS) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive software) Manual Type Type: Service and Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Software (likely a digital format like PDF or proprietary application) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul procedures, component testing, diagnostics, torque specifications, timing procedures Engine Management And Electrical: ECU functions, sensor diagnostics, ignition system, starting system, charging system, wiring diagrams, component locations Fuel And Emission Controls: Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, evaporative emission control (EVAP), catalytic converter, oxygen sensors Transmission And Drivetrain: Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E), Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, bleeding procedures Steering And Suspension: Power steering system, rack and pinion, control arms, ball joints, shock absorbers, springs, sway bars Chassis And Body: Frame, subframes, body panels, door mechanisms, glass replacement, seals HVAC: Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, heater core Body Electrical And Lighting: Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, central locking Safety Systems: Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module diagnostics Cooling And Exhaust Cooling And Exhaust Systems: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, exhaust manifolds, mufflers, emissions components Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement, brake servicing Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, DTC interpretation, testing procedures for all major systems Repair And Rebuild: Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component repair Installation And Adjustment: Component installation (e.g., new sensors, alternators), calibration procedures where applicable Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: Software (Digital) Searchability: Likely text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific topics Accessibility: Instant download/access upon purchase Print Quality Quality: N/A (Digital Format) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M52TU (M52B28TU) Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves Displacement: 2.8 Liters (2793 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm Performance Horsepower: 190 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended) Cooling System Cooling Type: Liquid-cooled, pressurized system Lubrication System Oil Capacity: 6.5 Liters (with filter) / SAE 5W-30 Synthetic 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G) Optional Transmission Type: 5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) Features Traction Control: Available ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, Valvoline MaxLife ATF) Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4505 mm) Width: 69.1 inches (1755 mm) Height: 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Wheelbase: 107.3 inches (2725 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3370 - 3470 lbs (1529 - 1574 kg) depending on transmission and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4475 lbs (2030 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5 Stars NHTSA Side Impact: 4 Stars Active Features Traction Control: ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Stability Control: Optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later models/packages ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags Seatbelts: 3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts Rollover Protection: Reinforced A-pillars and body structure 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit Options: BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS head units, optional navigation system. Audio System: Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Parking Assistance: Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC). Connectivity Phone...
The BMW 3 Series (E46) was a benchmark in the compact executive sedan market, known for its driving dynamics and premium feel. The 328i, with its potent inline-six engine, represented a strong balance of performance and refinement within the E46 lineup.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, and Infiniti G20 during its production run.
Key Features
Vehicle Features:
Rear-wheel drive bias, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, premium interior materials, advanced chassis engineering for its era.
Manual Value Proposition
Value:
Provides DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics with the detailed information necessary to maintain and repair the 2000 BMW 328i accurately and efficiently, potentially saving significant costs associated with dealership service.
Component installation (e.g., new sensors, alternators), calibration procedures where applicable
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
Software (Digital)
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable, allowing quick access to specific topics
Accessibility:
Instant download/access upon purchase
Print Quality
Quality:
N/A (Digital Format)
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M52TU (M52B28TU)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Performance
Horsepower:
190 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Cooling System
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled, pressurized system
Lubrication System
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (with filter) / SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Features
Traction Control:
Available ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, Valvoline MaxLife ATF)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4505 mm)
Width:
69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.3 inches (2725 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3370 - 3470 lbs (1529 - 1574 kg) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4475 lbs (2030 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact:
4 Stars
Active Features
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later models/packages
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point front seatbelts with pre-tensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced A-pillars and body structure
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS head units, optional navigation system.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation with cradle.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system or approximately 7,500 - 10,000 miles / 12 months (using synthetic oil)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Fluid Specifications
Engine Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW PSF-Z
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure (plastic impeller); thermostat housing leaks; radiator leaks.
Engine:
Oil pan gasket leaks; CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system can clog leading to oil leaks and rough idle; VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) unit can develop noise or malfunction.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings wear out leading to 'clunking' and poor handling; rear shock mounts can fail.
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, sporty sedans with excellent engineering and a premium feel.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) was a significant evolution from the E36, offering improved styling, chassis dynamics, and technological advancements.
Production
Production Years E46:
1998-2006 (Global), 2000 model year specifically for 328i
Engines In E46 328I:
The 328i was produced from 1999-2000, featuring the M52TU engine. It was succeeded by the 330i (with the M54 engine) in 2001.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E46 generation consistently ranked on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production, highlighting its enduring appeal and performance.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally received good ratings for performance and reliability, though specific model years and common issues require attention as noted in maintenance sections.