🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328i Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code Primary: M54B30 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible Competitors 2003: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Lexus IS300, Acura TL Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned for sporty handling, balanced chassis, and responsive steering. Powertrain Refinement: Smooth and powerful M54 inline-six engine known for its linear power delivery. Build Quality: Typical BMW build quality with premium interior materials and robust construction. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Markets Covered: Global (primarily North America, Europe) Model Variants Covered: BMW 328i Sedan, Coupe, Convertible Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M54B30), Transmission (GM A5S360R/RWD, Getrag 420G/6-speed manual), Drivetrain (Rear-wheel drive) Chassis: Suspension (Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic power steering), Brakes (Front: Ventilated discs, Rear: Solid discs, ABS, DSC) Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, ECU diagnostics, lighting, sensors, starter, alternator, battery Bodywork: Body repair, panel replacement, interior trim, climate control, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts) Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil change, filter replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection/replacement Diagnostics: Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic connector locations, specific component testing Repair: Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component replacement Calibration And Adjustment: Wheel alignment, throttle body calibration, idle speed adjustment, headlight aiming Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Searchable text content Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: BMW M54B30 Engine Configuration: Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated 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 @ 6000 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.2) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless ignition with individual coil-on-plug (COP) units Emissions Control: Secondary air injection system, catalytic converter, EGR (where applicable) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type Automatic: GM A5S360R/RWD 5-speed automatic Optional Type Manual: Getrag 420G 6-speed manual Features Automatic Features: Steptronic (manual shifting mode) Fluid Specs Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III or Dexron VI compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF) Fluid Specs Manual Fluid Type: BMW MTF LT-2 or Pentosin MTF 2 📐 Dimensions Exterior Sedan Length: 177.4 inches Width: 68.7 inches Height: 56.2 inches Wheelbase: 107.4 inches Weights Sedan Curb Weight: 3350 lbs (approximate) Cargo Sedan Trunk Capacity: 13.7 cu ft 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Driver: 5-Star NHTSA Frontal Passenger: 5-Star IIHS Side Impact: Good (for equipped models) Active Features Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business or Professional CD/RDS radio, optional navigation system (MKIV) Speaker System: Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface Comfort Features Climate Control: Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (IHKA) Cruise Control: Standard cruise control 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or based on driving conditions. Oil Type Capacity: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved) or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic. Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change. Service Intervals Filters Oil Filter Part Number Example: Mann-Filter HU816X, Mahle OX38D Service Intervals Brakes Brake Fluid Change Interval: Every 2 years regardless of mileage (DOT 4) Service Intervals Coolant Coolant Change Interval: Initial fill for life, or typically replaced every 4-5 years / 60,000 miles if a flush is performed. Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid: ATF Dexron III/VI or Pentosin CHF 11S (check vehicle specifics, early E46 may differ slightly, manual will clarify) Washer Fluid: BMW Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent with de-icing additive Known Issues Common Problems: Coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid/actuator issues, oil separator (CCV) system failure leading to vacuum leaks, sagging headliner, power steering hose leaks, window regulator failures. Spark Plugs Spark Plug Type Part Number Example: NGK BKR6EQUP or Bosch FR7DCX+ (typically 6 required) Air Filter Part Number Example Air Filter: Mann-Filter C35177/2, Mahle LX802 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Manufacturer Focus: Performance, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to 1916. Model...
Wheel alignment, throttle body calibration, idle speed adjustment, headlight aiming
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text content
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent silicate-free OAT coolant
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition with individual coil-on-plug (COP) units
Emissions Control:
Secondary air injection system, catalytic converter, EGR (where applicable)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type Automatic:
GM A5S360R/RWD 5-speed automatic
Optional
Type Manual:
Getrag 420G 6-speed manual
Features
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode)
Fluid Specs Automatic
Fluid Type:
Dexron III or Dexron VI compatible automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Fluid Specs Manual
Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 or Pentosin MTF 2
📐 Dimensions
Exterior Sedan
Length:
177.4 inches
Width:
68.7 inches
Height:
56.2 inches
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches
Weights Sedan
Curb Weight:
3350 lbs (approximate)
Cargo Sedan
Trunk Capacity:
13.7 cu ft
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for equipped models)
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional CD/RDS radio, optional navigation system (MKIV)
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (IHKA)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals Oil
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or based on driving conditions.
Oil Type Capacity:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved) or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic. Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU816X, Mahle OX38D
Service Intervals Brakes
Brake Fluid Change Interval:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage (DOT 4)
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial fill for life, or typically replaced every 4-5 years / 60,000 miles if a flush is performed.
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III/VI or Pentosin CHF 11S (check vehicle specifics, early E46 may differ slightly, manual will clarify)
Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid or equivalent with de-icing additive
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid/actuator issues, oil separator (CCV) system failure leading to vacuum leaks, sagging headliner, power steering hose leaks, window regulator failures.
Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Type Part Number Example:
NGK BKR6EQUP or Bosch FR7DCX+ (typically 6 required)
Air Filter Part Number Example
Air Filter:
Mann-Filter C35177/2, Mahle LX802
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer Focus:
Performance, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to 1916.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution of the 3 Series, known for its driving dynamics and refined styling.
328I Placement:
The 328i served as a mid-range model within the E46 lineup, positioned above the 325i and below the 330i, offering a strong balance of performance and refinement.
Production
Production Years E46:
1998-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz), South Africa, Thailand
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
General Accolades:
The E46 generation, including the 328i, consistently received critical acclaim for its driving dynamics, engineering, and overall desirability.
Car And Driver:
Frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for performance and handling, with some variability in reliability depending on specific components and maintenance history.
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