🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 328i Year: 2004 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code Family: N52 (though likely M54 in many 328i models of this era, manual confirms specifics) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe. Brand Perception: Known for performance, luxury, and advanced engineering. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Acura TL. Key Features Driving Dynamics: Rear-wheel-drive bias, balanced chassis, responsive handling. Powertrain Options: Renowned inline-six engines. Value Proposition Manual Value: Essential for owners seeking to maintain and repair their vehicle effectively, offering significant cost savings over dealership service. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage: Complete factory service and repair for BMW 328i 2004 model year. Page Count Pages: Hundreds (Specific page count not provided in product description, but implied extensive). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive engine diagnostics, repair, overhaul, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, emissions control. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, fluid changes, internal component overhaul. Drivetrain: Driveshaft, CV joints, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment specifications. Brakes: Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components, ABS, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul. Steering: Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion repair. Electrical: Full electrical schematics, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, power windows, central locking, comfort systems. Bodywork: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, bumpers, exterior trim, glass replacement, rust repair procedures. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnostics, component replacement, refrigerant handling. Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seatbelt mechanisms. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance procedures, service intervals, fluid level checks, filter replacements. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (DTC). Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems. Rebuild: Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, including component specifications and tolerances. Installation: Component replacement and installation guides. Diagnostics: Advanced diagnostic procedures for electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchable: Likely searchable text content, enabling quick navigation. Print Quality Printability: Printable in its entirety or select pages. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Downloadable PDF format). Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital format). ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder Engine Code Specific: Likely M54B30 (3.0L) for 328i models, but manual will confirm exact variant. Displacement: Approximately 3.0 Liters (2979 cc) Performance Horsepower: Around 225-231 hp @ 6500 rpm (depending on specific M54 variant) Torque: Around 214-221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (depending on specific M54 variant) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 formulation) Lubrication Oil Type: Synthetic Engine Oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 (refer to manual for specific BMW LL-01 approved oils) Oil Capacity: Approximately 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag 260/6) Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic Transmission (e.g., GM A5S360R/A5S390R) Features Manual Fluid: MTF LT-2 or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part numbers/grades) Automatic Fluid: ATF LT 71141 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (refer to manual for specific BMW part numbers) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: Approximately 177.4 inches (4506 mm) for sedan. Width: Approximately 68.7 inches (1745 mm) for sedan. Height: Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for sedan. Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg) depending on configuration. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash: Likely 4-star driver and 5-star passenger (typical for E46 generation in US testing). IIHS Moderate Overlap Front: Likely 'Good' (typical for E46 generation in IIHS testing). Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System. Dsc: Standard Dynamic Stability Control. Traction Control: Standard Traction Control. Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio with optional CD changer and navigation system (CCC). Display: Optional 6.5-inch LCD screen for navigation and vehicle information. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Parking Sensors: Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, using the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or as recommended by manual. Spark Plugs: Intervals vary (e.g., 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, refer to manual for specific type and interval). Coolant Flush: Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for specific coolant and interval). Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (BMW Heavy Duty Brake Fluid recommended). Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent (BMW recommendation may vary, consult manual)....
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (refer to manual for specific part numbers/grades)
Automatic Fluid:
ATF LT 71141 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (refer to manual for specific BMW part numbers)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 177.4 inches (4506 mm) for sedan.
Width:
Approximately 68.7 inches (1745 mm) for sedan.
Height:
Approximately 55.7 inches (1415 mm) for sedan.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3300-3500 lbs (1497-1588 kg) depending on configuration.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash:
Likely 4-star driver and 5-star passenger (typical for E46 generation in US testing).
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Likely 'Good' (typical for E46 generation in IIHS testing).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control.
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio with optional CD changer and navigation system (CCC).
Display:
Optional 6.5-inch LCD screen for navigation and vehicle information.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or annually, using the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or as recommended by manual.
Spark Plugs:
Intervals vary (e.g., 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, refer to manual for specific type and interval).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (refer to manual for specific coolant and interval).
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW Heavy Duty Brake Fluid recommended).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent (BMW recommendation may vary, consult manual).
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank, water pump, and thermostat housing are prone to cracking; VANOS system seals can degrade.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Components:
Control arm bushings (bushings and ball joints integrated) and rear subframe bushings can wear out.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulators, door lock actuators, and CCFL angel eye headlights can fail.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage:
BMW is synonymous with 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' renowned for performance, engineering, and build quality dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) is considered a benchmark for its class, balancing luxury, sportiness, and technological advancements.
328I Positioning:
The 328i typically represented the mid-range sport sedan/coupe within the 3 Series lineup, offering a potent inline-six engine before the introduction of the larger displacement 330i models.
Production
Production Period:
The E46 generation was produced from 1998 to 2006, with the 2004 model year being part of the facelifted ('LCI') version.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 generation 3 Series was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' award during its production run, highlighting its exceptional driving dynamics and overall quality.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally received good to excellent ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction, although some specific model years and components had noted issues.