Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Image Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for printing
Text Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Binding Type
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Download)
Completeness
License:
No expiry dates, no extra fees
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code 323I:
M52TU B25
Displacement 323I:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Cylinders 323I:
Inline-6
Horsepower 323I:
168 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque 323I:
181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Code 325I Xi:
M54 B25
Displacement 325I Xi:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Cylinders 325I Xi:
Inline-6
Horsepower 325I Xi:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 325I Xi:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Code 328I:
M52TU B28
Displacement 328I:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Cylinders 328I:
Inline-6
Horsepower 328I:
190 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque 328I:
206 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Code 330I Xi:
M54 B30
Displacement 330I Xi:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Cylinders 330I Xi:
Inline-6
Horsepower 330I Xi:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque 330I Xi:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Code M3:
S54 B32
Displacement M3:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Cylinders M3:
Inline-6 (High-Revving)
Horsepower M3:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque M3:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Performance
Redline Non M3:
6500 rpm
Redline M3:
8000 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Injection:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic for most models, Siemens MS43/MS45/MSS54 for later models)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G for most models, Getrag S6S 420G for M3)
Optional
Optional Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19FLA for most models), 6-speed Manual (Getrag S6S 420G for M3)
Features
Steptronic:
Available on automatic transmissions, allowing manual gear selection.
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) available on 'xi' models.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
Approx. 177.4 - 183.2 inches (4506 - 4653 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 68.3 - 71.5 inches (1735 - 1816 mm) depending on model and M3
Height:
Approx. 54.1 - 57.0 inches (1374 - 1448 mm) depending on body style
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3300 - 3800 lbs (1497 - 1724 kg) depending on configuration
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
Approx. 11.7 cu ft (331 L)
Trunk Volume Coupe:
Approx. 10.7 cu ft (303 L)
Trunk Volume Convertible:
Approx. 11.2 cu ft (317 L) with top up
Cargo Volume Wagon:
Approx. 15.0 cu ft (425 L) behind rear seats, expandable
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star or 5-star (depending on year and specific testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely Good or Acceptable (depending on year and specific testing)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (traction control and stability enhancement), standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Integral part of DSC.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional side airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Srs:
Supplemental Restraint System.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or BMW Professional RDS radios. Optional CD changers, navigation systems (Mk III or Mk IV systems).
Display:
Central LCD screen for climate control, radio, and navigation information. Driver information system in the instrument cluster.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with cradle.
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics service (depending on market and year).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, depending on driving conditions and oil type.
Coolant Change:
Recommended every 2-3 years or as per CBS.
Brake Fluid Change:
Recommended every 2 years.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on plug type and engine.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) certified synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40. Refer to owner's manual for exact grade.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, typically 75W-90 or 80W-90. Refer to manual for specific type (e.g., Pentosin).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1). Critical to use the correct fluid to prevent damage.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 low viscosity.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW's own power steering fluid.
Known Issues
Common E46 Issues:
Cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system issues, oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, subframe cracking (rear), ABS/DSC sensor failures, idle control valve issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption and rough idle.
M3 Specific Issues:
Rod bearing wear (requiring inspection and potential replacement), carbon fiber driveshaft flex disc wear, clutch wear, subframe cracking (more prevalent than non-M3).
Part Numbers Example
Oil Filter 330I:
11 42 1 740 116 (common OE part number structure)
Air Filter 325I:
13 72 1 703 719
Cabin Filter:
64 11 2 177 372
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
Founded in 1916, BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer renowned for performance, engineering, and the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan.
Model Evolution
E46 Introduction:
The E46 succeeded the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It was a critical success, significantly improving on its predecessor in terms of chassis dynamics, interior refinement, and technology.
Facelift:
A mid-cycle facelift occurred in 2001, with updated exterior styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers), interior refinements, and mechanical updates, including the introduction of the M54 engines for most models.
M3 Variant:
The E46 M3, introduced in 2000, is considered one of the best M cars of all time, featuring the legendary S54 naturally aspirated inline-6 engine and a chassis optimized for track performance.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary assembly in Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with additional assembly in other countries including South Africa and Thailand.
Sales Figures:
Over 1.5 million E46 models produced globally, making it a highly successful generation for BMW.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list throughout its production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning the overall award every year, the E46 was frequently praised and considered a benchmark in its class by MotorTrend.
Certifications
Bmw Engineering Seal:
Widely regarded as a prime example of BMW's engineering prowess and its commitment to driving pleasure.
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