🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 323i Year: 2000 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code: M52TU B25 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional automotive technicians Competitive Analysis Competitors 2000: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS300 (later), Acura TL Key Features Performance Orientation: Known for balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and refined inline-six engines Premium Appointments: High-quality interior materials, driver-focused cockpit Manual Utility: Essential resource for maintaining and repairing a complex German luxury vehicle 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Complete factory service and repair Secondary Coverage: Diagnostic procedures, electrical diagrams, technical specifications Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed diagnostics, overhaul, component testing, M52TU B25 specific Cooling System: Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, bleeding procedures Fuel System: Fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure, EVAP system Ignition System: Coil-on-plug, spark plugs, DME control Transmission Manual: Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms Transmission Automatic: GM 5L40-E: Hydraulic control, valve body, torque converter, electronic control Drivetrain: Driveshafts, CV joints, differential, axle shafts Suspension: Front struts, rear multi-link, control arms, bushings, alignment Steering: Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) diagnostics, hydraulic components Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, EWS (Immobilizer) Lighting: Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, bulb replacement Body And Chassis: Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, bumper repair, structural components HVAC: Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant lines, blower motor, cabin filter Interior: Seats, dashboard, door panels, trim components Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspection Troubleshooting: Diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, error code interpretation Repair: Component removal, installation, adjustment, and rebuild procedures Diagnostics: OBD-II scan tool usage, BMW specific diagnostic software (ISTA/DIS related principles) Electrical Diagnostics: Interpreting wiring diagrams, testing circuits, diagnosing sensor issues Wheel Alignment: Specifications and procedures for front and rear alignment Tire Replacement: Mounting, balancing, and pressure specifications Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics Diagnostic Level: Advanced electronic diagnostics and mechanical troubleshooting Rebuild Procedures: Detailed engine, transmission, and differential rebuild instructions 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text for quick information retrieval Print Quality Clarity: High-resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams and text Printable: Fully printable for shop or home use Binding Type Binding For Print: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type For Print: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves Engine Name: M52TU B25 (Double VANOS) Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5 Liters) Performance Horsepower: 170 hp @ 5500 rpm Torque: 181 lb-ft (245 Nm) @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded 91+ Octane Technical Features Variable Valve Timing: Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250/5) Optional Type: 5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) Features Rear Wheel Drive: Standard RWD layout Gear Ratios Manual: Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 4.235:1 1st, 2.526:1 2nd, 1.672:1 3rd, 1.231:1 4th, 1.000:1 5th, 3.46:1 Reverse) Fluid Specifications Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific BMW P/N) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 68.9 inches (1750 mm) Height: 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2729 mm) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg) Curb Weight Automatic: Approx. 3461 lbs (1570 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4 Stars (driver), 4 Stars (passenger) - Model year specific IIHS Side Impact: Good (for vehicles of similar design at the time) - Model year specific Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Dsc: Optional Dynamic Stability Control on later production models/builds Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags Seat Belts: Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners Chassis Structure: Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio, optional CD changer Navigation: Optional MK III or MK IV Navigation system Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional Bluetooth phone preparation or cradle system Comfort Features Climate Control: Optional Automatic Climate Control 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Refer to manual for VSI reset procedure. Spark Plug Replacement: Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact spec based on plug type) Coolant Flush: Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles Fluid Specifications Engine Oil: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)....
Specifications and procedures for front and rear alignment
Tire Replacement:
Mounting, balancing, and pressure specifications
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced electronic diagnostics and mechanical troubleshooting
Rebuild Procedures:
Detailed engine, transmission, and differential rebuild instructions
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Searchable text for quick information retrieval
Print Quality
Clarity:
High-resolution scans ensuring clear diagrams and text
Printable:
Fully printable for shop or home use
Binding Type
Binding For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type For Print:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Engine Name:
M52TU B25 (Double VANOS)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Performance
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
181 lb-ft (245 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded 91+ Octane
Technical Features
Variable Valve Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing on both intake and exhaust camshafts)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250/5)
Optional
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Features
Rear Wheel Drive:
Standard RWD layout
Gear Ratios Manual:
Refer to manual for specific ratios (e.g., 4.235:1 1st, 2.526:1 2nd, 1.672:1 3rd, 1.231:1 4th, 1.000:1 5th, 3.46:1 Reverse)
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent (Refer to manual for specific BMW P/N)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
68.9 inches (1750 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3461 lbs (1570 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (driver), 4 Stars (passenger) - Model year specific
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for vehicles of similar design at the time) - Model year specific
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Dsc:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control on later production models/builds
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced passenger cell with crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio, optional CD changer
Navigation:
Optional MK III or MK IV Navigation system
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation or cradle system
Comfort Features
Climate Control:
Optional Automatic Climate Control
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. Refer to manual for VSI reset procedure.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact spec based on plug type)
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent). Check manual for specific approval codes and viscosity for extreme temperatures.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant or equivalent (ethylene glycol based, 50/50 mix with distilled water)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (Low Viscosity or DOT 4 LV recommended, BMW P/N 82111468027)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump plastic impeller can degrade. Radiator end tanks can develop leaks.
Suspension:
Worn front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, and subframe bushings are common, leading to vague steering and handling. Shock absorber failure.
VANOS solenoids can fail, causing rough idle, hesitation, and loss of low-end torque. Crankcase ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil leaks and smoke.
Part Numbers
Oil Filter Example:
Mann-Filter HU 821x, Mahle OX 38D, or BMW P/N 11421745759 (Verify with VIN)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - performance, handling, and engineering
Model Evolution
E46 Introduction:
Launched in 1998 (for the 1999 model year), the E46 generation succeeded the E36 3 Series
323I Positioning:
Positioned as a mid-range model within the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and refinement over the 320i and 325i (in some markets).
M52Tu Engine Intro:
The M52TU (Technical Update) engine replaced the M52, introducing Double VANOS for improved efficiency and torque delivery.
Production
Production Years:
E46 323i produced from 1998 to 2001 (model years)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver તિહાસિક:
Car and Driver 10 Best list multiple times during the E46 generation's run (though specific 323i mention may vary by year)
Ratings
Jd Power Initial Quality:
Generally well-regarded for quality and performance in its segment, refer to historical JD Power reports for specific ratings.