🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: M3 Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Vehicle Segment: Compact Executive Sports Car Target Audience: Performance enthusiasts, owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Porsche 911 (996 generation), Chevrolet Corvette (C5 generation), Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5 generation) Key Features Performance Focus: High-revving naturally aspirated engine, precise handling, driver-focused cockpit Manual Value Proposition: Empowers owners and independent mechanics with the same information used by BMW dealerships for accurate diagnosis and repair 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Service, Repair, Workshop Secondary Coverage: Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Electrical Schematics, Technical Specifications Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF (Digital Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control, ECU diagnosis and repair, sensors and actuators Transmission: SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) and Manual Gearbox: internal components, clutch, synchronizers, shift mechanisms, fluid specifications, maintenance, repair, diagnostics Drivetrain: Driveshafts, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings Suspension: Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings, springs, dampers), alignment specifications, wheel bearings Brakes: Brake system components (calipers, rotors, master cylinder, ABS unit), hydraulic system, bleeding procedures, brake pad and rotor replacement, parking brake Steering: Steering system components (rack and pinion, power steering pump, steering column), steering fluid, power steering troubleshooting Electrical: Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, relay functions, lighting system, starter, alternator, battery, interior and exterior electronics, diagnostic port (OBD-II) Bodywork: Body panel removal and installation, bumper repair, door mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, glass replacement, rust prevention and repair HVAC: Air conditioning system, heater core, climate control unit, refrigerant recharge, cabin filter replacement Interior: Seat removal and installation, dashboard disassembly, interior trim panels, airbags, seatbelts Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil and filter changes, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid flush Repair: Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical systems, including component removal, overhaul, and reassembly Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code interpretation Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, live data interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, ECU testing Special Tools: Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools required for various procedures Technical Depth Depth Level: Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics) Detail Level: Detailed exploded views, torque specifications, diagnostic flowcharts, wiring schematics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Searchable text (OCR processed) Print Quality Resolution: High-resolution images and diagrams Readability: Clear and legible text and graphics Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: S54 Engine Type: Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated, High-Revving Displacement: 3.2 liters (3246 cc) Performance Horsepower: 333 hp @ 7900 rpm Torque: 262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm Redline: 8000 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane) Engine Features Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Compression Ratio: 11.5:1 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 6-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with Drivelogic Features Clutch: Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch Differential: Limited-slip M differential 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 178.5 inches (4534 mm) Width: 68.6 inches (1742 mm) Height: 54.0 inches (1372 mm) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2728 mm) Front Track: 58.5 inches (1486 mm) Rear Track: 59.1 inches (1501 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3450-3550 lbs (1565-1610 kg) depending on transmission and options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4519 lbs (2050 kg) Cargo Trunk Capacity: 11.0 cubic feet (310 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: Not explicitly rated for 2003 model year, but generally considered very good for its class IIHS Side Impact: Not explicitly rated for 2003 model year Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Dsc: Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Traction Control: Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) Passive Features Airbags: Front and side airbags Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners Body Structure: Reinforced chassis and safety cell construction 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional CD radios with optional navigation system (MK III/IV). Audio System: Optional Harman Kardon sound system. Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) for rear. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface. Performance Tech Drivelogic: SMG transmission features Drivelogic, allowing selection of various shift modes (e.g., comfort, sport). M Sport Button: Activates a sportier throttle response and steering feel (on some models). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Brake Fluid Flush: Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage....
Multi-point Fuel Injection (EFI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Engine Features
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission
Optional
Type:
6-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with Drivelogic
Features
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Limited-slip M differential
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
178.5 inches (4534 mm)
Width:
68.6 inches (1742 mm)
Height:
54.0 inches (1372 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Front Track:
58.5 inches (1486 mm)
Rear Track:
59.1 inches (1501 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3450-3550 lbs (1565-1610 kg) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4519 lbs (2050 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Capacity:
11.0 cubic feet (310 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for 2003 model year, but generally considered very good for its class
IIHS Side Impact:
Not explicitly rated for 2003 model year
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front and side airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cell construction
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD radios with optional navigation system (MK III/IV).
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) for rear.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface.
Performance Tech
Drivelogic:
SMG transmission features Drivelogic, allowing selection of various shift modes (e.g., comfort, sport).
M Sport Button:
Activates a sportier throttle response and steering feel (on some models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specifications).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid Light 2)
Transmission Fluid Smg:
BMW DTF-1 (Dual-Clutch Transmission Fluid 1) or equivalent for the hydraulic actuation system.
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAF-XJ 75W-140 for M differentials).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or a suitable Pentosin CHF 11S equivalent (check manual for exact specification).
Known Issues
Rod Bearings:
A known potential issue in the S54 engine, especially in earlier models, where rod bearings can wear prematurely. Early detection and replacement are crucial.
Subframe Cracks:
Cracks can develop in the rear subframe mounting points due to stress. Reinforcement kits are available.
Smd Failures:
Failures in the SMG control unit (SMG relay module) can occur, affecting gear shifting.
Csl Airbox Modifications:
While not an issue, the CSL airbox conversion is a popular upgrade for increased intake sound and performance.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Motorsport Division:
Continuation of BMW's legendary M performance division, known for homologation specials and motorsport-derived vehicles.
Model Evolution
E46 M3 Introduction:
Introduced in 2001 for the 2001 model year, replacing the E36 M3. The 2003 model represents the early production phase of the E46 M3.
E46 M3 Variants:
Available as a coupe and convertible. Convertible models feature a powered soft-top.
Production
Production Years:
2001-2006
Production Locations:
Regensburg, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 M3 was a multiple recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning the overall award, it was highly praised and a strong contender in its class.
Certifications
Automotive Journalism Praise:
Universally acclaimed by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and driver engagement.