🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Year: 2002 Body Style: Convertible Generation Generation Code: E46 Codes Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium Compact Executive Convertible Target Audience: Discerning buyers seeking sporty performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible, Saab 9-3 Convertible, Volvo C70 Convertible Key Features Driving Dynamics: Renowned BMW handling, rear-wheel drive bias, balanced chassis Convertible Experience: Power-operated soft top, often with a heated glass rear window for year-round usability Powertrain Options: Smooth inline-six engines, offering a good blend of performance and refinement 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: Vehicle operation, maintenance, and basic features Secondary Coverage: Instrument cluster, infotainment, climate control, safety systems, convertible top operation Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Owner's Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital PDF (Instant Download) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Operation: Explanation of engine warning lights, engine break-in procedures, fuel recommendations Transmission Operation: Details on automatic and manual transmission operation, parking brake usage Brakes And Chassis: Information on ABS, traction control (ASC+T), parking brake Electrical System: Explanation of dashboard lights, fuses, battery care basics Infotainment System: Operation of the radio/CD player, navigation system (if equipped), speaker systems Climate Control: Operation of the manual or automatic climate control system, A/C, heating Convertible Top: Detailed instructions for operating the power convertible top, care and maintenance tips Safety Features: Explanation of airbags, seatbelt usage, child seat installation (ISOFIX points) Lighting And Visibility: Operation of headlights, fog lights, interior lighting, mirror adjustments Wheels And Tires: Tire pressure recommendations, wheel changing procedure (jack points) Procedures Included Basic Maintenance: Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks Emergency Procedures: Jump starting, changing a flat tire, towing information Driving Techniques: Tips for driving in different conditions, use of cruise control Interior Care: Cleaning instructions for upholstery and interior surfaces Technical Depth Depth: Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, user-adjustable features, and basic checks. Not a comprehensive repair manual. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if original scan quality is high Print Quality Digital Quality: High-resolution scan of original factory manual Binding Type Original Binding: Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for factory manuals) Paper Type Original Paper Type: Glossy or Matte finish paper, medium weight ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: Commonly M54B30 (for 330Ci models) Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve, VANOS Displacement: 2979 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6000 rpm (for 330Ci) Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for 330Ci) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.x) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher) Engine Codes Covered Other Engines: May also cover 2.5L (M54B25) for 325Ci models 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual (Getrag Type D/S5D 310Z) Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic (Steptronic - GM A5S 325Z) Features Steptronic: Manual shifting mode for the automatic transmission Fluid Specifications Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF LT-71141 or equivalent (Dexron III may be a substitute but check with dealer for exact spec) Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MT-90) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 173.8 inches (4415 mm) Width: 68.2 inches (1732 mm) Height: 53.1 inches (1350 mm) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2729 mm) Interior Seating Capacity: 4 passengers Cargo Trunk Volume: Approx. 11.1 cu ft (with top up), significantly reduced when top is down Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3600 - 3800 lbs (depending on engine and equipment) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to vehicle VIN sticker 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - 2002 model year IIHS Side Impact: Good (for convertible models of this era, often less robust than sedans) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System Traction Control: Standard ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Stability Control: Optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on some models/trims Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, side airbags (in seats) Rollover Protection: Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear headrests (deploy automatically in a rollover event) Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Harmon Kardon premium sound system often available as an option, standard BMW Professional radio/CD player. Navigation: BMW Professional Navigation system available, typically with a trunk-mounted CD-ROM drive. Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Park Distance Control (PDC) available, front and rear sensors. Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation, often requiring a separate cradle. Convenience Features Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Rain Sensing Wipers: Optional rain sensor for automatic wiper operation. Heated Seats: Standard or optional heated front seats. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based...
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, towing information
Driving Techniques:
Tips for driving in different conditions, use of cruise control
Interior Care:
Cleaning instructions for upholstery and interior surfaces
Technical Depth
Depth:
Owner-level information, focusing on safe operation, user-adjustable features, and basic checks. Not a comprehensive repair manual.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if original scan quality is high
Print Quality
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scan of original factory manual
Binding Type
Original Binding:
Stapled or Perfect Bound (typical for factory manuals)
Paper Type
Original Paper Type:
Glossy or Matte finish paper, medium weight
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
Commonly M54B30 (for 330Ci models)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve, VANOS
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Performance
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm (for 330Ci)
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for 330Ci)
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.x)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher)
Engine Codes Covered
Other Engines:
May also cover 2.5L (M54B25) for 325Ci models
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag Type D/S5D 310Z)
Optional
Type:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic - GM A5S 325Z)
Features
Steptronic:
Manual shifting mode for the automatic transmission
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 or equivalent (Dexron III may be a substitute but check with dealer for exact spec)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MT-90)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
173.8 inches (4415 mm)
Width:
68.2 inches (1732 mm)
Height:
53.1 inches (1350 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Interior
Seating Capacity:
4 passengers
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.1 cu ft (with top up), significantly reduced when top is down
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600 - 3800 lbs (depending on engine and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle VIN sticker
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger) - 2002 model year
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for convertible models of this era, often less robust than sedans)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Optional DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on some models/trims
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (in seats)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars integrated behind the rear headrests (deploy automatically in a rollover event)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Harmon Kardon premium sound system often available as an option, standard BMW Professional radio/CD player.
Navigation:
BMW Professional Navigation system available, typically with a trunk-mounted CD-ROM drive.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) available, front and rear sensors.
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation, often requiring a separate cradle.
Convenience Features
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Rain Sensing Wipers:
Optional rain sensor for automatic wiper operation.
Heated Seats:
Standard or optional heated front seats.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or Oil Service Indicator light.
Inspect Brakes:
Inspect at every oil service, replace as needed based on pad wear indicators.
Inspect Suspension And Steering:
Inspect at approximately 30,000-mile intervals, or as needed for noises/handling issues.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 BMW Super Premium or equivalent.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, thermostat housing cracks, plastic coolant expansion tank leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (raking), sway bar links, rear subframe bushings (bushings can tear/separate causing clunking).
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, O-ring seals on oil filter housing.
Power Top Mechanism:
Hydraulic leaks, pump failure, micro-switches, cable stretch (though less common on this generation than earlier ones).
Electrical Gremlins:
Corrosion on ABS/wheel speed sensors, faulty HVAC blower motor resistor (final stage resistor).
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW is known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation Intro:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 for the sedan and coupe. The convertible was launched shortly after.
Convertible Specifics:
The E46 convertible featured a fully automatic soft top, a significant upgrade over previous generations.
Production
Production Period:
E46 Convertible produced from 1999 to 2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The 3 Series (sedan/coupe) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during this era for its superior driving dynamics, though specific convertible awards may vary.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Reliability ratings for the E46 generation can be mixed, with some common wear items requiring proactive maintenance. Manuals help owners stay ahead of these.