Climate Control System: Air conditioning, heating, ventilation, blower motor, refrigerant handling, cabin air filter replacement
Bodywork Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Trim, Convertible Top Mechanism (if applicable), Convertible Top Frame
Procedures Included
Engine Procedures:
Engine oil and filter change, spark plug replacement, coolant flush and fill, drive belt replacement, complete engine removal and installation, cylinder head overhaul
Drivetrain Procedures:
Transfer case fluid change, differential fluid change, driveshaft and CV joint inspection and replacement, AWD system diagnostics
Transmission Procedures:
Automatic transmission fluid and filter change, transmission removal and installation, torque converter replacement, troubleshooting transmission shift issues
Suspension Steering Procedures:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm and bushing replacement, wheel bearing replacement, power steering fluid flush, steering rack repair
Brake Procedures:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid flush and bleed, ABS/DSC component testing and replacement, parking brake adjustment
Electrical Procedures:
Battery testing and replacement, alternator testing and replacement, starter replacement, headlight/taillight bulb replacement, fuse and relay diagnosis, wiring harness repair
HVAC Procedures:
AC system recharge, cabin filter replacement, heater core replacement, blower motor replacement, diagnosis of climate control system faults
Bodywork Procedures:
Door lock and window regulator repair, mirror replacement, bumper cover repair, interior trim panel removal and installation
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
66 Liters (17.4 US Gallons)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L475-E)
Optional
Optional Transmission:
5-Speed Manual (S5-42/3Z)
Features
Drivetrain Type:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive
Transfer Case:
Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch system with planetary gearset
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI or equivalent (refer to manual for specific BMW P/N)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (refer to manual for specific BMW P/N)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Ground Clearance:
Approximately 140 mm (5.5 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1550 kg (3417 lbs) approx.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
2000 kg (4409 lbs) approx.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Driver:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Passenger:
4 Stars
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), All-Season Traction (from xDrive)
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS), 3-point safety belts with pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Available BMW Business CD or Professional CD radio, optional navigation system (MKIII/MKIV based), Harman Kardon audio system
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cruise Control
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Optional Bluetooth integration (often via aftermarket adapter or later model updates), optional Sirius Satellite Radio
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to CBS indicator.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as per CBS. Inspect more frequently in dusty conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Initial fill is long-life; typically replaced every 4 years or 100,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent G002000)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
BMW Transfer Case Fluid (ATF) or equivalent (refer to manual for specific P/N)
Known Issues
Known Issues:
Oil separator (PCV) system failure (clogging/leaks), VANOS solenoid issues, cooling system leaks (expansion tank, hoses), rear main crankshaft seal leaks, strut mount wear, front control arm bushings wear, "limp mode" transmission issues
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German luxury vehicle manufacturer with a long history of producing performance-oriented vehicles, renowned for their driving dynamics and engineering excellence.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E46 generation, produced from 1998-2006 (with variants extending beyond), represented BMW's focus on sporty handling, refined styling, and technological advancement in the compact executive segment. The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's all-wheel-drive system.
Production
Production Period:
2001-2006 (for E46 325xi)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa (Rosslyn)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Awards:
While specific awards for the 2003 325xi are not individually cataloged, the E46 generation as a whole consistently received praise from automotive publications like Car and Driver and MotorTrend for its handling, performance, and overall value within the luxury segment.