Empowers owners to perform complex maintenance and repairs, saving costs and extending vehicle lifespan, by providing official-level technical information.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug ignition
Cooling System:
Pressurized coolant system with electric cooling fan
Performance
Horsepower Hp:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque Lb Ft:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Redline:
6500 rpm (approx.)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S 325Z)
Features
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Differential:
Open differential (standard), optional limited-slip differential (LSD)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4505 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Lbs:
3461 lbs (approx. for manual sedan)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
4 Stars (Driver and Passenger - for sedan models of similar era)
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD/Professional CD, optional navigation system (MKIII/MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation (often requiring an adapter).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to Condition Based Service - CBS system or manual recommendations).
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Inspect periodically, change fluid based on mileage/usage (e.g., 60,000-100,000 miles). Automatic: Typically recommended around 60,000-100,000 miles or sooner under severe use.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30, BMW LL-01 approved synthetic oil (e.g., Castrol Edge Professional OE 0W-30).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil, meeting BMW specifications (e.g., Castrol Syntrans FE 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF LT 71141 (Dexron III may be used as a substitute in some cases, but LT 71141 is preferred, e.g., Pentosin ATF 1).
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks (common on M54 engines).
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings (FCABs), sway bar links/bushings, ball joints, tie rod ends, rear shock mounts.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure leading to oil consumption and vacuum leaks.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors can cause ABS and traction control warnings.
Interior Electronics:
Pixelation on the instrument cluster display, HVAC control unit issues, central locking problems.
Pre Catalytic Converters:
Cracking or failure of pre-catalytic converters (especially on early M54 engines) leading to exhaust leaks and rough running.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused, sporty luxury vehicles.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution in BMW's 3 Series, known for its improved chassis dynamics and refined powertrains compared to the E36.
Production
Production Years:
1999-2006 (for E46 325i)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 3 Series frequently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run, highlighting its driving dynamics and overall quality.
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