🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325xi Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code Prefix: M54 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon Usp: Sporty handling, luxury features, rear-wheel-drive bias (with xDrive all-wheel-drive variant) Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 Key Features Powertrain: Renowned BMW inline-six engines, optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system Driving Dynamics: Balanced chassis, precise steering, engaging driving experience Interior Appointments: Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, ergonomic design 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Comprehensive Coverage: Full service and repair instructions Page Count Estimated Page Count: Approx. 1500-2500 pages (typical for comprehensive BMW workshop manuals of this era) Manual Type Type: Service Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Likely PDF (digital format) or Printed Book 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Engine assembly, disassembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, lubrication system, cooling system Engine Management: Fuel injection, ignition system, emission control systems, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis Transmission: Manual transmission (SMG optional), automatic transmission (Steptronic), clutch, torque converter, transmission control Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (xDrive) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints Suspension: Front suspension (MacPherson strut, multi-link), rear suspension (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, subframes Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake discs, pads, calipers, brake lines, parking brake Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, wheel alignment Electrical System: Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting system, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn Body And Interior: Body panels, doors, hoods, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC) Body Electronics: Central body electronics module (ZKE), remote control, alarm system, immobilizer Infotainment: Radio, CD player, navigation system (optional), speaker system Procedures Included Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides Repair Procedures: Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation Diagnostic Trouble Codes: Explanation and interpretation of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems Specifications And Tolerances: Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical measurements Technical Depth Depth Of Information: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced diagnostic procedures, including the use of BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA/E) Repair Complexity: Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format Details: Searchable text, hyperlinked chapters, bookmark functionality (typical for high-quality PDFs) Print Quality Print Quality Description: High-resolution diagrams and clear text, suitable for printing Binding Type Binding Description: Professional binding (e.g., perfect bound, spiral bound) for durability if printed Paper Type Paper Type Description: Durable, high-quality paper stock resistant to workshop conditions if printed ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M54B30 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2979 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Valve Train: DOHC, 24 Valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition coils 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag Type G) Optional Type: 5-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E) Type Sport: 5-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - less common for 325xi Features All Wheel Drive: xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system with viscous coupling and planetary gear center differential Automatic Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 68.7 inches (1745 mm) Height: 55.5 inches (1410 mm) Wheelbase: 107.0 inches (2718 mm) Front Track: 58.7 inches (1491 mm) Rear Track: 59.2 inches (1504 mm) Cargo Trunk Volume Sedan: 11.7 cubic feet (331 Liters) Weights Curb Weight Manual: 3516 lbs (1595 kg) Curb Weight Automatic: 3571 lbs (1620 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4519 lbs (2050 kg) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Test: 5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) IIHS Frontal Offset: Good Active Features Traction Control: ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard Stability Control: DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) standard Antilock Brakes: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard All Wheel Drive Benefit: Enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (optional/standard based on market) Seatbelts: Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters Chassis Design: High-strength steel passenger cell, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD/RDS or Professional CD/RDS radio/cassette, optional CD changer Navigation: Optional MKIV (Mk4) navigation system with DVD-ROM maps Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system Connectivity Audio Inputs: Typically auxiliary inputs are not standard on this model year, though...
5-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - less common for 325xi
Features
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system with viscous coupling and planetary gear center differential
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.5 inches (1410 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.0 inches (2718 mm)
Front Track:
58.7 inches (1491 mm)
Rear Track:
59.2 inches (1504 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
11.7 cubic feet (331 Liters)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
3516 lbs (1595 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4519 lbs (2050 kg)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) standard
Antilock Brakes:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard
All Wheel Drive Benefit:
Enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (optional/standard based on market)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts with force limiters
Chassis Design:
High-strength steel passenger cell, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD/RDS or Professional CD/RDS radio/cassette, optional CD changer
Navigation:
Optional MKIV (Mk4) navigation system with DVD-ROM maps
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system
Connectivity
Audio Inputs:
Typically auxiliary inputs are not standard on this model year, though aftermarket solutions exist.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends intervals of 10,000-15,000 miles or based on driving conditions. Manual will provide specific guidance.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type and condition. Manual will specify.
Coolant Flush:
BMW recommends every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual will detail exact procedure and fluid.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved 5W-30 or 0W-30 synthetic oil. Manual will list exact capacity.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid. Manual will specify replacement interval and procedure.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent synthetic ATF. Manual will specify replacement interval and capacity.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent synthetic manual transmission fluid. Manual will specify capacity.
Differential Fluid:
BMW SAF-XJ or equivalent synthetic rear differential fluid. Manual will specify capacity.
Known Issues
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure leading to oil consumption, vacuum leaks, and poor running. Manual will detail inspection and replacement.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps prone to cracking or failure. Thermostat housing leaks. Manual will cover replacement procedures.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket and rear main crankshaft seal leaks are common with age. Manual will detail R&R procedures.
E46 Subframe:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points due to chassis flex, especially in sedans. Manual will show reinforcement options.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulators can break. Manual will cover repair or replacement.
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other international locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series platform was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards during its production run.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally received good ratings for performance and driving dynamics, though some reliability concerns emerged with age, particularly related to cooling and electrical systems.
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