🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe Target Audience: Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, DIY enthusiasts Competitive Analysis Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 Key Features Vehicle Philosophy: Sporty handling, refined interior, powerful inline-6 engine, rear-wheel-drive bias Manual Advantage: Provides detailed, manufacturer-level information to accurately diagnose and repair the vehicle. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Global Coverage: All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissi ons Types for 2003 BMW 325i Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (typical for full workshop manuals, often 1000+ pages) Manual Type Type: Workshop Repair Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, engine management (DME) Drivetrain: Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles Chassis: Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS/DSC), wheels and tires Electrical: Body electrical systems, lighting, instrumentation, HVAC, infotainment, power accessories, diagnosis of electrical faults Body: Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, glass, exterior trim, chassis components Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, fluid checks, filter replacements), lubrication, inspections Repair: Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting charts, fault code explanations Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, wiring diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical repairs Diagnostics Scope: Advanced diagnostic procedures, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting sequences 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF with clear text and images Printable: Printable pages for convenient workshop use Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital PDF format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M54B30 (commonly found in 330i, but 325i used M54B25) Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Performance Horsepower: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.) Torque: 235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Injection Type: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI) Fuel Grade: Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent Lubrication System Oil Type: Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW LL-01 specification recommended) Engine Management Dme Type: Bosch Motronic ME7.2 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-Speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ) Optional Type: 5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic, GM A5S360R/GM 5L40-E) Features Manual Gear Ratios: 1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.22, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.72 Automatic Transmission Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Esso/Mobil ATF LT 71141 or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 68.7 inches (1745 mm) Height: 56.2 inches (1427 mm) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2729 mm) Cargo Trunk Volume: 12.4 cu ft (351 L) Weights Curb Weight: 3375 - 3527 lbs (1531 - 1600 kg), depending on configuration Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4600 lbs (2087 kg) (approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash: 4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for models with side airbags) Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) Traction Control: Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, optional front side-impact airbags, optional head protection system (HPS) Seatbelts: Pretensioner front seatbelts, 3-point rear seatbelts 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business or Professional CD players, optional Navigation system (CCC). Speakers: Standard 6 or 10-speaker Hi-Fi audio system, optional Harman Kardon system. Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth integration (may require specific phone cradle). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, based on CBS (Condition Based Service) system or manual recommendations. Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years (regardless of mileage) Coolant Flush: Every 4 years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km) Spark Plugs: At 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on type (e.g., long-life platinum/iridium) Fluid Specifications Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Power Steering Fluid Brake Fluid: DOT 4 Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic expansion tank leaks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks (common due to age) Engine: CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks and rough running, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, oil pan gasket leaks. Suspension: Worn control arm bushings (inspect for play), strut mount failure, rear shock absorber leaks. Electrical: ABS/DSC module failure, window regulator failure, fuel pump failure, battery drain from parasitic draws. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Bmw Legacy: Renowned for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' focusing on performance, engineering, and driver engagement. Model Evolution E46 Generation: The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive segment, balancing...
Frontal airbags, optional front side-impact airbags, optional head protection system (HPS)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner front seatbelts, 3-point rear seatbelts
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional CD players, optional Navigation system (CCC).
Speakers:
Standard 6 or 10-speaker Hi-Fi audio system, optional Harman Kardon system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth integration (may require specific phone cradle).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or annually, based on CBS (Condition Based Service) system or manual recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Coolant Flush:
Every 4 years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km)
Spark Plugs:
At 60,000 - 100,000 miles (96,000 - 160,000 km), depending on type (e.g., long-life platinum/iridium)
Fluid Specifications
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Power Steering Fluid
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank leaks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks (common due to age)
Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks and rough running, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid issues, oil pan gasket leaks.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (inspect for play), strut mount failure, rear shock absorber leaks.