Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Generation Chassis Code: E46 Production Years: 1999-2005 Codes Vin Code Start: WBA Vin Code End: WBS Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon Brand Philosophy: Sheer Driving Pleasure (Freude am Fahren) Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Alfa Romeo 156. Unique Selling Proposition: Renowned for its sporty handling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and upscale interior. Key Features Chassis Design: Balanced weight distribution, multi-link rear suspension. Engine Options: Wide range of inline-4 and inline-6 gasoline and diesel engines. Body Styles: Sedan (E46/4), Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/C), Sport Wagon (E46/3), M3 Coupe (E46/2CSL), M3 Convertible (E46/C). Manual Details Coverage Areas Regions Covered: Global (specifications may vary by market) Page Count Estimated Pages: Extensive (typical for factory service manuals, often 1000+ pages) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed overhaul, diagnosis, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emission controls. Engine Electrical: Ignition system, starter system, charging system, engine control unit (ECU) diagnosis, sensors, actuators. Transmission Manual: Clutch system, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, drivetrain components. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transmission overhaul, diagnosis, hydraulic control, electronic control module. Suspension And Steering: Front and rear suspension components, steering rack, power steering system, wheel alignment. Brakes: Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake. Electrical System Chassis: Lighting system, horn, wipers, power windows, central locking, mirrors, heated seats. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, hood, trunk lid, glass replacement. HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, refrigerant handling. Safety Systems: Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seatbelt pre-tensioners. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault symptoms and their causes, electrical system diagnostics. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems. Overhaul: Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures. Component Replacement: Detailed instructions for replacing individual components (e.g., alternator, starter, brake calipers). Wiring Diagrams: Comprehensive electrical wiring diagrams for all systems. Technical Depth Diagnostic Capabilities: Advanced electronic diagnostics, fault code interpretation, sensor data analysis. Rebuild Procedures: Full rebuild procedures for engines and transmissions, including torque specifications and clearances. Special Tools: Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for certain repairs. Factory Specifications: Includes all official BMW technical data, specifications, and tolerances. Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Portable Document Format (PDF) Searchability: Searchable text content for quick information retrieval. Printable: Printable pages for workshop use. Print Quality Image Quality: High-resolution illustrations and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Paper Type Paper Type: Not Applicable (Digital Download) Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: BMW M50/M52/M54 (gasoline), BMW M43/M47/M57 (diesel) E46 320I Engine: 2.0L M52TU Inline-6 (150 hp @ 6200 rpm, 145 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm) E46 325I Engine: 2.5L M54B25 Inline-6 (184 hp @ 6000 rpm, 175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm) E46 330I Engine: 3.0L M54B30 Inline-6 (225 hp @ 6000 rpm, 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm) E46 M3 Engine: 3.2L S54B32 Inline-6 (333 hp @ 7900 rpm, 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm) Performance 0 60 Mph 330I: Approximately 6.1 seconds Top Speed 330I: Electronically Limited to 130 mph (or 155 mph with optional limiter) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Bosch Motronic Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SFI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended) Emission Controls: Secondary Air Injection, Catalytic Converter, On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) Transmission Standard Manual Transmission: 5-speed Getrag (e.g., GS5-39DZ) or 6-speed ZF S6-37 (M3, 330i) manual transmission. Optional Automatic Transmission: 5-speed ZF 5HP19 (most models) or 6-speed ZF 6HP19 (later 330i models) Features Transmission Fluid Type: Dexron III/VI (automatic), MTF LT-2 (manual) - Always verify with specific model and fluid manufacturer recommendations. Final Drive Ratio: Varies by model and transmission (e.g., 3.38:1 for 325i, 3.07:1 for 330i, 3.62:1 for M3). Differential: Open differential (standard), Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) optional on some models, standard on M3. Dimensions Exterior Sedan Length: Approx. 177.4 inches Sedan Width: Approx. 69.2 inches Sedan Height: Approx. 55.9 inches Wheelbase: Approx. 107.4 inches Cargo Sedan Trunk Volume: Approx. 12.4 cu ft Weights Curb Weight 325I: Approx. 3285 lbs Curb Weight 330I: Approx. 3417 lbs Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model, typically around 4500-4700 lbs Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating: 5-Star (for applicable models/years, tested) IIHS Moderate Overlap Front: Good (for applicable models/years, tested) Active Features Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models. Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim/year). Seatbelts: 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones. Technology Features Infotainment...
Dexron III/VI (automatic), MTF LT-2 (manual) - Always verify with specific model and fluid manufacturer recommendations.
Final Drive Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission (e.g., 3.38:1 for 325i, 3.07:1 for 330i, 3.62:1 for M3).
Differential:
Open differential (standard), Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) optional on some models, standard on M3.
Dimensions
Exterior
Sedan Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches
Sedan Width:
Approx. 69.2 inches
Sedan Height:
Approx. 55.9 inches
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches
Cargo
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 12.4 cu ft
Weights
Curb Weight 325I:
Approx. 3285 lbs
Curb Weight 330I:
Approx. 3417 lbs
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4500-4700 lbs
Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:
5-Star (for applicable models/years, tested)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for applicable models/years, tested)
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim/year).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional navigation system (CCC or MKIV).
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) optional.
Cruise Control:
Standard or optional cruise control system.
Connectivity
Cellular Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input for audio devices.
Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommends based on driving conditions, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually.
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or as per CBS.
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. Consult owner's manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or Dexron III/VI (check manual for specific recommendation as systems can be sensitive).
Washer Fluid:
BMW approved washer fluid concentrate mixed with water, or specific winter-grade fluids.
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller versions), thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (vibrations/clunking), rear subframe bushings (clunking, potential cracking), shock absorber mounts.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC module failures, VANOS solenoid issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks.