🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325i Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code Series: M54 👋 Introduction Market Position Target Audience: BMW owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, enthusiasts. Competitive Analysis Advantage: Official licensing ensures the highest level of accuracy and completeness compared to aftermarket manuals. Key Features Accessibility: Instant download provides immediate access to critical repair information. Searchability: Software format typically offers powerful search capabilities for quick information retrieval. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Primary Coverage: North America Secondary Coverage: Global BMW Service Standards (applicable) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Official Service & Repair Manual Software Language Language: English Format Format: Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System Drivetrain: Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission, Driveline Components (Driveshafts, Differentials) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires Electrical: Body Electrical, Engine Electrical, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Infotainment Systems, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) and EWS (Electronic Immobilizer) Systems Body: Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Convertible Top (if applicable) Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks & Top-offs, Belt & Hose Inspections Diagnostics: Troubleshooting Flowcharts, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-II), Component Testing Procedures Repair: Component Removal & Installation, Reassembly Procedures, Torque Specifications, Adjustment Procedures Special Tools: Identification of BMW-specific tools required for various procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: Covers routine maintenance to major overhauls and diagnostic troubleshooting. Accuracy: Official BMW data ensures factory accuracy. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Software Type: Digital software, potentially interactive with search functionality. Print Quality Print Capability: Likely printable pages for specific sections. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Software) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Software) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2494 cc) Bore X Stroke: 81.0 mm x 80.9 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Valve Train: Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Performance Horsepower Output: 184 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque Output: 175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended) Ignition System: Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug design 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission Features Automatic Features: Driver-selectable modes (Sport/Comfort), Manual shift mode (STEPTRONIC) Fluid Specification Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specs) Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specs) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: approx. 177.5 inches (4509 mm) Width: approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm) Height: approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm) Wheelbase: approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm) Weights Curb Weight: approx. 3350 lbs (1520 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Refer to VIN sticker or manual 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger) NHTSA Side Impact: 4-Star (front and rear passengers) Active Features Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control (ASC) Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side-impact airbags (front seats), Optional Head Protection System (HPS) Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio, with optional CD changer and navigation system. Audio System: Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio. Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard on most models. Parking Sensors: Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Connectivity Telematics: Optional BMW Assist with telematics and emergency services. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or indicated by the vehicle's service reminder. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., Long-Life Iridium) Brake Fluid Flush: Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30. Consult manual for specific viscosity recommendations. Coolant Type: BMW Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color, ethylene glycol-based (G48 specification) Power Steering Fluid: BMW Power Steering Fluid (G002000 or similar) Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing) can become brittle and leak. Oil Leaks: Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system are common leak points. Suspension: Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and front strut mounts can lead to noise and poor handling. Ignition System: Ignition coils and spark plugs can fail prematurely, causing misfires. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Brand Philosophy: BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering...
Body Electrical, Engine Electrical, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, HVAC Controls, Infotainment Systems, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) and EWS (Electronic Immobilizer) Systems
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, Interior Trim, Exterior Trim, Convertible Top (if applicable)
BMW MTF-LT-1 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specs)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
approx. 177.5 inches (4509 mm)
Width:
approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
approx. 55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Wheelbase:
approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
approx. 3350 lbs (1520 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to VIN sticker or manual
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4-Star (front and rear passengers)
Active Features
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side-impact airbags (front seats), Optional Head Protection System (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio, with optional CD changer and navigation system.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Connectivity
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist with telematics and emergency services.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or indicated by the vehicle's service reminder.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., Long-Life Iridium)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30. Consult manual for specific viscosity recommendations.
Coolant Type:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant, blue color, ethylene glycol-based (G48 specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (G002000 or similar)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic cooling system components (expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing) can become brittle and leak.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system are common leak points.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, sway bar links, and front strut mounts can lead to noise and poor handling.
Ignition System:
Ignition coils and spark plugs can fail prematurely, causing misfires.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Philosophy:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering innovation.
Model Evolution
Generation Code:
E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1998 to 2006.
Positioning:
The 325i represented a balance of performance and luxury within the E46 lineup, slotting above the 320i and below the 330i.
Production
Production Years Model:
2001-2005 (for the 325i designation in North America)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver Best:
Consistently named to Car and Driver's '10Best' lists during its production run.
Ward Top 10 Engines:
The M54 engine series received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards.