🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 323i Model Variant: 323 Year: 1999 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code: M52TUB25 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Entry-level luxury compact sedan/coupe. Target Audience: Enthusiast drivers seeking sporty handling and premium build quality. Competitive Analysis Competitors 1999: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300 (XE10). Key Features Handling: Renowned for its balanced chassis and engaging driving dynamics. Powertrain: Smooth inline-six engine providing good power delivery. Build Quality: Typical BMW premium interior fit and finish. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Complete factory service and repair information for the 1999 BMW 323i (E46). Specific Systems: Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, climate control, body electrical, chassis, interior. Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as 'complete'). Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, designed for clear printing of diagrams and text. Binding Type Binding: Not applicable (digital download). Paper Type Paper: Not applicable (digital download). Searchability Text Search: Likely searchable text within the PDF for efficient information retrieval. 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and specifications for the M52TUB25 inline-six engine. Engine Electrical: Engine control unit (DME), sensor diagnostics, wiring diagrams, ignition system, starting system, charging system. Fuel System: Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, evaporative emission control (EVAP). Transmission: Manual and automatic transmission servicing, diagnostics, and repair procedures. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle components. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column. Brakes: Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) diagnostics and repair. Climate Control: HVAC system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement. Body Electrical: Lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry, body control modules (BCM). Chassis: Frame and unibody structure, corrosion protection. Interior: Seat adjustment, airbag system, dashboard, trim panel removal. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems. Repair: Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components. Installation: Guidelines for component replacement and installation. Diagnostics: Detailed diagnostic procedures, including the use of BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS). Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive; covers basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics. Rebuild Procedures: Includes detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding. Wiring Diagrams: Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Name: M52TUB25 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (Straight-6) Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Valvetrain: DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Performance Horsepower: 168 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.) Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.) Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Siemens MS43 DME Recommended Fuel: 91 Octane Unleaded Gasoline Cooling System Coolant Capacity: Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 250/450) Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic available on some models) Features Transmission Fluid Spec Manual: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-80 Transmission Fluid Spec Auto: BMW ATF LT-3 (or Dexron III compatible) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2760 mm (108.7 inches) Length: 4471 mm (176.0 inches) Width: 1739 mm (68.5 inches) Height: 1415 mm (55.7 inches) Weights Curb Weight Manual: Approximately 1420 kg (3131 lbs) Curb Weight Auto: Approximately 1460 kg (3219 lbs) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by specific configuration, consult VIN. Wheels Tires Wheel Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Standard Tire Size: 205/55 R16 Optional Tire Size: 225/50 R16, 205/50 R17, 225/45 R17 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-star (Driver and Passenger, 1999 test protocols). IIHS Side Impact: Acceptable (for E46 generation). Active Features ABS: Standard Anti-lock Braking System. Dsc: Optional or standard on some trims, Dynamic Stability Control (Traction Control functionality included). Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags. Seatbelts: Three-point seat belts with pretensioners. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Radio: BMW Business CD (optional) or Business Cassette. Navigation: Optional BMW Navigation System (MKIII or MKIV based). Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Connectivity Onboard Computer: Standard onboard computer for fuel economy, range, and trip data. Comfort Features Cruise Control: Standard. Climate Control Type: Manual AC or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific condition-based service recommendations). Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection. Cabin Air Filter Replacement:...
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Siemens MS43 DME
Recommended Fuel:
91 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Cooling System
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 250/450)
Optional
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic available on some models)
Features
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-80
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or Dexron III compatible)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approximately 1420 kg (3131 lbs)
Curb Weight Auto:
Approximately 1460 kg (3219 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific configuration, consult VIN.
Wheels Tires
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Standard Tire Size:
205/55 R16
Optional Tire Size:
225/50 R16, 205/50 R17, 225/45 R17
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver and Passenger, 1999 test protocols).
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for E46 generation).
Active Features
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Dsc:
Optional or standard on some trims, Dynamic Stability Control (Traction Control functionality included).
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Radio:
BMW Business CD (optional) or Business Cassette.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System (MKIII or MKIV based).
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Connectivity
Onboard Computer:
Standard onboard computer for fuel economy, range, and trip data.
Comfort Features
Cruise Control:
Standard.
Climate Control Type:
Manual AC or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific condition-based service recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs, depending on type.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill and then typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Known Issues
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks, heater core failure.
Vanos System:
Solenoid seals and rattle can degrade, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints are common wear items.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in power window regulators can break.
ABSorbent Materials:
Headliner and sun visors can sag over time due to adhesive failure.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance.
Model Evolution
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It marked a significant evolution in design and technology.
323I Positioning:
The 323i was positioned as a mid-range model in the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency over the base 320i and below the more potent 325i and 330i.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series (including variants like the 323i) was consistently recognized on Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years.
Ratings
Overall Reputation:
Highly regarded for its driving dynamics, build quality, and engineering, a benchmark in its class.