Market Position:
The BMW 3-Series (E46) was positioned as a premium compact executive car, known for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering. This manual serves owners and independent workshops seeking to maintain and repair these vehicles.
Competitors:
Competed with vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202/W203), Audi A4 (B5/B6), and Lexus IS.
Key Features:
Excellent handling, refined interiors, strong performance from inline-six engines (though the 316/318 models featured 4-cylinder engines in some markets), and renowned German engineering.
Manual Utility:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, step-by-step instructions, diagnostic procedures, and technical data to perform all maintenance and repair tasks, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed repair and overhaul procedures for all listed gasoline engines, including M52TU, M54 series (e.g., 316i-M43B19, 318i-N42B20/N46B20, 320i-M52TUB20/M54B22, 325i-M54B25, 330i-M54B30).
Engine Management And Electronics:
Diagnosis, testing, and repair of electronic fuel injection (EFI), ignition systems, sensors, actuators, and engine control units (ECU).
Transmission:
Service and repair for both manual (Getrag 250G) and automatic (GM 5L40-E) transmissions, including clutch, gearbox overhaul, and transmission control.
Drivetrain:
Repair and maintenance of differential, drive shafts, and axles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension system diagnosis, repair, and component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs).
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, including steering rack and pump.
Brakes:
Detailed procedures for hydraulic brake system (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, ABS) and parking brake.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting, battery, alternator, starter motor, and comfort electronics.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, exterior trim, interior trim, and structural components.
HVAC:
Diagnosis and repair of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including refrigerant service and component replacement.
Fuel System:
Fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel lines, fuel injectors, and fuel pressure regulation.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul.
Component Replacement:
Detailed guides for replacing wear items and major components.
Diagnostic Testing:
Methods for testing sensors, actuators, and electrical circuits.
Wheel Alignment:
Specifications and procedures for wheel alignment.
Airbag System:
Service and safety precautions for the airbag system.
Technical Depth:
Covers all repair procedures from basic maintenance to complex engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic information.
Searchability:
Likely searchable text-based PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Print Quality:
Printable pages, suitable for clear reproduction of text and diagrams.
Binding Type:
Digital (no physical binding)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital format)
System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows, Mac, iOS, BB, Android, etc., requiring a PDF Reader.
Engine Code:
M43B19 (1.9L 4-cylinder) or N42B20/N46B20 (2.0L 4-cylinder, Valvetronic) depending on market and year.
Displacement:
1895 cc (M43B19) or 1995 cc (N42/N46)
Horsepower:
Approx. 118 hp (M43B19) to 143 hp (N42/N46)
Torque:
Approx. 180 Nm (M43B19) to 200 Nm (N42/N46)
Engine Code:
M43B19 (1.9L 4-cylinder) or N42B20/N46B20 (2.0L 4-cylinder, Valvetronic) depending on market and year.
Displacement:
1895 cc (M43B19) or 1995 cc (N42/N46)
Horsepower:
Approx. 118 hp (M43B19) to 143 hp (N42/N46)
Torque:
Approx. 180 Nm (M43B19) to 200 Nm (N42/N46)
Engine Code:
M52TUB20 (2.0L 6-cylinder) or M54B22 (2.2L 6-cylinder)
Displacement:
1991 cc (M52TUB20) or 2171 cc (M54B22)
Horsepower:
Approx. 150 hp (M52TUB20) to 170 hp (M54B22)
Torque:
Approx. 190 Nm (M52TUB20) to 210 Nm (M54B22)
Engine Code:
M54B25 (2.5L 6-cylinder)
Horsepower:
Approx. 192 hp
Engine Code:
M54B30 (3.0L 6-cylinder)
Horsepower:
Approx. 231 hp
Fuel System Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic or Siemens DME).
NHTSA Ratings:
While specific NHTSA ratings for the E46 are not universally documented in a single source, generally, BMWs of this era were considered safe. Early models may not have had the extensive testing of later vehicles. Expect good frontal protection.
Active Safety Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction control) on some models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) on later/higher trims.
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), seatbelt pretensioners, energy-absorbing crumple zones.
Infotainment Features:
Early E46 models featured basic radio systems. Later models and optional packages included CD players, cassette players, navigation systems (MK III/MK IV), and the iDrive system (introduced on facelifted models and more common from 2003 onwards, though not standard on all E46s).
Driver Assistance Features:
ABS, ASC+T, DSC, cruise control. Limited by the era, but provided a good foundation for modern systems.
Connectivity Features:
Optional CD changers, auxiliary input ports on later models or via adapters.
Engine Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 15,000-25,000 km or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality. The manual will provide specific guidelines.
Service Intervals Filters
Oil Filter Replacement:
Recommended at every oil change.
Air Filter Replacement:
Typically every 30,000-60,000 km or as needed based on inspection. Manual specifies.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Typically every 20,000-40,000 km or annually. Manual specifies.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years. Manual specifies fluid type.
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine type; e.g., M54 engines with NGK BKR6EQUP (or equivalent) typically 100,000 km. Manual will detail specific types and intervals.
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 for gasoline engines. Specific viscosity grades (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40) depending on temperature. Manual will provide precise BMW approvals and viscosities.
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue or G48 ethylene glycol based coolant. Manual will specify BMW part number and mixture ratio.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Specific gear oil, e.g., MTF LT-2 for manual transmissions. Manual will specify.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
GM Dexron III or equivalent for 5L40-E. Manual will specify BMW approved fluid.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (BMW DOT 4 LV for newer systems, but DOT 4 generally acceptable). Manual will specify.
Known Issues:
Common issues can include VANOS unit problems (especially on M54 engines), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets, cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, hoses), blower motor resistor failures, window regulator failures, and subframe cracking (rare but serious). The manual will help diagnose and repair these.
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German company with a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, performance-oriented luxury vehicles, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.
Model Evolution:
The E46 is the fourth generation of the BMW 3-Series, succeeding the E36 and preceding the E90. It refined the sport sedan formula with improved styling, chassis dynamics, and technology.
Production Period:
1998 - 2006 (sedan and touring lasted until 2006, coupe/convertible until 2006, compact until 2004).
Production Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), but also some production in South Africa, Egypt, Russia, and Thailand.
