🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Model Variant:

323

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Platform:

E46

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe. Part of BMW's highly successful 3 Series lineage.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, and professional automotive technicians working on the E46 generation BMW 323i.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200, Infiniti G20.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and engaging driving experience.

Engine Performance:

The M52B25 inline-six engine offers smooth power delivery and characteristic BMW refinement.

Build Quality:

Exceptional build quality and premium interior materials typical of BMW's E46 generation.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

Detailed coverage of the M52B25 engine (2.5L Inline-6).

Transmission Coverage:

Coverage for both Getrag 5-speed manual (S5D 250G) and ZF 5-speed automatic (5HP19) transmissions.

Drivetrain Coverage:

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, including differential, driveshafts, and axles.

Suspension Coverage:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension (Z-axle), steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.

Brake System Coverage:

Front ventilated discs, rear solid discs (or optional ventilated discs on some models), ABS system, and hydraulic lines.

Electrical System Coverage:

Comprehensive coverage of the E46 electrical architecture, including DME, EWS, body control modules, lighting, and sensors.

Bodywork Coverage:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, and convertible top systems (if applicable).

Climate Control Coverage:

Manual and optional automatic climate control (ECC) systems.

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000 pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era).

Type:

Factory-authorized Service and Repair Workshop Manual.

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often referred to as 'eManual' or 'online' manuals).

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain Systems:

Engine (M52B25), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, engine management (DME).

Drivetrain Systems:

Manual transmission, automatic transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (hydraulic and ABS), wheels, and tires.

Electrical Systems:

Engine control unit (DME), ignition, lighting, instrumentation, infotainment, power accessories, security system (EWS), airbags.

Body And Interior Systems:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, dashboard, climate control, upholstery.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad replacement, belt inspection.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, fault finding for all major systems.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component replacement, body repair.

Installation Procedures:

Component installation, accessory fitting, system component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter).

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical specifications, engine data.

Wheel Alignment:

Detailed specifications and procedures for front and rear wheel alignment.

Engine Timing:

VANOS system operation, timing chain and guide replacement, valve adjustment procedures.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, and coolant system bleeding procedures.

Fuel System Service:

Fuel pump replacement, fuel filter replacement, fuel injector service, fuel pressure testing.

Depth Level:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Scope:

Advanced diagnostics including DME error codes, sensor data interpretation, and module communication testing.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for digital viewing and printing. May include searchable text functionality.

Print Quality Guidance:

Designed for clear reproduction of diagrams and text. Recommend high-quality printing for best results.

Binding Type Physical:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Type Physical:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52B25TU (Technical Update)

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated, Inline-6 cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves.

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 90 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 ECU.

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5500 rpm

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC).

Fuel Type:

Unleaded gasoline, premium (91 octane or higher recommended).

Emission Controls:

Secondary air injection, catalytic converter, O2 sensors.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

Getrag S5D 250G 5-speed manual transmission.

Transmission Type:

ZF 5HP19 5-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.51, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.93

Final Drive Ratio:

3.15:1 (typical for 323i, can vary slightly)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Front Track:

1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1477 mm (58.1 in)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1490 kg (3285 lbs) for sedan with manual transmission.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1900 kg (4189 lbs)

Front Axle Load:

Approx. 870 kg (1918 lbs)

Rear Axle Load:

Approx. 1030 kg (2271 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 445 liters (15.7 cu ft) for sedan.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

4 Stars (1999 model year testing).

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

4 Stars (1999 model year testing).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on most models.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags. Optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Body Structure:

Reinforced passenger cell and crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio with various speaker configurations. Cassette player was common.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation System, typically a trunk-mounted CD-ROM based system.

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

Telematics:

Optional Tele Aid system for emergency assistance.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes based on driving conditions, generally around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Refer to the manual for precise CBS calibration.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000-50,000 miles, or as indicated by the CBS system.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 100,000 miles with long-life spark plugs (e.g., Bosch FGR7DQP).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-50,000 miles or 2-4 years, using BMW-approved coolant.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage, due to hygroscopic nature of brake fluid.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) compliant synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with oil filter change.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water 50/50.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or equivalent ATF approved for ZF 5HP19 applications).

Differential Fluid:

API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 specification.

Cooling System Failures:

Common failures include plastic coolant expansion tanks cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller often disintegrates), and thermostat housing leaks.

Vanos System:

The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can develop noisy seals or a faulty solenoid, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.

Rear Subframe Mounts:

Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points can occur due to stress, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Window Regulator Failure:

Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms are prone to breaking, causing windows to fall into the door.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

The oil pan gasket is a common source of oil leaks on the M52 engine.

Ccv System Clogging:

The crankcase ventilation (CCV) system can become clogged, leading to increased crankcase pressure and oil leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation 3 Series was introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, replacing the highly successful E36 generation. It marked a significant evolution in design, technology, and chassis dynamics.

323I Positioning:

The 323i served as a mid-range model within the E46 lineup, slotting between the 320i and the more powerful 325i/328i, offering a balance of performance and efficiency powered by the new M52TU engine.

Production Period:

The E46 323i was produced from 1998 to 2000 as part of the E46 generation.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary production facilities included Dingolfing and Munich, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best 10:

The E46 3 Series consistently ranked on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run, including for the 1999 model year.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings for the 1999 E46 323i from Consumer Reports were generally good, though specific component failures like the cooling system were noted.

Emissions Certification:

Compliant with EPA and CARB emissions standards for the 1999 model year.