Market Segment:
High-performance luxury sports coupe.
Brand Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure (Freude am Fahren).
Key Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5/B7).
Performance Focus:
Engineered for track-inspired performance, driver engagement, and premium luxury.
Design Language:
Iconic E46 M design with distinctive M-specific bodywork, wider track, and aerodynamic enhancements.
Manual Type:
Owner's, Maintenance, Service, and Basic Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 400-600 pages (typical for this model's documentation)
File Format Details:
Searchable PDF format, allowing for quick access to information via keywords. Optimised for digital viewing and printing.
Engine System:
Comprehensive coverage of the S54 inline-6 engine, including maintenance, diagnostics, and minor repairs.
Drivetrain System:
Manual and SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission operation, maintenance, and common issues.
Suspension Steering:
Detailed information on front and rear suspension components, steering system, and wheel alignment procedures.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake system service, fluid replacement, pad and rotor replacement procedures.
Electrical System:
Coverage of the electrical system, including battery, alternator, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, and basic diagnostic troubleshooting.
Body Exterior:
Body panel adjustments, door and lock mechanisms, exterior trim, and basic body repair guidance.
Interior Trim:
Information on interior trim removal and installation, seat adjustments, and HVAC system controls.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed breakdown of routine maintenance tasks and recommended service intervals.
Fluid Checks Replacements:
Procedures for checking and replacing engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid.
Filter Replacements:
Instructions for replacing oil, air, cabin, and fuel filters.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Guidance on identifying and resolving common operational issues and dashboard warning lights.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing common wear-and-tear items like spark plugs, belts, and battery.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive: Covers owner operation, routine maintenance, basic to intermediate repairs, and diagnostic guidance.
Diagnostics Coverage:
Includes basic diagnostic procedures for common issues, but advanced electronic diagnostics may require specialized BMW ISTA/D software.
Transmission Type Std:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Opt:
6-Speed SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically Actuated Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual), Electro-hydraulic Clutch Actuation (SMG)
Limited Slip Differential:
Standard M Differential Lock (40% Lock-up)
Length:
177.1 inches (4498 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
54.1 inches (1374 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Front Track:
60.0 inches (1524 mm)
Rear Track:
59.4 inches (1508 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,500 lbs (1542 - 1588 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4,400 lbs (1996 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger (for E46 Coupe)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for E46 Coupe)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist (BA)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage construction.
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, and optional Navigation systems.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Bluetooth Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity was available via an add-on module or integrated into later navigation systems.
Sport Seats:
Standard M sport seats with enhanced bolstering and electric adjustments.
Climate Control:
Automatic climate control with cabin microfilter.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically indicates oil service every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
Inspection II typically scheduled around 60,000 miles, includes spark plugs, valve adjustment (critical for S54), and thorough checks.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Interval:
Typically every 4 years or 100,000 miles, depending on coolant type.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48, Ethylene Glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2).
Transmission Fluid Smg:
Pentosin CHF 11S Hydraulic Fluid.
Rod Bearings:
Potential wear of connecting rod bearings due to high revs and oil film stress; regular inspection recommended, especially for early models.
Vanos System:
Issues with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids and seals can affect performance and idle quality.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress.
Throttle Actuation:
Failure of the electronic throttle actuators or pedal assemblies.
Cooling System:
Failure of the plastic coolant expansion tank, water pump, or thermostat can lead to overheating.
Bmw Motorsport Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is the high-performance subsidiary of BMW.
E46 Generation:
The E46 M3 (2001-2006) is the third generation of the M3, replacing the E36 M3.
S54 Engine Origin:
The S54 engine is a derivative of the S50 engine found in earlier M models, significantly re-engineered for higher performance and revs.
Production Years M3 E46:
2000-2006 (production for North America began in 2001).
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
