Positioning:
The E46 3 Series represented the sport sedan benchmark, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and handling.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, RWD dynamics, and engaging driving experience.
Engine Options:
Wide range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines known for smoothness and power delivery.
Build Quality:
Solid build quality and premium interior materials typical of BMW.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (Wagon, 5-door)
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance for BMW E46 chassis vehicles
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (as it's a digital compilation of factory data)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
File Format:
Portable Document Format (PDF)
Quality:
High-resolution, allowing for clear text and image zoom
Binding:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper:
N/A (Digital Format)
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines (e.g., M52TU, M54, M43, M44, M57, M47)
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 250G), Automatic (GM A5S360R, A5S320Z, Steptronic)
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD), All-wheel drive (xDrive) for applicable models
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, Rear multi-link suspension, Sport suspension options
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Parking brake
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, Servotronic
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, component locations, diagnostic procedures
Body And Chassis:
Body repair, panel replacement, structural integrity, rust prevention
Comfort Systems:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Power windows, Power seats, Sunroof
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelt pretensioners, Restraint systems
Infotainment And Electronics:
Radio, Navigation system, Instrument cluster, OBC (On-Board Computer)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, brake fluid flush, spark plug replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical system repair
Diagnostics:
Engine management system diagnostics, ABS/DSC diagnostics, SRS diagnostics, body electronics diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic values, fluid capacities
Depth:
Factory-level detail, suitable for DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians
Scope:
From routine maintenance to major component overhauls and complex diagnostics
320I Engine:
M52TU B20: 2.0L I6, 148 hp @ 6000 rpm, 190 Nm @ 3600 rpm
323I Engine:
M52TU B25: 2.5L I6, 168 hp @ 5500 rpm, 245 Nm @ 3950 rpm
325I Engine:
M54 B25: 2.5L I6, 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, 245 Nm @ 3500 rpm
328I Engine:
M52TU B28: 2.8L I6, 190 hp @ 5300 rpm, 280 Nm @ 3950 rpm
330I Engine:
M54 B30: 3.0L I6, 225 hp @ 6000 rpm, 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm
M3 Engine:
S54 B32: 3.2L I6, 333 hp @ 7900 rpm, 320 Nm @ 4900 rpm
320D Engine:
M47 D20: 2.0L I4 Turbo Diesel, 134 hp @ 4000 rpm, 280 Nm @ 1750 rpm
330D Engine:
M57 D30: 3.0L I6 Turbo Diesel, 181 hp @ 4000 rpm, 390 Nm @ 1750 rpm
0 60 Mph 330I:
Approx. 6.4 seconds
0 60 Mph M3:
Approx. 4.8 seconds
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) for diesel
Required Octane:
Premium Unleaded (91+ AKI) for gasoline engines
Sedan Length:
Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)
Sedan Width:
Approx. 1739 mm (68.5 in)
Sedan Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in)
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 410 L (14.5 cu ft)
Curb Weight 330I Manual:
Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for earlier models)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (for early models)
Stability Control:
Standard on most models (ASC+T or DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Optional side airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners
Head Unit Options:
Various BMW Business CD, Professional CD, and CD/Navigation units.
Navigation System:
Optional MK III or MK IV navigation systems.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation with cradle.
Auxiliary Input:
Available on some later models or via aftermarket adapters.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (based on BMW's Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. every 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs, depending on engine variant.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 (for diesel with DPF) compliant synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (Blue) mixed with distilled water in a 50/50 ratio.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, e.g., 75W-90 Synthetic.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Dexron III/VI for some models). Service interval often 'filled for life' but recommended for change.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 (low viscosity, e.g., DOT 4 LV).
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank, water pump (often plastic impeller), and thermostat housing can become brittle and leak.
Vanos System:
Applicable to M52TU and M54 engines, VANOS solenoids and seals can fail, leading to rough idle, loss of power, and poor fuel economy.
Oil Pan Gasket And Valve Cover Gasket:
Commonly leak oil due to age and material degradation.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack due to stress, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation system can clog, leading to oil leaks and increased oil consumption.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components can break, causing windows to fail to operate.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury sports sedans.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 replaced the E36 generation and was produced from 1998 to 2006 (depending on market and body style).
Facelift:
A significant facelift occurred for the 2002 model year, with updated exterior styling (headlights, taillights, bumpers) and interior refinements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany, with some assembly in South Africa, Mexico, and Egypt.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The 3 Series (E46) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list, solidifying its class-leading status.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not a specific win for E46, the 3 Series line consistently received accolades for performance and luxury.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average, though specific issues like VANOS and cooling system components were noted.
