Vehicle Models Covered:
323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Sport Wagon
Segment:
Compact Executive / Sports Sedan and Coupe segment
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and engaging driving experience
Powertrain:
Smooth inline-six engines, available xDrive all-wheel drive
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality, focusing on premium materials and fitment
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (typically 2000+ pages for a full workshop manual)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable (likely PDF)
Engine:
All covered engines (M52, M54 variants)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and xDrive (AWD)
Suspension:
Front and Rear suspension systems
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, and maintenance
Steering:
Power steering system
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including wiring diagrams and component testing
Body:
Bodywork repair, panel replacement, interior trim
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, ABS, DSC
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting procedures, fault code interpretation, diagnostic tool usage
Repair:
Component replacement, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls
Installation:
Installation of new components and accessories
Specifications:
Torque specifications, fluid capacities, clearances
Engine Management:
Ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems
Chassis Controls:
ABS, DSC system diagnostics and repair
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, rust repair guidance, sealant application.
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic fluid checks to complex electronic diagnostics and full engine/transmission rebuilds
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Diagnostic Trouble Codes:
Comprehensive listing and interpretation of OBD-II diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
323I:
2.5L M52TU Inline-6 (170 hp, 180 lb-ft)
325I:
2.5L M54B25 Inline-6 (189 hp, 175 lb-ft)
325Xi:
2.5L M54B25 Inline-6 (189 hp, 175 lb-ft) with xDrive AWD
328I:
2.8L M52TU Inline-6 (193 hp, 206 lb-ft)
330I:
3.0L M54B30 Inline-6 (225 hp, 214 lb-ft)
330Xi:
3.0L M54B30 Inline-6 (225 hp, 214 lb-ft) with xDrive AWD
Engine Code Notes:
M52TU (Technical Update) vs. M54 (Next Generation)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (for relevant years)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Dynamic Stability Control (optional on some early models, standard later)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (optional)
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning seatbelts
Available Systems:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS, optional navigation system (MKIV)
Features:
Cruise Control, Parking Sensors (rear, optional), Rain-sensing wipers (optional)
Early Systems:
Analog cellular phone integration (often outdated), basic audio system controls.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for specific CBS recommendations)
Air Filter Interval:
20,000-40,000 miles
Spark Plug Interval:
60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type: copper vs. long-life)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based antifreeze
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF LT 71141 (e.g., Pentosin ATF 8072 B)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can crack, water pump impeller prone to failure (especially plastic ones on M54), thermostat housing leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings fail causing wander), rear subframe bushings (can separate from chassis), sway bar links.
Electrical:
Sagging headliner, OBC (On-Board Computer) issues, HVAC blower motor resistor, Xenon headlight ballast failure.
Engine M54 Specific:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption and vacuum leaks, VANOS solenoid issues.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'
E46 Introduction:
Launched in 1998 (for the 1999 model year), succeeded the E36 generation.
E46 Facelift:
Mid-cycle refresh (LCI) occurred for the 2002 model year with updated styling and features.
Production Period:
1998-2006 (depending on body style and market)