Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon. The E46 325xi positioned as a premium, all-wheel-drive variant offering enhanced traction and stability, targeting buyers seeking performance and all-weather capability in the luxury segment.
Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Volvo S60 AWD, Subaru Legacy GT.
All Wheel Drive:
BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, providing intelligent torque distribution for improved traction and handling in varied conditions.
Engine Performance:
The M54B30 inline-six engine, known for its smooth power delivery and refined character.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride balance, enhanced by the xDrive system.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Market Segment:
North America (implied by model and year range)
Estimated Page Count:
~1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (PDF or similar, often searchable)
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B30), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (GM 5L40-E automatic), transfer case, driveline, AWD system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), engine management systems (DME), lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, audio systems, navigation (if equipped), diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams.
Body:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, HVAC system.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, transfer case fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake component replacement, suspension component repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, mechanical system diagnostics.
Diagnostics:
Use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DISplus, ISTA/D), sensor testing, actuator testing, system checks.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
Configuration:
Inline 6-cylinder (I6)
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW LL-01 approved)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Coolant Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission
Transmission Model:
GM 5L40-E
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (less common on xi models, but possible)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive system (permanent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron VI compatible (check specific manual for BMW approval like ATF LT71141 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-1 or MTF LT-2
Transfer Case Fluid:
Typically a specialized synthetic fluid, consult manual for specific PN.
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) - Typical for E46 generation, specific model year may vary slightly.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), side-impact airbags (front).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio systems. Optional navigation system (e.g., MK III or MK IV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface (ULF module).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (BMW's Condition Based Service - CBS - system would dictate actual interval).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as needed based on conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on spark plug type - e.g., long-life platinum or iridium).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial fill often rated for longer, but a flush every 4-5 years or 60,000 miles is recommended.
Transmission Fluid Change:
BMW historically advised 'lifetime' fluid for automatics, but independent experts often recommend a change around 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity, especially for the GM 5L40-E.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for vehicles with DSC)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent approved hydraulic fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to coolant leaks. Water pump failures are also common. Thermostat housing leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, tie rod ends, and sway bar links are common wear items.
Electrical:
VANOS solenoids can fail, causing rough idle and power loss. ABS/DSC sensor failures. Pixels on the instrument cluster LCD can fade or disappear.
Exhaust:
Cracks in the exhaust manifold can cause ticking noises, especially when cold.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 chassis was introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, replacing the E36. The 325xi variant with xDrive AWD was introduced later in the E46's lifecycle, offering a more versatile option.
Powertrain Update:
The M54 engine (including the M54B30) replaced the M52TU engine in 2000 for the 2001 model year, offering improved performance and emissions. The 325xi designation generally corresponds to the M54B30 engine.
Production Period:
1999-2006 (E46 generation overall). The 325xi model was available for most of this period.
Manufacturing:
Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany, with some assembly in other locations globally.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 generation 3 Series (including various trims like the 325i/xi) was frequently recognized on Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run for its excellent driving dynamics and value.
Consumer Reports:
Consumer Reports generally rated the E46 3 Series highly for reliability during its production years, though specific model year ratings varied. Common issues were often related to typical wear and tear for luxury vehicles of this age.
Emissions Standards:
Designed to meet prevailing emissions standards for the model years in North America (e.g., EPA regulations).
