Production Years:
1998-2006 (Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon), 1999-2006 (Coupe/Convertible), 2000-2006 (Wagon/M3)
Model Codes Covered:
316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 318d, 320d, 330d, 330xd
Positioning:
The BMW E46 generation (1998-2006) was a highly successful and popular executive compact car, known for its excellent driving dynamics, premium feel, and a wide range of engine options. It competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202/W203), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20/G35.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, RWD platform, and engaging steering, making it a driver's car.
Engine Variety:
Offered a broad spectrum of inline-four and inline-six gasoline engines, along with efficient diesel options, catering to diverse performance and economy needs.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality with premium interior materials and robust construction.
Supported Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (printable)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language:
English (implied, common for factory manuals)
Format:
PDF (likely, with potential for larger files requiring unzipping)
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, and overhaul for all listed gasoline and diesel engines (e.g., M43, M52/M54, M47/M57).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, overhaul, and fluid specifications.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, repair, ABS, DSC, and component replacement.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant specifications, and diagnosis.
Exhaust System:
Component replacement, catalytic converter, and sensor diagnostics.
Steering And Suspension:
Alignment, component replacement, hydraulic systems, and troubleshooting.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing, module diagnosis, and fuse/relay information.
Body And Interior:
Panel replacement, trim, upholstery, and interior component repair.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, and component repair.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, lines, and system pressure testing.
Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, and electrical troubleshooting.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug/glow plug replacement, tire rotation.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation.
Repair:
Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment across all vehicle systems.
Engine Overhaul:
Complete engine rebuild procedures, including torque specifications, timing, and assembly.
Transmission Rebuild:
Detailed steps for overhauling both manual and automatic transmissions.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagram interpretation, signal tracing, and module testing.
Body Repair:
Panel alignment, welding procedures, and cosmetic repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
316I:
1.9L M43B19 I4 (approx. 105 hp), later 1.8L N42/N46B18 Valvetronic I4 (approx. 116 hp)
318I:
1.9L M43B19TU I4 (approx. 118 hp), later 2.0L N42/N46B20 Valvetronic I4 (approx. 143 hp)
320I:
2.0L M52B20TU/M54B22 I6 (approx. 150 hp), later 2.2L M54B22 I6 (approx. 170 hp)
323I:
2.5L M52B25 I6 (approx. 170 hp)
325Xi:
2.5L M54B25 I6 (approx. 192 hp, xDrive AWD)
330I:
3.0L M54B30 I6 (approx. 225 hp)
330Xi:
3.0L M54B30 I6 (approx. 225 hp, xDrive AWD)
318D:
2.0L M47D20 I4 Diesel (approx. 116 hp)
320D:
2.0L M47TUD20 I4 Diesel (approx. 136 hp, later 150 hp)
330D:
3.0L M57D30 I6 Diesel (approx. 184 hp, later 193 hp)
330Xd:
3.0L M57D30 I6 Diesel (approx. 184 hp, xDrive AWD)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 105 hp (316i) to 225 hp (330i/xi), with diesel variants ranging from 116 hp to 193 hp.
Gasoline Injection:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Direct Injection (Valvetronic models).
Diesel Injection:
Common Rail Direct Injection (CDI) for M47/M57 diesel engines.
Type:
5-speed Manual (e.g., Getrag GS5-39DZ), 6-speed Manual (on later M54 models).
Type:
5-speed Automatic (e.g., GM A5S360R/A5S390R), 6-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) available on some performance models.
AWD System:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive system available on 'xi' models, primarily paired with inline-six engines.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Wagon/Touring (5-door).
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), 2830 mm (xi models).
Length:
Varies by body style, approx. 4471 mm (Sedan).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by engine and body style, typically 1450 kg - 1650 kg.
NHTSA:
Generally received good ratings in its era; detailed specific year/model ratings may vary. Frontal crash tests were typically strong.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on many models, optional or standard on others.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags, and optional head airbags (Inflatable Tubular Structure).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS CD, or optional Professional Navigation System (MKIV).
Audio System:
Various speaker configurations, optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control on most models.
Parking Sensors:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) available as an option.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation and cradles for mobile phones.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manufacturer recommendation (e.g., BMW Longlife-01 oil).
Spark Plugs:
Varies by engine, generally 60,000 miles for standard plugs, or 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs. Valvetronic engines may have specific intervals.
Coolant:
Typically requires replacement every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles. BMW coolant is a specific silicate-free formula.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate and specific engine variant.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Specific manual transmission fluid (e.g., ATF D-II or MTF LT-2), consult manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT71141 or equivalent for 5-speed automatics. Sealed for life on some units, but fluid changes are recommended.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump (plastic impeller) and thermostat housing are common failure points.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings, rear shock mounts, and ball joints are common wear items.
Engine M54:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure can lead to oil leaks and rough running; VANOS system can develop noise or performance issues.
Electrical:
Heated Oxygen Sensors (O2 sensors), Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, and ABS wheel speed sensors are common replacements.
Diesel Engines:
Glow plug issues, turbocharger problems (especially on earlier M47), and injector seal failures can occur.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty vehicles with a strong emphasis on engineering and performance.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and driving dynamics over its predecessor.
Facelift:
A significant facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) occurred for the 2001 model year, featuring revised headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior updates.
Manufacturing:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Dingolfing and Regensburg plants), with some production also in South Africa and other international locations.
Car And Driver:
Car and Driver magazine's '10Best' list multiple times during its production run, particularly for the 330i and M3 variants.
Ward Auto:
Ward's 10 Best Engines recognized the M54 inline-six engines for their smoothness, power delivery, and efficiency.
Overall Reputation:
Widely regarded as one of the best-driving sedans and coupes of its era, a benchmark for handling and performance in its class.
