🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code:

S54

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, performance drivers, BMW M division loyalists.

Key Competitors:

Audi RS4, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Porsche 911 (Carrera).

Engine Type:

High-revving Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 with individual throttle bodies.

Handling Dynamics:

Renowned for its precise handling, balanced chassis, and M-tuned suspension.

Performance Focus:

Designed with performance and driver engagement as top priorities.

Transmission Type:

Exclusive 6-speed manual transmission for maximum driver control.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Diagnostic Coverage:

Extensive diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides

Maintenance Coverage:

Routine maintenance schedules, fluid changes, filter replacements

Repair Coverage:

Component-level repair and replacement procedures for all major systems

Rebuilding Coverage:

Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds

Refurbishment Coverage:

Guidance on restoring and refurbishing various vehicle components

Restoration Coverage:

Procedures and tips for complete vehicle restoration

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine overhaul, including cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, timing system (double VANOS, chain, guides, tensioners), oil pump, lubrication system.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (Siemens MS43 ECU), ignition system, engine control sensors (MAF, MAP, O2, Crankshaft, Camshaft), emissions control systems (catalytic converter, EVAP).

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 420G 6-speed manual transmission: clutch assembly, gearbox internals, shift mechanism, driveshafts, universal joints.

Transmission Automatic:

Not Applicable (M3 E46 was exclusively manual transmission in most markets).

Drivetrain:

Limited-slip differential (M Variable Lock), rear axle, wheel bearings, axles.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components (MacPherson struts, multi-link rear), shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment procedures.

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes (ventilated, cross-drilled in some configurations), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.

Electrical System:

12V battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood, trunk, bumpers, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), chassis lubrication points.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit.

Interior Trim:

Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, interior paneling, sound deadening.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belt mechanisms, DSC, ABS.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve stem seal replacement, VANOS unit repair/replacement.

Transmission Overhaul:

Clutch replacement, gearbox disassembly and reassembly, synchro ring replacement.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Testing of sensors, actuators, ECU diagnostics, wiring harness repair.

Suspension And Steering Alignment:

Complete alignment specifications and procedures for caster, camber, toe.

Brake System Overhaul:

Brake caliper rebuild, ABS module testing, DSC sensor calibration.

Body Repair:

Panel alignment, rust repair techniques, door and window adjustments.

Convertible Top Service:

Hydraulic system checks, fabric maintenance, motor and cylinder replacement (for convertible models).

Diagnostic Tool Usage:

Information on utilizing BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D, DIS) for advanced diagnostics.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics, including component testing, electrical tracing, and ECU relearning procedures.

Rebuild Instructions:

Detailed step-by-step rebuild procedures with torque specifications and clearances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Full electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for easy workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

S54B32

Configuration:

3.2L Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

3246 cc (3.2 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

87.0 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.5:1

Redline:

8000 RPM

Horsepower:

333 hp @ 7900 RPM

Torque:

262 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM

0-60 Mph:

Approx. 4.8 - 5.2 seconds (depending on conditions)

Induction:

Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Engine Control Unit:

Siemens MS43

Valve Actuation:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Variable Valve Timing:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing System)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 420G 6-speed Manual Transmission

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Differential:

M Variable Lock Differential (25% lock under load)

Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent GL-4 rated gear oil (check manual for specific PN).

📐 Dimensions

Coupe Length:

178.7 in (4539 mm)

Convertible Length:

178.7 in (4539 mm)

Coupe Width:

71.5 in (1816 mm)

Convertible Width:

71.5 in (1816 mm)

Coupe Height:

54.7 in (1390 mm)

Convertible Height:

53.5 in (1360 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 in (2729 mm)

Front Track:

59.6 in (1514 mm)

Rear Track:

59.5 in (1512 mm)

Coupe Trunk Volume:

11.2 cu ft (317 Liters)

Convertible Trunk Volume:

11.1 cu ft (314 Liters) with top up, significantly less with top down

Coupe Curb Weight:

3595 lbs (1631 kg)

Convertible Curb Weight:

3825 lbs (1735 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4/5 Stars (Driver), 5/5 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for vehicles of similar era)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Dsc:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (can be disabled)

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags

Seat Belts:

Three-point safety belts with pretensioners

Rollover Protection:

Pop-up rollover protection bars (for convertible models)

💡 Technology Features

Navigation System:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Audio System:

Standard BMW Business CD system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Climate Control Type:

Automatic climate control with cabin microfilter.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface (ULF module).

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the car's computer.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific PN and type).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (BMW Blue Coolant).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years (DOT 4 LV recommended).

Engine Oil:

SAE 10W-60 Synthetic (BMW recommends Castrol EDGE Professional OE M or equivalent API SN, ACEA C3 compliant).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate (G48).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity).

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202.

Rod Bearings:

Increased wear on connecting rod bearings is a common concern; early detection and replacement are advised, especially for cars driven hard or with high mileage.

Vanos System:

Solenoid failure or seal degradation can lead to rough idle, loss of power, and VANOS fault codes.

Subframe Mounts:

Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points can occur, leading to chassis flex and noise.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps can also fail prematurely.

Driveshaft Center Support Bearing:

Wear and tear can lead to vibrations, especially at higher speeds.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW's long history of building performance-oriented vehicles, particularly the M division's lineage of motorsport-derived models.

E46 Generation:

The E46 M3 is the third generation of the M3, succeeding the E36 M3 and preceding the E92 M3. It represented a significant technological leap forward.

S54 Engine Introduction:

The S54 engine debuted in the E46 M3 and was also used in the Z4 M models. It's celebrated for its engineering and responsiveness.

Production Years:

2000-2006 (E46 M3)

Production Location:

Regensburg, Germany

Body Styles:

Coupe, Convertible

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Often featured on Car and Driver's 10 Best list in its segment during its production run.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Was a strong contender and highly regarded by automotive journalists.

Enthusiast Magazine Acclaim:

Universally praised for its driving dynamics, engine performance, and track capability.

Manufacturer Designation:

High-performance variant of the BMW 3 Series (E46) platform.