Segment:
Compact executive car
Brand Perception:
Performance-oriented, luxury, driver-focused
Key Rivals:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience.
Engine Lineup:
Offered a range of inline-four and inline-six gasoline engines, known for smoothness and power delivery.
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (Touring/Wagon - 5-door).
Primary Focus:
Comprehensive repair and maintenance
Breadth Of Coverage:
All major repair and maintenance aspects
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by specific model/engine, typically 2000+ pages for a complete factory set
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, potentially downloadable)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brakes (hydraulic, ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instruments, comfort systems, infotainment, engine management electronics, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
Body:
Body construction, exterior trim, interior trim, doors, windows, roof, climate control (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake pad/rotor replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools
Depth:
Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Common Gasoline Engines:
2.5L I6 (M54B25), 3.0L I6 (M54B30), 2.0L I4 (M43B20 - early models), 2.8L I6 (M52TUB28 - early models), 2.2L I6 (M54B22)
Common Diesel Engines:
2.0L I4 Turbo-Diesel (M47), 3.0L I6 Turbo-Diesel (M57)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 140 hp (2.0L I4) to 231 hp (3.0L I6 - M54B30), up to 333 hp for M3 variants.
Torque Range:
Approx. 140 lb-ft to 220 lb-ft for standard models, higher for M3.
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Requirement:
Premium Unleaded gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Getrag (e.g., GS5-39DZ) or 6-speed Getrag (e.g., GS6-37BZ for later models/performance variants).
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed ZF Steptronic automatic transmission (e.g., 5HP19FLA).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (for manual).
Differential:
Open differential standard, limited-slip differential (LSD) optional on some models/M-Sport packages.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Overall Length:
Approx. 177.4 - 183.7 inches (4506 - 4665 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 69.1 inches (1755 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 - 57.3 inches (1415 - 1455 mm) depending on body style
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1400 - 1600 kg) depending on engine and body style.
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 14.1 cu ft (400 L) for sedan.
NHTSA Ratings:
Generally good frontal and side impact ratings for its era, check specific year/model for detailed reports.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on most models.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side airbags, optional curtain airbags (later models/convertibles).
Seatbelts:
3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
Various BMW Business CD, Professional CD, and optional Navigation systems.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon audio upgrade.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with hands-free system.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil specification (as per Condition Based Service - CBS).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 to 100,000 miles (100,000 to 160,000 km) depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (50,000-100,000 km).
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity. Check specific engine for exact grade and capacity (e.g., ~6.5 qts for 3.0L I6).
Coolant:
BMW Blue or Purple coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity approx. 8.5 qts.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 or similar BMW approved manual transmission fluid.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent approved fluid). Crucial for longevity, requires specialized procedure for changing/checking level.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pumps (especially plastic impeller versions) are prone to failure; thermostat housings can leak.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs - Rear Trailing Arm Bushings) wear out leading to poor handling; rear subframe bushings can tear; front strut mounts.
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housings are common; VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids/seals can cause rough idle or power loss; CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system can clog and cause oil pressure issues/leaks.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC module failures; alternator failures; window regulator failures; door lock actuator issues.
Exhaust:
Muffler bearings (colloquial term for the rubber hangers) can degrade; exhaust manifold cracks on some early M54 engines.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Generation:
Fourth generation of the 3 Series compact executive car, succeeding the E36 and preceding the E90.
Key Updates:
Significant chassis redesign, improved suspension geometry, updated engines (particularly the M54 inline-six), enhanced electronics, and a more refined interior.
Production Years:
1998 (introduced late 1997 for 1998 model year in some markets) through 2006 (for sedan/wagon).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary manufacturing in Munich, Germany; Dingolfing, Germany; and Regensburg, Germany. Assembly also occurred in other global locations.
Car And Driver Ten Best:
The E46 3 Series models, particularly the 330i and M3, were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards.
Consumers Reports:
Varied reliability ratings over its production run, with some model years and powertrains performing better than others. The manual highlights common issues to watch for.
Euro Ncap:
Achieved strong safety ratings for its time, typically 4 or 5 stars, depending on the specific test and equipment.
