Market Segment:
Compact Executive Car (Entry-level Luxury)
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Infiniti G Sedan
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Design Philosophy:
Clean, elegant, and timeless design, evolving the BMW aesthetic with a focus on sportiness and luxury.
Powertrain Options:
Wide range of inline-four and inline-six gasoline engines, known for their smoothness, power delivery, and efficiency for their class.
Vehicle Years Covered:
1999-2005
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Touring (Wagon), Hatchback (Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand only)
Page Count:
Not Specified (Digital PDF)
Manual Type:
Factory Workshop Service Repair Manual
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M43, M52TU, M54, M56, M62TU, S54), Engine management systems (DME), Fuel system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Transmission (manual and automatic), Drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, xDrive for some models not explicitly stated for E46 but common in brand)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering system, Brake system (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, Lighting, Ignition system, Charging system, Starter system, Instrument cluster, Power windows, Central locking, Climate control, Audio system, DME, ABS/DSC modules, SRS (Airbag) system, Cruise control
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, Convertible top (if applicable), Chassis and frame
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, Oil and filter changes, Air filter replacement, Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush, Transmission fluid changes, Differential fluid changes, Wiper blade replacement, Battery maintenance
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, Cylinder head repair, Piston and connecting rod service, Crankshaft service, Valve train service, Transmission overhaul, Differential overhaul, Brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers, lines), Suspension component replacement (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), Steering rack replacement, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body panel repair and replacement, Convertible top mechanism repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, Fault finding for engine, transmission, ABS, SRS, and other electronic systems, Troubleshooting electrical circuits, Diagnosing mechanical failures
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth component removal, installation, and overhaul. Includes detailed specifications, torque values, and diagnostic procedures.
Common Engines:
2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25), 3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30), 2.8L Inline-6 (M52TUB28), 2.0L Inline-4 (M54B20/M43B20), M3 models featured the S54 3.2L Inline-6.
Typical Horsepower Range:
148 hp (2.0L) to 333 hp (S54 M3)
Typical Torque Range:
145 lb-ft (2.0L) to 262 lb-ft (S54 M3)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)
Dme Type:
Bosch Motronic (specific version varies by engine)
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag S5D series), 6-speed Manual (on some later M3 models)
Optional Transmission:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic on later models)
Transmission Fluid Type:
BMW recommends specific ATF fluids (e.g., LT-3 or equivalent for automatics), and manual transmission fluid (e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent).
Rear Axle Ratio:
Varies by model and transmission, typically ranging from 3.08:1 to 3.46:1 for non-M models.
Length:
Varies by body style (e.g., Sedan ~177 inches, Coupe ~181 inches)
Width:
Varies by body style (e.g., Sedan ~68.5 inches)
Height:
Varies by body style (e.g., Sedan ~56 inches)
Wheelbase:
Varies by body style (e.g., Sedan ~108.7 inches)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3,100 - 3,700 lbs (depending on engine and body style)
NHTSA Ratings:
Overall: 4 Stars (Sedan, driver's side frontal crash). Front passenger: 5 Stars.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models, Antilock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) or DSC.
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Audio System:
Standard cassette or CD player, optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), optional navigation system (CCC unit in later models).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional adaptive cruise control not typical for this generation.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity (via BMW Assist or aftermarket solutions).
HVAC:
Manual climate control or optional Automatic climate control with cabin air filtration.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically suggests every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Generally around 60,000 miles for iridium plugs, earlier for platinum plugs.
Coolant Flush Interval:
BMW Blue coolant typically recommended at 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 compliant synthetic oil, viscosity typically 5W-30 or 0W-30, depending on climate and specific engine.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (or Dexron III ATF for earlier models).
Common Problems:
Cracked plastic coolant expansion tanks, cooling system leaks (water pump, hoses), VANOS solenoid issues (especially on M54 engines), oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures, front control arm bushings ('smiley face' bushings), subframe mounting cracks (particularly on coupes/convertibles).
Recommended Checks:
Regular inspection of cooling system components, VANOS unit, subframe mounting points, and drive belts.
Brand Identity:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury and performance automobile manufacturer, established in 1916.
Predecessor:
E36 3 Series
Successor:
E90 3 Series (Sedan), E92 3 Series (Coupe), E93 3 Series (Convertible)
Production Period:
1998-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg), South Africa (Rosslyn), Austria (Graz, Magna Steyr for convertibles), USA (Spartanburg for specific models/variants, though E46 primarily Europe).
