Positioning:
The definitive guide for owners and technicians seeking to maintain, repair, and diagnose the high-performance 2003 BMW M3 (E46).
Alternatives:
Superior to generic Haynes or Chilton manuals due to official BMW licensing and detailed technical data specific to the S54 engine and E46 M3 platform.
Features:
Official BMW licensing, comprehensive coverage, detailed procedures, accurate diagrams, troubleshooting guides, and full electrical schematics.
Engine:
Complete Service and Repair
Transmission:
Complete Service and Repair (SMG and Manual)
Drivetrain:
Complete Service and Repair
Suspension:
Complete Service and Repair
Steering:
Complete Service and Repair
Brakes:
Complete Service and Repair
Electrical System:
Complete Service and Repair (including wiring diagrams)
Body And Trim:
Complete Service and Repair
HVAC:
Complete Service and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting and Diagnostic Procedures
Type:
Official Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software (Downloadable/Digital)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel, Ignition, Exhaust, Cooling, Lubrication, Transmission, Driveline
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
ECU, Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, Audio, Power Accessories, SRS (Airbag) System
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Replacements
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Diagnostics and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Faults, Reading Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, SMG System Diagnostics
Bodywork:
Panel Removal and Installation, Trim Component Replacement, Door and Window Mechanism Adjustments
Depth:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth diagnostic procedures and wiring schematics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Throttle Body:
Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (Front/Rear Passenger)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Front Airbags, Front Side-Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertial-reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners and Force Limiters
Head Unit:
BMW Professional Radio with CD Player, optional Navigation System (MKIII/MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon Logic 7
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input
Onboard Computer:
Check Control system for vehicle status and service reminders
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Indicator (VSI) system typically recommends every 7,500 - 15,000 miles, or annually, whichever comes first.
Inspect Interval:
Inspection I (Minor Service) around 15,000-30,000 miles, Inspection II (Major Service) around 30,000-60,000 miles. Specifics determined by VSI.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30 or 0W-30)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF)
Transmission Fluid Smg:
Pentosin CHF 11S Hydraulic Fluid
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G3 (SAE 75W-140)
Rod Bearings:
Wear and failure of connecting rod bearings is a critical issue on S54 engines, often due to maintenance neglect or oil starvation.
Vanos:
Issues with the VANOS system (seals, pump, solenoid) can lead to rough idle, power loss, and diagnostic codes.
Subframe:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points from the chassis is a known structural weakness.
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks, and thermostat housing issues can occur.
Smg:
Potential issues with the SMG hydraulic pump, accumulator, or shift actuators.
Car And Driver Tenguide:
Car and Driver 10Best list (2003, 2004, 2005)
Motor Trend:
Motor Trend Import Car of the Year (2001, though M3 variant arrived later, establishing the E46 platform's acclaim)
Road And Track:
Often lauded by Road & Track for its driving dynamics and engine performance.
