Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops specializing in BMW
Competitors 1999:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300 (XE10), Alfa Romeo 155/156
Vehicle Attributes:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, balanced chassis, responsive engines, premium interior appointments, driver-focused cockpit
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate information to maintain and repair the E46 323i, saving time and money.
Countries:
Global (English Language)
Regions:
North America, Europe, Asia (where applicable to E46 323i)
Estimated Pages:
~2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M52TU B25), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Differential, Drive Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (DME), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, Audio System, HVAC Controls
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Locks, Sunroof
Comfort And Convenience:
Climate Control (HVAC), Power Seats, Central Locking, Keyless Entry
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Common Symptoms and Causes, Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guides
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Electrical Circuit Tracing
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Searchability:
Text-searchable (OCR processed for most digital manuals)
Printability:
Printable (allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual)
Quality:
High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text
N/A:
Digital Download (No physical binding)
N/A:
Digital Download (No physical paper type)
Engine Name:
BMW M52TUB25
Engine Type:
Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke Mm:
84.0 x 75.0
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
ECU Type:
MS42 Digital Motor Electronics (DME)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Control:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for automatic, mechanical linkage for manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT71141 (or equivalent Dexron III H)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver Md:
Not Rated (Manual may contain relevant data for specific testing)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Md:
Not Rated (Manual may contain relevant data for specific testing)
IIHS Frontal Offset Md:
Good (Typical for E46 models of this era)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Traction Control:
Optional/Standard on some trims (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Optional/Standard on some trims (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control, often combined with ASC+T)
Airbags Front:
Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags)
Airbags Side:
Optional (Side-impact airbags in B-pillars or seats)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear, pretensioners and force limiters on front seats
Audio System:
BMW Business or Professional CD player/radio, optional cassette player.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System (MK I or MK II) with early CD-ROM based maps.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions available.
Usb Aux:
Not standard; aftermarket solutions available via radio interfaces or CD changers.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for exact CBS intervals).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (for iridium or platinum plugs)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.5 (with filter)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic recommended for optimal performance and protection.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil leaks and poor engine performance.
Vanos:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoids and seals can fail, causing rough idle and reduced power.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket and rear main seal are common leak points due to age and material degradation.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for producing driver-centric vehicles with sporting credentials and advanced engineering.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (as a 1999 model in North America), succeeding the E36 platform.
323I Positioning:
The 323i was positioned as the mid-tier six-cylinder model in the E46 lineup for 1999, bridging the gap between the 328i and the entry-level 323is (which shared the same engine but offered a sportier chassis and styling).
Production Years E46:
1998-2006 (Global), 1999-2001 for the 323i in North America
Manufacturing Plants:
Various BMW plants globally, including Dingolfing, Germany and Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 generation frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists, highlighting its driving dynamics.
Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:
Often cited by automotive journalists for its refined engineering and sporty handling.
Jd Power Reliability:
Early E46 models generally received average to above-average initial quality ratings, though some specific issues could arise with age.
