Positioning:
The BMW M3 (E46) is a revered performance sedan/coupe, positioned as a driver-focused, track-capable, yet daily-drivable sports car. It competed with rivals like the Audi RS4 and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG.
Competitors:
Key competitors during its production run included the Audi S4 (B6), Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, and Porsche 911 (996 Carrera).
Performance Focus:
Renowned for its naturally aspirated S54 inline-six engine, balanced chassis, and engaging driving dynamics.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-grade repair and maintenance information essential for owners and technicians seeking to maintain the peak performance of the E46 M3.
Systems Covered:
Engine Mechanical, Engine Management, Fuel System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Exhaust System, Clutch, Transmission (Manual SMG and Manual), Driveshaft, Differential, Axles, Suspension (Front and Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Electrical System (Wiring Diagrams, ECUs, Components), Bodywork, Interior Trim, HVAC, SRS Airbag System, Infotainment System.
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, inspection, and reassembly of the S54B32 engine, including VANOS, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, cylinder head, valves, camshafts, and timing.
Engine Management:
Engine control unit (DME), sensor diagnostics (e.g., crank position, cam position, MAF, O2), ignition system, fuel injection, idle control, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Smg:
Operation, diagnostics, and repair of the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), including hydraulic system, clutch actuator, gear selector, and control unit.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, bushings), power steering system, steering rack, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS and DSC modules, brake rotor and pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse box locations, component testing, power distribution, lighting, instruments, and comfort electronics.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals and specifications, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, differential fluid change, transmission fluid change.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault finding flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for virtually all components, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension replacement, electrical component repair, and body panel repair.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D, DIS), reading live data, performing actuator tests, and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed technical specifications and torque values.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane recommended)
Type:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS
NHTSA Front Driver:
Good (not explicitly tested for this model year, but based on typical E46 performance)
NHTSA Front Passenger:
Good (not explicitly tested for this model year, but based on typical E46 performance)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually.
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (NGK BKR6EQUP recommended).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic, 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended. Capacity: 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based). 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or DOT 4.
Transmission Oil Manual:
MTF-LT-2 (BMW part number 83 22 0 309 031) or equivalent. Capacity: 1.5 liters.
Differential Oil Type:
SAF-XJ (BMW part number 83 22 2 353 793) or equivalent synthetic 75W-140. Capacity: 1.25 liters.
Rod Bearings:
Increased wear on rod bearings, especially in early models or those subjected to hard driving without proper maintenance. The manual details inspection procedures and recommended replacement intervals.
S54 Vanos:
VANOS system solenoids and seals can degrade, leading to rough idle, loss of power, and rattling noises. The manual provides diagnostics and repair for the VANOS system.
Subframe Cracks:
Rear subframe mounting points can develop cracks due to stress. The manual provides information on reinforcing these areas.
Bmw Performance:
BMW's M division has a long-standing reputation for creating high-performance variants of their standard models, emphasizing driving dynamics and motorsport heritage.
E46 Generation:
The E46 M3, produced from 2000-2006, is the third generation of the M3. It succeeded the E36 M3 and introduced a new, higher-revving S54 engine.
Body Styles:
Available as a coupe and convertible.
Production Years:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Car And Driver 10 Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10 Best lists in 2001 and 2002 (for the E46 generation M3).
Engine Performance Praise:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its high-revving, powerful S54 engine.
Manual Professional Standard:
Considered an authoritative and comprehensive resource by automotive technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
