Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact sedan/coupe.
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking sporty handling and premium build quality.
Competitors 1999:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300 (XE10).
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis and engaging driving dynamics.
Powertrain:
Smooth inline-six engine providing good power delivery.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW premium interior fit and finish.
General Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair information for the 1999 BMW 323i (E46).
Specific Systems:
Engine mechanical, engine electrical, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, steering, brakes, climate control, body electrical, chassis, interior.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as 'complete').
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Quality:
High-resolution, designed for clear printing of diagrams and text.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital download).
Paper:
Not applicable (digital download).
Text Search:
Likely searchable text within the PDF for efficient information retrieval.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, and specifications for the M52TUB25 inline-six engine.
Engine Electrical:
Engine control unit (DME), sensor diagnostics, wiring diagrams, ignition system, starting system, charging system.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection system, fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulation, evaporative emission control (EVAP).
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission servicing, diagnostics, and repair procedures.
Drivetrain:
Rear-wheel drive system, driveshafts, differential, axle components.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, control arms, shock absorbers, springs, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) diagnostics and repair.
Climate Control:
HVAC system diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Body Electrical:
Lighting, power windows, power locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry, body control modules (BCM).
Chassis:
Frame and unibody structure, corrosion protection.
Interior:
Seat adjustment, airbag system, dashboard, trim panel removal.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides for various systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for virtually all mechanical and electrical components.
Installation:
Guidelines for component replacement and installation.
Diagnostics:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, including the use of BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS).
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic to advanced repairs and diagnostics.
Rebuild Procedures:
Includes detailed procedures for engine and transmission rebuilding.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all systems.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (Straight-6)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
168 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
181 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Siemens MS43 DME
Recommended Fuel:
91 Octane Unleaded Gasoline
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 250/450)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic available on some models)
Transmission Fluid Spec Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-80
Transmission Fluid Spec Auto:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or Dexron III compatible)
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 inches)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approximately 1420 kg (3131 lbs)
Curb Weight Auto:
Approximately 1460 kg (3219 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by specific configuration, consult VIN.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Standard Tire Size:
205/55 R16
Optional Tire Size:
225/50 R16, 205/50 R17, 225/45 R17
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (Driver and Passenger, 1999 test protocols).
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for E46 generation).
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System.
Dsc:
Optional or standard on some trims, Dynamic Stability Control (Traction Control functionality included).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners.
Radio:
BMW Business CD (optional) or Business Cassette.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System (MKIII or MKIV based).
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Onboard Computer:
Standard onboard computer for fuel economy, range, and trip data.
Cruise Control:
Standard.
Climate Control Type:
Manual AC or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (refer to manual for specific condition-based service recommendations).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for platinum/iridium plugs, depending on type.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill and then typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-98 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks, heater core failure.
Vanos System:
Solenoid seals and rattle can degrade, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Wear:
Control arm bushings, sway bar links, and ball joints are common wear items.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in power window regulators can break.
ABSorbent Materials:
Headliner and sun visors can sag over time due to adhesive failure.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It marked a significant evolution in design and technology.
323I Positioning:
The 323i was positioned as a mid-range model in the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency over the base 320i and below the more potent 325i and 330i.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other global locations.