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.