🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Production Year:

2003

Chassis Code Common:

E46

Engine Code Common:

M52TU B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, independent repair shops, BMW owners seeking DIY repair capabilities.

Competitors 2003:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL.

Vehicle Appeal:

Sporty handling, refined interior, strong inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive dynamics.

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians with factory-level repair and maintenance data, reducing reliance on expensive dealerships and improving vehicle longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Workshop

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul

Estimated Pages:

1500-2500 (typical for comprehensive BMW workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF) - Searchable, Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, component specifications, timing systems, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, overhaul, fluid specifications, control systems.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles, clutch, rear-wheel drive system.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment procedures, specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system overhaul, disc brakes, ABS system, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic components.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, horn, power windows, central locking.

Engine Control System:

ECU functions, sensor diagnostics, DME (Digital Motor Electronics) operation, VANOS system.

Bodywork And Chassis:

Body panel removal/installation, doors, hoods, trunks, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, component replacement.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system service, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) precautions.

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), diagnostic procedures for all major systems.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, detailed step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems.

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.

Torque Specifications:

Crucial torque values for all fasteners across all systems.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs.

Depth:

Comprehensive - from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth diagnostics and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Full text searchable

Print Readability:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text for easy printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M52TU B25

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (Straight-6)

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

175 lb-ft (237 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 or similar)

Fuel Type Recommended:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)

Oil Capacity With Filter:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)

Recommended Oil Viscosity:

SAE 5W-30 (BMW LL-01 approved synthetic)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag or ZF)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19)

Manual Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate

Automatic Control:

Adaptive electronic control with Steptronic manual shifting option.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

Refer to manual; typically GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil with appropriate viscosity.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or equivalent ETL-7045E

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1470 kg (3240 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1930 kg (4255 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

440 Liters (15.5 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:

5 Stars (for similar E46 models)

NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:

5 Stars (for similar E46 models)

IIHS Side Impact Test:

Good (for similar E46 models)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD/Radio system, optional navigation system (MKIII or MKIV).

Audio System:

Various BMW Hi-Fi systems, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon (HID) headlights with auto-leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (BMW Condition Based Service).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and interval).

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change:

Manual: Inspect as needed. Automatic: BMW typically recommends 'lifetime' fluid, but independent experts often recommend replacement every 50,000-80,000 miles.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4 recommended)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Hydraulic Fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps prone to cracking/failure. Cooling fan clutch failure.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, OFHG (Oil Filter Housing Gasket) common failure points.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and rear shock mounts wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling.

Electrical:

Window regulator failures, ABS/DSC sensor issues, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogs leading to oil consumption and leaks.

Vanos:

Vanos seals can degrade, causing rough idle and low-end torque loss.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) succeeded the E36, known for improved chassis dynamics, comfort, and technological advancements.

323I Positioning:

The 323i was an entry-level variant in the 3 Series lineup for the North American market during this period, slotting below the 325i and 330i.

Production Years:

E46 generation produced from 1998 to 2006. The 323i variant was primarily offered from 1998 to 2000 in most markets, with the 2.5L engine continuing in variants like the 325i in later years. The 2003 model year 323i specifically refers to markets where this engine displacement was offered or specific model designations.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with potential assembly in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver 10 Best list multiple times for the E46 generation.

Ward Engines:

BMW's inline-6 engines often received Ward's 10 Best Engines accolades for their smoothness and performance.

Owner Satisfaction:

Generally high owner satisfaction for driving dynamics and build quality, though maintenance costs can be higher.