Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers seeking performance, luxury, and handling characteristics.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, RWD platform, and engaging driving experience.
Build Quality:
Premium interior materials, solid construction, and attention to detail.
Powertrain Smoothness:
Inline-6 engines known for their smoothness and refinement.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valve train, timing.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, engine control unit (ECU), sensors, emission controls.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shifting mechanisms, driveshafts.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission overhaul, torque converter, valve body, mechatronics.
Drivetrain:
Differential, rear axle, wheel bearings, driveshafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, subframes.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnosis, hydraulic components, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, linkages.
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter motor.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, bumpers, interior trim, chassis structure.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control.
Body Electronics:
Lights, wipers, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures, common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting charts.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems.
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, sensor testing.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, measurements.
Level:
Comprehensive Factory Level - from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 RON or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with individual ignition coils.
Valvetrain:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake camshaft.
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Type:
5-Speed Steptronic Automatic (GM A5S 325Z)
Rear Wheel Drive:
Standard RWD platform.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4, SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 (or equivalent Dexron III H)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Stability Control:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front force limiters and pretensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (as per Condition Based Service - CBS).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., platinum or iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or 3-4 years.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue/Green Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixture of 50% coolant and 50% distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 or DOT 4 PLUS
Cooling System:
Failure of plastic coolant expansion tank, water pump, and thermostat housing. Radiator leaks.
Suspension:
Wear of front control arm bushings, rear trailing arm bushings, and ball joints. Subframe mounting points can crack.
Electrical:
Failure of ABS/DSC module, blower motor resistor, VANOS solenoids, and instrument cluster (dead pixels).
Engine Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, crank seal leaks.
Vanos System:
Degradation of VANOS seals leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.
Maintenance Guide Resource
Manual Utility:
Essential for accurate torque values, diagnostic procedures, and proper repair sequences to maintain vehicle integrity and performance.
Brand Legacy:
BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, known for sporty driving dynamics and premium engineering.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 and introduced significant design and engineering advancements.
E46 Design:
Designed by Chris Bangle and the BMW design team, it featured a more muscular and refined aesthetic.
Assembly Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also Spartanburg, USA and Regensburg, Germany.
Production Volume:
Over 1.5 million units produced globally across all body styles.
