Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Reputation:
Known for sporty handling, refined interiors, and strong straight-six engines.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive platform (or xDrive), balanced chassis, communicative steering.
Engine Smoothness:
BMW's inline-six engines were renowned for their inherent smoothness and power delivery.
Build Quality:
High level of perceived and actual build quality characteristic of BMW.
Major Topics:
Full service and repair instructions
Estimated Page Count:
Likely 1000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive workshop manual of this era)
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, as indicated by common sales practices)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveshafts, differential, axles
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS)
Electrical:
Engine management, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, comfort systems, infotainment (basic)
Body:
Body construction, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, HVAC
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Component disassembly and reassembly, system diagnostics and repair, component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault diagnosis, symptom-based troubleshooting
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures for professional mechanics.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Engine Code Specific:
M52TU (for 325i, though M54 was introduced mid-cycle and might be covered depending on exact build date)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm (for M52TU)
Torque:
181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (for M52TU)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm (for M52TU)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1 (for M52TU)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios available in the manual, typically around 3.71:1 for 1st gear.
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shifting, manual override (Steptronic).
Manual Fluid:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Automatic Fluid:
ATF LT 71141 or equivalent
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4 stars (based on typical ratings for this era)
IIHS Side Impact:
Not rated for this specific year, but generally good for the era.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) - standard or optional
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (optional).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners.
Head Unit:
Standard BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio, optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Business Navigation System (MK III or IV).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Cellular:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system (early cellular integration).
System:
Manual or automatic climate control (HVAC) with cabin air filter.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (if using original equipment long-life plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 compliant synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40. Capacity: ~6.5 quarts (6.0 liters).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure (plastic impeller prone to breaking).
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and O-ring seals (e.g., oil filter housing, VANOS).
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (mentions of "bushing replacement" or "control arm refresh" are common).
Electrical:
ABS wheel speed sensors, alternator, VANOS solenoids (especially on M52TU).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused luxury vehicles with excellent engineering.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) was a significant evolution from the E36, praised for its refined chassis and improved interior.
325I Positioning:
The 325i served as a mid-range model in the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and luxury between the 323i and 330i.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), also South Africa and Regensburg.
Ward Best Engines:
BMW's inline-six engines, including variants similar to the M52TU, frequently received recognition for their refinement and performance.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 generation 3 Series models were consistently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
Reliability Perceptions:
Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, though some specific components require attention as they age.
