Target Audience:
BMW enthusiasts, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics seeking professional-level repair and maintenance guidance for the 2004 BMW 325i.
Advantage:
Official licensing suggests high accuracy and completeness, often mirroring dealership-level technical information. Software format offers enhanced searchability and accessibility compared to traditional printed manuals.
Features:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, comprehensive repair instructions, accurate torque values, extensive wiring diagrams, component replacement guides, troubleshooting flowcharts.
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B25), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), transmission (GM 5L40-E automatic, Getrag 420G manual), driveline components (driveshaft, differential, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), braking system (ABS, DSC, disc brakes front and rear), wheel and tire specifications
Electrical:
Engine control module (DME), body control module (BCM), lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), instrumentation, power windows, power seats, central locking, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), wiring diagrams, sensor troubleshooting
Body And Interior:
Exterior body panels, door mechanisms, trunk, hood, interior trim, climate control system (HVAC), airbags, seat belt systems
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, power steering fluid replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, HVAC system malfunctions
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine component replacement (e.g., VANOS, alternator, starter), transmission service and repair, brake component replacement (pads, rotors, calipers), suspension component replacement (bushings, ball joints, control arms), steering rack repair, fuel injector replacement, exhaust system repair
Technical Data And Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, engine timing procedures, electrical system schematics, component identification, disassembly and reassembly instructions
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive; covers routine maintenance, detailed diagnostics, component replacement, and major overhaul procedures. Includes wiring diagrams, exploded views, and step-by-step repair instructions suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Double VANOS
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91-93 octane recommended)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic ME9.2 (or similar variant)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 420G Manual Transmission
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.527, 3rd: 1.671, 4th: 1.215, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.902
Transmission Type:
GM 5L40-E Automatic Transmission
Automatic Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.423, 2nd: 1.931, 3rd: 1.429, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.725, Reverse: 3.214
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90 synthetic)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/VI (or BMW approved substitute)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for driver and passenger) for 2004 models
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC III)
Traction Control System:
Standard (ASCS/TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), front side-impact airbags, available head protection system (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
Infotainment System:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD radios, optional CD changer, optional navigation system (MK4)
Audio Features:
AM/FM radio, CD playback, optional satellite radio readiness, premium audio system options (e.g., Harman Kardon)
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Bluetooth Support:
Optional, via BMW Assist or Bluetooth adapter
Climate Control:
Manual or Automatic climate control (optional dual-zone)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (depending on plug type used).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (BMW Blue coolant recommended).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Approved Synthetic Oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Common Issues List:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system solenoids and seals, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, hoses), oil filter housing gasket leaks, rear axle subframe mounting points, window regulator failures, ignition coil failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging.
Ccv System Impact:
Clogged CCV can lead to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Cooling System Preventative:
Recommended to replace water pump and thermostat preemptively around 100,000 miles due to plastic components degrading over time.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
E46 Generation:
The 2004 325i belongs to the E46 generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1998 to 2006. It succeeded the E36 and was replaced by the E90 generation.
Facelift:
The 2004 model year falls within the E46 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse), or facelift, which introduced updated exterior styling (e.g., revised headlights, taillights, bumpers) and interior enhancements.
Production Location:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing).