Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Focus:
Sporty handling, refined interior, reliable inline-six engine
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners with the knowledge to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring optimal vehicle performance.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, HVAC, Body, Exterior, Interior, Diagnostics, Maintenance, Repair, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration
Pages:
Extensive (specific count not provided, implied to be very comprehensive)
Type:
Full Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital (implied by description, likely PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, lubrication, cooling
Fuel System:
Fuel injection, fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel filter, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system
Ignition System:
Spark plugs, ignition coils, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor
Emission Control:
Catalytic converter, O2 sensors, EGR system (if applicable), secondary air injection
Drivetrain:
Clutch, transmission (manual & automatic), driveshaft, differential, axles
Suspension:
Front struts, rear shocks, control arms, sway bars, bushings, springs
Steering:
Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, ABS system, brake fluid
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control unit
Body Interior:
Door panels, seats, dashboard, trim, headliner, carpeting
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk, doors, mirrors, glass, body panels
Diagnostics:
OBD-II codes, troubleshooting procedures, diagnostic tools
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad replacement
Repair:
Component replacement, system overhauls, leak diagnosis and repair
Rebuilding:
Engine rebuild, transmission rebuild, differential rebuild
Restoration:
Detailed guidance for bringing a vehicle back to original or improved condition
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flows for common and complex issues
Diagnostics:
Interpreting fault codes, using diagnostic equipment
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls
Detail Level:
Detailed instructions, diagrams, specifications, and torque values
Type:
5-speed Getrag Manual Transmission (S5D 320Z)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E)
Manual Gear Ratios 1-5:
3.54 / 2.10 / 1.35 / 1.00 / 0.85
Manual Final Drive Ratio:
3.38:1
Automatic Modes:
Standard, Sport, Manual Shift (Steptronic)
Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) was optional on early models, standard on later E46 facelift
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific recommendations)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved, e.g., Castrol SYNTEC, Mobil 1) or SAE 5W-40 Synthetic
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller versions), thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings wear out, leading to steering wander and vibration. Rear subframe bushings can also fail.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket can leak.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, MAF sensor issues, VANOS solenoid failure leading to rough idle or loss of power.
Interior:
Pixelation on instrument cluster display, door panel clips breaking.
Part Number:
BMW 11 42 7 509 497 (or equivalent)
Bmw Philosophy:
'The Ultimate Driving Machine', emphasizing performance, handling, and engineering precision.
E46 Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year in Europe, North America in late 1998 for the 1999 model year.
E46 Facelift:
Facelift occurred for the 2002 model year, affecting styling, features, and some mechanical components.
Production Period:
1999-2006 (for E46 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Thailand