Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, owners seeking to maintain their vehicle.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Vehicle Appeal:
Renowned for its driving dynamics, balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engine, and premium interior.
Benefit:
Enables owners to perform a wide range of maintenance and repair tasks, saving significant costs on labor.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine disassembly, assembly, overhaul, timing, seals, gaskets, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel delivery, emissions control.
Engine Management:
ECU diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection systems (DME), ignition system, VANOS operation, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox overhaul, shift mechanism, driveshafts, universal joints, rear differential.
Transmission Automatic:
Steptronic automatic transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S390R), valve body, torque converter, electronic control, fluid replacement.
Brakes:
ABS system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, hydraulic lines, parking brake.
Suspension Steering:
Front strut assembly, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, ball joints, bushings, power steering system, steering column.
Electrical Lighting:
Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fuse box diagrams, relay locations, wiring diagrams for all circuits.
HVAC:
Automatic climate control (IHKA), refrigerant system, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, cabin filter replacement.
Body Interior:
Door panels, dashboard removal, seat removal, headliner, body panel alignment, rust repair guidance.
Body Exterior:
Bumpers, fenders, hood, trunk lid, mirrors, glass replacement, weatherstripping.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, diagnostic procedures for safety systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, OBD-II diagnostic codes and their meanings.
Major Repairs:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs, bodywork repair.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing virtually all major and minor components, including torque specifications.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, Double VANOS
Horsepower:
193 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
206 lb-ft (280 Nm) @ 3200 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 (BMW LL-01 approved)
Transmission Type:
Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type:
GM A5S360R/A5S390R 5-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.51, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.83, Reverse: 3.55
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shift mode, electronically controlled shifts, Park/Neutral safety switch.
Fluid Specifications Manual
Gearbox Oil Type:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-90)
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Transmission Fluid Type:
ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 7100)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 1 year, based on oil condition sensor and driving style (Condition Based Service - CBS).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4)
Coolant Flush:
First at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 2 years thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (Long-life spark plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW Power Steering Fluid.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Water/Washer Fluid Concentrate mixture.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, cracked hoses.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (lower control arm), rear shock mountings, subframe bushings.
Engine:
VANOS solenoid failure (leading to rough idle, loss of power), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging, oil pan gasket leaks.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC module failure, blower motor resistor failure, pixelated dashboard displays (MID/SID).
Interior:
Headliner sagging, door panel vapor barrier adhesion failure.
Brand Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, sporty luxury.
E46 Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 (as a 1999 model year), replacing the E36 generation. Known for significant improvements in chassis dynamics and interior refinement.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Regensburg), South Africa, Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)
Production Period:
1999-2006 (sedan/coupe), 2000-2006 (convertible/touring)
