🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E46

Model Year:

2003

Vin Designation:

WBA

Engine Codes Covered:

N42B20, M54B22, M54B25, M54B30, M47TUD20

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan (E46/4), Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/C), Touring (E46/3), Hatchback (E46/5 - 3 Series Compact)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW E46 (1998-2006) was a highly successful premium compact executive car, praised for its driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering. The 2003 model year represents a significant point in its lifecycle, often featuring mid-cycle updates.

Competitors:

Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS, and Infiniti G35. The E46 was often lauded for its superior handling and driver engagement compared to many rivals.

Design:

Iconic BMW design language, excellent weight distribution, driver-focused interior.

Performance:

Renowned for its balanced handling, responsive engines, and engaging driving experience, especially in M Sport variants.

Reliability:

Generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, though specific E46 common issues are well-documented.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive repair and service procedures for the 2003 BMW E46 generation.

Specific Areas:

Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Climate Control, Bodywork, Diagnostics.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, engine management (DME), automatic and manual transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles.

Chassis:

Front and rear suspension (McPherson struts, multi-link), steering system (rack and pinion, power steering), brake system (ABS, DSC, rotor/pad replacement, caliper service), wheel bearings, subframes.

Electrical:

12V battery system, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows/locks, central locking, instrument cluster, warning indicators, fuse and relay locations, basic wiring diagrams.

Body Interior:

Body panel removal/installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard, bumpers, trunk lid, hood.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, refrigerant handling, blower motor, heater core, A/C compressor, control modules.

Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, coolant flushes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake fluid service, fuel filter replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement, battery testing.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), common symptoms and causes, diagnostic procedures for various systems.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine disassembly and reassembly, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, alternator/starter replacement, fuel pump replacement.

Installation Adjustment:

Accessory installation, sensor replacement, component calibration, headlight alignment, suspension alignment specifications.

Depth:

Highly detailed, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes torque specifications, clearances, and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation for clear diagrams and text.

Printability:

Printable pages for on-hand reference in a workshop environment.

Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25):

Displacement: 2494 cc (2.5L), Bore x Stroke: 84 mm x 75 mm, Compression Ratio: 10.2:1, Horsepower: 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, Torque: 181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm, Engine Code: M54B25

3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30):

Displacement: 2979 cc (3.0L), Bore x Stroke: 84 mm x 89.6 mm, Compression Ratio: 10.2:1, Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5900 rpm, Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm, Engine Code: M54B30

2.0L Inline-4 (N42B20):

Displacement: 1995 cc (2.0L), Bore x Stroke: 82 mm x 94.6 mm, Compression Ratio: 10.0:1, Horsepower: 143 hp @ 6200 rpm, Torque: 147 lb-ft @ 3750 rpm, Engine Code: N42B20

2.0L Diesel (M47Tud20):

Displacement: 1995 cc (2.0L), Bore x Stroke: 84 mm x 90 mm, Compression Ratio: 18.0:1, Horsepower: 150 hp @ 4000 rpm, Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm, Engine Code: M47TUD20

Redline:

Typically 6500 rpm for M54 engines, 6200 rpm for N42.

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic (e.g., ME7.x for gasoline, EDC16 for diesel).

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), often with a Bosch Motronic control unit.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended for M54), Diesel for M47.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) certified synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-30. Check specific model requirements.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Getrag GS53Z (for most gasoline models) or ZF 5HP19 automatic (for most gasoline models).

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Getrag SG170 (for select high-performance models like 330i ZHP), Steptronic automatic (5-speed ZF 5HP19TU).

Clutch:

Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.

Automatic Features:

Sport and Steptronic modes allowing manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel buttons (on some models).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2). Check specific manual for viscosity.

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-71141 (for ZF 5HP19) or BMW ATF 6 (for newer ZF transmissions if applicable). Check specific manual.

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.9 inches (1751 mm)

Height Sedan:

56.2 inches (1428 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Front Headroom:

~38.5 inches

Rear Legroom:

~33.7 inches

Trunk Volume Sedan:

~13.1 cubic feet (370 liters)

Curb Weight 325I:

~3373 lbs (1530 kg)

Curb Weight 330I:

~3417 lbs (1550 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Tire Sizes Standard:

205/55R16 (base models), 225/45R17 (sport/optional)

🛡️ Safety Features

IIHS Front Crash:

Good (for models tested)

NHTSA Side Impact:

Good (for models tested)

Traction Control:

Available, often as ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control).

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available, often standard on higher trims or as an option.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), optional side airbags, optional head protection system (HPS).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear seat belts.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD RDS, optional navigation systems (Mk3/Mk4).

Display:

Central LCD screen for climate control, radio, and navigation information. Optional widescreen for navigation.

Parking Assist:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Cruise Control:

Standard on most models.

Audio Inputs:

Typically CD player, AM/FM radio. Optional CD changer. Aftermarket AUX inputs are common modifications.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth phone preparation available on some models with integrated phone cradle and hands-free functionality.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system or oil quality sensor.

Inspect Brakes Interval:

Every 12 months or 10,000 miles, or as indicated by CBS. Pad wear sensors will trigger a warning.

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-3 years or as indicated by CBS.

Spark Plug Replacement Interval:

M54 engines: ~100,000 miles (160,000 km) for iridium plugs. N42 engines: ~60,000 miles (100,000 km) for platinum plugs. Always check manual for specifics.

Air Filter Replacement Interval:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on conditions.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (ZHM) or Pentosin CHF 11S. Incorrect fluid can damage the system.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid. Flush every 2 years.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller versions), coolant hose leaks, thermostat housing leaks.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (vibrations), rear trailing arm bushings, ball joints, strut mounts, sway bar links.

Engine M54:

PCV system issues (vacuum leaks, oil consumption), VANOS solenoids/seals, oil filter housing gasket leaks, crankshaft position sensor failures.

Electrical:

ABS/DSC module failure, instrument cluster pixel degradation, door lock actuator failures, LCM (Light Control Module) issues.

Body Interior:

Headliner sagging, door seal deterioration, trunk drain issues leading to water ingress.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history dating back to 1916, establishing itself as a premium manufacturer of sporty and luxurious vehicles.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006, with the 2003 model year being part of the facelifted (LCI) phase, which introduced revised styling and updated features.

Facelift 2003:

The 2003 model year (often referred to as LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) brought subtle exterior design changes (e.g., revised headlights, taillights, bumpers) and interior upgrades, including updated iDrive systems on certain models.

Production Period:

1998-2006 (E46 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany ( utama), Austria, South Africa, China, Thailand, and others.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times during its production run, highlighting its superior handling and performance.

Ward:

Recognized for its acclaimed inline-six engines by Ward's AutoWorld.

Consumer Reports:

Generally rated well for owner satisfaction, though with specific points of concern regarding reliability in certain areas, particularly as the vehicles age.

Safety Certifications:

Meets all relevant US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for its model year.