Covered Models Codes:
323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, M3
Covered Years Codes:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Reputation:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sporty handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive technical information for owners and technicians to maintain and repair the E46 chassis, saving on dealership service costs.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (M50/M52/M54/S54), fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), manual and automatic transmissions, driveline, axles, differentials, transfer cases (for Xi models).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, brake system (including ABS and DSC), wheel and tire specifications, chassis components.
Electrical:
Body control module (BCM), lighting, instrumentation, power windows, central locking, airbags, audio system, navigation (if equipped), diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations.
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, bumpers, glass replacement, body repair procedures.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis and repair, including refrigerant handling and component replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, power steering fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, steering rack replacement, diagnostic fault code interpretation and correction, component testing and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, starting problems, cooling system leaks, and more.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), electrical component resistance values, component dimensions and tolerances.
Diagnostics Procedures:
Includes procedures for using BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS) and reading/interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)
Diagnostic Focus:
Detailed diagnostic flowcharts, sensor data interpretation, DME and ABS/DSC module troubleshooting.
Wiring Diagrams:
Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems.
Engine 323I:
2.5L Inline-6 (M52TU B25), 184 hp @ 5500 rpm, 170 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine 325I Xi:
2.5L Inline-6 (M54 B25), 189 hp @ 6000 rpm, 181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine 328I:
2.8L Inline-6 (M52TU B28), 190 hp @ 5300 rpm, 206 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 330I Xi:
3.0L Inline-6 (M54 B30), 225 hp @ 5900 rpm, 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine M3:
3.2L Inline-6 (S54 B32), 333 hp @ 7900 rpm, 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Engine Technology:
Aluminum block and cylinder head, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on M52TU and M54 engines, Double VANOS on M54 and S54 engines.
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point sequential fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Standard Transmission Types:
5-speed manual, 6-speed manual (M3)
Optional Transmission Types:
5-speed Steptronic automatic, 6-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) on some M3 models.
Transmission Features:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) standard, xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) optional on 325xi and 330xi models.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length Sedan:
Approx. 177.4 - 183.2 inches (4506 - 4653 mm) depending on model
Width:
Approx. 69.1 - 70.1 inches (1755 - 1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.7 - 56.5 inches (1364 - 1435 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3700 lbs (1450 - 1680 kg) depending on body style and drivetrain
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult specific model documentation.
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
4-star driver, 5-star passenger (for sedan models in earlier testing)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good (for sedan models)
Traction Control:
ASC (Automatic Stability Control) standard, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available/standard on later models.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Brake Assist:
Brake Assist available on some models.
Airbags:
Front driver and passenger airbags, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional navigation systems (CCC or MKIV).
Sound System:
Standard 10-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity and telematics (e.g., BMW Assist).
Aux Input:
Optional AUX input available on some units.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, using synthetic oil.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Interval:
BMW Longlife-40 coolant is typically rated for 4 years or 100,000 miles, but checking condition is advised.
Engine Oil Spec:
API SN or BMW LL-01 approved synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent for 5-speed automatic transmissions.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, specific viscosity depends on transmission type (e.g., 75W-90).
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, viscosity typically 75W-90.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (often plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (vibrations, steering wander), rear shock mounts, strut mount bearings.
Electrical:
VANOS solenoid failure, fuel pump failure, ignition coil failure (DISA flap issues on M54 engines).
M3 Specific:
Rod bearing wear (especially on early S54 engines), VANOS issues, subframe cracking (needs reinforcement).
Bmw Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with excellent engineering and performance dating back decades.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation succeeded the E36 3 Series and represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and driving dynamics.
E46 Facelift:
Received a facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) for the 2001/2002 model year, with styling updates and powertrain enhancements.
Production Period:
1997-2006 (worldwide, with variations by market and body style)
Body Styles:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (Touring - 5-door).
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
Ward Best Engines:
The M54 6-cylinder engines were often praised for their smooth operation and performance.
Driving Dynamics Accolades:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience.
