Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS (XE10), Acura TL (UA4/UA5)
Platform:
Rear-wheel drive biased chassis with optional xDrive all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
Body Styles:
Available as Sedan (E46/4), Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/C), and Sport Wagon (E46/3).
Engine:
All gasoline and diesel engines (e.g., M52, M54, M43, M47, M57)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions (e.g., Getrag GS53Z, ZF 5HP19, ZF 6HP19)
Suspension Steering:
Front and Rear Suspension, Steering System, Power Steering
Brakes:
Hydraulic System, ABS, DSC, Brake Pads, Rotors, Lines, Parking Brake
Body:
Body Panels, Frame, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Trim
Body Equipment:
Seats, Interior Trim, Sunroof, Mirrors, Convertible Top Mechanisms
Electrical System:
Battery, Alternator, Starter, Lighting, Fuses, Relays, ECU, Body Control Module (BCM)
Equipment Accessories:
HVAC, Audio System, Navigation, Cruise Control, Seat Adjustment, Window Regulators
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics), Fault Codes, Diagnostic Procedures
Maintenance:
Routine Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Flushes, Spark Plugs
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic Flowcharts, Common Problems, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting
Installation:
Component Replacement, Accessory Installation
Depth:
Expert Level (from basic maintenance to full component rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics)
Common Engines:
M54B22 (2.2L I6), M54B25 (2.5L I6), M54B30 (3.0L I6), M52TUB25 (2.5L I6), M52TUB28 (2.8L I6), S54B32 (3.2L I6 - M3)
M54B30 Output:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm, 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
S54B32 Output:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm, 262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (M3)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Engine Electronics) variants
Base Transmission:
5-speed Manual (Getrag GS53Z, later ZF GS6-37BZ on some models)
Automatic Options:
5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19), 6-speed Automatic (ZF 6HP19 on later models, especially 330i/xi)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual)
Transmission Fluid Spec:
Manual: ATF Dexron III/VI or specialist manual transmission fluid. Automatic: ATF Dexron III/VI, or specific ZF fluids (e.g., Lifeguard Fluid 5 for 5HP19, Lifeguard Fluid 6 for 6HP19).
Sedan Length:
Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)
Convertible Length:
Approx. 4,488 mm (176.7 in)
Wagon Length:
Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1450 kg - 1650 kg (depending on model and options)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,725 mm (107.3 in)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags, available Head Protection System (HPS)
Structure:
Advanced crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell
Available Systems:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS, optional CD Changer, optional Navigation system (MK III/IV).
Systems:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic headlights.
Features:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration (via TCU module), Sirius Satellite Radio readiness.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's computer.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
BMW Blue Coolant, typically every 4 years or 100,000 miles for initial fill.
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 specifications (check owner's manual/oil cap for precise spec).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or equivalent Pentosin PSF.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure (plastic impeller)
Vanos:
Vanos seals and solenoids can fail, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack the chassis, especially on higher-mileage vehicles. (Crucial check)
Oil Pan Gasket:
Common source of oil leaks on M54 engines.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms are prone to failure.
Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing commitment to performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
Predecessor:
BMW E36 3 Series
Successor:
BMW E90 3 Series (Sedan/Wagon), E92 3 Series (Coupe), E93 3 Series (Convertible)
Production Period:
1998-2006 (with 2005 being the final model year for most markets)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa (Rosslyn), Thailand, Egypt, Russia, Brazil, China, India.
