🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, Professional repair shops

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS

Performance Focus:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics, and refined inline-six engines.

Luxury Appointments:

Premium interior materials and build quality typical of the BMW brand.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Rebuild, Refurbishment, Restoration

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

BMW M54B25 Inline-6 Engine (2.5L)

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics), Sensor diagnostics, Actuator tests

Transmission:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 250G) and 5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)

Drivetrain:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), Differential, Driveshafts, Axles

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson struts, multi-link independent Rear: Multi-link independent (Z-axle)

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated discs Rear: Solid discs, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering, Steering column components

Electrical System:

12V System, Battery, Alternator, Starter, Fuses, Relays, Wiring Diagrams

Lighting:

Headlights, Taillights, Interior lighting, Fog lights

Comfort Systems:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), Climate Control

Bodywork Chassis:

Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Underbody, Corrosion protection

Interior:

Seats, Trim, Dashboard, Gauges, Controls

Safety Systems:

Airbags, Seatbelts, ABS, DSC

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Coolant flushes, Brake fluid changes

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides, Fault code interpretation, Live data analysis

Repair Tasks:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, VANOS), Transmission overhaul, Brake caliper replacement, Suspension component renewal

Rebuild Procedures:

Engine internal component rebuild (e.g., pistons, rings, bearings), Transmission rebuild

Calibration Procedures:

Steering angle sensor calibration, DSC sensor calibration

Electrical Repairs:

Wiring harness repair, Component testing and replacement (e.g., alternator, starter motor, ECU)

Body Repairs:

Panel alignment, Dent removal, Rust repair, Component replacement (e.g., door hinges, window regulators)

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic DIY maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds.

Detail Level:

Detailed step-by-step instructions with diagrams and specifications.

Diagnostic Focus:

Extensive diagnostic procedures, including troubleshooting flowcharts and component testing.

Special Tools:

Lists and descriptions of specialized BMW tools required for certain procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable for quick information retrieval.

Resolution:

High resolution for clear text and sharp diagrams.

Reproducibility:

Printable for use in a workshop environment.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B25

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

189 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Emission Control:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Secondary Air Injection System (on some models)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) with Steptronic Manual Mode

Clutch Type:

Hydraulic, Single Dry Plate

Gear Ratios Manual:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.51, 3rd: 1.57, 4th: 1.16, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.93

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF for synchros, Pentosin MTF2)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/VI or ZF Lifeguardfluid 5

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2761 mm (108.7 in)

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1373 mm (54.1 in)

Front Track:

1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1479 mm (58.2 in)

Trunk Capacity:

430 Liters (15.2 cu ft)

Curb Weight Manual:

1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

1475 kg (3252 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1930 kg (4255 lbs)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Wheel Size Standard:

16x7.0 inches

Tire Size Standard:

205/55R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:

4/5 Stars (1999+ models)

NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:

4/5 Stars (1999+ models)

IIHS Frontal Offset Score:

Good (G)

Stability Control:

Standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Traction Control:

Standard ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Brake Assist:

Standard

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, Optional front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced chassis structure

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD Radio or optional BMW Professional RDS with CD/Cassette.

Display:

Dot-matrix LCD display for radio, OBC (On-Board Computer) and climate control information.

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional 10-speaker Hi-Fi system with subwoofer.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC)

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions available.

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory; aftermarket kits exist.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles (24,000-32,000 km)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs, 100,000 miles (160,000 km) for Long Life plugs.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. Capacity: 6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or DOT 4.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S.

Common Problems:

Coolant expansion tank cracking, Water pump failure (plastic impeller), VANOS solenoid seals, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure, Oil separator failure, ABS/DSC sensor failure, Window regulator failure, Rear subframe mounting points cracking.

Preventative Measures:

Regularly inspect coolant system components, address CCV system leaks promptly, consider preemptive VANOS repair.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)

Philosophy:

Known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan, emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

Generation:

E46 (Third Generation 3 Series)

Introduction Year:

1998 (for Europe), 1999 (for North America)

Significant Updates E46:

Mid-cycle facelift in 2001 introduced revised bumpers, headlights, and interior trim.

Production Period:

1999 - 2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg), Austria, South Africa, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, India, China, Indonesia

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

Car and Driver 10 Best list multiple times during its production run.

Automotive Journalism:

Consistently praised for its handling, ride quality, and engine refinement.

Epa Fuel Economy Manual:

Approx. 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway

Epa Fuel Economy Automatic:

Approx. 18 MPG City / 26 MPG Highway