Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon (E46 generation)
Usp:
Sporty driving dynamics, premium interior, all-wheel drive capability, sophisticated engineering.
Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300
Vehicle Features:
xDrive all-wheel drive, powerful inline-six engine, balanced chassis, refined interior, available wagon body style (Touring).
Primary Coverage:
Full Service Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, based on common offerings)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, engine control systems (DME), ignition, fuel injection, cooling, lubrication, emissions control
Transmission:
Automatic transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S390R), manual transmission (Getrag 420G), clutch system, transfer case (for xi models)
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive (xDrive) system, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, axles
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake bleeding
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, body electronics, instrument cluster, modules (GM, LCM, CAS, DME)
Body:
Body panels, doors, glass, trim, interior components, HVAC system, body sealing
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Component removal and installation, engine rebuild procedures, transmission overhaul, suspension and steering repairs, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement
Calibration Programming:
Key programming, DME adaptation, module coding (may require specialized tools)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with individual coil-on-plug
Emission Control:
Secondary Air Injection System (SAI), Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R) or 5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for 325xi; AWD standard
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Drivetrain Type:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive
AWD System Details:
Permanent all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch and planetary gear center differential.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for comparable models/years, specific E46 325xi rating may vary by publication)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable models/years)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Restraints:
Active head restraints (front)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD with optional navigation (MK III/IV).
Speaker System:
Standard 6-speaker or optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system. No standard USB or Aux inputs.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, subject to driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or every 60,000 miles.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type, original typically 100k miles).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 approved recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.1 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF fluid for GM transmissions (e.g., LT-3 or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (e.g., BMW MTF LT-2)
Differential Fluid:
GL-5 SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil (Front & Rear)
Common Problems E46:
Cooling system (plastic components), VANOS system, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ABS/DSC sensor failures, subframe cracking (rare but serious).
Xi Specific Issues:
Transfer case actuator issues, front axle boot wear.
Bmw Legacy:
Renowned for sporty driving dynamics, engineering excellence, and premium quality since its inception.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) is widely considered a high point for the 3 Series, balancing sportiness, luxury, and modern technology.
Xi Introduction:
The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, introduced to enhance traction and stability, particularly in adverse conditions.
Production Location:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing, Regensburg)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 3 Series, including the 325xi, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards during its production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated as average to above average reliability for the period, with specific model year variations.
