🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Model Variant:

323

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E46

Generation Name:

Fourth Generation (E46)

Engine Code Primary:

M52TU B25

Factory Vin Prefix:

WBA

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.

Powertrain:

Smooth and responsive inline-six engines, excellent build quality, and a premium interior.

Value:

Provides cost-effective DIY maintenance and repair solutions, accurate diagnostics, and detailed procedures crucial for maintaining the longevity and performance of a premium vehicle like the E46 323i.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Statement:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissi ons Types

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Complete engine overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling system, lubrication, fuel delivery, emissions control (including VANOS and secondary air injection systems).

Transmission:

Detailed procedures for both manual (Getrag S5D 250G) and automatic (GM A5S 325Z) transmissions, including fluid changes, clutch service, valve body diagnostics, and torque converter replacement.

Drivetrain:

Front suspension, rear axle, differential service, driveshaft, CV joints, wheel bearings, and alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) diagnostics and repair, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, parking brake adjustment, and hydraulic fluid specifications.

Steering:

Power steering system maintenance, rack and pinion service, steering column adjustments, and alignment procedures.

Electrical:

Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all circuits, fuse and relay locations, battery maintenance, starter, alternator, lighting systems (including Xenon HID), instrument cluster diagnostics, body control module (BCM) functions, and comfort electronics.

HVAC:

Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, climate control module diagnostics, blower motor replacement, evaporator and heater core service.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel repair, door mechanism service, window regulators, sunroof operation, interior trim removal, chassis lubrication, and rust prevention advice.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement procedures, seat belt service, and pre-tensioner information.

Maintenance:

Oil change intervals and specifications, filter replacement procedures, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid replacement, and general inspection checklists.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, and repair strategies for various symptoms across all major vehicle systems.

Repair:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, adjustment, and overhaul for virtually every part of the vehicle, including detailed torque specifications.

Diagnostics:

Guidance on using OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) scanner tools, interpreting fault codes (DTCs), and using BMW-specific diagnostic software (e.g., ISTA/D concepts).

Specifications:

Torque values for all critical fasteners, fluid capacities, part number cross-references (where applicable), and dimensional data.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid checks and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for quick information retrieval.

Printable:

Yes, designed for printing specific sections or the entire document.

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text suitable for professional use.

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

M52TUB25

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft)

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 75 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

175 lb-ft (237 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 ECU)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Timing:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake and exhaust camshafts.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E / A5S 325Z)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch.

Automatic Control:

Electronic control with multiple shift modes (e.g., Sport, Manual/Steptronic functionality).

Manual Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent manual transmission fluid, e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Automatic Fluid:

Dexron III H (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1412 mm (55.6 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Front Track:

1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1495 mm (58.9 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1500 kg (3307 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1535 kg (3384 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1990 kg (4387 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

440 liters (15.5 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star

NHTSA Side Impact:

4-Star

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Standard Traction Control System (ASC+T)

Stability Control:

Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.

Seat Belts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for front occupants.

Head Restraints:

Active head restraints for front seats (designed to reduce whiplash injuries).

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio, often with optional navigation system (CCC generation) and cassette player.

Speaker System:

Standard 6 or 10-speaker system, with optional Harman Kardon premium audio upgrade.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors for front and rear.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free system with ULF (Ultra Low Frequency) module.

Headlights:

Standard Halogen headlights or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights with automatic leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manufacturer recommendation.

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Recommended replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).

Brake Fluid:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 or 0W-40, BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) certified synthetic oil. Capacity: 6.5 liters (6.9 quarts) with filter.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 quarts).

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid. Do NOT use ATF.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4, BMW High Performance Brake Fluid (or equivalent DOT 4). Minimum wet boiling point 284°F (140°C).

Cooling System:

Common failures include plastic coolant expansion tanks cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), and thermostat housing leaks. VANOS O-ring degradation can lead to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, and oil filter housing gasket leaks are frequent due to age and material degradation.

Electrical Gremlins:

Corroded wiring harnesses (especially in the engine bay), failing headlight modules (for Xenon), ABS wheel speed sensor failures, and trunk wiring harness chafing are common.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (often referred to as "bushings") and rear shock mount failure can lead to poor handling and knocking noises.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in the window regulator mechanisms are prone to breaking, causing windows to fall down.

📚 Vehicle History

Legacy:

BMW, a German automotive manufacturer with a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles known for driving dynamics and engineering excellence.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation replaced the E36 and was produced from 1998 to 2006 (with variations by market). It represented a significant refinement in design, technology, and driving dynamics.

323I Positioning:

The 323i served as an entry-level six-cylinder model within the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and efficiency compared to higher-tier models like the 325i or 330i.

Production Years:

2000-2001 (for the 323i model in most markets, superseded by the 325i for 2001/2002 onwards).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing and Munich, Germany; also assembled in various other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 platform consistently appeared on Car and Driver's '10Best' list during its production run, highlighting its excellent driving characteristics and overall quality.

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Generally received strong ratings for initial quality and dependability in its class during its active years.

Iso Certification:

BMW manufacturing facilities adhere to strict ISO quality management certifications.