Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (5-door)
Model Variants Covered:
323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi
Production Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Engine Codes 323I:
M52TU B25
Engine Codes 325I:
M54 B25
Engine Codes 328I:
M52TU B28
Engine Codes 330I:
M54 B30
Bmw E46 Positioning:
The E46 generation represented BMW's commitment to sporty handling, refined interiors, and advanced engineering, positioning the 3 Series as a benchmark in the compact executive car segment. Competitors included Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Lexus IS.
Key Competitive Advantages:
Superior driving dynamics (handling and ride balance), potent inline-6 engines, robust build quality, sophisticated styling, and a driver-focused interior.
E46 Defining Features:
Iconic inline-six engines, advanced multi-link rear suspension, optional xDrive all-wheel drive, available sport packages, and a reputation for driver engagement.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (likely PDF)
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive repair, maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and technical specifications.
Estimated Page Count:
Likely extensive, typically 1000+ pages for a complete workshop manual covering multiple variants.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals (M52TU, M54), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, drivetrain components (driveshafts, differentials, axles), all-wheel drive (xDrive) systems.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, steering system, brake system (including ABS/DSC), wheel bearings, subframes, body mounts.
Electrical And Electronics:
Wiring diagrams, ECU locations, sensors, actuators, lighting systems, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, audio system, climate control electronics, comfort modules, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body And Interior:
Body shell, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints, HVAC system (components and operation), glass replacement.
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections/replacements, routine inspections.
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, head gasket replacement, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair/replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair.
Troubleshooting And Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic routines for common and uncommon problems, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities and types, electrical system voltages, component dimensions, alignment specifications.
Depth Of Coverage:
Very High. Covers detailed procedures from basic fluid services to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including complex electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Digital Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format) - common for instant downloads. May be searchable and printable.
Print Suitability:
High quality, suitable for printing individual sections or the entire manual. Clear diagrams and text.
Binding Recommendation:
Not applicable for digital download, but if printed, spiral-bound is recommended for lay-flat usability in a workshop environment.
Paper Recommendation:
Not applicable for digital download, but for printed versions, heavy-duty paper (e.g., 24-32 lb bond) is advisable for durability in a workshop.
Engine Family:
M52TU (Twin-VANOS) and M54 (Double VANOS)
Engine 323I M52Tu B25:
2.5L Inline-6, 168 hp @ 5500 rpm, 180 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Engine 325I M54 B25:
2.5L Inline-6, 184 hp @ 6000 rpm, 175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine 328I M52Tu B28:
2.8L Inline-6, 190 hp @ 5300 rpm, 206 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm
Engine 330I M54 B30:
3.0L Inline-6, 225 hp @ 5900 rpm, 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential multi-point fuel injection (SFI) with Bosch Motronic DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Transmission Type Standard:
Getrag 5-speed manual transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
ZF 5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (with manual shift mode)
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and All-wheel drive (xDrive for 325xi, 330xi)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)
IIHS Front Offset Test:
Good
Active Safety Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Passive Safety Features:
Front and side airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS), pretensioned seatbelts, reinforced chassis construction.
Infotainment Systems:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation systems (MKIV).
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation, CD changer preparation.
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, parking sensors (rear, optional), rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, depending on driving conditions and oil used.
Major Service Points:
Spark plugs (approx. 100,000 miles), coolant flush (approx. 30,000-50,000 miles), transmission fluid (manual: typically lifetime, automatic: recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles), differential fluid, brake fluid flush (every 2 years).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, e.g., SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30, depending on ambient temperature.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW recommends specific MTF LT-2 or LT-3 for manual transmissions. Consult manual for exact specification.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) for 5HP transmissions.
Common E46 Issues:
VANOS unit solenoid issues (especially M54), cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat), subframe cracks (rear), oil pan gasket leaks, CCV system failures, door seal degradation, window regulator failures, ABS/DSC sensor failures.
Oil Filter 330I:
Mann-Filter HU 816 x, Bosch 3323 / 0 986 452 043
Air Filter 325I:
Mann-Filter C 25 319, Bosch 1 457 433 711
Bmw Heritage:
BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, known for their 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos and advanced engineering.
E46 Generation Context:
The E46 replaced the E36 3 Series and was succeeded by the E90 generation. It is widely regarded as one of the most dynamically capable and aesthetically pleasing 3 Series generations.
E46 Production Period:
1997-2006 (with major updates and facelifts during its lifecycle).
