BMW 3 Series E46 2003 Factory Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Chassis Code: E46 Model Year: 2003 👋 Introduction Market Position Value Proposition: Enables owners to perform servicing and repairs themselves, saving...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 159162

Tags: 2003 3 Series 3 Series E46 BMW Car Cars

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

Model Year:

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Value Proposition:

Enables owners to perform servicing and repairs themselves, saving $50-$60 per hour in shop labor costs.

Competitive Analysis

Manual Authenticity:

Actual Genuine Repair Service Factory Manuals, NOT 3rd party manuals.

Key Features

Comprehensiveness:

COMPLETE official full factory service repair manual covering all aspects of repair.

Owner Empowerment:

Guides owners to make informed decisions about maintenance and repair.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Engine Service Repair:

Transmission Service Repair:

Brake System:

Wiring Diagram:

Electrical System:

Suspension:

Periodic Lubrication:

Steering:

Cooling System:

Fuel Injection Fuel System:

Emission System:

HVAC System:

Engine Control System:

Chassis Body:

Restraint System:

Interior:

Differential Drive:

Axle:

General Maintenance:

Troubleshooting:

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified but implied to be comprehensive)

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

All Styles Covered:

Procedures Included

Maintenance:

General maintenance, periodic lubrication

Repair:

Step-by-step repair for all covered systems

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Advanced troubleshooting guide, diagnosing electrical problems

Technical Depth

Depth:

Complete official factory information, what factory trained technicians know, detailed diagnostics and repair, rebuild, refurbish, restore

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Format:

Print Quality

Printability:

Printable without restriction, individual pages or entire manual

Binding Type

Binding Type:

Digital (printable)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital download)

Search Functionality

Searchable:

Content Enhancements

Illustrations Diagrams:

Hundreds of pages with all necessary illustrations, diagrams, and photos

Detailed Substeps:

Notes Cautions Warnings:

Included throughout each chapter

Numbered Instructions:

Figure Number Matching:

Enlarged Insets:

Table Of Contents:

Numbered and easy to use

Delivery

Delivery Method:

Instant Download link on checkout page

Requirements

Software Requirement:

Adobe PDF Reader

Compatibility

Operating Systems:

All PC based Windows operating systems and Mac

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine E46 2003

Engine Family:

M54 (Inline-6 cylinder), N42/N46 (4-cylinder Valvetronic - specific to certain models)

Performance

Typical Power Output 325I:

Approximately 184-190 hp (varies by specific engine code)

Typical Torque 325I:

Approximately 175-181 lb-ft (varies by specific engine code)

Typical Power Output 330I:

Approximately 225-231 hp (varies by specific engine code)

Typical Torque 330I:

Approximately 214-220 lb-ft (varies by specific engine code)

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Engine Features

Valvetronic Technology:

Present on N42/N46 engines, absent on M54

Engine Control Module:

MS43 or MS45 DME (Digital Engine Electronics)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., Getrag 260/5, ZF S5D 320Z)

Optional Transmission

Type:

5-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (e.g., ZF 5HP19)

Features

Manual Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Automatic Transmission Modes:

Standard Drive (D), Sport (S), Manual Shift (M)

Fluid Specifications

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (e.g., Castrol TAF-X)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Sedan

Length:

Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,415 mm (55.7 in)

Exterior Coupe

Length:

Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1,739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1,371 mm (54.0 in)

Weights

Curb Weight 325I:

Approx. 1,500-1,550 kg (3,300-3,420 lb) depending on body style and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star rating (for models equipped with side airbags)

IIHS Front Offset:

Good (for models tested)

Active Features

Anti Lock Braking System:

Standard

Dynamic Stability Control:

Standard (DSC III)

Passive Features

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, optional side airbags, optional curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Navigation System:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (MK4)

Audio System:

Optional Harman Kardon sound system

Driver Assistance

Cruise Control:

Standard

Connectivity

Bluetooth Integration:

Optional via snap-in adapter or factory-installed option.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals Oil Change

Interval Typical:

Variable Service Interval Indicator (VSI) typically suggests oil changes every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Service Intervals Brake Fluid

Interval:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Service Intervals Coolant

Interval:

BMW recommends long-life coolant, typically replaced around 100,000 miles or 5 years, but manual will specify exact procedure.

Fluid Specifications Engine Oil

Recommended Viscosity M54:

SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications.

Recommended Viscosity N42 N46:

SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications.

Fluid Specifications Coolant

Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Known Issues

Cooling System Leaks:

Common issues include cracked plastic coolant expansion tanks, leaking water pumps, and deteriorated hoses. Manual will detail inspection and replacement.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Rear main seal and oil pan gasket leaks are relatively common. Manual will cover inspection and replacement procedures.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

Can fail, leading to ABS and DSC warnings. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.

Blower Motor Resistor:

Often fails, causing the blower fan to work only on the highest setting. Manual details its location and replacement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.

Model Evolution E46

Generation Introduction:

E46 generation launched in 1998 (for model year 1999).

2003 Model Year Updates:

Facelift (LCI) introduced for model year 2002, with minor refinements continuing into 2003, including updated bumpers, headlights, taillights, and interior trim options.

Production

Production Years E46:

1998 – 2006 (Sedan, Touring), 1999 – 2006 (Coupe, Convertible), 2000 – 2006 (M3)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Car And Driver 10Best:

BMW 3 Series (various configurations) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during the E46's production run.

Ratings

Reliability Consumer Reports:

Varies by model year and specific components; the manual helps maintain and address potential issues.