🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3-Series

Chassis Code:

E46

Year:

2002

Generation Code:

E46 (Third Generation)

Generation Years:

1998-2006 (Global Production)

Product Name:

BMW 3-series (E46) 2002 Service and Repair Manual

👋 Introduction

Brand Heritage:

BMW's reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence

Model Significance:

The E46 3-Series is widely considered a benchmark in the compact executive sedan segment, known for its driving dynamics.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS (XE10), Alfa Romeo 156

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging ride

Build Quality:

High standard of interior and exterior build quality typical of BMW

Powertrain Options:

Wide range of inline-4 and inline-6 gasoline engines, along with efficient diesel options

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive A-Z repairs for all E46 models

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel engine variants for 2002 model year

Drivetrain Coverage:

Manual and automatic transmissions, rear-wheel drive, xDrive (all-wheel drive) systems

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, steering, braking systems, chassis components

Electrical Coverage:

Complete electrical systems, wiring diagrams, modules, troubleshooting

Body Coverage:

Bodywork, interior trim, HVAC, safety systems (airbags, seatbelts)

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Workshop Manual

Purpose:

Maintenance, diagnosis, repair, overhaul

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

Searchability:

Searchable text

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods, valve train

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, ECU diagnostics

Cooling System:

Radiator, thermostat, water pump, coolant specifications

Lubrication System:

Oil pump, oil filter, oil specifications, lubrication points

Transmission Manual:

Clutch, gearbox components, shift mechanism, fluid types

Transmission Automatic:

Torque converter, valve body, planetary gears, transmission fluid, control modules

Drive Axles:

CV joints, drive shafts, differential, wheel bearings

Suspension Front:

MacPherson struts, control arms, anti-roll bar, bushings

Suspension Rear:

Multi-link independent suspension, shock absorbers, springs, bushings

Steering System:

Power steering pump, rack and pinion, steering column, alignment specifications

Brake System:

Disc brakes (front and rear), ABS, DSC, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures

Electrical System General:

Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting

Body Control Module:

BCM diagnostics and repair

Infotainment System:

Radio, navigation (if equipped), speaker systems

HVAC System:

Air conditioning, heating, climate control, blower motor, refrigerant

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, SRS module diagnostics

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs

Major Servicing:

Spark plug replacement, ignition coil service, serpentine belt replacement

Engine Repair:

Timing chain/belt service, head gasket replacement, piston ring installation, complete engine rebuild

Transmission Repair:

Clutch replacement, transmission overhaul, seal replacements

Brake Service:

Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, ABS bleeding

Suspension Repair:

Shock/strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, ball joint replacement

Steering Repair:

Power steering pump replacement, steering rack replacement

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for electrical faults, wiring harness repair

Diagnostics:

Fault code retrieval and interpretation, diagnostic scan tool procedures

Bodywork:

Panel replacement, door repair, bumper repair

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing virtually every component

Depth Level:

Factory-level technical expertise and detail

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on required diagnostic tools and software (e.g., DIS, ISTA)

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, test values

Troubleshooting Charts:

Systematic troubleshooting guides and flowcharts

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive, color-coded wiring schematics

Exploded Views:

Detailed diagrams showing component assembly

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Image Resolution:

High resolution, suitable for screen viewing and printing

Binding Digital:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Digital:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants 2002:

320i, 323i, 325i, 330i, 318d, 320d, 330d (depending on market)

Typical Engine Lineup:

Inline-4 (M43/N42/N46), Inline-6 (M54)

M54B25 Power:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

M54B25 Torque:

175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

M54B30 Power:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

M54B30 Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Injection:

Bosch Motronic electronic fuel injection (EFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Engine Code M54:

M54B22, M54B25, M54B30

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/5 or ZF S5D 320Z depending on engine)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R)

Drivetrain Layout:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, xDrive (AWD) optional on some models

Manual Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (Wagon, 5-door)

Wheelbase Sedan Coupe:

107.4 inches (2728 mm)

Wheelbase Touring:

108.5 inches (2756 mm)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3100 - 3600 lbs (1400 - 1630 kg), varies by model and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Model dependent, typically around 4200 - 4600 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 stars (Driver/Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

Standard Safety:

ABS, Traction Control (ASC+T), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) optional/standard on higher trims

Lighting Features:

Halogen headlights, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights

Airbags:

Front driver and passenger airbags, optional front side airbags, optional head protection system (HPS)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

BMW Professional Radio, optional CD player, optional navigation system (CCC, MKIV based).

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Park Distance Control (PDC) optional, Cruise Control standard on most models.

Connectivity Features:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (integration varied by year and head unit).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) typically suggests oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years

Coolant Change:

BMW recommends coolant replacement typically around 60,000 miles or 4 years, but manual should be consulted for specific intervals.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-98 (LL-98) synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-40 or 5W-40, depending on climate.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 based)

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 GL-4 or GL-5 synthetic gear oil (specific BMW P/N recommended)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF LT-2 or LT-3 (specific BMW P/N recommended), often requires filter replacement at service.

Common E46 Issues:

Vanos seals degradation, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), subframe cracking (particularly on early models), window regulator failures, CCV system issues (crankcase ventilation).

Vanos Repair:

Degraded Vanos seals can lead to rough idle and loss of low-end torque; rebuild kits are available.

Cooling System Maintenance:

Plastic components in the cooling system are prone to becoming brittle and failing; proactive replacement is advised.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure - emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement

E46 Introduction:

Introduced in late 1997 (for model year 1998) as the successor to the E36 3-Series.

E46 Facelift:

Received a significant facelift (LCI) for the 2002 model year, including updated front and rear styling, engine enhancements, and interior refinements.

Production Period:

1998-2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany; also produced in South Africa, Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, and Russia.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

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

Reputation:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and overall refinement.