Segment:
Compact Executive Car
Reputation:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Driving Dynamics:
Rear-wheel drive platform, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, responsive steering
Powertrain Options:
Smooth inline-six engines, efficient four-cylinder engines, performance-oriented M variants
Interior Design:
Driver-focused cockpit, high-quality materials, premium feel
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive Service, Repair, and Maintenance
Vehicle Variants Covered:
Sedan (E46/4), Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/2C), Touring (E46/3), M3 (E46/2CSL)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Factory-Type Service Repair Workshop Manual
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical (N42, N46, M54, S54), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust
Transmission Systems:
Manual transmissions (Getrag 260, 6-speed), Automatic transmissions (ZF 5HP19, 5HP24, GS1912), clutch, drivetrain
Chassis Systems:
Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering, brakes (ABS, DSC), wheels, tires
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, instruments, body electronics, DME/ECU troubleshooting
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, HVAC, safety restraints (airbags, seatbelts)
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, belt inspections
Repair Procedures:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake caliper servicing, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting Guides:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common drivability, electrical, and mechanical issues
Depth:
Full factory-level repair and diagnostic information, including torque specifications, tolerances, and detailed step-by-step instructions
Engine Family:
M54 (Inline-6)
Engine Variants And Displacement:
M54B25 (2.5L), M54B30 (3.0L)
Engine Codes Covered:
M54B22, M54B25, M54B30, N42B20, N46B20, S54B32
M54B25 Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
M54B25 Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
M54B30 Horsepower:
228 hp @ 6000 rpm
M54B30 Torque:
300 Nm (221 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
S54B32 M3 Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
S54B32 M3 Torque:
350 Nm (258 lb-ft) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with DISA intake manifold (on most M54 variants)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 260/5)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19 / 5HP24)
M3 Transmission:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G), SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate
Automatic Transmission Modes:
Sport Mode, Steptronic (manual shifting capability)
Sedan Length:
Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)
Touring Length:
Approx. 4492 mm (176.9 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 in)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
16-inch (7Jx16 ET47)
Optional Wheel Size:
17-inch, 18-inch
Curb Weight Approx:
1450-1550 kg (3197-3417 lbs) depending on body style and engine
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for models equipped with side airbags)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) or DSC
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, optional front side-impact airbags, optional curtain airbags (on sedans/tourings)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX (LATCH) points
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation systems (Mk III, Mk IV)
Audio Features:
Optional Harman Kardon sound system, CD changer preparation
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist (telematics service)
Key Features:
Keyless entry, power windows, power mirrors, climate control
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 15,000 km (9,300 miles) or 12 months, depending on Condition Based Service (CBS) system or manual recommendation
Microfilter Replacement:
Every 2 years or 40,000 km (25,000 miles)
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
Every 4 years or 100,000 km (60,000 miles) using BMW coolant antifreeze
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) depending on fuel quality and emissions requirements. Typical viscosity: 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF LT-3 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for ZF 5HP19/5HP24
Coolant Type:
G48 (Ethylene Glycol based) - typically blue/green
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller)
Vanos System:
Solenoid failure leading to rough idle or performance loss (M54)
Rear Subframe:
Cracking or separation from chassis at mounting points
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation system clogging leading to oil consumption and potential seal failure
Brand Focus:
German manufacturer renowned for luxury, performance, and engineering excellence
Predecessor:
E36 3 Series
Key Developments During E46 Era:
Introduction of Valvetronic (N42), DISA intake manifold, improved chassis dynamics, enhanced interior quality
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, USA (Spartanburg for certain variants)
Production Volume Estimate:
Over 2 million units globally
