Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Vehicle Appeal:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, premium interior, reliable inline-six engine, sporty handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides in-depth, factory-level information to maintain and repair the E46 323i, saving significant costs over dealership servicing.
Covered Models:
BMW 323i (E46) Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Sport Wagon
Covered Engines:
2.5L Inline-6 (M52TU B25)
Covered Transmissions:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 250G), 5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/Z)
Estimated Pages:
~1500-2000
Type:
Workshop Repair and Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, exhaust, emissions, clutch, manual transmission, automatic transmission, drivetrain (driveshafts, differential).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instruments, gauges, infotainment, HVAC controls, starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and functions.
Body:
Body construction, exterior panels, doors, windows, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures for all major systems.
Repair Rebuild:
Engine component overhaul, transmission repair, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Installation Adjustment:
Component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump), timing belt/chain replacement (if applicable, though M52TU uses a chain), wheel alignment procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic flowcharts and wiring diagrams.
Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., 5W-30 Synthetic)
Common Problems:
Cracked intake manifold (plastic), VANOS system issues, oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), CCV system failure.
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 250G)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/Z)
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.520, 3rd: 1.670, 4th: 1.245, 5th: 1.000, Reverse: 3.913
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting capability), Sport Mode.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MTF LT-2 (BMW Official Specification), typically equivalent to ATF Dexron III or Mercon for older specifications, but consult manual for precise type.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Esso JWS 3309 / Toyota Type T-IV / ATF LT 71141 (Check specific VIN/transmission variant for precise BMW spec)
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 in)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 in) (Sedan/Coupe)
Height:
1412 mm (55.6 in) (Sedan)
Curb Weight:
1480-1580 kg (3260-3480 lbs) (Varies by body style and transmission)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 1950-2050 kg (4300-4520 lbs)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Standard Tire Size:
205/55R16
Optional Tire Size:
225/45R17, 245/40R17 (Rear)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking System:
4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags.
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS, optional navigation system (MKIII).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon upgraded audio.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth phone preparation with telematics unit.
HVAC:
Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control with AUC (Automatic Recirculation Control).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500-15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Consult the manual for specific intervals.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
BMW recommends BMW Blue coolant. Initial fill may last longer, but typically every 2-4 years or 100,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Denso PKJ20CR8 or Bosch FGR7KQP+ (or equivalent). Replace typically around 100,000 miles.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Green fluid) or ATF Dexron III (Check manual for specific requirements)
Common Maintenance Items:
PCV valve failure leading to rough idle and oil consumption, oil filter housing gasket leaks, coolant hose degradation, serpentine belt and tensioner replacement.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. The 323i variant was introduced for the 2000 model year in North America, replacing the 323i with the M52TUB25 engine.
323I Positioning:
The 323i was positioned below the 325i and 330i, offering a slightly less powerful but still capable inline-six experience, appealing to a broader market segment within the 3 Series lineup.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in South Africa and other locations.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards throughout its production run, including for the 2003 model year, highlighting its exceptional driving dynamics and overall quality.
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for reliability and performance by consumer organizations, though specific model years and components could have individual issues addressed in the manual.
