Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Brand Perception:
Sporty handling, premium quality, driver-focused experience.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias, and engaging steering.
Engine Smoothness:
Inline-six engines known for their refinement and linear power delivery.
Engine Mechanical:
Complete engine overhaul, disassembly, assembly, timing, seals, gaskets, lubrication system, cooling system.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection system (EFI), ignition system, emissions control systems (DME), sensor data, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, shift linkage, fluid specifications, maintenance, troubleshooting.
Transmission Automatic:
Transmission control module (GM Steptronic), fluid type and capacity, torque converter, maintenance, diagnostics.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, control arms, subframes), wheel bearing replacement, steering system, alignment specifications.
Braking System:
Front and rear brake caliper service, brake pad replacement, rotor specifications, brake fluid type (DOT 4), ABS system diagnostics, DSC system.
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting circuits, power windows, central locking, fuse box diagrams, wiring schematics.
Body And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, seat adjustment, dashboard components, HVAC system service.
Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid service, transmission fluid service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, identifying causes of poor performance, electrical gremlins, and mechanical issues.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension upgrades, and electrical system fixes.
Diagnostics:
On-board diagnostics (OBD-II) interpretation, sensor testing, actuator testing, DME programming/coding basics.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic scheduled maintenance to complex component rebuilds and advanced diagnostics.
Engine Type:
DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake and exhaust camshafts.
Horsepower:
170 hp (127 kW) @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with coil-on-plug.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific BMW part numbers available in manual)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models equipped with side airbags, check specific vehicle)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Traction Control:
Optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger. Optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Infotainment System:
Basic radio system with optional CD player. Available premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system (MKIII or MKIV generation).
Driver Assistance Features:
Cruise control, optional parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Connectivity Features:
Optional integrated cellular phone system.
Oil Change Interval Synthetic:
Typically every 10,000 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months with synthetic oil, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles (refer to specific manual for plug type and gap).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-4 years or as recommended by BMW (typically BMW blue coolant).
Brake Fluid Flush Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 approved).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Common Issues:
Cracked valve cover gaskets, CCV system failures leading to oil consumption and rough idle, cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), VANOS solenoid issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, fuel pump failures, saggy headliner.
Repair Focus:
The manual provides detailed procedures for addressing these common issues, including troubleshooting steps and part replacement guides.
Heritage:
BMW's legacy of performance, engineering excellence, and sporting heritage dating back to 1916.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and introduced significant advancements in chassis design, aerodynamics, and technology.
323I Positioning:
Positioned below the 325i and 330i, offering a balance of performance and efficiency with the refined inline-six engine.
Production Years:
The E46 generation was produced from 1998 to 2006. The 323i specifically was produced from 1998 to 2000 for North America.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany.
