Positioning:
The BMW M3 (E46) represents the pinnacle of performance and engineering for its era, a driver-focused sports coupe/convertible that competed with high-performance rivals.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Audi S4 (B6), Chevrolet Corvette
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and potent engine, offering an engaging driving experience.
Engine Performance:
The S54 engine is a high-revving masterpiece, delivering exhilarating performance.
Primary Coverage:
Complete factory service and repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and specifications
Estimated Pages:
Numerous (hundreds, as stated)
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Engine:
S54 naturally aspirated inline-6, M-specific tuning, VANOS, throttle bodies, exhaust, cooling system
Transmission:
Getrag 420G 6-speed manual, clutch, flywheel, driveshaft, differential
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC, brake fluid flush procedures
Suspension:
Front McPherson strut, rear multi-link, M-tuned components, alignment specifications
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, column
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuses, relays, battery, alternator, starter, DME, EWS, comfort electronics
Bodywork:
Exterior panels, interior trim, doors, hood, trunk, convertible top (if applicable to specific sub-models), body sealing
HVAC:
Climate control system, refrigerant, components, diagnosis
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel filter, EVAP system
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, coolant flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting flowcharts, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Engine component overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, electrical system repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component replacement, sensor installation, accessory installation
Calibration:
Throttle body synchronization, ABS/DSC sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including in-depth electrical system diagnosis
Type:
Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual
Type:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - Electro-hydraulically actuated clutch and gear shifting
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
3.62:1 (standard)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oil (e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent)
Coupe Length:
177.7 inches (4514 mm)
Coupe Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Coupe Height:
53.3 inches (1354 mm)
Coupe Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Convertible Length:
177.8 inches (4516 mm)
Convertible Width:
70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Convertible Height:
54.1 inches (1374 mm)
Convertible Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Coupe Curb Weight:
Approximately 3400-3500 lbs (1540-1590 kg)
Convertible Curb Weight:
Approximately 3700-3800 lbs (1680-1725 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Wheel Offset:
ET47 (front), ET27 (rear) with 18-inch wheels, varies with wheel size
Coupe Trunk Volume:
Approximately 11.2 cu ft (317 Liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver), 4/5 Stars (Passenger)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available front knee airbags
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up rollover protection bars for convertible model
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radio, optional Navigation system (MKIV)
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium audio system available as an option.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Parking Assist:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface (may require cradle).
Gauge Cluster:
M-specific instrument cluster with larger tachometer, oil temperature gauge, and integrated oil level sensor.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system (often around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Coolant Flush:
Initial fill is typically long-life; refer to manual for replacement intervals (often around 4-5 years or 50,000-60,000 miles).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent propylene glycol-based coolant.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Rod Bearings:
Known premature wear on connecting rod bearings, especially in earlier E46 M3s, due to increased clearances and oil flow. Regular inspection and potential replacement are advised.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points from the chassis is a significant concern. Reinforcement kits are available.
Vanos System:
Potential issues with VANOS solenoids or rattle due to wear, affecting performance and drivability. Rebuild kits are available.
Throttle Actuators:
Failure of the electronic throttle actuators can lead to limp mode or poor engine response.
Bmw Performance Division:
BMW M GmbH, established in 1972, responsible for developing high-performance versions of BMW production vehicles.
M3 Lineage:
The E46 M3 is the fourth generation of the M3, succeeding the E36 M3 and known for significant upgrades in performance and handling.
Production Years E46 M3:
2001-2006
Assembly Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Car And Driver 10Best:
Named to Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run, lauded for its performance and driving dynamics.
Motor Trend Performance Car:
Frequently recognized by automotive publications for its segment-leading performance and handling.
Emissions Standards:
Meets relevant emissions standards for its model year (e.g., LEV).
