Positioning:
The BMW M3 (E46) is a legendary performance sedan and coupe, known for its exhilarating driving dynamics, powerful naturally aspirated engine, and precise handling. It was positioned as a premium, high-performance sports car for driving enthusiasts.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera (996), Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5), Chevrolet Corvette (C5).
Performance Focus:
Engineered by BMW M GmbH for ultimate driving pleasure, blending track-day capability with everyday usability.
Handling:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, near-perfect weight distribution, and sophisticated suspension system.
Audience:
Performance car enthusiasts, DIY mechanics seeking to maintain and repair their M3 to factory specifications.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Overhaul
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine (S54B32), Engine Management, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Drivetrain, Clutch, Transmission (SMG & Manual), Differential, Drive Shafts, Axles
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (ABS, DSC), Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Body Electrical, Lighting, Instrument Cluster, Audio System, Navigation System, Climate Control, Power Accessories, Engine Control Unit (ECU) Wiring Diagrams, Chassis Control Unit (CCU) Wiring Diagrams
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Interior Trim, Safety Restraints (Airbags, Seatbelts)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plugs, Coolant Flush), Inspections, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake Service, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Bodywork Repair, HVAC System Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Fault Finding, Component Testing
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (S54B32)
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Induction:
Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
ECU:
MS43 DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves
Length:
Coupe: 178.4 in (4531 mm), Convertible: 178.4 in (4531 mm)
Height:
Coupe: 53.1 in (1349 mm), Convertible: 53.5 in (1359 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.5 in (2730 mm)
Curb Weight:
Coupe: ~3472 lbs (1575 kg), Convertible: ~3792 lbs (1720 kg)
Gross Weight Rating:
Varies by model and options
NHTSA Front Crash:
4/5 Stars (for contemporary models, exact M3 specific rating may vary)
IIHS Side Crash:
Good (for contemporary models, exact M3 specific rating may vary)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Front and Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Chassis Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 15,000 miles (depending on driving conditions, indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS system)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or ~30,000 miles
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Approved Synthetic Oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-40 recommended.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 PLUS)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF-LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Smg:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Hydraulic Fluid for SMG Pump and Actuator)
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAF-XJ or similar spec GL-5 rated)
Rod Bearings:
Potential wear on connecting rod bearings, especially in earlier models or those driven hard. Recommended to inspect/replace.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress. Reinforcement kits are available.
Carbon Canister:
Failure of the EVAP charcoal canister can lead to rough idle and check engine lights.
Vanos Pump:
Potential failure of the VANOS hydraulic pump or solenoids, affecting engine performance.
Heritage:
BMW's M division has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance variants of its production cars, dating back to the M1 and the iconic M5.
E46 M3 Development:
The E46 M3, launched in 2000, represented a significant leap in performance and technology for the M3 line, featuring the bespoke S54 engine and advanced chassis tuning.
Production Years:
2000-2006
Body Styles:
Coupe, Convertible
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
