Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sport Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Volvo V40/V50 (early years)
Vehicle Selling Points:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics (or xDrive AWD), premium interior, sporty handling, versatile cargo space
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to perform comprehensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs and ensuring optimal vehicle performance.
Primary Coverage:
Complete Workshop Service and Repair
Engine Coverage:
All gasoline and diesel engines for the E46 Touring platform
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic Transmissions
Chassis Coverage:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical Coverage:
Engine Management, Body Electronics, Lighting, Infotainment, Diagnostics
Body Coverage:
Exterior, Interior, Safety Systems, Climate Control
Type:
Workshop Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, drivetrain (driveshafts, differentials)
Chassis Suspension Steering:
Front/rear suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, sway bars, power steering system, steering rack
Brakes Wheels Tires:
Hydraulic system, ABS, EBD, brake discs, pads, calipers, parking brake, wheel bearing replacement, tire pressure monitoring (if applicable)
Electrical Electronics:
Starter, alternator, battery, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, central locking, instrument cluster
Body Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, tailgate, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control (HVAC), infotainment system
Diagnostics:
OBD-II troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, ECU functions
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid flushes (coolant, brake, power steering), spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, air filter replacement
Repair Overhaul:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting trees
Specifications Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic routine maintenance to complex system overhauls and diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step instructions with illustrations and diagrams
Special Tools:
Lists and descriptions of specialized tools required for specific procedures
Common Engines:
2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25), 3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30), 2.0L Inline-4 (M43/N42 variants), 2.0L/2.5L/3.0L Diesel (M47, M57 variants)
Horsepower Range:
Approx. 163 hp to 231 hp (gasoline), 136 hp to 184 hp (diesel)
Torque Range:
Approx. 220 Nm to 300 Nm (gasoline), 280 Nm to 410 Nm (diesel)
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI), Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) for diesel
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91+), Diesel fuel
ECU Type:
Siemens MS43/MS45, Bosch Motronic, EDC15/EDC16 (diesel)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Pentosin NF (Ethylene Glycol based)
Oil Type Gasoline:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, BMW LL-01 Approved (e.g., Castrol Syntec)
Oil Type Diesel:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30, BMW LL-04 Approved
Manual Transmission:
5-speed Getrag GS53Z (e.g., for 325i), 6-speed ZF S6-37/S6-45 (e.g., for 330i)
Automatic Transmission:
5-speed ZF 5HP19FL/ZFL (e.g., for 325i), 5-speed ZF 5HP24Z (e.g., for 330i)
All Wheel Drive:
Optional xDrive (model dependent, primarily later years)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, specific viscosity per model (e.g., SAE 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid 5 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Length:
Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1407 mm (55.4 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2725 mm (107.3 inches)
Cargo Volume:
Approx. 435-1450 liters (15.4-51.2 cubic feet) with rear seats folded
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 1450 kg to 1650 kg (3200 lbs to 3640 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Typically not specified or limited for this model in many markets
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on sedan counterpart, specific wagon ratings may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely Good (based on sedan counterpart, specific wagon ratings may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Traction Control System (TCS)
Brake Assist:
Optional or standard on later models
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX/LATCH system (standard on rear seats)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Navigation System (MKIII/MKIV)
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically standard; aftermarket solutions or CD changer inputs are common.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation (requires separate phone cradle/module).
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Manual specifies inspection and replacement based on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles for iridium plugs (M54 engines).
Coolant Flush:
Every 4-5 years or 60,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (Green fluid).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4, BMW Super DOT 4.
Common Problems:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS issues (variable valve timing), CCV system failure (crankcase ventilation), cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, hoses), eccentric shaft sensor failure (M54 engines), fuel pump failure, ABS/DSC module failures.
Diagnostic Tips:
The manual provides detailed diagnostic procedures for these common issues, including fault code interpretation and component testing.
Bmw Heritage:
Known for performance, luxury, and driving dynamics since its inception.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) was a highly acclaimed platform known for its balanced chassis and driver engagement. The Touring (wagon) variant offered practicality without compromising the core BMW driving experience.
Production Period:
1999-2005 for the E46 Touring body style.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Dingolfing Plant), with some assembly in other global locations.
