Body Style:
Sport Wagon (Touring)
Model Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Engine Code Family:
M52TU
Transmission Code Family:
Getrag S5D, ZF 5HP
Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sport Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, and professional BMW technicians seeking detailed, accurate repair information.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Volvo V70, Saab 9-5 SportCombi.
Unique Selling Proposition:
Combines BMW's renowned driving dynamics and sporty character with the practicality of a wagon body style, targeting a niche within the premium segment.
Vehicle Features:
Rear-wheel drive biased (optional xDrive AWD on later E46 models, though less common on 323i wagons), balanced chassis, sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, driver-focused interior, refined inline-six engine.
Manual Value:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, essential for maintaining optimal performance and longevity of a premium European vehicle.
Primary Coverage:
BMW 3 Series (E46) 323i Sport Wagon
Secondary Coverage:
General E46 chassis for shared components (e.g., suspension, brakes, electrical architecture applicable to other E46 sedan/coupe variants)
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 1500-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive official service manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (M52TUB25), engine electrical, fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag S5D 250G), Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP19). Drivetrain components (driveshaft, differential, axles).
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Body electronics, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, starter, charging system, EWS (Immobilizer), basic diagnostic procedures.
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, glass, seals, exterior trim, body repair procedures (general).
Maintenance:
Routine service tasks, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, diagnostic connector locations, fault code interpretation (OBD-II).
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step repair instructions for major components: engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, component tolerances.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks and tire rotations to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
Digital Format:
N/A (Printed Book)
Quality:
High-quality printing with clear diagrams, schematics, and photographs (typical of official BMW publications).
Binding:
Sturdy, professional binding (e.g., spiral-bound or perfect-bound) designed for workshop use.
Paper:
Durable, high-quality paper stock suitable for repeated handling and greasy workshop environments.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Code:
M52TUB25 (Double VANOS)
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Horsepower:
189 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves (4 valves per cylinder), Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 250G)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19)
Manual Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact PN and specs)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent, consult manual for exact PN and specs)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 inches)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
1412 mm (55.6 inches)
Wheelbase:
2725 mm (107.3 inches)
Front Track:
1471 mm (57.9 inches)
Rear Track:
1471 mm (57.9 inches)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 430 liters (15.2 cubic feet)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1510 liters (53.3 cubic feet)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1500-1550 kg (3300-3400 lbs) depending on transmission and options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult vehicle specific placard or manual
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (for comparable E46 sedans, wagons may vary slightly)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for comparable E46 sedans, wagons may vary slightly)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard on most models
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available on later models or as an option
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced body structure, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD radios, with optional navigation system (MK III or MK IV).
Audio Features:
Optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), CD changer integration.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system, electrically operated.
Bluetooth:
Rarely factory-equipped, but aftermarket solutions are available.
Aux Input:
Typically not standard; aftermarket adapters or head unit replacements needed.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes between 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions. Consult the manual for detailed CBS explanations and manual reset procedures.
Coolant Change Interval:
Initial change at 3-4 years or 50,000 miles, then every 2 years or 30,000 miles thereafter. Use BMW-approved coolant (e.g., BMW Blue).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (approx. 100,000 km) for the M52TU engine. Use NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent.
Drive Belt Inspection:
Inspect every 30,000 miles; replace if cracked, frayed, or showing signs of wear.
Engine Oil Type:
Synthetic SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 API SJ/SL or BMW LL-01 approved. Consult manual for exact BMW approved specifications and viscosity grades based on climate.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 4 Plus. BMW P/N 83 13 0 394 077.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW P/N 83 29 0 429 575 (Green fluid).
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks can crack, radiator leaks, water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks. The 'blue tab' coolant flange can also be a failure point.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (front and rear), strut mounts, rear trailing arm bushings (RTABs) are common wear items, impacting ride and handling.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket ('O'-ring) are prone to leaking due to age and material degradation.
Electrical:
Crankshaft position sensor failures (leading to no-start conditions), ABS/ASC sensor failures, window regulator failures, pixelation on the instrument cluster LCD. EWS immobilizer issues can also occur.
Heater Control Valve:
Heater control valves (dual solenoid) are known to fail, leading to no heat or erratic temperature control.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-oriented cars with excellent engineering, sporty handling, and premium quality, dating back to the early 20th century.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 as a replacement for the E36. It represented a significant evolution in design, engineering, and technology.
E46 Wagon Introduction:
The E46 Touring (wagon) variant was launched in 1999, offering increased practicality while retaining the characteristic BMW driving experience. The 323i was a popular mid-range model in the lineup.
Production Period:
The E46 generation was produced from 1998 to 2006 (sedans/coupes) and 1999 to 2005 (wagons/convertibles).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (Dingolfing and Regensburg plants), with some assembly in other global locations.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 generation 3 Series (various models) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards for its exceptional handling and driving dynamics.
Ward Auto 10Best Engines:
BMW's inline-six engines, including variants of the M52/M54 family, have often been recognized by Ward's Auto for their refinement and performance.
General Reputation:
The E46 3 Series is widely regarded as one of the best driving BMWs of all time, balancing luxury, performance, and practicality effectively.
