🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E46

Model Years Covered:

1999-2005

👋 Introduction

E46 Positioning:

The E46 generation solidified BMW's reputation for sporty handling, refined interiors, and engaging driving dynamics in the premium compact executive segment.

Competitors:

Competed directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Jaguar X-Type.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, offering a benchmark in its class for ride and handling.

Engine Performance:

Offered a range of smooth and powerful inline-six engines, alongside efficient four-cylinder options, known for their responsiveness and characteristic BMW 'growl'.

Build Quality:

Exhibited strong build quality and premium interior materials, contributing to its desirability and longevity.

For Owners And Technicians:

This manual is invaluable for E46 owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, or for independent workshops aiming to service these vehicles accurately and efficiently.

📋 Manual Details

All Systems:

Yes

Engine Variants Covered:

All petrol and diesel variants for the E46 generation

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (5-door wagon), M3

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive, likely over 1000 pages given the scope of E46 models and systems.

Type:

Digital Workshop Repair Manual

Purpose:

Repair, maintenance, diagnostics, rebuilding, refurbishment, restoration

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF or proprietary e-book format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, engine management (DME), fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, axles

Chassis Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel bearings, hubs

Brakes:

Brake system components (calipers, rotors, pads, lines), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, battery, charging system, starter, lighting, ignition, body control module (BCM), comfort electronics, instrument cluster, infotainment

Body Interior:

Body shell, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspection/replacement

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, component testing, electrical diagnostics

Component Repair Replacement:

Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder replacement, electrical component repair

Special Procedures:

Timing chain replacement (specific to certain engines), VANOS system repair, ABS/DSC module replacement and calibration, airbag system service

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.

Diagnostic Tools:

Likely references to BMW proprietary diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA) and procedures for using generic OBD-II scanners.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF, optimized for searchability and printing. May include interactive elements or linked diagrams.

Printability:

Designed to be printable page-by-page or by section, allowing for creation of a physical reference.

Binding For Printed:

N/A (Digital Format), but if printed, a robust binding like a spiral or perfect bound would be ideal for workshop use.

Paper For Printed:

N/A (Digital Format), but for workshop use, durable, matte finish paper would be preferred.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Common Petrol Engines:

M52TU (2.0L, 2.5L, 2.8L inline-6), M54 (2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L inline-6), N42/N46 (2.0L inline-4)

Common Diesel Engines:

M47 (2.0L 4-cylinder diesel), M57 (3.0L 6-cylinder diesel)

Displacement:

2979 cc

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

M3 S54B32 Hp:

333 hp @ 7900 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic engine management

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane RON/AKI recommended for most variants)

Dme:

Digital Engine Electronics (DME) system, with detailed diagnostic procedures covered.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Gearbox:

5-speed manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ for most inline-6 models)

Optional Gearbox:

5-speed Steptronic automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R), 6-speed manual (ZF GS6-37BZ for M3)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Automatic Transmission Features:

Steptronic manual shift mode, electronically controlled for smooth shifts.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 3)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2725 mm (107.3 in)

Curb Weight:

Varies by model, typically 1500-1700 kg (3300-3750 lbs)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

Approx. 440 liters (15.5 cu ft)

Gvw:

Gross Vehicle Weight varies by model, typically around 1900-2100 kg.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (for applicable models/years)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for applicable models/years)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models from mid-generation onwards.

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard. Ventilated front discs, solid rear discs.

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags, optional rear side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.

Rollover Protection:

Automatic pop-up roll bars for convertible models.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS, optional navigation systems (MKIV).

Audio System:

Standard 10-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon audio upgrade.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) rear parking sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control on most models.

Bluetooth Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface available on later models, integrated with the head unit.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights standard, optional Xenon HID headlights with automatic leveling and headlight washers.

HVAC:

Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control (ACC) with integrated cabin microfilter.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Service:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 15,000 miles or 12 months. Manual specifies checks and replacements based on driving conditions.

Spark Plugs:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on engine variant and spark plug type (e.g., iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, depending on coolant type and manufacturer recommendations.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Varies by engine, e.g., 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) for M54B30.

Engine Oil Viscosity:

Typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW LL-01 specifications.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.

Ccv System:

Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure, leading to oil leaks and rough idle, particularly on M54 engines.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump impeller can fail. Thermostat housing leaks.

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoids and seals can degrade, causing rough idle, loss of power, and poor fuel economy.

Subframe Mounts:

Rear subframe mounting points can crack or tear from the chassis due to stress, especially on harder-driven cars.

Oil Pan Gaskets:

Oil pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets are common sources of oil leaks due to aging seals.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing heritage of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles, particularly known for its inline-six engines and superior driving dynamics.

E46 Lineage:

The E46 succeeded the highly successful E36 3 Series and was itself succeeded by the E90/E91/E92/E93 generation. It represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and engineering over its predecessor.

M3 Introduction:

The E46 M3, introduced in 2000, is considered one of the all-time great M cars, featuring the legendary S54 naturally aspirated inline-six engine.

Production Period:

1998 (pre-series) - 2006 (for certain export markets, main production ended earlier)

Manufacturing Plants:

Primarily produced at BMW's main plant in Munich, Germany, and also at plants in Dingolfing, Germany, and Regensburg, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E46 3 Series was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list, recognized for its exceptional driving dynamics and overall value.

Ward 10 Best Engines:

BMW's M54 inline-six engines, particularly the 3.0L, were often lauded by publications like Ward's AutoWorld for their smoothness and performance.

Jd Power Initial Quality:

Generally received good ratings for initial quality and dependability within its class, though specific model years and powertrains may vary.

Euro Ncap Safety:

Achieved a 4-star Euro NCAP rating for adult occupant protection.