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.
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
Format:
Digital (likely PDF or proprietary e-book format)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
Service Intervals General
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.
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.
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.
