Segment:
Compact executive sedan/coupe/convertible.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth and powerful M54 inline-six engine.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW high-quality interior and exterior fit and finish.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
Approx. 1500+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling system, lubrication
Transmission:
Manual (Getrag 250G), Automatic (Steptronic GM A5S360R/A5S325Z)
Drivetrain:
Driveshafts, differential, axles, rear-wheel drive system
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, springs, dampers
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC, brake fluid service
Steering:
Hydraulic power steering system, steering column, steering rack
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, HVAC, interior trim, chassis components
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement
Scheduled Maintenance:
Brake service, cooling system flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service
Repair Procedures:
Engine component replacement (e.g., VANOS, water pump, alternator), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flows for common and uncommon issues, electrical system fault finding
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling all major vehicle components
Scope:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Level:
Advanced: Includes detailed diagnostic strategies, wiring diagrams, and component testing procedures.
Diagrams:
Includes detailed exploded views, wiring schematics, and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (M54B25)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
184 hp (137 kW) @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter
Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 250G)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z) with Steptronic
Manual Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios for 1st-5th gear and reverse are detailed in the manual.
Automatic Features:
Sport mode, Steptronic manual shifting capability.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent, typically SAE 75W-80 GL-4.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-2 or Dexron III (GM spec), capacity ~8.5 liters.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2760 mm (108.7 inches)
Length:
Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 inches) for Sedan
Width:
Approx. 1739 mm (68.5 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 inches) for Sedan
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1490 kg (3285 lbs) for Sedan (manual)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Detailed in manual, typically around 1900-2000 kg.
Towing Capacity:
Not typically specified or recommended for North American models.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for applicable model year testing)
IIHS Side Impact:
'Good' (for applicable model year testing)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver/passenger), optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners, LATCH child seat anchors.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced passenger cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD/RDS, or optional Navigation system (MK III/MK IV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi or Harman Kardon premium sound.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system or older cellular phone cradles.
Instrument Cluster:
Halogen or Xenon headlights, on-board computer (OBC) for trip data and system checks.
Oil Change:
Variable based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, or when indicated by the vehicle.
Spark Plugs:
Typically 60,000-100,000 miles for long-life spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles, using BMW's blue or pink coolant (G48).
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years or 24,000 miles, using DOT 4 fluid.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF Dexron III or CHF 11S (check specific model year/type for accuracy), refer to manual.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation system (CCV) can clog, leading to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Vanos:
Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoids and seals can fail, causing rough idle, power loss, and hesitation.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks and water pumps are prone to cracking/failure. Thermostat failures are also common.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket commonly leak.
Suspension Components:
Front control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear trailing arm bushings can wear out, causing steering looseness and poor handling.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented luxury vehicles.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 and introduced significant refinements in chassis dynamics, interior design, and technology.
325I Positioning:
The 325i was positioned as a potent, yet refined, mid-range model in the 3 Series lineup, offering a balance of performance and comfort.
Production Years:
E46 production ran from 1998 to 2006, with the 325i model variant spanning the specified years.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany, and other BMW global facilities.
