Market Position:
The E46 M3 represented the pinnacle of naturally aspirated inline-six performance in its era, a homologation special for BMW's GT racing efforts, making it highly sought after by enthusiasts and requiring specialized service knowledge.
Competitors:
Porsche 911 (996), Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5), Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Key Features Of Vehicle:
High-revving S54 engine, advanced chassis dynamics, available SMG transmission, motorsport-derived components, iconic design.
Purpose:
To provide professional mechanics and knowledgeable DIY enthusiasts with the detailed information necessary to maintain, diagnose, and repair the BMW M3 (E46) to factory specifications.
Applicable Model Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, often with printable pages and searchable text)
Engine:
S54 (3.2L) engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME)
Transmission:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) and Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G), clutch, driveline, differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, caliper and rotor replacement, bleeding procedures
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, wheel alignment
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), limited-slip differential (LSD)
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting, body control modules (BCM), comfort systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs)
Bodywork:
Exterior body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, HVAC system, seats, glass replacement
Diagnostics:
Diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides, use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., GT1, DIS)
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, differential fluid change
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rods, bearings, valves), transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component overhaul, brake caliper replacement, electrical component repair
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts for common and complex issues, fault code interpretation
Installation:
Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic information and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87 mm x 91 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (variable valve timing on intake and exhaust)
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECM Type:
Bosch Motronic ME7.2 or similar
Standard Transmission:
6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional Transmission:
6-speed SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox II)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch
Smg Features:
Paddle shifters, adjustable shift programs, driver-selectable modes.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ 75W-140)
Smg Fluid:
BMW Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gearing Oil (SAF-XJ 75W-140) for LSD equipped models
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
Not explicitly rated under newer NHTSA protocols, but designed to high safety standards of the era.
IIHS Crash Test:
Good (for models tested)
Active Safety:
ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), M-tuned traction control, limited-slip differential.
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side curtain airbags (optional/later models), front and rear crumple zones, reinforced passenger cell, seatbelt pretensioners.
Infotainment System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional Navigation System (MK III or MK IV).
Speaker System:
Standard 10-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound.
Driver Assistance Systems:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ABS, Traction Control, Cruise Control.
Connectivity Features:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (BMW Assist), optional CD changer.
Headlights:
Standard Halogen Projector or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first (BMW Condition Based Service, CBS, may vary). High-performance driving may necessitate more frequent changes.
Coolant Change Interval:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brakes Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years.
Spark Plug Interval:
Approx. 60,000 miles (NGK PFR6Q or equivalent recommended).
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications (check specific requirements).
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for systems with DSC).
Common Issues:
Rod bearing wear (especially on early models or hard-driven cars), VANOS solenoid failure, throttle body actuator issues, subframe mounting points fatigue, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket).
Subframe Mounts:
Regular inspection of rear subframe mounting points for cracking or separation is crucial due to historical issues.
Bmw Motorsport Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) is renowned for its high-performance road cars and racing heritage, translating track-derived technology to production vehicles.
E46 M3 Development:
The E46 M3 was developed to succeed the highly acclaimed E36 M3 and incorporate lessons learned from BMW's GT racing programs. It featured a bespoke, high-revving engine and significant chassis enhancements.
Production Locations:
Regensburg Plant, Germany
Total Production Numbers:
Approximately 80,000 units globally (Coupe and Convertible combined).
Car And Driver 10Best:
Car and Driver 10Best list (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005)
Motortrend Performance Car:
MotorTrend's Performance Car of the Year (2001 - for the E46 chassis as a whole, M3 being the highlight)
Engine Technology:
S54 engine was praised for its high-revving nature and motorsport-derived pedigree, contributing to its numerous accolades.
