🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Model Variant:

323

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Prefix:

M52TU

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops specializing in BMW

Competitors 1999:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300 (XE10), Alfa Romeo 155/156

Vehicle Attributes:

Rear-wheel drive dynamics, balanced chassis, responsive engines, premium interior appointments, driver-focused cockpit

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate information to maintain and repair the E46 323i, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Countries:

Global (English Language)

Regions:

North America, Europe, Asia (where applicable to E46 323i)

Estimated Pages:

~2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M52TU B25), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Differential, Drive Axles

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS/DSC), Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Engine Control Unit (DME), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instruments, Power Accessories, Audio System, HVAC Controls

Body:

Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Locks, Sunroof

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate Control (HVAC), Power Seats, Central Locking, Keyless Entry

Maintenance:

Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Spark Plug Replacement

Repair:

Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Brake Component Replacement, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Common Symptoms and Causes, Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guides

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnostics, Sensor Testing, Actuator Testing, Electrical Circuit Tracing

Depth:

Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable (OCR processed for most digital manuals)

Printability:

Printable (allows users to print specific sections or the entire manual)

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear diagrams and text

N/A:

Digital Download (No physical binding)

N/A:

Digital Download (No physical paper type)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Name:

BMW M52TUB25

Engine Type:

Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement Liters:

2.5

Displacement Cc:

2494

Bore X Stroke Mm:

84.0 x 75.0

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower Hp:

170

Torque Lb Ft:

181

Redline Rpm:

6500

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

ECU Type:

MS42 Digital Motor Electronics (DME)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)

Transmission Control:

Electronic Control Unit (ECU) for automatic, mechanical linkage for manual

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT71141 (or equivalent Dexron III H)

📐 Dimensions

Length Sedan In:

177.4

Width Sedan In:

68.9

Height Sedan In:

56.1

Wheelbase In:

107.3

Front Track In:

58.6

Rear Track In:

59.5

Curb Weight Lbs Manual:

~3263

Curb Weight Lbs Automatic:

~3395

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

~4430

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver Md:

Not Rated (Manual may contain relevant data for specific testing)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger Md:

Not Rated (Manual may contain relevant data for specific testing)

IIHS Frontal Offset Md:

Good (Typical for E46 models of this era)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Traction Control:

Optional/Standard on some trims (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Stability Control:

Optional/Standard on some trims (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control, often combined with ASC+T)

Airbags Front:

Standard (Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags)

Airbags Side:

Optional (Side-impact airbags in B-pillars or seats)

Seatbelts:

3-point front and rear, pretensioners and force limiters on front seats

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Business or Professional CD player/radio, optional cassette player.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation System (MK I or MK II) with early CD-ROM based maps.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)

Bluetooth:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions available.

Usb Aux:

Not standard; aftermarket solutions available via radio interfaces or CD changers.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (refer to manual for exact CBS intervals).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 60,000 miles (for iridium or platinum plugs)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

6.5 (with filter)

Engine Oil Viscosity:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic recommended for optimal performance and protection.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump impeller can degrade.

Ccv System:

Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil leaks and poor engine performance.

Vanos:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) solenoids and seals can fail, causing rough idle and reduced power.

Oil Pan Gasket:

Oil pan gasket and rear main seal are common leak points due to age and material degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Renowned for producing driver-centric vehicles with sporting credentials and advanced engineering.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (as a 1999 model in North America), succeeding the E36 platform.

323I Positioning:

The 323i was positioned as the mid-tier six-cylinder model in the E46 lineup for 1999, bridging the gap between the 328i and the entry-level 323is (which shared the same engine but offered a sportier chassis and styling).

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (Global), 1999-2001 for the 323i in North America

Manufacturing Plants:

Various BMW plants globally, including Dingolfing, Germany and Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

E46 generation frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists, highlighting its driving dynamics.

Popular Mechanics Editors Choice:

Often cited by automotive journalists for its refined engineering and sporty handling.

Jd Power Reliability:

Early E46 models generally received average to above-average initial quality ratings, though some specific issues could arise with age.