🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

323i

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Primary:

M52TU B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe

Target Audience:

Performance-oriented luxury car buyers seeking a blend of driving dynamics, refinement, and build quality.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G20.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and communicative steering, providing a sporty driving experience.

Engine Smoothness:

The M52TU inline-6 engine is known for its smooth operation and linear power delivery.

Build Quality:

Typical BMW build quality with a focus on premium materials and solid construction.

Interior Ergonomics:

Driver-focused cockpit design with intuitive controls and comfortable seating.

📋 Manual Details

Comprehensive Coverage:

Full Service Repair

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500-2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive BMW E46 manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the M52TU B25 inline-6 engine, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, and timing systems.

Engine Management:

Diagnosis and repair of the BMW Engine Management System (EMS), including DME (Digital Motor Electronics), sensors (crankshaft position, camshaft position, O2, MAP, MAF, knock, coolant temp), actuators (injectors, ignition coils, VANOS), and emission control systems.

Fuel System:

Repair and diagnosis of fuel tank, fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, and evaporative emissions control (EVAP).

Cooling System:

Service and repair of radiator, coolant hoses, water pump, thermostat, expansion tank, and electric cooling fan assembly. Includes coolant type specifications and bleeding procedures.

Exhaust System:

Inspection and replacement of exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, exhaust pipes, mufflers, and oxygen sensors.

Transmission Manual:

Overhaul, repair, and diagnosis of the Getrag 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., GS5-39DZ). Includes clutch system inspection and replacement, shifter linkage adjustments.

Transmission Automatic:

Diagnosis and repair of the ZF 5HP19FL automatic transmission. Includes shift solenoid identification, hydraulic system checks, torque converter service, and transmission fluid specifications.

Drivetrain Rear Axle:

Service and repair of the differential, driveshaft, and axles. Includes backlash specifications, fluid type, and U-joint inspection.

Suspension Front:

Repair and replacement of control arms, ball joints, tie rods, sway bar links, springs, and shock absorbers (struts).

Suspension Rear:

Service and repair of trailing arms, shock absorbers, springs, and subframe mounting. Includes alignment specifications.

Steering System:

Diagnosis and repair of power steering system, including pump, reservoir, hoses, and steering rack. Includes hydraulic fluid type and bleeding procedures.

Brake System:

Detailed procedures for brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper servicing, brake line inspection and replacement, master cylinder, ABS unit diagnosis and repair, and brake fluid specifications.

Electrical System Charging:

Testing and repair of alternator, voltage regulator, battery, and wiring related to charging.

Electrical System Starting:

Diagnosis and repair of starter motor, ignition switch, and related circuitry.

Body Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, central locking, and wiper/washer systems.

Climate Control:

Diagnosis and repair of HVAC system, including blower motor, heater core, evaporator core, refrigerant system (R134a), climate control unit, and diagnostic procedures.

Body And Chassis:

Frame and body repair, door mechanisms, hood and trunk latches, exterior trim, and interior components.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS) diagnosis and repair, seat belt mechanisms, and ABS system components.

Preventative Maintenance:

Detailed guide for scheduled maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug changes, fluid checks, and belt inspections.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic charts and procedures for common and uncommon problems, fault codes, and symptoms.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, installing, and replacing virtually all major and minor components of the vehicle.

Rebuilding Overhaul:

Comprehensive instructions for rebuilding key components like the engine, transmission, and differential.

Diagnostics:

Detailed guidance on using diagnostic tools (e.g., BMW GT1, DIS) and interpreting diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Wiring Diagrams:

Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, aiding in electrical troubleshooting.

Specifications Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical values, and alignment data for all serviceable parts.

Special Tools:

Identification and application of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures.

Depth:

Extremely High: Covers everything from basic fluid changes and checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electronic diagnostics, and bodywork.

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick navigation of specific topics.

Printability:

Printable, allowing users to print specific sections or the entire manual for workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams, crucial for clear visual guidance.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 24 valves

Engine Code:

M52TU B25

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

170 hp @ 5500 rpm (SAE net)

Torque:

245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (SAE net)

Fuel Injection:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Vanos:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing System) on both intake and exhaust camshafts for improved performance and efficiency.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19FL)

Automatic Modes:

Available with Steptronic functionality (manual gear selection) on automatic models.

Fluid Type:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.

Fluid Type:

ZF LifeguardFluid 5 (or BMW ATF LT71141 equivalent).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2730 mm (107.5 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1450 kg (3197 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1490 kg (3285 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1950 kg (4300 lbs)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Wheel Size Standard:

16 x 7.0 inches

Tire Size Standard:

205/55R16

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact:

3/4 Stars (Driver/Passenger, front/rear)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Optional/Standard depending on market and trim (ASC+T: Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger. Optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with CD player. Cassette player also common.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Navigation system (MK II or MK III), typically with trunk-mounted CD-ROM drive.

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system. Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional factory-installed Bluetooth preparation kit with cradle or hands-free system available on later E46 models, though less common on early 2000 models.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-15 months, depending on driving conditions (often indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service system).

Spark Plugs:

Original equipment spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQP) typically recommended for replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on plug type and driving).

Coolant Flush:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) recommended to be replaced every 2-4 years or approximately 30,000-50,000 miles.

Transmission Fluid Change Manual:

Often considered 'lifetime' by BMW, but replacement is highly recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles for longevity, using appropriate MTF.

Transmission Fluid Change Automatic:

Recommended to change every 50,000-70,000 miles, especially given the historical issues with earlier ZF transmissions.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), a silicate-containing ethylene glycol based coolant. Dilute 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (or DOT 4 LV for improved low-temperature performance).

Vanos Seals:

Degradation of VANOS piston ring seals, leading to rough idle, low-end torque loss, and rattling noises on startup.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack. Water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, and radiator failure are also common.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Oil leaks from the oil pan gasket and rear main crankshaft seal are common due to age and material degradation.

Suspension Components:

Wear of control arm bushings, ball joints, and rear shock mounts leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Window Regulators:

Failure of the plastic clips in the power window regulator mechanisms is a frequent issue.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors, leading to ABS and traction control warning lights and system disablement.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW, known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing high-performance and luxury vehicles, particularly renowned for their driving dynamics and engineering.

E46 Generation:

The 323i is part of the E46 generation of the BMW 3 Series, which succeeded the E36 generation and was produced from 1998 to 2006. The E46 is celebrated for its advanced chassis and refinement.

Production Years:

The 323i variant (using the M52TU B25 engine) was primarily produced for model years 1999-2000, being succeeded by the 325i for 2001 onwards.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 generation as a whole was frequently recognized by Car and Driver and other automotive publications for its exceptional driving dynamics and overall quality.

User Satisfaction:

Generally high user satisfaction ratings for performance, reliability (when maintained), and driving pleasure, though maintenance costs can be higher than some competitors.