Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Acura TL
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and balance, especially with xDrive all-wheel drive system.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth and powerful M54 inline-six engine.
Build Quality:
High standard of German engineering and materials.
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B25), cooling system, exhaust system, fuel system, transmission (5-speed manual/automatic), driveline (xDrive AWD system)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, lighting, instrumentation, comfort systems, infotainment, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), body control modules (BCM)
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, bumpers, doors, windows, sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/rebuild, brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, driveline servicing
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), component testing procedures, wiring diagrams for diagnostics
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced diagnostics, and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84 mm x 75 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded 91 Octane
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic
Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (Permanent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
Transfer Case Fluid:
BMW xDrive Transfer Case Fluid (e.g., Shell TF 0870)
NHTSA Driver Front Impact:
4/5 Stars
NHTSA Passenger Front Impact:
4/5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Traction Control:
Available ASC (Automatic Stability Control) / DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ventilated front discs, solid rear discs
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Unit Options:
Standard AM/FM radio with CD player, optional navigation system (MKIII or MKIV).
Audio System:
Available Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on xi models, optional on RWD models.
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control.
Optional Features:
On-board computer, integrated cellular phone preparation (early Bluetooth).
Oil Change Interval Miles:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Engine Air Filter Replacement Miles:
30,000 - 50,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement Miles:
15,000 - 25,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement Miles:
60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Coolant Flush Miles:
30,000 - 50,000 miles or every 2-3 years
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Common Wear Items:
Vibration damper pulley (harmonic balancer), coolant expansion tank, ABS/ASC sensor failures, rear subframe bushings, VANOS system (variable valve timing), oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption.
E46 Specific Concerns:
Cracking around rear shock mounts, window regulator failures, headlight moisture ingress.
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, luxury, and engineering.
E46 Generation Introduction:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series debuted in 1998 (for the 1999 model year in Europe, 2000 in North America).
325Xi Introduction:
The 325xi variant, featuring BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, was introduced for the 2001 model year in North America, making the 2000 model year primarily rear-wheel drive (325i).
Production Years E46:
1998-2006 (Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), 1999-2006 (Touring)
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; also Rosslyn, South Africa and contract manufacturing.
