🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325xi

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code:

M54B25

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Reputation:

Known for sporty handling, refined interiors, and advanced engineering for its era.

Competitors:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300

Drivetrain:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (Standard on 325xi)

Handling:

Balanced chassis, sophisticated multi-link rear suspension.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Type:

Full Service Repair

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain (AWD)

Chassis:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires

Electrical:

Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Starting, Charging, ECUs

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, hoses, expansion tank, cooling fan.

Steering System:

Power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods, steering column.

Braking System:

Brake calipers, rotors, pads, master cylinder, brake lines, ABS unit.

Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Top-offs, Tune-ups

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic Procedures, Fault Code Interpretation, Symptom-Based Troubleshooting

Repair:

Engine Rebuilding, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Repair

Restoration:

Component Refurbishment, Bodywork Repair, Interior Restoration Guidance

Drivetrain Repair:

Driveshaft, CV joints, differential service, xDrive system troubleshooting.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, ABS/DSC module troubleshooting, DME (Engine Control Unit) diagnostics.

Body Panel Replacement:

Removal and installation procedures for fenders, hoods, doors, bumpers.

Interior Trim Removal:

Instructions for accessing components behind dashboards, door panels, and consoles.

Air Conditioning Service:

Refrigerant system charging, component replacement (compressor, condenser, evaporator).

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and electrical system diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Searchable Text

Printability:

Printable

Resolution:

High-Resolution Scans

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Engine Name:

M54B25

Displacement:

2.5 Liters (2494 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

232 Nm (171 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)

ECU:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (S5D 250G)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic)

Drivetrain Type:

All-Wheel Drive (xDrive)

Transfer Case:

Center Differential with Power Distribution

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2.1)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 8327 2295 204)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Front Track:

1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1478 mm (58.2 in)

Curb Weight:

1520 kg (3351 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

1990 kg (4387 lbs)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

205/55R16

Optional Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches

Optional Tire Size:

225/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

Fuel Tank Capacity:

62 Liters (16.4 US gallons)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable

Airbags:

Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, Optional Side Impact Airbags

Seatbelts:

3-Point Pretensioner Seatbelts with Force Limiters

Body Structure:

Reinforced Safety Cell, Crumple Zones

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Traction Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) - Traction Control System

Stability Control:

Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Business CD Player or optional Professional CD/Navigation System

Display:

Dot-matrix display for OBC (On-Board Computer) and radio information.

Cruise Control:

Standard Electronic Cruise Control

Parking Assistance:

Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)

System Type:

Manual or Optional Automatic Climate Control (AUC - Automatic Recirculation Control)

Headlights:

Halogen Projector Headlights, Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable via Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles (check specific model variant).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 US quarts)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48 type) mixed 50/50 with distilled water

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Brake Fluid

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failures common.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are prone to leaks.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings and rear subframe bushings can wear out, leading to clunking noises and poor handling.

Ccv System:

Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and potential seal failures.

Vacuum Lines:

Degradation of vacuum lines can cause various drivability issues.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms are known to break.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

'The Ultimate Driving Machine' - emphasis on performance, handling, and engineering.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) was a significant evolution of the 3 Series platform, known for its improved dynamics and technology.

325Xi Introduction:

The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which debuted in the E46 generation for enhanced traction and stability.

Production Period:

E46 3 Series produced from 1998 to 2006. The 325xi model was introduced in the 2001 model year in North America, but this manual covers the 2000 model year, likely reflecting the earlier European introduction or an earlier build date.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car Of The Year Nominations:

The E46 generation received numerous accolades globally for its design and driving dynamics.

Ward S 10 Best Engines:

The M54 engine series was frequently recognized for its smoothness and performance.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Mixed reliability ratings for early E46 models, with improvements in later years. Maintenance is key.