Segment:
Premium Compact Sports Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops.
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi A4 Coupe, Lexus IS Coupe.
Vehicle Attributes:
Rear-wheel drive, balanced chassis, driver-focused interior, premium build quality.
Manual Value:
Essential for owners and technicians to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed disassembly, assembly, overhaul procedures for all engine variants (e.g., M52TU, M54).
Engine Management:
Fuel injection systems (DME), ignition systems, emissions control, sensor diagnostics, DME programming.
Transmission Manual:
Repair and overhaul of manual transmissions (e.g., Getrag S5D 250G).
Transmission Automatic:
Repair and overhaul of automatic transmissions (e.g., GM 5L40-E).
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, differential, axle shafts, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment specifications, shock absorber and spring replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (discs, calipers, pads), ABS, DSC, parking brake.
Electrical System:
12V system, battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, frame specifications, door mechanisms, convertible top systems.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Interior:
Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules, oil change intervals, filter replacements, fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair.
Rebuilding Procedures:
Comprehensive instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
Diagnostics:
Use of BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA) for fault finding and system checks.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, common electrical faults and their solutions.
Depth:
Complete, from basic fluid changes to full engine and transmission overhauls.
Engine Codes:
M52TU (2.5L, 2.8L), M54 (2.5L, 3.0L)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2494cc (2.5L), 2793cc (2.8L), 2979cc (3.0L)
Bore X Stroke:
2.5L: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm; 2.8L: 84.0 mm x 90.0 mm; 3.0L: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1 (M52TU), 10.2:1 (M54B25/B30), 11.0:1 (M54B25TU)
Horsepower:
2.5L (M52TU): ~170 hp; 2.8L (M52TU): ~193 hp; 2.5L (M54): ~184 hp; 3.0L (M54): ~228 hp
Torque:
2.5L (M52TU): ~181 lb-ft; 2.8L (M52TU): ~206 lb-ft; 2.5L (M54): ~175 lb-ft; 3.0L (M54): ~220 lb-ft
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Sequential Fuel Injection (SFI)
Throttle Body:
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) on later M54 models.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Manual Gear Ratios:
Refer to manual for specific ratios based on engine/transmission variant (e.g., 3.23:1 final drive for 328Ci).
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III/Mercon or Pentosin ATF1
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star (based on E46 generation trends).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Design:
Integrated safety cell, crumple zones, reinforced A-pillars.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system or approximately 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-15,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for iridium plugs (check specific engine/plug type).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or ~30,000-50,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 approved for M54).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant or G48 equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent).
Common Issues Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure, VANOS solenoid issues, oil filter housing gasket leaks, ignition coil failures (pre-coil-on-plug).
Common Issues Suspension:
Control arm bushings (bushings wear out, causing steering wander), rear shock mounts.
Common Issues Electrical:
Window regulator failures, VANOS solenoid issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures.
Common Issues Cooling:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure.
Brand Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, sporty luxury.
Predecessor:
BMW E36 Coupe.
Generation:
E46 generation (1998-2006).
Production Years For Coupe:
1999-2006 (Model year 2000 is early E46 coupe).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (e.g., Regensburg, Dingolfing).
