Segment:
Performance Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops specializing in BMW.
Competitors 2001:
Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG, Audi S4 B5, Porsche 911 Carrera (996).
Performance Focus:
The E46 M3 is renowned for its naturally aspirated S54 engine and exceptional handling characteristics, making this manual essential for maintaining its peak performance.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the same in-depth, accurate information used by BMW certified technicians, enabling owners to confidently service and repair their vehicle, saving time and money.
Engine Mechanical:
Full disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly of the S54B32 engine, including valvetrain, piston assembly, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system, and timing system.
Engine Management:
Detailed explanation of the DME (Digital Motor Electronics), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control system, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission:
Service and repair of the SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) and 6-speed manual transmissions, including clutch replacement, gearbox overhaul, and hydraulic system maintenance.
Drivetrain:
Differential, driveshafts, axles, and wheel bearings inspection and replacement.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, springs, and alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, including calipers, rotors, pads, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), and brake fluid service.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and related components.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including lighting, accessories, battery, alternator, starter, fuses, relays, and body control modules.
Climate Control:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system service, refrigerant handling, and component diagnosis.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass, and chassis component inspection.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Detailed maintenance schedules for oil changes, fluid flushes, filter replacements, inspections, and component wear checks.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Systematic diagnostic steps for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair, often accompanied by torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Troubleshooting Guides:
In-depth troubleshooting charts for various systems, assisting technicians in pinpointing the root cause of malfunctions.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all circuits, aiding in diagnosis and repair of electrical faults.
Specification Tables:
Extensive tables of all necessary technical specifications, including clearances, tolerances, fluid capacities, and torque values.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive Professional Grade
Scope:
Covers everything from basic fluid level checks to complete engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, and advanced electrical system diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 Valves (4 per cylinder), Double VANOS
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-plug)
NHTSA Frontal Impact:
Not specifically rated for this generation in all configurations, but BMW safety engineering is high.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not specifically rated for this generation in all configurations, but BMW safety engineering is high.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM).
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T).
ABS:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Front airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced chassis and safety cage construction.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, based on BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, though older recommendations or specific driving conditions may vary. Consult manual for specifics.
Inspection 1 Interval:
Approximately 15,000-20,000 miles, includes comprehensive vehicle inspection.
Inspection 2 Interval:
Approximately 30,000-40,000 miles, more in-depth than Inspection 1, often includes spark plug replacement.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 10W-60 Synthetic (BMW M TwinPower Turbo, or equivalent).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 or 75W-140).
Rod Bearings:
A well-documented issue with the S54 engine is premature wear of the rod bearings, especially in earlier models or those subjected to hard driving. Regular oil analysis and timely replacement are crucial.
Vanos System:
The VANOS system can develop issues with its seals and solenoids, leading to rough idling or loss of power. Rebuild kits are available.
Subframe Cracks:
Common on E46 chassis, the rear subframe mounting points can crack the chassis. Reinforcement kits are a standard repair/preventative measure.
Cooling System:
Plastic components in the cooling system, such as the expansion tank and radiator hoses, can become brittle and fail.
Dme Software:
Early DME software versions could be prone to issues; recalls and software updates were issued.