Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners and independent repair shops seeking in-depth technical information.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300.
Vehicle Appeal:
Sporty handling, premium interior, strong inline-six engine performance, robust build quality.
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their vehicle with manufacturer-level detail, saving significant costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, ECU (DME) management.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission service, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, clutch system, torque converter.
Drivetrain:
Driveshaft, CV joints, differential, rear axle, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, steering linkage, power steering system.
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pads, rotors, calipers, fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, fuses, relays, ECUs, sensors, diagnostic port (OBD-II).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, interior trim, convertible top mechanisms (if applicable), chassis repair.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system diagnosis, repair, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspections.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, symptom-based repair guidance, error code interpretation.
Repair And Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and overhaul (engine, transmission, brakes, etc.).
Specifications And Torques:
Precise torque values for all fasteners, tolerances, and clearances.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Component testing, wiring continuity checks, sensor signal analysis.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds).
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower Hp:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Lb Ft:
236 lb-ft @ 3250 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 specification)
Oil Type Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.9 quarts (with filter)
Timing Mechanism:
Dual VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) with timing chain
Transmission Type:
5-speed Getrag Manual Transmission (GS5-39DZ)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 rated fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (or GM spec equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5-star
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5-star
IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:
Good
Dsc:
Standard (Dynamic Stability Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts
Oil Change Interval:
Variable (Condition Based Service - CBS system), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace every 100,000 miles (if using original Long Life spark plugs, e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Coolant Capacity Liters:
Approx. 8.0 Liters
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or a recognized equivalent)
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Standard automotive windshield washer fluid, diluted with water in summer, undiluted in winter (with antifreeze).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure; thermostat issues.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings (limp mode activation), front sway bar links, rear shock mounts.
Electrical:
CCFL Angel Eye headlight rings failing (on models equipped with them), alternator issues, VANOS solenoid failure (can cause rough idle and power loss).
Interior:
PIXIE dust on LCD screens, sagging headliner, worn seat bolster leather.
Engine Management:
Oil separator (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased crankcase pressure and oil leaks or rough running.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, performance, luxury, engineering excellence.
E46 Generation Launch:
1998 (for model year 1999 in Europe, 1999 in North America)
323I Positioning:
Positioned as a mid-tier model within the E46 lineup, offering a balance of performance and refinement.
Production Years For 323I E46:
1998-2001 (primarily, replaced by 325i in 2001 for the US market, but may have continued in some markets)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich)