Target Audience:
DIY enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and BMW owners seeking detailed technical information for maintenance and repair.
Comparison To Other Manuals:
Offers official, dealership-level technical data, often exceeding the scope of aftermarket Haynes or Chilton manuals. Focus on OEM specifications and procedures.
Digital Advantages:
Instant access, searchability, hyperlinking for quick navigation, interactive diagrams (potentially), and the ability to easily print specific sections.
Official Licensing:
Officially licensed by BMW, ensuring accuracy and adherence to OEM standards.
Covered Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Brakes, Steering, HVAC, Electrical, Bodywork, Emissions, Diagnostic Procedures
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Engine Mechanical:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of M54B25 engine, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing chain, and lubrication system.
Engine Electrical:
Ignition system, fuel injection system (DME), VANOS system, coil-on-plug ignition, starter, alternator, battery management, and sensor diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z), clutch, driveshaft, differential, and axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, bushings, subframes, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) integration, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, and component replacement.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, and steering column components.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system, heater core, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant specifications, and diagnosis.
Electrical Body:
Lighting systems, power windows, central locking, mirrors, wipers, horn, interior electronics, and body control module (BCM) troubleshooting.
Emissions:
Catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EVAP system, and emissions-related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, and belt inspections/replacements.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), live data analysis, and component testing.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement, from minor adjustments to major overhauls, including torque specifications and special tool requirements.
Installation Procedures:
Guidelines for installing common aftermarket parts and OEM components.
Depth Of Coverage:
Comprehensive, covering from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, electrical system diagnostics, and body panel repairs.
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) controlled by DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, minimum 91 octane (RON+MON)/2
Vanos:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag Type G)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent high-quality synthetic gear oil, e.g., Castrol Syntrans FE 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 (or equivalent Esso LT 71141 specification)
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, available navigation systems (MK III, MK IV)
Audio System:
Standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Cruise Control:
Standard on all models
Parking Sensors:
Optional (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 7,500-15,000 miles or annually.
Major Service Intervals:
Inspect/replace spark plugs ~100,000 miles. Inspect/replace coolant ~4 years or 50,000 miles. Inspect/replace brake fluid ~2 years.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based)
Coolant Capacity:
7.0 US quarts (6.6 Liters)
Common Problems:
VANOS solenoid failure, oil filter housing gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues, cooling system component failure (water pump, thermostat, hoses), ignition coil failure, subframe cracking (rear), window regulator failure, headlight condensation.
Oil Filter Oem:
11421742970
Air Filter Oem:
13721730944
Cabin Filter Oem:
64116905403
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, emphasis on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E46 Generation Introduction:
The E46 generation debuted in 1998 as a replacement for the E36. The 325Ci coupe (and convertible) replaced the 323Ci and 328Ci in 2001.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Regensburg, Dingolfing), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)
Production Years E46 Coupe:
1999-2006
