🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

325i

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Entry-luxury compact executive sedan and coupe

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL, Infiniti G35

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced handling, RWD platform, and responsive steering

Engine Performance:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines

Interior Quality:

Premium materials and driver-focused cockpit design

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Scope:

Complete factory service and repair

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6) diagnosis, repair, overhaul, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition

Transmission Manual:

Getrag 420G (5-speed) repair, clutch system, linkages, fluid specifications

Transmission Automatic:

GM 5L40-E (5-speed) repair, valve body, torque converter, electronic control, fluid specifications

Drivetrain:

Rear-wheel drive, driveshaft, differential, half-shafts, universal joints

Suspension:

Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link, springs, dampers, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications

Brakes:

Front and rear discs, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), hydraulic system, caliper overhaul, rotor replacement, fluid specifications

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, pump, fluid specifications

Electrical System:

12V system, battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuse locations, relays, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), horn

Body:

Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, seats, headliner, sound deadening

HVAC:

Climate control system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, heater core, ducting, diagnostic procedures

Safety Systems:

Airbags (SRS), seatbelt pre-tensioners, crash sensors, diagnostic and reset procedures

Infotainment:

Radio, CD player, amplifier, speaker system, navigation system (if equipped), antenna system

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, OBD-II code interpretation, component testing, diagnostic tool usage

Repair:

Engine component replacement, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuilding, suspension arm replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair

Rebuilds:

Engine internal component rebuilding, transmission rebuilding, differential overhaul

Assembly Disassembly:

Step-by-step guides for component removal and installation

Special Tools:

Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools required for various procedures

Depth Level:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High-resolution, suitable for printing all pages or selected sections

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

Searchable Text:

Yes, text is searchable within the PDF document

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (I6)

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 valves

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI), Bosch Motronic ECU

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) with Steptronic

Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch

Differential:

Limited Slip Differential (LSD) optional on some models

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2728 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Rear Track:

58.6 inches (1488 mm)

Curb Weight:

3417 lbs (1550 kg) approx (manual transmission)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4564 lbs (2070 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Trunk Volume:

11.1 cu ft (314 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Dsc:

Standard (Dynamic Stability Control) / Traction Control

Brake Assist:

Standard (Hydraulic Brake Booster)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), Optional front side-impact airbags, Optional head protection system (HPS)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pretensioners and force limiters

Child Safety:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Rear child safety door locks

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard AM/FM/CD player with 6-speaker system. Optional premium Hi-Fi system with amplifier and more speakers. Optional Harman Kardon system.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (MKIII or MKIV professional navigation system).

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Bluetooth:

Optional BMW Assist with Bluetooth integration (often requires cradle).

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Xenon Headlights:

Optional Xenon headlights with automatic leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for specific CBS reset procedures.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific M54 recommendations).

Coolant Flush:

Typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles. Use BMW-approved coolant.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic engine oil meeting BMW LL-01 specification.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed with distilled water at a 50/50 ratio.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic gear oil (e.g., BMW MTF LT-2 specification).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Dexron III/VI Synthetic ATF or BMW ETL-7045E specification.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or ATF Dexron III.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 specification.

Common Issues:

Cracked plastic intake manifold (M54 engines), cooling system failures (plastic coolant expansion tank, water pump, thermostat housing), VANOS solenoid issues, eccentric shaft sensor failure, oil pan gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging, ignition coil failures, sagging headliner, ABS/DSC module failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, founded in 1916, is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, focusing on performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.

E46 Generation Introduction:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (for the 1999 model year in Europe, 2000 in North America) and represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and driving dynamics over its E36 predecessor.

2003 Model Year Updates:

The 2003 model year for the E46 3 Series included a mid-cycle refresh (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) which brought updated styling (e.g., revised headlights, taillights, bumpers, hood), interior refinements, and powertrain enhancements.

Production Location:

Primarily manufactured in Munich, Germany, and Dingolfing, Germany.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible); 1999-2006 (Touring); 2000-2006 (M3)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ota Winner:

Car and Driver 10Best winner multiple times during its production run.

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and performance.

Reliability Perception:

Generally considered reliable when properly maintained, though certain components require proactive attention (see known issues).