Target Audience:
BMW 3 Series E46 (2005) owners, DIY enthusiasts, independent automotive technicians, and restoration specialists.
Advantage:
Official factory manual, providing genuine and accurate information, superior to third-party or Haynes-style manuals. Offers significant cost savings on labor.
Features:
Hundreds of pages of detailed repair and maintenance procedures, step-by-step instructions, critical notes/cautions/warnings, comprehensive illustrations and diagrams, advanced troubleshooting guide, searchable PDF for easy information retrieval, printable format.
Primary Coverage:
All production models of the BMW 3 Series E46 for the 2005 model year.
Bodystyles Covered:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (Touring).
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact number not specified, but described as complete).
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine service/repair, transmission service/repair, fuel injection/fuel system, cooling system, emission system, engine control system, differential/drive, axle.
Chassis:
Brake system, suspension, steering, chassis/body.
Electrical And HVAC:
Wiring diagram, electrical system, heater/air conditioner.
Interior And Safety:
Restraint system, interior.
Maintenance:
General maintenance, periodic lubrication, fluid level checks, filter replacements.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Troubleshooting, advanced troubleshooting guide, diagnostic procedures for all systems.
Repair And Rebuild:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all components, engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level detail, covering everything from basic maintenance to complete overhaul and rebuilding. Designed to equip owners with the knowledge of factory-trained technicians.
Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format)
Compatibility:
Compatible with all PC-based Windows operating systems and Mac.
Printable:
Fully printable without restriction; individual pages, chapters, or the entire manual can be printed.
Type:
Digital Download (PDF), no physical binding.
Software Needed:
Adobe PDF Reader
Engine Family:
Various inline-6 (M54) and inline-4 (N42/N46) petrol engines, potentially including diesel engines (M47/M57) depending on regional market, common for the E46 generation's later years. Specific engines for 2005 US market typically include 325i (M54B25), 330i (M54B30), 325Ci (M54B25), 330Ci (M54B30), 330xi (M54B30), and potentially the 325xi (M54B25) and M3 (S54B32).
Typical Hp Range:
Ranges from approximately 184 hp for 2.5L engines to 225 hp for 3.0L engines, and up to 333 hp for the S54 engine in the M3. (Specific figures depend on exact engine variant).
Typical Torque Range:
Ranges from approximately 230 Nm for 2.5L engines to 280 Nm for 3.0L engines, and up to 320 Nm for the S54 engine. (Specific figures depend on exact engine variant).
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Bosch Motronic engine management.
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane recommended).
System:
Advanced engine control systems with diagnostics and various sensors.
Type:
Manual Transmission (e.g., Getrag 6-speed for most RWD models).
Type:
Optional Steptronic Automatic Transmission (e.g., ZF 5-speed for most RWD, 6-speed for M3).
Features:
Dual-mass flywheel (manual), electronic control of automatic transmission shifting, manual shifting modes (Steptronic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oils, e.g., Shell Getriebeöl (GTS) for manual transmissions. Refer to manual for exact part numbers and viscosities based on transmission model.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1). Refer to manual for exact part numbers and capacities.
Wheelbase:
Varies slightly by body style, approximately 2760 mm (108.7 in).
Length:
Varies by body style, e.g., Sedan ~4471 mm (176.0 in), Coupe ~4488 mm (176.7 in).
Width:
Varies by body style, e.g., Sedan ~1739 mm (68.5 in).
Curb Weight:
Varies significantly by model and options, typically ranging from ~1400 kg to ~1700 kg.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle specific identification plate, typically around 1900-2100 kg.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for models equipped with side airbags).
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags).
Standard:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Standard:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on market and trim), front and rear head protection system (HPS) airbags (optional/standard), three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, crumple zones.
System Options:
BMW Professional Radio/CD, optional Professional Navigation System (CCC era, with CD-ROM based maps), Harman Kardon audio system option.
Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors, Cruise Control, Rain-sensing wipers, Auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Features:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration (often requires separate cradle), CD changer preparation.
Oil Change:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically ranging from 10,000 to 15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first, depending on driving conditions and oil used. Refer to manual for specific recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
BMW recommends long-life coolant. Initial change typically around 4 years or 100,000 miles, subsequent changes every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine type. For M54 engines, typically around 60,000 to 100,000 miles. For N42/N46 engines, often around 60,000 miles. Refer to manual for specific engine variant recommendations.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) certified synthetic oils, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40 depending on temperature. Consult manual for specific viscosity and certification for your engine.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based). Must be mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Refer to manual for part numbers.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Brake Fluid.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller types), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks.
Engine Ancillaries:
Vanos (Variable Valve Timing) system seals degradation leading to rough idle and performance loss; CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure causing oil leaks and rough running.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings wear out leading to steering wander), rear subframe mounts can crack, strut mounts.
Electrical:
Heater control valve failures, ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures, LCM (Light Control Module) issues.
Interior:
Sagging headliner, seat bolster wear, pixelated instrument cluster displays (often referred to as 'dead pixels').
Brand Philosophy:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, engineering excellence, and driver engagement.
E46 Generation Context:
The E46 generation, produced from 1998 to 2006, represented a significant evolution in BMW's compact executive sedan class, balancing sportiness with refinement and technological advancements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at BMW's Dingolfing plant in Germany, with some assembly conducted in other global locations.
Production Years:
E46 generation: 1998-2006. Specifically 2005 models are mid-cycle refresh variants.
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run, including for the 2005 model year, recognizing its blend of performance, handling, and luxury.
Ward Best Engines:
The M54 inline-6 engine family received multiple Ward's 10 Best Engines awards.
