Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Coupe/Convertible
Brand Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, focus on performance, handling, and luxury
Competitors:
Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/Convertible, Lexus IS Coupe/Convertible (if applicable), Infiniti G35 Coupe
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience
Convertible Features:
Power-operated soft top, integrated rollover protection, wind deflector
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engines
Primary Coverage:
Service and Repair
Diagnostic Coverage:
Extensive diagnostic procedures and fault code interpretation
Estimated Page Count:
Varies by software version, typically comprehensive covering thousands of pages in a digital format
Type:
Digital Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Software/Digital (likely PDF or proprietary application)
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B30, N52B25), Transmission (manual & automatic), Differential, Drivetrain
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheel Bearing, Hubs
Electrical:
Engine Management, Body Control Module (BCM), Comfort Access, Lighting (exterior & interior), Infotainment, Instrument Cluster, SRS Airbag System, DME, EWS (Immobilizer)
Body:
Exterior panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Interior trim, Convertible top mechanism (for Ci models)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plugs, Coolant flush, Brake fluid replacement
Repair:
Component removal and installation, Engine rebuilds, Transmission overhauls, Suspension repairs, Electrical component replacement, Body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, Symptom-based diagnosis, Fault code lookup and interpretation, Wiring diagrams, Component testing procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific BMW special tools required for repairs
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and diagnostic procedures.
Digital Format Details:
Likely a searchable PDF or proprietary executable with interactive diagrams and links. High resolution for clarity.
Print Quality Suitability:
Designed for digital viewing but printable for physical use. High-quality graphics and text.
Binding Type Digital:
Not applicable (digital format)
Paper Type Digital:
Not applicable (digital format)
Configuration:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 78.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS, Valvetronic
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 RON or higher recommended)
Emission Control:
Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection System, Oxygen Sensors
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM SA596R)
Clutch:
Single Dry Plate Clutch (Manual)
Automatic Features:
Tiptronic manual shift mode, Adaptive control
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-3 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 (or equivalent)
Length:
174.0 inches (4420 mm)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
53.5 inches (1360 mm)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2729 mm)
Front Track:
58.7 inches (1491 mm)
Rear Track:
59.7 inches (1516 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3570 - 3725 lbs (1620 - 1690 kg), depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 4550 lbs (2065 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 11.2 cu ft (317 Liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for Coupe models, Convertible ratings may vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for Coupe models, Convertible ratings may vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side airbags (integrated into seats), Optional Head Protection System (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front force limiters and pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Integrated rollover hoops behind headrests for convertible model
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS with optional CD Changer and Navigation System (MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface and phone cradle.
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, dictated by BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, monitored by the onboard computer.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or at major service intervals (e.g., 60,000 miles).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 miles for original equipment (NGK BKR6EQUP or similar).
Coolant Flush:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48), initial fill for life, subsequent changes recommended every 4 years or 100,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 synthetic oil. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.
Brake Fluid:
BMW DOT 4 High Performance (or equivalent).
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or CHF 202 (Green fluid)
Cooling System:
Water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks, radiator hose degradation, expansion tank cracks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, eccentric shaft sensor seal, oil filter housing gasket ('the O-ring').
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (Meyle HD upgrades recommended), sway bar links, rear subframe mounting points.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues leading to oil consumption and leaks, ignition coil failures.
Convertible Top:
Hydraulic pump failure, sensor issues, hydraulic line leaks, fabric wear.
Marque Focus:
Engineering excellence, performance luxury, sporting heritage dating back to early 20th century
E46 Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 (as 1999 model year) for the sedan and touring, coupe and convertible followed shortly after. The 325Ci represents a significant iteration of BMW's successful compact executive platform.
E46 Facelift:
The 2005 model year falls within the E46's facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) introduced in 2001, which included updated styling, interior enhancements, and revised powertrains.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also contract manufacturing in other BMW facilities globally.