Segment:
Entry-level luxury compact executive sedan/wagon.
Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS 250/300 AWD, Infiniti G35x.
Strengths:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, sporty handling, premium interior, advanced all-wheel-drive system (xDrive).
Weaknesses:
Potentially higher maintenance costs compared to some competitors, iDrive system complexity in early iterations.
Driving Dynamics:
Balanced chassis, rear-biased xDrive all-wheel-drive system, sport-tuned suspension.
Powertrain:
Inline-six engine known for smoothness and responsiveness, available with manual or automatic transmission.
Interior:
Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, ergonomic design.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, repair of M56B30 engine, including VANOS, cooling system, fuel injection, ignition, lubrication, exhaust.
Transmission:
Service and repair for automatic (GM 5L40-E) and manual transmissions, including clutch, gearbox, torque converter, differential, driveline components.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, power steering, wheel bearings, alignment specifications, chassis components.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, repair, ABS, DSC, parking brake, brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, sensors, actuators, starter, alternator, battery, body control module (BCM).
Comfort And Climate:
HVAC system operation, diagnosis, repair, climate control module, A/C system, heater core, blower motor.
Bodywork And Interior:
Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, airbags, body repair specifications.
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
System-specific fault codes, diagnostic procedures, common issues and their resolutions, diagnostic tool usage (e.g., ISTA/D).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic trees, pinpointing electrical and mechanical faults, common symptom-based troubleshooting.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for various repair and maintenance procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and complete mechanical overhauls, suitable for professional technicians and experienced DIYers.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended)
ECU:
MS45 DME (Digital Motor Electronics)
Emissions Control:
Dual O2 sensors, catalytic converter, EVAP system.
Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shifting mode), electronically controlled.
Transmission Fluid Manual
Fluid Type Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Transmission Fluid Automatic
Fluid Type Automatic:
Dexron VI or equivalent (often requires specialized BMW fluid for optimal performance).
Fluid Type Front Diff:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90)
Fluid Type Rear Diff:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90)
Length:
178.1 inches (4524 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1739 mm)
Height:
56.0 inches (1422 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Front Track:
58.7 inches (1491 mm)
Rear Track:
59.2 inches (1503 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3560 lbs (1615 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4586 lbs (2080 kg)
Towing Capacity:
Not Recommended for towing (typical for this segment)
Payload Capacity:
Approx. 1026 lbs (465 kg)
Trunk Volume:
12.0 cu ft (sedan)
Cargo Volume Wagon:
16.7 cu ft (wagon), expandable to 52.7 cu ft with rear seats folded
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front and Rear Occupants)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
All Wheel Drive:
Standard xDrive All-Wheel Drive
Airbags:
Front and side airbags, optional head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Head Unit:
Standard BMW Professional Radio or optional Navigation System with iDrive (may vary by trim and options).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system or optional premium sound systems (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Auxiliary Input:
Optional or aftermarket auxiliary input for audio devices.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) or annually, as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
First service at 100,000 miles (160,000 km), then every 2 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, viscosity 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW approved equivalent.
Common Problems:
Cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, expansion tank), VANOS solenoid issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), ABS/DSC sensor failures, ignition coil failures, vacuum leaks.
E46 Specific Issues:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system can become clogged leading to oil leaks.
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for producing luxury vehicles with a focus on driving performance and engineering excellence.
Generation:
E90 generation (2006-2011 for North America), with the 2005 model year being the final year of the E46 generation 3 Series.
E46 Era:
The E46 3 Series (1998-2006) was highly acclaimed for its driving dynamics. The 325xi variant introduced BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the compact executive segment.
E90 Transition:
The 2006 model year saw the introduction of the E90 chassis, featuring a significant redesign and new powertrain options. The manual for this 2005 model covers the E46 platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing, Munich)
Production Years E46 325Xi:
2001-2005