🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Variants Covered:

320d, 330d

Engine Code 320D E46:

M47D20 (various iterations)

Engine Code 330D E46:

M57D30 (various iterations)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Touring (E-segment)

Brand Perception:

Known for driving dynamics, build quality, and premium feel.

Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202/W203), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Alfa Romeo 156, Volvo S40/V40

Platform:

E46 platform (introduced 1997)

Engine Focus:

Emphasis on efficient yet powerful direct injection turbodiesel engines (2.0L and 3.0L).

Target Audience:

Drivers seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and fuel economy.

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

Spanish

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, searchable)

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust, emission control

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual and Automatic Transmission (diagnosis, repair, overhaul), Drivetrain (driveshafts, differentials)

Chassis Suspension:

Front and Rear Suspension, Steering System, Wheels and Tires

Brakes:

Brake System (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), Parking Brake

Electrical Electronics:

Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition System, Lighting, Instruments, Wipers, Horn, Body Electronics (Central Locking, Power Windows), Infotainment (basic functions), Battery, Alternator, Starter

Body Chassis:

Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning)

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement (if applicable, though less common for diesel), brake pad/rotor replacement

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures, common fault finding, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation (may require external scanner reference for specific codes)

Mechanical Repairs:

Engine component repair (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system bleeding and component replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagrams, component testing, circuit troubleshooting

Bodywork Interior:

Panel removal and installation, trim component replacement, seat adjustment/replacement

Depth:

Comprehensive repair and overhaul procedures for major components, detailed diagnostic strategies

Specification Detail:

Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, fluid types and capacities, electrical resistance values

Diagrams Illustrations:

Exploded views, schematics, repair diagrams, and troubleshooting flowcharts

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Likely PDF

Searchability:

Expected to be searchable if digitally produced

Image Resolution:

Variable, dependent on source digitization quality, but aims for clarity

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M47D20

Displacement:

1951 cc

Configuration:

Inline 4-cylinder, DOHC, 16 valves, Turbocharged Common Rail Direct Injection

Power Output Ps:

Approximately 136-150 PS (depending on specific iteration and market)

Torque Nm:

Approximately 280-310 Nm (depending on specific iteration and market)

Engine Code:

M57D30

Displacement:

2926 cc

Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves, Turbocharged Common Rail Direct Injection

Power Output Ps:

Approximately 184-204 PS (depending on specific iteration and market)

Torque Nm:

Approximately 380-410 Nm (depending on specific iteration and market)

Injection Type:

Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDI)

Turbocharger:

Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) on most models

0-100 Kmh 320D:

Approx. 9.0-10.0 seconds

0-100 Kmh 330D:

Approx. 7.0-8.0 seconds

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 250 series on 320d, ZF 5HP19 on early 330d, later 6-speed manual) / 5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19 on most models)

Type:

5-speed Automatic (Steptronic/Tiptronic function)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual)

Transmission Fluid 320D Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Transmission Fluid 330D Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4471 mm

Width:

Approx. 1739 mm

Height:

Approx. 1415 mm

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2725 mm

Curb Weight 320D:

Approx. 1400-1500 kg

Curb Weight 330D:

Approx. 1500-1600 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

Euroncap Front Impact:

4 Stars (for E46 generation, model specific testing may vary)

Stability Control:

Standard on most 330d, optional on 320d (ASC+T or DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Driver, front passenger airbags; optional side airbags

Seatbelts:

Pre-tensioned seatbelts with force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD/Professional CD or optional navigation system (Business or Professional).

Speaker System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi system.

Cruise Control:

Optional

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary input for external audio devices on later models.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation (may require separate cradle).

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

Typically every 15,000 km or 12 months, or as indicated by the onboard service interval indicator (CBS - Condition Based Service).

Oil Filter:

Replace with every oil change (e.g., Mann-Filter HU 721/2 y, Mahle OX 723 D)

Air Filter:

Replace every 30,000-60,000 km (e.g., Mann-Filter C 35 145/2)

Fuel Filter:

Replace every 30,000-60,000 km (e.g., Mann-Filter WK 5000 z)

Cabin Filter:

Replace every 15,000-30,000 km (e.g., Mann-Filter CU 22 003)

Engine Oil 320D:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approval recommended

Engine Oil 330D:

SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40, BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approval recommended

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) with water (50/50 mix)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4

Diesel Particulate Filter:

Early models may not have DPF, later models can experience clogging if short-distance driving is prevalent.

Turbocharger:

VNT (Variable Nozzle Turbo) vanes can stick, requiring cleaning or replacement. Turbo failure can occur due to oil starvation.

Injector Pump:

High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) can be a failure point, leading to rough running or no-start conditions.

Glow Plugs:

Glow plug failure can lead to difficult cold starts.

E46 Specific Common Issues:

Subframe mounting points (rear), cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), suspension bushings, window regulators, VANOS (though less problematic on diesel than petrol).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long history in producing sporty and driver-focused vehicles, particularly in the compact executive segment.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series in 1998, known for its refined chassis, improved aerodynamics, and more advanced technology.

Diesel Significance:

The 320d and 330d represented BMW's commitment to diesel technology in their core passenger car range, offering significant torque and fuel efficiency improvements over gasoline counterparts.

Production Years:

E46 3 Series: 1998-2006 (Sedan/Coupe/Convertible), 1999-2005 (Touring/Compact)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

General Acclaim:

The E46 3 Series generation was widely praised by automotive journalists for its excellent driving dynamics, handling, and build quality.

Engine Awards Diesel:

BMW's diesel engines of this era, particularly the M57, were recognized for their refinement and performance, often winning categories in engine of the year awards.