🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Chassis Code:

E46

Market Segment:

Compact Executive Car / Sport Sedan

Generation Code:

E46

Production Years Covered:

1998-2006 (Global), specifically 1999-2005 for this manual

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (5-door wagon), Compact (3-door hatchback - 316ti, 325ti)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E46 3 Series was a highly successful model for BMW, renowned for its driving dynamics, build quality, and technological advancements for its time. It occupied the premium compact executive segment.

Competitors:

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

Driving Dynamics:

Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive bias, near 50/50 weight distribution, sophisticated multi-link rear suspension

Engineering:

Legendary BMW inline-six engines, advanced chassis tuning, driver-focused ergonomics

Benefit:

Provides the 'best bang for the buck' by empowering owners and independent mechanics with the official technical knowledge to maintain and repair the E46 efficiently and accurately, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.

Compatibility:

PDF format ensures universal compatibility across Windows, Linux, and macOS operating systems, making it accessible to a broad user base.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (likely 1000+ pages based on typical BMW service manuals for this era)

Type:

Comprehensive Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Digital Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine (M52TU, M54, M43TU, N42/N46), Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (RWD, AWD/xDrive variants for specific models)

Chassis:

Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheel Bearing Replacement

Electrical:

Engine Management, Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Audio Systems, Power Accessories (Windows, Locks, Mirrors), SRS Airbag System, DME/ECU Diagnosis

Body:

Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Glass Replacement, Door Mechanisms, Convertible Top Operation and Repair

Maintenance:

Oil Change Intervals and Specifications, Filter Replacements (Oil, Air, Fuel, Cabin), Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush and Replacement, Brake Fluid Flush, Differential Fluid Change, Transmission Fluid Change (where applicable), Wiper Blade Replacement

Repair:

Engine Component Replacement (Alternator, Starter, Water Pump, Radiator, Thermostat, Fuel Injectors), Transmission Repair (Clutch Replacement, Torque Converter Issues), Suspension Component Replacement (Struts, Shocks, Control Arms, Bushings), Brake System Repair (Calipers, Rotors, Lines), Steering System Repair (Power Steering Pump, Rack and Pinion), Exhaust System Repair, HVAC System Diagnosis and Repair (Compressor, Evaporator, Blower Motor), Electrical Component Troubleshooting and Replacement

Diagnostics:

OBD-II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) interpretation and troubleshooting strategies, Component testing procedures, Wiring diagram analysis, Fault finding trees

Depth:

In-depth, covering everything from routine maintenance and minor repairs to major component overhauls and advanced diagnostics. Includes detailed torque specifications, assembly/disassembly sequences, and electrical schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable PDF for efficient information retrieval

Print Quality:

High resolution, optimized for printing of individual sections or the entire manual

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Digital Paper Equivalent:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Common:

M54B22, M54B25, M54B30 (2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L inline-six)

Displacement Common:

2.2L, 2.5L, 3.0L

Horsepower Range Common:

170 hp (320i) to 228 hp (330i)

Torque Range Common:

170 lb-ft (320i) to 221 lb-ft (330i)

Engine Codes Varied:

M52TU (2.0L, 2.5L inline-six), M43TU (1.9L inline-four), N42B18/N46B18/N46B20 (1.8L/2.0L inline-four Valvetronic)

Induction:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most models, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on M52TU and M54 engines, Double VANOS on M54 engines. Valvetronic on N42/N46 engines.

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management:

Bosch Motronic engine management system (e.g., MS43, MS45.1)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS5-39DZ, GS6-37BZ for later models)

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19, later GM 5L40-E for xDrive)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated clutch system

Automatic Modes:

Steptronic (manual shifting capability) on most automatic transmissions

Manual Gearbox Oil:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent like Red Line MTL)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 or equivalent for 5HP19; GM Dexron III/VI for 5L40-E

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

Approx. 1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approx. 1415 mm (55.7 in)

Length:

Approx. 4471 mm (176.0 in)

Height:

Approx. 1372 mm (54.0 in)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 1450 kg - 1650 kg (3200 - 3650 lbs) depending on model and configuration

Wheelbase:

Approx. 2725 mm (107.3 in)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars (for sedan models)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models tested)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, optional side airbags (door-mounted or seat-mounted)

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

For convertible models: Automatic Pop-up Roll Bars

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Standard BMW Professional Radio/CD or optional Business CD, with available navigation system (MKIV unit).

Display:

Central information display (CID) in the instrument cluster for vehicle status and warnings. Optional larger screen for navigation.

Audio System:

Standard 6 or 10 speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - ultrasonic sensors.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth phone preparation with hands-free functionality.

Diagnostic Port:

OBD-II port located under the dashboard for engine diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first. Check CBS indicators.

Air Filter:

Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on operating conditions.

Cabin Filter:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Coolant Flush:

BMW Blue Antifreeze, change every 2-4 years or as per CBS.

Brakes:

Brake pad and rotor inspection at every oil change; fluid flush every 2 years.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) for M54 engines (check specific model)

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) certified synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-30

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (especially the plastic impeller type), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks.

Suspension:

Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, rear shock mounts, and trailing arm bushings can lead to steering looseness and clunks.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, oil filter housing gasket leaks ('oil filter housing gasket leak' is a common DIY repair).

Electrical:

Vanity mirror lights failing, CCFL angel eye headlight issues, window regulator failures, ABS/DSC sensor failures, blower motor resistor failure.

Engine M54:

CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption and vacuum leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, eccentric shaft sensor failure.

Manual Value:

The manual likely contains part numbers and cross-references which are invaluable for sourcing correct components.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-oriented vehicles with excellent engineering and performance, dating back to its origins in aircraft engines and motorcycles.

E36 Predecessor:

The E46 succeeded the successful E36 3 Series, building upon its strengths and incorporating updated technology and styling.

E90 Successor:

The E46 was eventually replaced by the E90 3 Series generation, which introduced more advanced technologies like electric power steering and iDrive.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing in Dingolfing, Germany; assembly plants in South Africa, Thailand, and other locations globally.

Key Variants:

M3 (E46) - high-performance variant, 325xi/330xi - xDrive all-wheel-drive models

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

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

Ward'S Auto World:

Ward's AutoWorld recognized BMW's inline-six engines for their performance and refinement.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to above average for reliability, though certain known issues require attention.

Manual Accuracy:

Represents factory-level diagnostic and repair information, essential for maintaining BMW's engineering standards.