🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series Coupe

Model Code:

E46

Year:

2000

Body Style:

Coupe

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Codes Covered:

M52TU (2.5L, 2.8L), M54 (2.5L, 3.0L - later production)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sports Coupe

Brand Perception:

Performance, luxury, driving dynamics, build quality

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, Audi A4 Coupe, Lexus IS Coupe (later models), Infiniti G35 Coupe (later models)

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive, and responsive handling

Engine Options:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines

Interior Design:

Driver-focused cockpit, premium materials, and solid build quality

📋 Manual Details

Primary Markets:

North America (USA/Canada)

Sections Listed In Description:

Introduction, Instrument Cluster, Entertainment

Estimated Page Count:

Approximately 200-300 pages (typical for BMW owner's manuals of this era)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital PDF (Instant Download)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system overview

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic and manual), clutch operation (manual), rear-wheel drive system

Chassis And Suspension:

Brake system operation, steering system overview, suspension components (general information)

Electrical System:

Battery, lighting systems, power windows, power locks, basic electrical features

Comfort And Convenience:

Climate control, seating adjustments, mirrors, interior lighting, keyless entry

Infotainment And Electronics:

Radio/audio system operation, CD changer (if equipped), navigation system (if equipped), onboard computer

Instrumentation:

Instrument cluster layout, gauge interpretations, warning lights and their meanings

Safety Systems:

Airbag system operation, seat belt usage, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) overview, traction control (ASC+T)

Basic Operation:

Starting the engine, driving, parking, using lights and wipers

Maintenance Checks:

Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement (basic)

Troubleshooting:

Interpretation of warning lights and dashboard indicators

Emergency Procedures:

Jump starting, changing a flat tire (basic guidance), emergency braking

Unlocking And Locking:

Proper use of remote keyless entry and central locking

Depth:

Owner-level, focusing on safe and correct operation, basic maintenance, and understanding vehicle features. Not a repair manual.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely searchable text, assuming digital conversion from original scans

Digital Quality:

Derived from original factory manual, quality depends on source scan.

Original Binding:

Perfect bound or saddle-stitched (physical manual)

Original Paper:

High-quality paper stock with laminated cover (physical manual)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family:

BMW M52TU (Twin- VANOS), M54 (Double VANOS)

Engine Configuration:

Inline 6-cylinder

Engine Displacement 2 5L:

2494 cc (approx. 152 cu in)

Engine Displacement 2 8L:

2793 cc (approx. 170 cu in)

Engine Displacement 3 0L:

2979 cc (approx. 182 cu in) - introduced in later 2000 models and subsequent years

Horsepower 2 5L:

168 hp (125 kW) @ 5300 rpm (M52TU), 184 hp (135 kW) @ 6000 rpm (M54B25)

Torque 2 5L:

181 lb-ft (245 Nm) @ 3250 rpm (M52TU), 175 lb-ft (237 Nm) @ 3500 rpm (M54B25)

Horsepower 2 8L:

190 hp (142 kW) @ 5500 rpm (M52TU)

Torque 2 8L:

206 lb-ft (279 Nm) @ 3650 rpm (M52TU)

Horsepower 3 0L:

225 hp (165 kW) @ 6000 rpm (M54B30)

Torque 3 0L:

214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm (M54B30)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 AKI or higher)

Emission Controls:

Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Evaporative Emission Control System (EVAP)

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS5-39DZ for 2.5L/2.8L, GS6-37DZ for 3.0L)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic - GM 5L40-E)

Automatic Features:

Driver-selectable modes (e.g., Sport, Standard), torque converter lock-up

Manual Features:

Hydraulically actuated clutch

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.9 inches (1750 mm)

Height:

53.1 inches (1350 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2730 mm)

Seating Capacity:

4 (2 front, 2 rear bucket-style seats)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 10.7 cu ft (303 L)

Curb Weight Approx:

3200 - 3400 lbs (1450 - 1542 kg), depending on engine and transmission

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Test:

4/5 Stars (for 2000 model year, Coupe variant)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good (for 2000 model year, Coupe variant)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) - Standard

Stability Control:

ASC+T provides stability control in addition to traction control

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, side-impact airbags (optional or standard depending on trim)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Reinforced A-pillars and roof structure

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Professional Radio, optional CD player, optional CD changer in trunk, Harman Kardon sound system upgrade available.

Navigation:

Optional BMW Professional Navigation System with CD-ROM based maps.

Parking Assistance:

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

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle and hands-free system.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommended, typically around 7,500 - 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Major Service Intervals:

Refer to CBS for brake fluid (every 2 years), coolant, spark plugs, and other scheduled items. Typically spark plugs around 60,000-100,000 miles.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) specification. Viscosity typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) for 2.5L/2.8L, 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) for 3.0L

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF N401 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI depending on exact transmission build date and BMW recommendation). Check owner's manual for specific part number if available.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF-LT-2) or equivalent. Check manual for exact specification.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 BMW Brake Fluid

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11 S or BMW Power Steering Fluid

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failures (plastic impeller prone to failure); thermostat housing leaks.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket leaks (common on many BMWs); oil pan gasket; oil filter housing gasket.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings ("bushings") and ball joints wear out, leading to steering looseness and tire wear; rear subframe bushings can crack.

Electrical:

ABS/ASC sensor failures; HVAC blower motor resistor failure; window regulator failures.

Interior:

Headliner sagging; door panel adhesive failures.

Oil Filter:

Mann-Filter HU 821 X, Mahle OX 147/1D, Hengst E1140HD (typical part numbers for M52TU/M54 engines)

Cabin Air Filter:

Mann-Filter CU 2228, Mahle LAK 173 (typically two filters needed)

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Sheer Driving Pleasure, engineering excellence, focus on performance and driver engagement

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation was introduced in 1998 (sedan) and the coupe followed in 1999, replacing the E36 generation.

E46 Coupe Updates:

The 2000 model year represents an early production year for the E46 coupe. Updates for 2001 included revised headlights, taillights, and bumper designs. Engine updates also occurred, with the M54 series engines becoming more prevalent.

Production Period:

E46 Coupe: 1999 - 2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (various plants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 3 Series (sedan and coupe) was a perennial winner of Car and Driver's '10Best' list throughout the E46 generation for its exceptional driving dynamics and value.

Ward Best Engines:

BMW's inline-six engines consistently received recognition for their smooth operation, power delivery, and efficiency.