Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional automotive repair shops
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202/W203), Audi A4 (B5/B6), Lexus IS, Infiniti G20
Vehicle Appeal:
Rear-wheel drive dynamics, refined luxury, sporty handling, convertible option for open-air driving
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners and technicians with detailed, accurate information to maintain and repair the vehicle effectively, reducing reliance on expensive dealerships.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical, Electrical, Bodywork, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Specific Systems:
Engine, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Convertible Top Mechanism, Electrical System, Body & Chassis
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 2000+ pages (typical for a comprehensive factory-style manual)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Purpose:
Detailed repair and maintenance guidance for technicians and enthusiasts
File Attributes:
Searchable text, printable pages, high-resolution diagrams
Powertrain:
Engine (M52TU B25), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), clutch, driveshaft, differential, axles
Chassis And Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system (rack and pinion), wheel bearings
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, DSC, brake fluid service, caliper and rotor replacement
Electrical System:
Battery, alternator, starter, ignition system, lighting, power windows, central locking, SRS airbags, ECU functions, wiring diagrams
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC system (climate control), convertible top operation and repair, seats, interior trim, audio system
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, belt inspection/replacement
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, convertible top motor and hydraulic system repair
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
OBD-II codes, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, component testing
Bodywork:
Panel replacement, alignment, convertible top frame repair, convertible top material replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and torque specifications
Diagrams And Illustrations:
Abundant, with step-by-step illustrated procedures and exploded views
Special Tools:
Lists and specifications for required BMW special tools
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Engine Code:
M52TU B25 (Technical Update)
Displacement:
2494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
245 Nm (181 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Premium Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 250G)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic - GM A5S 325Z)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Differential:
Standard: Open Differential (2.93:1 final drive ratio)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not explicitly rated for this specific convertible variant in commonly available archives, but E46 sedan/coupe received good ratings.
Traction Control:
Standard: Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on later models, optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional side airbags
Rollover Protection:
Integrated roll bars behind headrests, pop-up rollover protection system (PRP)
Head Unit:
Various BMW Business or Professional CD/Radio systems, optional Navigation system (MKIII or MKIV)
Audio Features:
Optional Harman Kardon sound system
Stability Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control) or DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific plug type and gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (BMW Blue Coolant recommended)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 recommended for later models, check manual for specific grade for 1999-2005)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent silicate-free, ethylene glycol-based coolant
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent synthetic ATF
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4 recommended)
Common Problems Engine:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid/seals, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, hoses)
Common Problems Chassis Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (vibrations), rear subframe mounting points (cracking), wheel bearing failure
Common Problems Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, dead pixels on instrument cluster, window regulator failures, convertible top hydraulic leaks/pump failure, alternator failure
Common Problems Convertible Top:
Hydraulic cylinder leaks, micro-switch failures, pump motor issues, frame alignment, fabric wear
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, emphasis on sporty handling and driver engagement.
E46 Generation:
Introduced in 1998, the E46 generation represented a significant advancement in chassis dynamics, interior refinement, and technology over its E36 predecessor.
Convertible Development:
The E46 convertible was a popular variant, known for its rigid chassis (for a convertible) and advanced power-operated soft top.
Production Period:
E46 Series: 1998-2006 (Convertible variant production: 1999-2006)
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Car And Driver 5 Best Cars:
E46 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run for its exceptional driving dynamics.
Jd Power Reliability:
Generally good to excellent for the era, though specific model year reliability can vary.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Approximately 19 MPG City / 27 MPG Highway (for 323i Convertible, manual transmission - actual may vary)
