Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Professionals, enthusiasts, and owners seeking in-depth vehicle maintenance and repair knowledge
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS
Manual Utility:
Enables users to perform repairs ranging from routine maintenance to complex engine overhauls
Instruction Style:
Numbered instructions, detailed substeps, critical notes, cautions, and warnings
Navigability:
Numbered table of contents for quick information retrieval
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive service and repair procedures
Secondary Coverage:
Electrical diagrams, troubleshooting, specifications
Estimated Page Count:
Likely over 1000 pages (typical for complete factory manuals)
Type:
Official Factory Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission/Transaxle, Clutch, Driveline, Exhaust, Fuel System
Chassis:
Body, Frame & Mounting, Suspension, Steering, Shocks, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Battery & Charging Systems, Lighting, Audio, Instrumentation & Warning Systems, Electrical Distribution, Wiring Diagrams, Climate Control Electrical Components
Brakes:
Brake Systems (including ABS if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Repair:
Step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code identification (if applicable to the era), electrical system diagnostics
Component Removal Installation:
Detailed instructions for removing and installing virtually every component
Depth:
Professional-level diagnostic and repair procedures, suitable for experienced technicians and advanced DIYers
Illustrations:
Detailed illustrations, drawings, photos, and enlarged insets for clarity
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive and detailed wiring diagrams integrated with electrical troubleshooting
Datasheets:
Technical data, specifications, and circuit information
Engine Code:
M52TUB25 (or similar variant of M52 engine family)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24-valve
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 168-170 hp @ 5500-6000 rpm (varies slightly by market and year)
Torque:
Approximately 181-184 lb-ft @ 3500-4000 rpm (varies slightly by market and year)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - likely Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic recommended (refer to manual for exact BMW LL-01 specification)
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug or coil-near-plug
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 250 or similar)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic - GM 5L40-E or ZF 5HP19)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Manual Transmission Fluid:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for exact BMW approval)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-71141 or Esso JWS 3309 equivalent (for ZF 5HP19), or Dexron III/VI (for GM 5L40-E)
Length:
Approximately 4,471 mm (176.0 in)
Width:
Approximately 1,739 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1,415 mm (55.7 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1,440 kg (3,175 lbs) for manual transmission
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Wheel Size:
Typically 15-inch or 16-inch (e.g., 7Jx15, 7Jx16)
Tire Size Example:
205/55 R16 (for 16-inch wheels)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4-star for driver and passenger (typical for era, specific ratings vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models tested, typically for later E46 variants)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T) on many models
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger; optional side airbags
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage with crumple zones
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM/CD or Cassette player with amplifier, optional premium audio packages (e.g., Harman Kardon).
Navigation:
Optional factory navigation system available (typically BMW Business or Professional).
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation kit or integrated phone system on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 15,000 km) or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, if equipped.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Change:
First change typically around 100,000 miles (160,000 km) or 4 years, then every 2 years or 50,000 miles (80,000 km) thereafter, depending on coolant type.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW CHF 11S or Pentosin steering fluid (refer to manual for exact type)
Cooling System Weaknesses:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack, leading to leaks. Water pump and thermostat housing are also common failure points.
Suspension Wear:
Front control arm bushings and rear subframe bushings are known to wear out, affecting handling and causing noise.
Window Regulator Failure:
Plastic components in the window regulator mechanism can break, causing windows to drop.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket are prone to leaks due to age and material degradation.
Ccv System Clogging:
The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can become clogged, leading to increased oil consumption and potential seal failures.
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, blending performance, luxury, and engineering innovation.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was launched in 1998 for the 1999 model year. It represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and refinement.
E46 Positioning:
The E46 3 Series was positioned as a benchmark for sport sedans, praised for its chassis dynamics, responsive engines, and driver-focused interior.
Production Period:
1998-2006 (E46 platform)
Manufacturing:
Primary manufacturing in Germany (Dingolfing, Munich) and South Africa.
