Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, DIY mechanics, BMW owners seeking detailed repair and maintenance information.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy.
Powertrain Options:
Featured the smooth and potent M54 inline-six engine, offering a good balance of performance and refinement.
Design:
Clean, classic lines designed by Chris Bangle, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and BMW's signature styling cues.
Engine Mechanical:
Detailed procedures for engine overhaul, including cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, valve train, timing chain, oil pump, and lubrication system.
Fuel And Emissions:
Diagnosis and repair of fuel injection system (DME - Digital Motor Electronics), fuel pump, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emissions control (EVAP), and catalytic converter. Includes diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant expansion tank, hoses, and cooling fan. Includes coolant type and capacity.
Exhaust System:
Repair and replacement of exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, and pipes. Torque specifications for exhaust system fasteners.
Drivetrain:
Repair and overhaul of clutch assembly, manual transmission (Getrag 250G), automatic transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z), driveshaft, universal joints, and rear differential. Includes fluid types and capacities.
Suspension And Steering:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension components: struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, springs, sway bars. Power steering system diagnosis and repair, including pump, rack and pinion, and fluid.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake system maintenance and repair: brake pads, rotors, calipers, brake lines, master cylinder, ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Includes bleeding procedures and brake fluid specifications.
Electrical System:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, including engine management, lighting, power windows, central locking, audio system, instrument cluster, and battery/charging system. Fuse box layouts and relay functions.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, exterior trim, and underbody protection. Includes jacking points and towing procedures.
HVAC System:
Diagnosis and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, including blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant system, and climate control unit.
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, using diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and live data from the OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) system.
Component Replacement:
Step-by-step instructions for replacing all major and minor components, including engine parts, transmission, suspension elements, brake components, sensors, actuators, and interior trim.
Rebuilding Overhauling:
Detailed instructions for complete engine and transmission rebuilding, including torque specifications, clearances, and assembly sequences.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting electrical circuits using wiring diagrams, multimeters, and diagnostic tools. Repair of wiring harnesses, connectors, and electronic control modules (ECMs).
Diagnostic Tools:
Information on using BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA) and generic OBD-II scanners for fault code retrieval and data analysis.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners, including engine components, suspension, brakes, wheels, and driveline.
Clearances And Tolerances:
Specifications for engine component clearances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearances) and suspension alignment specifications.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive, high-resolution wiring diagrams for all electrical systems, color-coded for clarity.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair procedures, such as piston ring compressors, valve spring compressors, and bearing pullers.
Transmission Type Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 250G)
Transmission Type Optional:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z)
Manual Transmission Features:
Hydraulically actuated clutch, close-ratio gearsets for sporty feel.
Automatic Transmission Features:
Steptronic with manual shift mode, adaptive shift logic.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III (GM spec) or ZF LifeguardFluid5
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 miles (for original equipment platinum/iridium plugs).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-01 specification (e.g., Castrol Syntec, Mobil 1)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Common E46 Issues:
Oil filter housing gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogs, subframe cracking (rear), ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures.
