Segment:
Entry-level luxury sport sedan
Reputation:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and sophisticated engineering.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS
Driving Experience:
Excellent handling, responsive steering, and a balanced chassis.
Powertrain Refinement:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engines.
Interior Appointments:
High-quality materials, driver-focused cockpit, and comfortable seating.
Powertrain Module:
Full coverage of engine mechanicals, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, and exhaust system.
Drivetrain Module:
Comprehensive details on manual and automatic transmissions, clutch assembly, driveshafts, and differential.
Chassis Module:
In-depth coverage of front and rear suspension systems, steering system, and braking system (including ABS and DSC).
Electrical And Electronics Module:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic procedures for engine control units (ECU), body control modules (BCM), infotainment, and various sensors.
Body And Interior Module:
Information on body repair, door mechanisms, interior trim, seating systems, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning).
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspections.
Component Replacement:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starter motors, water pumps, radiators, fuel pumps, and more.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and specific diagnostic routines for various systems.
Rebuilding And Overhaul:
Instructions for engine and transmission overhauls, including torque specifications and component clearances.
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair or diagnostic procedures.
Level Of Detail:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complex engine rebuilds and electronic diagnostics.
Engine Type:
3.0L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (I6)
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp (168 kW) @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 9.2.1 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Coil-on-plug
Emissions Control:
Dual catalytic converters, secondary air injection (depending on market).
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (Manual)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B 75W-90)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for E46 generation, specific rating may vary by year and testing methodology)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Brakes Front:
Ventilated Discs (325mm)
Brakes Rear:
Solid Discs (320mm)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell with crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional Navigation System (MKIII/MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon audio.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Optional Features:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system, voice control (on later models).
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system dictates intervals, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Replacement:
M54 engine: Typically at 100,000 miles (refer to manual for exact specification).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by CBS.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 Synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed with distilled water at 50/50 ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank leaks, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks are common.
Valve Cover Gasket:
Prone to leaks over time, leading to oil consumption and smell.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Can leak, particularly the rear main seal on the engine and transmission.
Drivetrain Mounts:
Worn engine and transmission mounts can lead to vibration and clunking.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Can fail, triggering ABS and DSC warning lights.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil consumption and pressure buildup.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW)
Founding:
Founded in 1916.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation of the 3 Series debuted in 1998 (for the 1999 model year), replacing the E36.
E46 Facelift:
Mid-cycle facelift ('LCI') occurred in 2001 for the 2002 model year, with exterior and interior updates.
E46 Discontinuation:
The E46 was succeeded by the E90 generation in 2005.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary plants in Munich, Germany; also produced in Dingolfing, Germany; Regensburg, Germany; and Rosslyn, South Africa.
