Positioning:
The E46 3 Series represented BMW's core executive sports sedan and coupe offering, known for its driving dynamics and premium feel.
Competitors:
Competed directly with Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Infiniti G35 during its production run.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive architecture, and driver-focused handling.
Engineering Quality:
Typical BMW build quality and engineering precision.
Model Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Engine Variants Covered:
All gasoline and diesel engines offered for E46 chassis within the specified years.
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Touring (Wagon), M3
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific number not provided, but indicative of comprehensive coverage)
Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, exhaust, ignition, engine management (DME), emissions control
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual and Automatic Transmission (Steptronic), clutch, drive axles, differential
Chassis Suspension:
Front suspension, rear suspension (multi-link), steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system components, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), comfort modules, infotainment system, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
Body Interior:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, seats, HVAC system (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics, component testing, wiring diagrams, troubleshooting guides
Repair Rebuild:
Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, reassembly, and installation
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical data, component dimensions
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Engine Codes Examples:
M52TU (Inline-6), M54 (Inline-6), N42/N46 (Inline-4), S54 (Inline-6 for M3)
Displacement Range:
1.9L to 3.2L (depending on engine variant)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 115 hp (318i) to 333 hp (M3)
Torque Range:
Approximately 180 Nm (318i) to 350 Nm (M3)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic engine management.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 91 or higher recommended)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for applicable models)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable models)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Dsc:
Optional Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radios, optional navigation systems (MK-IV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional HiFi loudspeaker system, optional Harman Kardon system.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) depending on model and options.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation available on later models.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input for audio devices on some head units.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable service interval indicated by the vehicle's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles (depending on engine and spark plug type).
Engine Oil Spec:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) for diesel, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-40 typically. Consult specific engine requirements.
Coolant Spec:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Spec:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
Transmission Fluid Auto:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) for ZF 5HP19/24 transmissions, e.g., Esso LT 71141 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, specific viscosity depending on transmission model.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump failure (plastic impeller).
Suspension Steering:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs - Rear Trailing Arm Bushings), front strut mounts, and tie rod ends can wear.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Electrical Issues:
Window regulator failures, headlight condensation, instrument cluster pixel degradation (on some early models).
Engine Specific:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system on M54 engines can clog, leading to vacuum leaks and oil consumption.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-centric luxury vehicles with sporting characteristics.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation succeeded the E36 and was produced from 1997 (for model year 1998) through 2006, with the specified manual covering the majority of its lifecycle. It was praised for refining the 3 Series formula.
E46 Facelift:
Facelifted models (LCI) were introduced around 2001/2002, featuring updated headlights, taillights, bumpers, and interior trim.
Production Period:
1998-2006 (manual covers 1999-2005)
Car And Driver Best:
Car and Driver '10Best' list multiple times during its production.
Ward Best Engines:
Inline-6 engines often recognized for their smoothness and performance.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Mixed reliability ratings throughout its lifespan, with some models and years performing better than others. This manual is crucial for proper maintenance to mitigate common issues.
