Product Name:
BMW 3 Series E46 1999-2005 Service Repair Workshop Manual
Production Years:
1998-2006 (Globally), 1999-2005 (North America)
Manual Coverage Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Brand Strength:
Renowned for driving dynamics, build quality, and premium feel
Manual Value Proposition:
Empowers owners to maintain and repair their E46 with professional-level guidance, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper upkeep.
Region Covered:
Global (Specifications typically reflect North American models, but principles apply broadly)
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Specific page count varies by specific edition, typically 1000+ pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Format:
Digital (Likely PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, cooling system, lubrication, exhaust system, transmission (manual and automatic), drivetrain, clutch
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (ABS, DSC), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, power supply, ignition system, starter, alternator, body electronics, infotainment, climate control electronics, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II)
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, seats, interior trim, exterior trim, convertible top (if applicable), chassis structural components
Maintenance:
Routine inspections, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement
Repair:
Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft), transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/master cylinder repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, symptom-based diagnostics, use of diagnostic tools, reading trouble codes (DTCs)
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step guides for diagnosing and resolving specific vehicle issues
Scope:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhauls and electrical diagnostics
Detail Level:
Detailed torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, and exploded views
Common Engines Offered:
M52TU (Inline-6), M54 (Inline-6), N42/N46 (Inline-4 - less common in North America for this generation)
320I Engine:
2.0L M52TU/M54B20 I6, 148-168 hp
323I Engine:
2.5L M52TU I6, 168-170 hp
325I Engine:
2.5L M54B25 I6, 184-189 hp
328I Engine:
2.8L M52TU I6, 190-193 hp
330I Engine:
3.0L M54B30 I6, 225-231 hp
M3 Engine:
3.2L S54 I6, 333-338 hp
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Sedan Length:
Approx. 177.4 - 179.1 inches (4506 - 4550 mm)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Wagon Length:
Approx. 181.1 inches (4600 mm)
Curb Weight Range:
Approx. 3100 - 3500 lbs (1400 - 1590 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically 4300 - 4500 lbs (1950 - 2040 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Rating:
5-Star (for applicable models/years)
IIHS Moderate Overlap Front:
Good (for applicable models/years)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional rear side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional navigation systems (Mk III/Mk IV)
Audio Features:
CD player, cassette player (early models), optional Harman Kardon sound system, optional Sirius satellite radio
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (may require separate cradle/adapter)
Diagnostic Interface:
OBD-II connector, typically located under the dash on the driver's side.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (check CBS indicator)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Change:
BMW Blue coolant, typically every 4 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill), then every 2 years thereafter.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 5W-40 depending on climate and engine.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (check specific transmission variant)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)
Common Problems:
Coolant expansion tank leaks, VANOS system issues (rattles, performance loss), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure, oil separator failures, ignition coil failures, front suspension bushings (control arms), rear subframe bushings, water pump failure (plastic impeller), oil pan gasket leaks, ABS/DSC sensor issues.
Maintenance Tips:
Regular inspection of cooling system components, timely replacement of CCV system, and attention to suspension wear are crucial for longevity.
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), Germany
Reputation:
Long-standing reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.
Predecessor:
BMW 3 Series E36
Successor:
BMW 3 Series E90 (Sedan/Wagon), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)
Design Philosophy:
Balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive focus, driver-oriented cockpit.
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), South Africa, Austria, Russia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia
Total Production Volume:
Over 1.1 million units globally across all body styles.
Car And Driver 10Best:
Multiple 3 Series E46 variants recognized by Car and Driver as 10Best cars during their production run.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by model year and engine, generally average to above average, with some specific model years/engines rated lower due to known issues.
Epa Fuel Economy:
Varies significantly by engine and body style; typically 19-25 MPG city / 27-33 MPG highway for 6-cylinder models.
