Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Brand Perception:
Premium, performance-oriented, driver-focused
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, RWD (or AWD for xi models), precise steering, and engaging driving experience
Engine Options:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engines, including the high-revving S54 in the M3
Build Quality:
Typical BMW premium fit and finish, robust construction
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management (DME), fuel system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system, ignition system
Transmission:
Manual and SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission repair, clutch system, driveshaft, differential
Chassis:
Front and rear suspension, steering system (hydraulic power steering), brake system (ABS, DSC), wheel bearings
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraints
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, power windows, power seats, mirrors, comfort systems
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, automatic climate control (IHKA)
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), fault code diagnosis, troubleshooting procedures
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement
Repair:
Engine component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), head gasket repair, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement (struts, shocks, control arms), brake caliper and rotor replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various symptoms, wiring diagram interpretation, component testing
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, clearances, timing procedures, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and diagnostic flowcharts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Power Output:
184 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque Output:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Primary Engine 325I 325Xi
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Power Output:
192 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Output:
181 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2.8 Liters (2793 cc)
Power Output:
193 hp @ 5300 rpm
Torque Output:
206 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
Primary Engine 330I 330Xi
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Power Output:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque Output:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder (S54)
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Power Output:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque Output:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
323I 328I:
5-Speed Manual
325I 325Xi 330I 330Xi:
5-Speed Manual (325i/xi, 330i/xi)
323I 328I:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic on later models)
325I 325Xi 330I 330Xi:
5-Speed Automatic (Steptronic) or 6-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) on select models
M3:
6-Speed SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox)
Drive Type:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) for 'xi' models
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
Approx. 183.5 inches (4662 mm) for sedans, 179.7 inches (4565 mm) for coupes
Width:
Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.2 inches (1427 mm) for sedans, 54.1 inches (1374 mm) for coupes
Curb Weight Base Models:
Approx. 3200-3500 lbs (1450-1590 kg)
Curb Weight M3:
Approx. 3400-3600 lbs (1540-1630 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not rated for all model years, but generally good for the era.
Standard Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) / Traction Control (ASC+T)
Standard Features:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional curtain airbags (later models), three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Features:
Optional navigation system (MKIV), premium audio systems (e.g., Harman Kardon), cassette player, CD player (single or multi-changer).
Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), cruise control, rain-sensing wipers (optional), automatic climate control.
Features:
BMW Assist (telematics service on some models), voice control (later models), Bluetooth integration (often requiring aftermarket or specific adapters).
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles (12,000 to 24,000 km) depending on driving conditions and oil used, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or approximately 30,000-60,000 miles (48,000-96,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on plug type (e.g., copper vs. iridium).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40. Check manual for specific viscosity.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Ethylene Glycol Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 Plus for enhanced performance, especially for M3)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
Dexron III / Mercon ATF or specific manual transmission fluid (check manual for exact spec)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or Dexron VI (with specific adaptation for the GM 5L40-E transmission used in some models)
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil (SAF-XJ for M3 differential), typically SAE 75W-140 or SAE 75W-90 GL-5.
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank failures, water pump failures (especially the plastic impeller), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks. Critical to maintain cooling system integrity.
Vanos System:
Solenoid failures and seal degradation on M54 engines can lead to rough idle, loss of power, and check engine lights.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points is a significant issue, particularly on earlier E46 models. Requires reinforcement.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common on higher mileage vehicles.
ABS/Dsc Sensor Failures:
Wheel speed sensor failures can trigger ABS and DSC warning lights.
Smg Transmission Issues:
Hydraulic pump failures, accumulator leaks, and clutch actuator problems can occur on SMG transmissions.
Rod Bearings M3:
A well-documented potential failure point on the S54 engine, requiring proactive replacement with updated bearings.
Bmw Legacy:
Known for building driver-centric, performance-oriented vehicles with a strong emphasis on engineering and handling.
E46 Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, replacing the E36 3 Series. Represented a significant step forward in design, technology, and driving dynamics.
M3 Introduction:
The E46 M3 was introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, becoming a benchmark performance car of its era.
Production Period:
1998-2006 (for model years 1999-2005 in the US market)
Manufacturing Plants:
Various BMW plants, including Dingolfing, Germany, and Regensburg, Germany.
Motortrend Car Of The Year:
Not directly awarded, but competitors often won or were nominated during its production cycle.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series was frequently featured on Car and Driver's 10Best lists throughout its production run.
M3 Reputation:
The E46 M3 is widely considered one of the best driver's cars of the 2000s, earning numerous accolades for its performance and handling.
