🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series (E46)

Variants Covered:

M3, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi

Production Era:

1999-2005

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Car

Usp:

Renowned for its driving dynamics, sportiness, and premium build quality.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Acura TL.

Platform Philosophy:

Driver-centric design emphasizing agility and performance, featuring balanced weight distribution and rear-wheel drive bias (with xDrive AWD option).

📋 Manual Details

Manual Scope:

Comprehensive Workshop Service Repair Manual

Vehicle Types Covered:

Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Wagon (if applicable to the specific manual).

Estimated Page Count:

Thousands (typical for full E46 workshop manuals, specific count not provided but implied by dealership-level detail)

Manual Classification:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanicals (M52, M54, S54), lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME), turbocharging (M3 specific).

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmissions (Getrag), Automatic transmissions (GM A5S360R, A5S325Z), clutch systems, driveline.

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension, steering gear, power steering system, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulics, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, brake rotor and pad replacement, bleeding procedures.

Electrical Systems:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, body electronics, instrument cluster, comfort electronics (HVAC, power windows/seats), wiring diagrams, fuse locations, diagnostic connector (OBD-II).

Body Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, oxygen sensors, lambda probes.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, evaporative emission control (EVAP).

HVAC System:

Air conditioning compressor, condenser, evaporator, blower motor, climate control module, refrigerant charging procedures.

Maintenance Procedures:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt replacements.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement (e.g., alternators, water pumps, fuel injectors), sub-assembly repairs, engine and transmission removal/installation.

Technical Specifications Included:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine compression ratios, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, diagnostic parameters.

Troubleshooting Charts:

Yes, detailed flowcharts for diagnosing symptoms.

Recalibration Procedures:

Procedures for recalibrating various sensors and modules after component replacement.

Depth Of Coverage:

Dealership-level diagnostic and repair procedures, including advanced troubleshooting, component-level diagnostics, and detailed assembly/disassembly instructions.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Detailed wiring diagrams, component location charts, and diagnostic trees for electrical faults.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchable Text:

Yes (typically PDF documents are searchable).

PDF Quality:

High-resolution, allowing for clear viewing and printing of diagrams and text.

Digital Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (Digital format)

Completeness Level:

Full workshop manual, covering all aspects of vehicle service and repair, equivalent to factory service manuals.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants:

2.5L I6 (M54B25), 3.0L I6 (M54B30), 3.2L I6 (S54B32 - M3)

Engine Codes:

M54B25, M54B30, S54B32

325I Power:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm (M54B25)

330I Torque:

221 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (M54B30)

M3 Horsepower:

333 hp @ 7900 rpm (S54B32 - US Spec)

M3 Torque:

262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (S54B32 - US Spec)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic DME engine management.

Valvetrain:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).

Bore Stroke:

M54B25: 84.0 mm x 75.0 mm; M54B30: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm; S54B32: 87.0 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

M54B25: 10.2:1; M54B30: 10.2:1; S54B32: 11.5:1

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ for 323i/325i/328i, GS5-39DZ or GS5-39DZ/R for 330i)

Optional Transmission:

5-speed Steptronic automatic (GM A5S360R for 323i/328i, A5S325Z for 325i/330i), 6-speed manual (Getrag for M3)

M3 Transmission Features:

Close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission, M differential.

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (Touring - less common in US market).

Wheelbase Inches:

107.4 inches (approx.)

Curb Weight Lbs Range:

3250 - 3750 lbs (varies by model and options)

Towing Capacity:

Not officially rated for significant towing in most markets.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-Star (driver), 4-Star (passenger) - 1999-2005 models.

Active Safety:

ABS, Traction Control (ASC+T), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC - optional/standard on some models).

Passive Safety:

Front airbags, side curtain airbags (optional/later models), crumple zones, anti-submarining seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment Options:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD RDS, optional navigation system (MK III/MK IV).

Audio Systems:

Harmon Kardon audio system (optional).

Driver Assistance Features:

Cruise control, park distance control (PDC - optional), rain-sensing wipers (optional).

Connectivity Features:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (older implementations), CD changer integration.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle's service indicator.

Coolant Change Interval:

Every 2 years or as recommended by CBS.

Brake Fluid Change Interval:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Spec:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40, API SJ/SL, BMW LL-01 approved (or equivalent).

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-2 (BMW 83 22 0 394 244) or equivalent.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF LT 71141 (BMW 83 22 9 407 811) or Esso JWS 3309 equivalent.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Common E46 Issues:

Cracked rear subframe mounting points, cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), VANOS solenoid issues, oil separator (CCV) clogging leading to vacuum leaks, EWS immobilizer problems, "limp mode" electrical issues.

M3 Specific Issues:

Rod bearing wear (especially with high mileage and hard use), throttle actuator control (individual throttle bodies) issues, subframe cracks.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty sedans and coupes.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation, launched in 1998 (for 1999 model year), succeeded the E36 and was a significant step forward in refinement and technology.

M3 Introduction:

The E46 M3, introduced in 2000, featured the high-revving S54 engine and motorsport-derived chassis enhancements.

Facelift:

Minor facelift in 2001 introduced updated headlights, taillights, and minor interior trim changes.

Production Years:

1999-2005

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Awards:

Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times during its production run for its excellent driving dynamics.