🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

325i / 325xi

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E46

Generation Name:

Fourth Generation E46

Engine Code Prefix:

M54

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon

Brand Philosophy Alignment:

Embodies BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos with balanced performance and luxury.

Key Competitors:

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

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-wheel drive (325i) and xDrive all-wheel drive (325xi).

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated inline-six cylinder.

Chassis Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced weight distribution and precise handling.

📋 Manual Details

Comprehensive Scope:

Covers all major mechanical, electrical, and body systems.

Region Of Origin:

North America (primarily, but applicable to global variants with minor regional differences noted).

Estimated Pages:

Hundreds (exact count varies based on internal pagination, but typically exceeding 1000 pages for a complete factory manual).

Manual Classification:

Factory Service Repair Manual (FSM)

Additional Manual Types Covered:

Includes diagnostic procedures, repair instructions, and maintenance schedules.

Primary Language:

English

Digital Format:

Downloadable PDF

Printability:

Printable (allows printing entire manual or specific sections).

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine overhaul, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, engine control unit (ECU) diagnostics and programming.

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (Getrag or ZF) repair, clutch, flywheel, driveshafts.

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (GM 5L40-E) overhaul, valve body, torque converter, mechatronics.

Drivetrain:

All-wheel drive (xi) system, differential, transfer case, axle shafts, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension, control arms, shock absorbers, struts, springs, bushings, subframes.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering wheel removal.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, parking brake.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM).

Lighting:

Headlights, taillights, interior lighting, fog lights, bulb replacement, headlight aiming.

Comfort Systems:

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), blower motor, climate control unit, refrigerant system.

Interior Trim:

Dashboard, door panels, seats, headliner, center console removal and installation.

Exterior Body:

Body panels, bumpers, doors, hood, trunk, glass, seals, exterior trim.

Infotainment:

Radio, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), speaker replacement.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic flowcharts, common fault identification, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II scan tool usage, reading fault codes, live data interpretation.

Installation Procedures:

Component installation and adjustment.

Diagnostic Level:

Advanced diagnostics with detailed descriptions of sensor inputs, outputs, and control module logic.

Repair Complexity:

Covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Electrical Diagrams:

Detailed and comprehensive wiring schematics for all electrical systems.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque values for all critical fasteners.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized BMW tools.

📊 Manual Specifications

PDF Version:

Typically PDF/A or a compatible version for broad software support.

Searchable Text:

Yes, the PDF is expected to have OCR (Optical Character Recognition) for full text searchability.

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs.

Digital Binding:

N/A (digital format)

Digital Paper Type:

N/A (digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower Peak:

225 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque Peak:

214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type Recommendation:

Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)

Valvetrain Configuration:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Valve Actuation:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing on intake and exhaust camshafts)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type 325I:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Automatic with Steptronic (GM 5L40-E)

Automatic Features:

Driver-selectable modes, manual shifting via Steptronic.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-90)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III (or equivalent GM spec)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated, single dry plate.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2728 mm)

Length:

177.4 inches (4505 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Front Track:

58.5 inches (1486 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1501 mm)

Sedan Trunk Volume:

Approx. 12.4 cubic feet (350 Liters)

Curb Weight 325I:

Approx. 3373 lbs (1530 kg)

Curb Weight 325Xi:

Approx. 3538 lbs (1605 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

5-Star (2004 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

5-Star (2004 model year)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

Traction Control:

Traction Control System (TCS) standard

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard

Antilock Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard

Airbags Front:

Driver and front passenger airbags

Airbags Side:

Optional front side-impact airbags and front and rear head protection system (HPS) airbags.

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning front seat belts with force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Standard BMW Business CD radio or optional BMW Professional CD/Radio. High-fidelity options available.

Navigation System:

Optional MKIV DVD-based navigation system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC).

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with cradle or snap-in adapter.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (as per CBS - Condition Based Service). Manual will provide specific guidance.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

Recommended every 2-4 years or as indicated by the vehicle's condition monitoring system.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, depending on specific plug type and service recommendations.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with appropriate corrosion inhibitors.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (or Pentosin CHF 11S for models with Servotronic).

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV)

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank failure, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks.

Suspension:

Control arm bushings (FCABs) wear, rear shock mounts, subframe bushings.

Electrical:

Window regulator failure, VANOS solenoid issues, heater control valve leaks, CCFL angel eye failure (if equipped).

Engine:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, oil separator (CCV) system clogging leading to potential crank seal failure.

Differential:

Rear differential mount bushings wear.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (as a 1999 model in North America) and represented a significant technological and design evolution over its E36 predecessor.

Facelift Impact:

The 2004 model year is part of the E46's LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) or facelift period, which included subtle styling revisions and updated technology.

Production Period:

The E46 generation was produced from 1998 to 2006, with coupes and convertibles continuing slightly longer.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 3 Series (various models) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, including for 2004 models.

Automotive Journalism Accolades:

Widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, build quality, and refined performance.