🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code:

M54B25 (US Market)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Reputation:

Known for sporty handling, refined interiors, and strong inline-6 engines.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35 (later models)

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive bias, balanced chassis, direct steering

Engine Smoothness:

M54 inline-6 engine praised for its smoothness and linear power delivery.

Build Quality:

High-quality interior materials and overall fit and finish characteristic of BMW.

📋 Manual Details

General Coverage:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive repair manuals)

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Professional Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, printable)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

2.5L M54B25 inline-6: engine mechanical, engine management, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic Transmissions: removal, installation, overhaul, clutch, torque converter, gear shift linkage, transmission control module (TCM)

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, axles, differential, wheel bearings, driveshaft center support bearing

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components: struts, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, bushings, sway bars, steering knuckle, springs, ride height adjustments

Steering:

Power steering system: pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, steering column, steering wheel, alignment procedures

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes: hydraulic system, master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, pads, rotors, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) sensors and module

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, relay functions, starter, alternator, battery, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), horn, instrumentation, diagnostic connector (OBD-II)

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, hinges, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, exterior trim, weather stripping, glass replacement, body repair techniques

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: blower motor, evaporator, condenser, compressor, refrigerant, climate control module, heater core, cabin air filter

Chassis Electrical:

Body Control Module (BCM), comfort systems, convenience features, sensor diagnostics

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid service, transmission fluid service, differential fluid service

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnostics

Repair:

Step-by-step repair instructions for all major systems, component removal and installation, assembly and disassembly procedures, torque specifications

Rebuilding:

Engine and transmission rebuilding procedures, detailed component specifications

Restoration:

Guidance for refurbishment and restoration of various vehicle components and systems

Depth Level:

Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.

Diagnostic Coverage:

Detailed diagnostic information, including fault codes, testing procedures for sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF (likely)

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick access to information

Printability:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 valves

Displacement:

2494 cc (2.5 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 75.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower Hp:

184 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)

Torque Lb-Ft:

230 Nm (170 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm (approx.)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Management System:

Bosch Motronic (specific variant depends on region)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/5 or similar)

Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19)

Manual Gear Ratios:

Specific ratios will be detailed in the manual, typically around 3.46:1 for 1st gear.

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shifting, sport mode, Steptronic manual shifting capability (on some models)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2761 mm (108.7 inches)

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 inches) (Sedan)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 inches)

Height:

1412 mm (55.6 inches) (Sedan)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1500-1550 kg (3300-3400 lbs) depending on body style and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Will be specified in manual, typically around 1900-2000 kg

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger) - 2000 model year

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models equipped with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Asc:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) standard, Traction Control System (TCS) on some models.

Dsc:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) available as an option, which is a more advanced traction and stability management system.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Radio:

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional premium audio systems available (e.g., Harman Kardon).

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system available on some models.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC) available.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Onboard Computer:

Check Control system providing vehicle status and warnings, often integrated with the instrument cluster.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 7,500-10,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality (refer to manual for specific BMW recommendations).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 100,000 miles for iridium or platinum plugs, earlier for standard plugs (refer to manual).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40. Specific viscosity may vary by climate.

Coolant:

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

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-1 or LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid) or equivalent GL-4 rated fluid.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (LF-5) or equivalent ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) approved for ZF 5HP19.

Differential Fluid:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5 specification, viscosity typically 75W-90.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank, water pump, and radiator are common failure points. Thermostat housing also prone to cracking.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gaskets are common sources of oil leaks.

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends are susceptible to wear, leading to steering looseness and alignment issues.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

Can fail, leading to ABS and traction control warnings.

Vanos System:

Variable Valve Timing (VANOS) system can develop issues with seals and solenoids, affecting performance and idle quality.

Oil Filter Example:

Mann-Filter HU 830/1X, Mahle OX 810 D (examples, confirm with manual)

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer History:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German manufacturer renowned for luxury and performance vehicles since its founding in 1916.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) replaced the E36 3 Series and is credited with re-establishing BMW's benchmark in the compact executive segment.

325I Positioning:

The 325i typically represented the mid-range offering in the E46 lineup, bridging the gap between the 323i/320i and the higher-performance 330i.

Production Period:

The E46 generation was produced from 1998 to 2006. The 2000 model year falls within the initial production phase.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary manufacturing was in Dingolfing, Germany, with additional plants in Austria, South Africa, Thailand, and China for specific markets.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Best:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during its production run.

Automotive Journalism Awards:

Generally received positive reviews from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and build quality.

Reliability Perception:

Perceived as a reliable vehicle when properly maintained, though certain components require attention as noted in the known issues.