🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Family:

M54

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform maintenance and repairs themselves, independent repair shops

Key Competitors:

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

Vehicle Strengths:

Driving dynamics, build quality, performance, luxury appointments, technological features for its era

Manual Value Proposition:

Empowers owners with factory-level knowledge for cost-effective maintenance and repair, enhances vehicle longevity and performance.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Focus:

Full Service and Repair

Vehicle Variants Covered:

Sedan (4-door), Coupe (2-door), Convertible (2-door), Sports Wagon (5-door) variants of the 325i

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory-level Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF, often sold as a downloadable file)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), transmission (manual and automatic), clutch, driveline, differential, axles

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS/DSC), wheels and tires

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrument cluster, climate control electronics, power windows/locks/mirrors, audio system, body control module (BCM), airbag system (SRS), diagnostic connectors (OBD-II), fuse and relay locations

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seating, HVAC system components, body repairs, sealing, sound deadening

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (DTCs), wiring diagrams, component testing procedures

Repair And Rebuild:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and rebuilding (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement)

Special Procedures:

Component indexing, torque specifications, special tool requirements, reset procedures (e.g., service interval indicator), alignment procedures

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system diagnostics and body repair)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

Likely PDF; searchable text and selectable hyperlinks are common in quality manuals

Image Resolution:

High resolution for clear diagrams, illustrations, and text. Expected to be professional grade.

Physical Binding:

N/A (for digital format); if printed, typically spiral-bound or perfect-bound for durability and ease of use.

Physical Paper:

N/A (for digital format); if printed, would typically be high-quality, durable paper suitable for a workshop environment.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Engine Code:

M54B30

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Emission Control:

Dual catalytic converters, Electronic VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), secondary air injection system

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag Type G)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (Steptronic with manual shift mode)

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, manual override (Steptronic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent spec, e.g., Castrol BOT 303)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-71141 (or equivalent spec, e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4528 mm (Sedan)

Width:

1757 mm

Height:

1415 mm (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

2760 mm

Curb Weight:

Approx. 1540 kg (Sedan Manual)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 1990 kg

Trunk Volume:

440 Liters (Sedan)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (Driver), 5-star (Passenger)

IIHS Front Impact:

Good

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC), later iterations included Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking System:

Four-wheel disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, available head protection airbags

Seat Belts:

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

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

BMW Business or Professional CD radios, optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Navigation:

Optional MKIII or MKIV navigation system with CD-ROM based maps.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth integration via BMW Assist system (requires cradle).

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically recommends every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Check oil level indicator regularly.

Air Filter Replacement:

Typically every 30,000 miles or as per CBS. Inspect for cleanliness at each oil change.

Cabin Air Filter Replacement:

Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually. Essential for HVAC performance and air quality.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., Long Life).

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (with filter change). Use BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 approved synthetic oil (e.g., Castrol Syntec 0W-30).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or DOT 3. Flush and replace every 2 years. BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 796.

Common Failures:

Cracked plastic intake manifold (M54 engines), VANOS solenoids/seals, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks/rough idle, window regulator failures, trunk floor rust, VANOS oil feed line failure, oil pan gasket leaks

Typical Repairs:

Replacement of intake manifold, VANOS system overhaul, cooling system refresh, CCV system replacement, valve cover gasket replacement

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

Ultimate Driving Machine - focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement

E46 Generation:

Introduced in 1998 (Europe) / 1999 (North America) as the successor to the E36. The 2002 model year falls within the E46's lifecycle.

325I Positioning:

Positioned as the mid-range performance model in the E46 lineup, above the 320i/323i and below the 330i.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria, South Africa, Egypt, Thailand, Russia, India, China, Brazil

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 generation, including models like the 325i, was frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run for its excellent driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good ratings for performance and reliability, though specific model years and common issues are noted.

Epa Fuel Economy:

Approximately 19-20 MPG City / 27-28 MPG Highway (Sedan, Manual Transmission). Actual mileage may vary.