Vehicle Class:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon (3 Series E46)
Target Audience:
Discerning drivers valuing performance, luxury, and a sporting feel.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300 AWD.
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel drive system providing enhanced traction and stability.
Engine Smoothness:
Renowned inline-six smoothness and power delivery.
Handling:
Excellent chassis dynamics and balanced handling characteristic of BMW.
Value Proposition:
Enables owners and independent mechanics to perform maintenance and repairs accurately, saving on dealership costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep.
Manual Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Manual Origin:
Official Full Factory Service Manual
Format Description:
Printable hundreds of pages, allowing for full printout or selective page printing.
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (exact count not specified but implies substantial detail)
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B25), Transmission (e.g., GM A5S325Z automatic, Getrag S5D 250G manual), Drivetrain (xDrive all-wheel drive system)
Chassis:
Suspension (front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link), Steering (rack and pinion with hydraulic assist), Brakes (front ventilated discs, rear solid discs with ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
12V system, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, body electronics, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System), various control modules
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, exterior trim, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, chassis repair
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes (coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid), brake pad/rotor replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, component testing procedures, wiring diagrams
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, cooling system components, fuel injectors), transmission service and repair, suspension and steering component replacement, brake system overhaul, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, exhaust system repair
Special Procedures:
Component removal and installation with torque specifications, specialized tool requirements, alignment procedures, clutch replacement (manual transmission), radiator/water pump replacement, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system diagnosis and repair
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to major component overhauls and troubleshooting.
Diagnostic Focus:
Detailed electrical schematics, pinpoint tests for electrical faults, sensor data interpretation.
Rebuild Information:
Likely includes specifications for engine and transmission rebuilding, though major component rebuilds might be more conceptual or refer to specialized rebuilders.
Digital Format:
PDF (implied by 'hundreds of pages allow you to print it out')
Searchability:
Likely searchable if it's a well-produced PDF, enhancing usability.
Page Quality:
High-quality, factory-level detail suitable for printing.
Physical Binding:
Not specified (as it's a printable file), but a professional print shop would recommend a durable binding like spiral or comb binding.
Suggested Paper:
Standard printer paper (8.5x11 inches) or A4 for optimal printing. Glossy paper not recommended for technical diagrams.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Engine Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, Double VANOS
Horsepower Est:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque Est:
235 Nm (173 lb-ft) @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic DME)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Coolant Capacity Est:
8.5 Liters (8.9 Quarts)
Type Automatic:
5-speed GM A5S325Z (Steptronic optional)
Type Manual:
5-speed Getrag S5D 250G
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System with variable torque distribution
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or Dexron VI (specific BMW P/N often recommended, e.g., 83229407807 for Dexron III)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent SAE 75W-90 GL-4/GL-5 synthetic)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for E46 Sedan)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for E46 Sedan)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (front), optional rear side airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Head Unit Options:
Various BMW Business and Professional CD/Radio units, often with optional navigation system (MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Hi-Fi system with amplifier, optional Harman Kardon system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle and hands-free system.
Headlights:
Standard reflector headlights, optional Xenon (HID) headlights with auto-leveling and headlight washers.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or approximately every 30,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK BKR6EQUP (or equivalent), replace approximately every 60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or as indicated by CBS.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 specification).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter change.
Recommended Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 synthetic oil, 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity grade.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank (prone to cracking), water pump failure (often plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks.
Engine Performance:
VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids and seals can degrade, leading to rough idle and power loss. Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (vibration and steering wheel shimmy), rear trailing arm bushings, strut mounts.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC module failure (common), rear light module corrosion, power window regulators.
Drivetrain X Drive:
Transfer case actuator or motor issues, front differential seals.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure - emphasis on driver engagement and engineering excellence.
E46 Generation Introduction:
Launched in 1998 (as a 1999 model year), replacing the E36 generation. The 325xi variant was introduced later in the E46 lifecycle.
E46 Facelift:
Significant facelift ('LCI') introduced for the 2002 model year, with updated styling, interior refinements, and powertrain improvements.
325Xi Placement:
Positioned as a capable all-season performance variant within the 3 Series lineup.
Production Years:
1999-2006 (for E46 generation, 325xi production likely within this range, specifically covering 1999-2005 as per manual title)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr), South Africa, Thailand, Egypt, Russia, China, Brazil, India, Mexico.
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 3 Series was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best award during its production run, highlighting its excellent driving dynamics.
Top Gear Magazine:
Frequently praised by automotive journalists for its balance of performance, comfort, and practicality.
Safety Certifications:
Achieved strong safety ratings in contemporary crash tests (e.g., IIHS, Euro NCAP).
