Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Brand Perception:
Sporty handling, premium build quality, driver-focused experience.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Acura TL.
Performance Orientation:
Emphasis on driving dynamics, rear-wheel drive bias (even with AWD system).
Premium Interior:
High-quality materials, driver-centric cockpit design.
Xdrive AWD:
BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability.
Engine Systems:
Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME), turbocharger (if applicable to variant), timing systems.
Transmission Drivetrain:
Manual transmission (Getrag 420G), Automatic transmission (ZF 5HP19/24), xDrive all-wheel drive system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension Steering:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts, multi-link), Rear suspension (multi-link Z-axle), power steering system, steering rack, suspension components, alignment specifications.
Brakes ABS:
Front/Rear disc brakes, hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) components and diagnostics, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake.
Electrical Electronics:
12V electrical system, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, wiring diagrams, instrument cluster, comfort systems, diagnostics (OBD-II).
Body Chassis:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, climate control HVAC, seats, glass, convertible top (if applicable).
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-ups, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt inspection/replacement, coolant flush, air filter replacement.
Repair Procedures:
Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons), transmission overhaul, driveline component repair, suspension strut/shock absorber replacement, brake caliper overhaul, starter/alternator replacement.
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation (DME, ABS, SRS), wiring harness troubleshooting, component testing.
Special Tools Procedures:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW tools required for specific repairs (e.g., flywheel locking tools, spring compressor sets, diagnostic interfaces).
Depth Level:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds, detailed electrical schematics).
Diagnostic Coverage:
In-depth coverage of diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and step-by-step troubleshooting guides.
Displacement:
2.979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Configuration:
Inline-6 Cylinder (Straight-six)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves (4 per cylinder), Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower Hp:
225 hp @ 5,900 rpm
Torque Lb-Ft:
214 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (MFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Engine Management:
Bosch Motronic ME7.2 Digital Motor Electronics
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, optional front side-impact airbags, optional front and rear head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD/Professional CD, optional navigation system (MKIII/MKIV).
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth interface or older cellular phone cradles.
Diagnostics Interface:
OBD-II port, typically requires BMW-specific diagnostic software (e.g., INPA, ISTA/D) for full access.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., Long Life Iridium).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 approved synthetic oil, viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (approx. 6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue/Green Antifreeze/Coolant, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, specific viscosity depending on BMW recommendation (e.g., 75W-90).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent like Esso JWS 3309/Texaco ETL-7045E), requires filter kit and gasket.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 LV for improved low-temperature performance).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump failure (often plastic impeller), radiator leaks, VANOS O-ring degradation.
Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging leading to rough idle and oil consumption, VANOS solenoid failure causing rattling or performance issues.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings wear, rear shock mounts fail, subframe mounting points can crack.
Electrical:
LCM (Light Module Control) failure, window regulator failures, dead pixels on instrument cluster, ABS/DSC sensor failures.
Bmw Legacy:
Founded in 1916, renowned for performance, engineering, and luxury.
E46 Introduction:
Launched in 1998 as a successor to the E36, marked a significant design and engineering update.
325Xi Positioning:
Introduced as part of the E46 lineup to offer all-wheel-drive capability in the 3-series, enhancing all-weather performance.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in other BMW plants globally.
E46 Production Years:
1998-2006
