🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325xi

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

E46

Chassis Generation:

Third Generation (E46)

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

Premium compact executive sedan, known for its sporty handling, refined interior, and advanced technology.

Competitors:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300.

Distinctive Features:

xDrive all-wheel-drive system, balanced chassis, driver-focused cockpit, premium interior materials.

Licensing:

Officially Licensed Product

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2002 BMW 325xi

Related Models Coverage:

May include relevant information for other E46 3 Series variants with similar powertrains (e.g., 325i, 330xi).

Estimated Pages:

Varies significantly by software publisher; typically hundreds to over a thousand pages for comprehensive software.

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Software (likely executable program or PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, transmission (automatic and manual), drivetrain (including xDrive AWD system).

Chassis:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (ABS, DSC), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, audio system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning).

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement.

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, diagnostic tool usage, reading and clearing fault codes.

Repair And Overhaul:

Engine component removal and installation (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission repair, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair.

Technical Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic parameters.

Depth:

Comprehensive. Covers basic maintenance through complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical system schematics.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format:

Proprietary software application or PDF.

Searchability:

Typically searchable text (if PDF) or indexed database (if application).

Printability:

Designed for digital viewing; printing may be possible depending on software or PDF capabilities, but not its primary format.

Binding:

N/A (Software)

Paper Type:

N/A (Software)

⚙️ 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

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves (4 per cylinder), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) on intake and exhaust camshafts.

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic DME.

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Less common for the 325xi in North America)

Drivetrain Type:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with Electronic Transfer Case.

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shift mode.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Front Track:

58.7 inches (1491 mm)

Rear Track:

59.0 inches (1499 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 3500 - 3600 lbs (1588 - 1633 kg), varies by equipment.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 4475 lbs (2030 kg)

Trunk Volume:

11.7 cubic feet (331 liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

5-Star

IIHS Front Crash Rating:

Good

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)

Braking:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS).

Seatbelts:

Pretensioners and force limiters for front seats.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional CD/Navigation system.

Audio System:

Standard HiFi system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist telematics system (may be phased out due to cellular network changes).

Climate Control:

Manual climate control or optional Automatic Climate Control.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Consult manual for specific CBS reset procedures.

Air Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Recommended every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Recommended at 100,000 miles (for platinum or iridium plugs).

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 is commonly recommended. Check manual for specific viscosity based on climate.

Coolant:

BMW Antifreeze/Coolant (Ethylene Glycol based), typically blue or purple. Mix 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF LT-3 (LF-3) or equivalent approved fluid. Critical for longevity, regular changes are advised despite sealed-for-life claims.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent approved manual transmission fluid.

Differential Fluid:

BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90) for rear differential. Front differential fluid type should be verified.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 BMW Brake Fluid or a high-quality DOT 4 fluid.

Common Problems:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, cooling system components (water pump, thermostat, hoses), VANOS solenoid failure, ABS wheel speed sensor failure, ignition coil failures, rear subframe mounting points (reinforcement often needed), headlight condensation.

Maintenance Tips:

Regularly check for oil leaks, service the cooling system proactively, replace PCV system components as preventative maintenance, clean VANOS solenoids periodically.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury vehicle and motorcycle manufacturer founded in 1916, renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' slogan and emphasis on performance and engineering.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution from its E36 predecessor, focusing on improved chassis dynamics, interior refinement, and advanced technology. The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's all-wheel-drive system.

Production Years:

The E46 325xi was produced from 2001 to 2005 model years.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced at BMW's Munich plant, Germany, and Dingolfing plant, Germany.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times during the E46 generation's run.

Safety Ratings General:

Consistently received good safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS for its era.

Manufacturer Certification:

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) standards.