Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Brand Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, sport-luxury
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Drivetrain:
xDrive (All-Wheel Drive) system
Engine Performance:
Smooth and responsive inline-six engine
Handling:
Renowned BMW handling dynamics, balanced chassis
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Type:
Service Repair Workshop Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Body Electronics, Powertrain Control Module (DME), Instrument Cluster, Lighting, Audio System, Navigation System, Climate Control, SRS Airbag System
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seats, Doors, Windows, Sunroof
Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, tune-ups
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly repair, major component overhauls
Special Procedures:
Wheel alignment, airbag system service, ABS/DSC bleeding, fuel system pressure testing
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds
Diagnostic Tools:
References for BMW-specific diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA)
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, 24-valve, Double VANOS
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2494 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 75.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Motronic ME 7.2
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Coolant Capacity:
7.5 Liters (7.9 US Quarts)
Emission Standards:
LEVII (California)/BIN5
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 250G)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic)
Drivetrain Type:
All-Wheel Drive (xDrive - Permanent)
Transfer Case Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific BMW fluid P/N
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger - Front)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones
Audio System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD/RDS with optional CD changer
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation System with separate display and control unit
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard feature
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth interface and phone cradle
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input jack
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific BMW manual transmission fluid P/N
Cooling System Failures:
Cracked expansion tanks, failing water pumps, thermostat housing leaks (plastic components)
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil cooler seals
Vanos System:
Seals can degrade, leading to rough idle and reduced power
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
Frequent failures leading to ABS and DSC warning lights
Pcv Valve System:
Can clog, leading to oil leaks and rough running
Subframe Mounts:
Rear subframe mounts can wear, causing clunking noises and alignment issues
Brand Origin:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, Germany
Brand Reputation:
Engineering excellence, sporty driving dynamics, premium quality
E46 Introduction:
Introduced globally in 1998 (as a 1999 model year)
325Xi Introduction:
Introduced in 2000 as part of the E46 generation's expansion, offering xDrive AWD
Facelift:
Minor facelift (LCI) occurred for 2002 model year with updated styling and features
Production Period:
1999-2006 (E46 generation overall), 325xi specific years as listed
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany, South Africa, USA (various plants)
