Model Variants:
M3, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi
Body Styles:
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Sport Wagon (Touring)
Generation Years:
1998-2006 (E46 chassis)
Engine Codes:
M52TUB25, M52TUB28, M54B22, M54B25, M54B30, S54B32
Segment:
Premium Sport Sedan/Coupe/Convertible/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, performance-oriented drivers, luxury car buyers
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience.
Engine Performance:
Smooth inline-six engines with excellent power delivery, particularly the M3's high-revving S54.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW high-quality construction and materials.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Pages:
Over 2000 pages (comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Drivetrain (Transmission, Axles, Differentials)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brakes (ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management, Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Body Electronics (Power Windows, Locks, Mirrors), HVAC Electronics, Audio System, SRS (Airbag) System
Bodywork:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Convertible Top Mechanism
Maintenance:
Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks & Replacements, Belt Inspection & Replacement, Brake Pad & Rotor Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing Procedures, Electrical Schematics
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repairs, Electrical Component Repair & Replacement, Body Panel Repair
Special Procedures:
Wheel Alignment, Air Conditioning Service, SRS System Service, Convertible Top Actuation System Repair
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical diagnostics and body repair).
Model 323I:
2.5L M52TUB25 Inline-6
Model 325I/Xi:
2.5L M54B25 Inline-6 (later 325i may have M54B22)
Model 328I:
2.8L M52TUB28 Inline-6
Model 330I/Xi:
3.0L M54B30 Inline-6
Model M3:
3.2L S54B32 Inline-6
323I Hp:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
323I Torque:
181 lb-ft @ 3950 rpm
325I Hp:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm (M54B25)
325I Torque:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (M54B25)
330I Hp:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm (M54B30)
330I Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (M54B30)
M3 Hp:
333 hp @ 7400 rpm (S54B32)
M3 Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (S54B32)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
All Models Except M3:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 260/6)
M3:
6-speed Manual (ZF Type C)
All Models Except M3:
5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
M3:
SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - Sequential Manual Gearbox
All Wheel Drive:
Available on 325xi and 330xi models (xDrive system)
Sedan Length:
Approx. 177.4 - 183.1 inches (model dependent)
Coupe Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches
Convertible Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches
Wagon Length:
Approx. 182.0 inches
Width:
Approx. 68.7 - 70.1 inches (M3 wider)
Height:
Approx. 54.7 - 56.0 inches
Sedan Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.7 cu ft
Coupe Trunk Volume:
Approx. 11.2 cu ft
Wagon Cargo Volume:
Approx. 15.7 cu ft (seats up), 41.7 cu ft (seats down)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200 - 3600 lbs (model and drivetrain dependent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for models tested)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard on most models
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, ventilated discs
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars for convertible models
Head Unit Options:
Various BMW Business and Professional CD radios, with optional navigation systems (Mk III/Mk IV).
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon sound system available on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free preparation with cradles.
Auxiliary Input:
Not standard; often requires aftermarket modification for audio input.
Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions (indicated by Condition Based Service - CBS system).
Brake Fluid:
Every 2 years
Coolant:
Every 4 years or 60,000 miles (BMW Blue Coolant)
Spark Plugs:
Approximately 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) compliant synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to specific model/engine for exact spec).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
G50 Gear Oil, specifications vary by transmission type (e.g., ATF Dexron III for some automatics).
Differential Fluid:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (or equivalent) for rear differentials.
Power Steering Fluid:
CHF 11S hydraulic fluid
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank cracks, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller models), thermostat housing leaks.
Rear Subframe:
Cracking and separation of the rear subframe mounting points from the chassis is a common and serious issue.
Vanos:
Solenoid issues, sealing ring degradation leading to rough idle and power loss on M54 engines.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Leaking oil pan gaskets are frequent.
Window Regulators:
Plastic components often fail, causing windows to drop.
ABS Sensor Rings:
Front ABS/wheel speed sensor rings are prone to cracking and corrosion, leading to ABS/DSC errors.
Bmw Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 and brought significant advancements in chassis design, engine technology, and overall refinement.
E46 M3 Highlight:
The E46 M3, introduced in 2000, is widely considered one of the greatest M cars ever produced, featuring the potent S54 engine and exceptional handling.
Production Period:
1999-2005 (for the model years covered by the manual)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (various BMW plants)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Various 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists throughout their production run.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While not winning Car of the Year for this specific generation, the 3 Series consistently received accolades for its driving dynamics.
E46 M3 Accolades:
The E46 M3 received numerous awards and praise from automotive journalists worldwide for its performance and handling.
