Vehicle Segment:
High-performance sports coupe/sedan
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians
Key Competitors Era:
Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG, Audi S4
M Division Focus:
Engineered for maximum performance and driving dynamics
Manual Purpose:
Empower owners and technicians with detailed repair and maintenance knowledge
Model Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Regions Covered:
Global (All Markets)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Manual Type:
Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine Mechanical:
Full overhaul and component-level repair
Engine Management:
DME, VANOS, ignition, fuel injection, emissions
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox, driveline, shifter
Transmission Automatic:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) operation and repair
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, calipers, rotors, lines
Suspension:
Front and rear struts, control arms, subframes, bushings
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, components, diagnostic procedures
HVAC:
Climate control, compressor, evaporator, heater core
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, convertible top (if applicable)
Interior:
Trim, seats, airbags, dashboard components
Preventive Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based diagnosis
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for all major components
Diagnostics:
Electrical system diagnostics, sensor testing
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission component rebuilds
Adjustments:
Valve adjustments, clutch adjustments
Depth Of Information:
Comprehensive, factory-level detail
Diagnostic Coverage:
Advanced diagnostics including component testing and wiring schematics
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific special tools
Engine Type:
Naturally aspirated, inline-6 cylinder
Displacement:
3.2 liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87 mm x 91 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower Us Spec:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque Us Spec:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Throttle Body:
Individual throttle bodies (ITBs) for each cylinder
Engine Control Unit:
Bosch Motronic
Variable Valve Timing:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Transmission Type Standard:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G)
Transmission Type Optional:
6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG II)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically operated, single dry plate
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Differential:
Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-star (driver), 4-star (passenger)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Anti Lock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Brake Assist:
Yes (Dynamic Brake Control)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars (Convertible models)
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS CD, optional navigation system
Speaker System:
Harman Kardon audio system available on some models
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors
Bluetooth:
Optional BMW Assist system
Usb Aux:
Not standard, aftermarket solutions available
Oil Change Interval:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or as indicated by vehicle's Condition Based Service system)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Synthetic 0W-40 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent
Transmission Fluid Automatic Smg:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Hydraulic Fluid for SMG pump and actuator)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 High Performance
Differential Fluid Type:
BMW SAF-XJ or equivalent (75W-140 synthetic)
Rod Bearings:
Wear/failure of rod bearings, especially at higher mileage or with aggressive driving
Vanos System:
Solenoid failures, rattling noise, loss of low-end torque
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points
Oil Pan Gasket:
Leaking oil pan gasket
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, radiator leaks
Bmw Motorsport Division:
BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) established in 1972
E46 M3 Introduction:
Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year
E46 Generation Significance:
Considered a benchmark in its class for performance and handling
E46 M3 Variants:
Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/3)
Production Years:
2000-2006 (model years 2001-2006)
Production Location:
Regensburg Plant, Germany
E46 M3 Csl Variant:
M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) produced in limited numbers (2003-2004)
Car And Driver 10Best:
Car and Driver 10Best list multiple times
Motortrend Performance Car:
Recognized by various automotive publications for performance and handling
Driving Dynamics Rating:
Consistently rated among the best handling cars of its era
