Segment:
Performance Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops
Competitors:
Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, Audi S4
Performance Focus:
High-revving naturally aspirated engine, advanced chassis dynamics, driver-focused cockpit
Comprehensiveness:
Covers all essential aspects of vehicle maintenance and repair for the specified model years and variants.
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Regions Covered:
Global (specific regional variations may apply, refer to manual)
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Wheels, Tires
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Instrumentation, Audio System, Power Accessories
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Seats, Climate Control, Safety Restraints
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Fluid Checks and Replenishments
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting common faults, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component testing
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, Measurable clearances, Alignment parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm (Euro Spec), 338 hp @ 7900 rpm (US Spec)
Torque:
262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (Euro Spec), 269 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm (US Spec)
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SMPI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane recommended)
ECU:
MS43 / MS45 (depending on year/market)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-40 (BMW Longlife-01 certified)
Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type:
6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG II)
Clutch:
Hydraulic Actuated Single Dry Plate
Manual Transmission Fluid Spec:
BMW MTF-LT-2 / LT-3 (Refer to manual for specific part number)
Smg Transmission Fluid Spec:
Pentosin CHF 11S (Hydraulic fluid for SMG pump)
Length:
4488 mm (176.7 in) Coupe / 4488 mm (176.7 in) Convertible
Height:
1364 mm (53.7 in) Coupe / 1373 mm (54.1 in) Convertible
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 in)
Trunk Volume:
360 Liters (12.7 cu ft) Coupe / 300 Liters (10.6 cu ft) Convertible (with top up)
Curb Weight:
1570 kg (3461 lbs) Manual Coupe / 1650 kg (3638 lbs) SMG Coupe / 1715 kg (3781 lbs) Manual Convertible / 1750 kg (3858 lbs) SMG Convertible
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (for earlier models, refer to specific year testing)
IIHS Front Impact:
Good (for early models, refer to specific year testing)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC)
Airbags:
Driver and Front Passenger Airbags, Side Airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioners and Force Limiters
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up Roll Bars (Convertible)
Audio System:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional Harman Kardon Sound System
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation system
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth preparation
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months (follow Condition Based Service - CBS system or manual recommendations).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately every 60,000 miles
Coolant Replacement:
Every 2-4 years or as per CBS system
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation)
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Pentosin CHF 11S (or BMW equivalent)
Rod Bearings:
Preemptive replacement recommended for high-mileage S54 engines due to potential wear.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points, requiring reinforcement.
Oil Vanos:
Potential issues with the VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system, leading to rough idle or performance loss.
Engine Oil Filter Part Number:
11 42 7 835 035 (example, verify for specific vehicle)
Air Filter Part Number:
13 72 1 438 727 (example, verify for specific vehicle)
Bmw Performance:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance driving machines, exemplified by its M division.
E46 M3 Introduction:
The E46 M3 was introduced in 2000 as the successor to the E36 M3, building upon its legacy with significantly enhanced performance and technology.
E46 M3 Variants:
Available as a Coupe and Convertible, with the highly acclaimed S54 naturally aspirated inline-6 engine.
Production Years:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany
Car And Driver 2001:
Car and Driver's 10 Best (2001, 2002, 2003)
Motor Trend Award:
MotorTrend's Best Handling Car (2001)
Esquire Best Performance Car:
Esquire's Best Performance Car (2001)
