🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Model Generation:

E46

Model Years Covered:

1999-2005

Platform Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The E46 M3 is a legendary performance coupe and convertible, celebrated for its motorsport-derived S54 engine and exceptional driving dynamics, making it a sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts and a prime candidate for dedicated service.

Competitors:

Audi S4 (B5/B6), Mercedes-Benz C32/C55 AMG, Porsche 911 Carrera (996).

Distinctive Features:

High-revving naturally aspirated inline-six engine, motorsport-derived chassis and suspension, optional SMG II paddle-shift transmission, iconic styling.

Value Proposition:

This manual offers substantial cost savings by empowering owners and independent workshops to perform complex repairs and routine maintenance, crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of this high-performance vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Language:

English

Format:

Digital Download (PDF)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Workshop Manual

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of all engine components including S54B32 inline-six engine.

Engine Management:

Fuel injection system (DME MS43/MS45), ignition system, emissions control systems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, and ECU information.

Transmission Manual:

SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox) and 6-speed manual transmission repair, clutch service, driveline components.

Transmission Automatic:

Repair and maintenance of the GM 5L40-E automatic transmission (less common in M3 but covered for specific variants/conversions).

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Front and rear brake systems, including ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid flush, pad/rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, and hydraulic system diagnostics.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, and associated components.

Electrical System:

12V battery system, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, central locking, instrument cluster, and wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, exterior trim, sealing, and structural components.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system diagnostics, refrigerant recharge, component replacement, and climate control module.

Comfort And Convenience:

Seats, sunroof, mirrors, and other interior comfort features.

Scheduled Maintenance:

Detailed service intervals for oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks, spark plug replacement, belt inspections, and brake service.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex mechanical and electrical faults.

Repair And Rebuild:

Step-by-step instructions for removing, repairing, and reinstalling all major vehicle components.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools, reading fault codes, live data analysis, and component testing.

Specifications And Data:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical technical data.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for physical reference.

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams.

Binding Type For Physical Version:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

Paper Type For Physical Version:

Not Applicable (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

S54B32

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 Us Spec:

333 hp @ 7900 rpm

Torque Us Spec:

262 lb-ft @ 4900 rpm

Redline:

8000 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic MS43/MS45)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Engine Design:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) and individual throttle bodies.

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed manual transmission (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type:

Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG II)

Clutch Type Manual:

Hydraulically operated single-plate dry clutch

Smg Features:

Driver-selectable shift modes (Comfort, Sport), paddle shifters, automated clutch operation.

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW recommends Pentosin MTF LT-1 or MTF LT-2 (equivalent to ATF Type T-IV or Dexron III for certain applications/years, consult manual for exact spec).

Smg Transmission Fluid:

Hydraulic fluid Pentosin CHF 11S.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4.575 mm (179.7 in)

Width:

1.780 mm (70.1 in)

Height:

1.370 mm (53.9 in)

Wheelbase:

2.760 mm (108.7 in)

Front Track:

1.518 mm (59.8 in)

Rear Track:

1.524 mm (60.0 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

1,570 kg (3,461 lbs)

Curb Weight Smg:

1,580 kg (3,483 lbs)

Trunk Volume Sedan:

420 Liters (14.8 cu ft)

Trunk Volume Coupe:

410 Liters (14.5 cu ft)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4/5 Stars (NHTSA rating for similar E46 models)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4/5 Stars (NHTSA rating for similar E46 models)

IIHS Front Impact:

Good (IIHS rating for similar E46 models)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM).

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T).

Braking System:

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

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional RDS, or optional Navigation system (MK4).

Audio System:

Standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality.

Parking Sensors:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) rear sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with cradle.

Dashboard Display:

M-specific instrument cluster with oil temperature gauge, voltmeter, and other performance-oriented readouts.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Oil service indicator (Condition Based Service - CBS) may vary.

Engine Oil Filter:

Replace at every oil change. Part Numbers: 11 42 7 512 701 (or equivalent).

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles). Part Number: 13 72 1 408 978 (or equivalent).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles. Recommended: NGK BKR6EQUP (or equivalent).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Use BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years. Use DOT 4 Low Viscosity brake fluid (BMW P/N 81 22 9 400 379 or equivalent).

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (with filter change).

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 10W-60 (BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil M TwinPower Turbo or equivalent recommended for S54).

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 standard). Capacity: ~8 Liters.

Rod Bearings:

A well-documented concern on the S54 engine, particularly for cars driven hard. Early failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Inspection and potential replacement with upgraded bearings are often recommended.

Vanos:

VANOS solenoids and seals can degrade over time, leading to rough idling, poor performance, and fault codes. Rebuild kits are available.

Subframe Mounts:

Cracking or separation of the rear subframe mounting points in the chassis can occur due to stress. Reinforcement kits are available and highly recommended.

Throttle Actuators:

The individual throttle bodies can develop issues with their return springs or actuators, leading to erratic idle or performance problems.

Oil Pump Drive:

The oil pump retaining bolt can loosen over time, leading to loss of oil pressure and potential engine damage. Regular inspection and tightening are critical.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

BMW M GmbH, a subsidiary of BMW AG, is dedicated to high-performance vehicles, building on a rich motorsport legacy dating back to the 1970s.

E46 M3 Introduction:

Introduced in 2000 for the 2001 model year, the E46 M3 represented the pinnacle of the 3 Series platform, designed as a road-legal race car.

Variants:

Available as a Coupe and a Convertible (often referred to as the E46 M3 Cabrio).

Facelift Minor Updates:

Minor updates occurred throughout its production run, including subtle styling changes and interior refinements.

Production Period:

2000-2006

Production Locations:

Regensburg, Germany

Production Volume Estimate:

Approximately 82,000 units worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Ten Best:

Named to Car and Driver's '10Best' list multiple times during its production run.

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

Often praised by automotive journalists for its performance and handling, although specific 'Car of the Year' awards may vary by region and year.

Performance Reputation:

Widely regarded as one of the finest driver's cars of its era and a benchmark for performance sedans/coupes.