🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

M3

Year:

2000

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code:

S54B32

👋 Introduction

Description:

The E46 M3 represents a pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance sedans and coupes from the early 2000s, celebrated for its driver engagement and exceptional handling. This manual is crucial for owners and technicians seeking to maintain and repair this iconic vehicle.

Competitors:

Porsche 911 (996), Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5/B6)

Vehicle Focus:

High-revving S54 engine, balanced chassis, driver-focused cockpit, sophisticated M-tuned suspension.

Manual Value:

Provides detailed, factory-level information indispensable for proper maintenance, diagnostics, and repair, ensuring the longevity and performance of the M3.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Service, Repair, Maintenance, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting

Secondary Coverage:

Electrical Schematics, Bodywork, Specifications

Estimated Page Count:

Over 1500

Type:

Workshop Manual / Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

S54B32 Inline-6, DOHC, VANOS, Individual Throttle Bodies

Transmission:

Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual, SMG II (Optional - coverage may vary)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Limited Slip Differential (LSD)

Suspension:

Front: MacPherson Struts with Lower Control Arms, Rear: Multi-link Independent Suspension

Brakes:

Front: Ventilated Discs (4-piston calipers), Rear: Ventilated Discs (single-piston calipers), ABS, DSC

Steering:

Hydraulic Power Steering

Electrical:

Complex Electrical System, DME, Body Control Modules (BCM), EWS Immobilizer, Lighting, Instrumentation

Fuel System:

Multi-point Fuel Injection, High-Pressure Fuel Pump, Fuel Filter, Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)

Cooling System:

Radiator, Coolant Fan, Thermostat, Water Pump, Expansion Tank

Exhaust System:

Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Oxygen Sensors

Bodywork:

Panel Removal/Installation, Trim Components, Aerodynamics

Routine Maintenance:

Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Service, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Belt Inspection

Engine Repairs:

Timing Chain Service, Valve Adjustment, Piston/Connecting Rod Replacement, Cylinder Head Gasket Replacement, Crankshaft/Camshaft Service

Transmission Repairs:

Clutch Replacement, Transmission Rebuild, Gearbox Fluid Changes, Driveshaft/CV Joint Service

Brake System Service:

Pad/Rotor Replacement, Caliper Overhaul, Bleeding Procedures, ABS/DSC Sensor Diagnosis

Suspension And Steering Repairs:

Shock/Strut Replacement, Bushing Replacement, Ball Joint Service, Power Steering Pump/Rack Replacement

Electrical Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting DME Faults, Wiring Harness Repair, Component Testing, Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Interpretation

Climate Control Service:

HVAC System Diagnosis, Refrigerant Recharge, Blower Motor Replacement

Body And Interior Repairs:

Door/Panel Alignment, Seat Removal, Trim Piece Replacement

Troubleshooting Guides:

Systematic Fault Finding, Symptom-Based Diagnostics

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable Text (OCR)

Quality:

High-Resolution Images and Diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (S54B32)

Displacement:

3.2 Liters (3246 cc)

Bore X Stroke:

87.0 mm x 91.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

11.5:1

Valve Train:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Redline:

8000 RPM

Horsepower:

333 hp @ 7900 RPM

Torque:

262 lb-ft @ 4900 RPM

Injection Type:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)

Oil Capacity:

7.0 Liters (7.4 Quarts) with Filter

Recommended Oil:

BMW High-Performance Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (or equivalent API SJ/ACEA A3-98 or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual Transmission

Type:

SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox) - clutchless automated manual

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.50, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.83

Final Drive Ratio:

3.62:1 (Limited Slip Differential)

Manual Gearbox Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent API GL-4 SAE 75W-90)

Manual Gearbox Capacity:

1.5 Liters (1.6 Quarts)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.7 inches (4515 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

54.1 inches (1375 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Front Track:

58.7 inches (1490 mm)

Rear Track:

59.4 inches (1510 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3480 lbs (1578 kg) - Manual Transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4600 lbs (2087 kg)

Trunk Volume:

Approx. 11.4 cu ft (323 Liters)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not Rated (Vehicle era typical, but designed with advanced safety features for its time)

IIHS Side Impact:

Not Rated (Vehicle era typical)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

ABS:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Brake Assist:

Included with DSC system

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), Side airbags (optional/standard depending on market)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Professional RDS radio with CD player (optional navigation system available).

Audio System:

Harman Kardon premium sound system (optional).

Stability Control:

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

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control functionality.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle and interface for hands-free calling.

Seats:

M Sport seats with enhanced bolstering, electric adjustment, and memory function (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at major service intervals (e.g., 30,000 miles).

Cabin Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Replace typically around 60,000 miles (check specific service bulletins).

Brake Fluid:

Flush and replace every 2 years (hygroscopic nature).

Coolant:

Replace at 30,000-60,000 mile intervals or as per CBS.

Engine Oil:

BMW High-Performance Synthetic SAE 0W-40 (or equivalent API SJ/ACEA A3-98)

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 High-Performance Brake Fluid

Rod Bearings:

Wear on connecting rod bearings due to high engine loads and potential oiling issues under hard cornering. A common preventative maintenance item.

S54 Oil Pump Drive:

Potential failure of the oil pump drive sprocket or chain tensioner, leading to catastrophic engine failure. Requires careful inspection and replacement.

Subframe Mounts:

Cracking or fatigue in the rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress. Requires reinforcement or repair.

Vanos System:

Wear in the VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoid seals, O-rings, and rattle from the VANOS hub/chain tensioner can lead to performance degradation and noise.

Throttle Actuators:

Individual throttle bodies (ITBs) can develop issues with their actuators or cables, affecting idle quality and throttle response.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Motorsport:

BMW M GmbH (formerly BMW Motorsport GmbH) has a rich history of creating high-performance road cars derived from racing technology, starting with the iconic M1.

E46 M3 Lineage:

The E46 M3 is the fourth generation of the M3, succeeding the E36 M3. It introduced the high-revving S54 engine and significantly refined chassis dynamics.

Production Years:

2000-2006 (E46 M3)

Manufacturing Location:

Regensburg, Germany

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver તિહાસ:

Consistently featured on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists in its segment during its production years, lauded for its performance and handling.

Motor Trend Accolades:

Received praise from automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and powerful engine.

Performance Standard:

Euro NCAP safety ratings for the E46 platform, with M models benefiting from the same structural integrity.