Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Coupe/Convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops
Competitors:
Audi S4 B5/B6, Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG/C55 AMG, Porsche 911 (996)
Performance Orientation:
High-revving naturally aspirated engine, balanced chassis, track-capable performance
Design Language:
Muscular, aerodynamic styling, iconic BMW proportions
Value Proposition Of Manual
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, reducing dealership costs
Diagnostic Capability:
Provides in-depth troubleshooting guides for complex issues
Years Covered:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Engine:
S54B32 (3.2L Inline-6)
Transmission:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox), 6-Speed Manual
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), Limited-Slip Differential (LSD)
Suspension:
Front: MacPherson strut, Rear: Multi-link
Brakes:
Front: Ventilated Discs, Rear: Ventilated Discs, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Electrical:
Engine Management (DME), Body Control Modules (BCM), Lighting, Infotainment, Diagnostics (OBD-II)
Body And Trim:
Exterior panels, interior trim, aerodynamics
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnostics
Engine Repair:
Engine assembly/disassembly, cylinder head overhaul, piston/rod inspection, valve train service
Transmission Repair:
Clutch replacement, SMG hydraulic system service, manual gearbox overhaul
Suspension And Steering:
Shock absorber/strut replacement, control arm bushing replacement, power steering system service
Brake System Repair:
Brake caliper overhaul, bleeding procedures, ABS component replacement
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring harness repair, sensor replacement, module programming (basic level)
Climate Control System:
A/C system service, heater core replacement
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major component overhaul)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6, DOHC, 24 Valves
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Individual Throttle Bodies (ITBs)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECM Model:
MS43 (for most models)
Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type Optional:
SMG II (Sequential Manual Gearbox)
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Single Plate (Manual), Electro-hydraulic actuation (SMG)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Smg Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin CHF 11S for hydraulic pump)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
Good (for Coupe, IIHS)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
Good (for Coupe, IIHS)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Driver, Passenger, Side Airbags (optional)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars (Convertible)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD RDS
Navigation System:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation System (Mk IV)
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
System Type:
Manual or Automatic Climate Control (with optional extended functions)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles (12,000 - 16,000 km) or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system
Inspect Brakes:
Inspect every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Replace Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-60 (BMW M TwinPower Turbo Engine Oil or equivalent)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (or BMW Super Dot 4)
Engine Oil Capacity:
7.0 Liters (7.4 US Quarts)
Rod Bearings:
Potential for wear/failure on early S54 engines; requires inspection and potential replacement with upgraded bearings
Vanos System:
Solenoid issues, seal failures leading to rough idle or loss of power
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or tearing of rear subframe mounting points due to chassis stress
Throttle Actuators:
Failure of individual throttle body actuators causing uneven engine performance
Oil Filter:
BMW Part No. 11 42 7 832 990 (or equivalent Mann-Filter HU 816 X)
Air Filter:
BMW Part No. 13 72 1 435 694 (or equivalent K&N 33-2070)
Bmw Motorsport Legacy:
BMW M GmbH's continued development of high-performance road cars derived from motorsport
E46 M3 Introduction:
Launched in 2000 for the 2001 model year, replacing the E36 M3
Facelift Changes:
Minor cosmetic updates and equipment changes around 2003/2004
Special Editions:
M3 CSL (Coupe Sport Lightweight) - limited production, enhanced performance and weight reduction
Production Period:
2000 - 2006
Production Locations:
Regensburg, Germany
Car And Driver నించ Best Car:
Car and Driver 10Best Trucks and SUVs (note: M3 is a car, but similar performance awards exist for the brand)
Motor Trend Performance:
Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics and performance
Overall Owner Satisfaction:
Generally high, with enthusiasts valuing its performance characteristics
