Positioning:
High-performance sports coupe/convertible, premium segment
Competitors:
Porsche 911 Carrera, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, Audi RS4 (B5/B7)
Performance Focus:
Naturally aspirated S54 inline-six engine, rear-wheel drive, driver-centric chassis
Manual Value:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with dealership-level diagnostic and repair capability.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, timing, fuel injection, ignition, emissions, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) and Manual transmission service, repair, clutch replacement, fluid changes
Drivetrain:
Differential, driveshafts, wheel bearings, axle shafts
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, fuse box locations, ECU diagnostics, lighting, power windows, mirrors
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, exterior trim, interior trim, glass replacement, body repair procedures
HVAC:
Climate control system, compressor, evaporator, heater core, refrigerant service
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, evaporative emissions control (EVAP)
Exhaust System:
Exhaust manifold, catalytic converter, mufflers, piping
Maintenance:
Oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake fluid flush
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, component testing procedures
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair
Overhaul:
Engine and transmission rebuild procedures
Calibration:
Throttle body alignment, sensor calibration, electronic module programming (where applicable)
Depth:
Vehicle Specific. Exact same manual used by dealership technicians.
Accuracy:
Authoritative and precise technical information
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated
Engine Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Horsepower:
333 hp @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Valve Train:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Type:
6-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with paddle shifters
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch
Differential:
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) standard
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends Castrol SAF-XO (75W-90 API GL-5) or equivalent
Smg Transmission Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid and transmission fluid required, refer to manual
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for 2005 model year, typical for E46 platform)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for 2005 model year, typical for E46 platform)
Traction Control:
ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking System:
Four-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seat belts with front pre-tensioners
Chassis:
Reinforced body structure, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Professional Radio or Business CD unit with optional Navigation system (MKIV)
Audio System:
Optional Harman Kardon premium sound system
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Parking Sensors:
Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC)
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation
Headlights:
Xenon headlights with automatic leveling standard
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 fluid)
Spark Plugs:
Around 60,000 miles (refer to manual for specific type and gap)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years (BMW Blue or similar G48 coolant recommended)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-40 or 5W-40
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or DOT 4 compatible
Rod Bearings:
Wear on connecting rod bearings is a known concern, especially on early models and with improper maintenance. Manual covers inspection and replacement procedures.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points is a potential issue due to chassis stress. Manual details inspection and repair.
Smg Pump:
SMG hydraulic pump failures can occur. Manual provides diagnostic and repair steps.
Fuel Pump:
Fuel pump can become weak over time. Manual covers testing and replacement.
Ccm Module:
Common electronic module (check control module) issues. Manual covers diagnostics.
Heritage:
BMW's long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles.
E30 M3:
Legacy successor to the legendary E30 M3 and E36 M3.
E46 M3 Introduction:
Introduced in 2000/2001, it represented a significant step up in performance and technology.
Production Period:
2000-2006
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg Plant, Germany
Body Styles:
Coupe and Convertible