BMW 3 Series (E46) Service Manual: 1999–2005

The BMW 3 Series (E46) Service Manual: 1999-2005 is a comprehensive source of service information and technical specifications available for the BMW E46 platform 3 Series models from 1999 to 2005. Whether you’re a professional or a do-it-yourself BMW owner, this manual will help you understand, care for and repair your car.

Though the do-it-yourself 3 Series owner will find this manual indispensable as a source of detailed maintenance and repair information, the owner who has no intention of working on his or her car will find that reading and owning this manual will make it possible to discuss repairs more intelligently with a professional technician.

BMW E46 models and engines covered in this repair manual:

• 323i/Ci
  (M52 TU, 2.5 liter engine)
• 328i/Ci
  (M52 TU, 2.8 liter engine)
• 325i/Ci/xi
  (M54 / M56, 2.5 liter engine)
• 330i/Cis/xi
  (M54, 3.0 liter engine)
• M3
  (S54, 3.2 liter Motorsport engine)

Technical highlights:

• Procedures for everything from oil change service to interpreting the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). This manual tells you what to do and when to do it.
• Engine and cylinder head service, including valve clearance adjustment on the S54 engine.
• Information for specific driveability problems, including explanation of engine management systems and BMW OBD II Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs).
• Theory of operation and repair information for Siemens MS 42.0, MS 43.0, MS 45.1 and MS S54 engine management, resonance/turbulence intake manifold and Double VANOS (Variable Camshaft Timing).
• Drivetrain maintenance, troubleshooting, adjustment and repair of self-adjusting clutch (SAC), gearshift linkage, driveshaft, drive axles and, wheel drive system.
• Manual, sequential manual (SMG), and automatic transmission removal, installation, seal replacement and external service.
• System description and repair information for Antilock Brakes (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC).
• Heating and air conditioning repair (IHKA and IHKR), including component replacement.
• Body adjustments and repairs, including sunroof, convertible top and tailgate.
• Wiring schematics, including power distribution and ground locations.
• Dedicated electrical component guide specifying relay, control module and ground locations with detailed illustrations and photos.

Additional technical content

For additional technical content for E46 platform BMW 3 Series models, visit our online technical library by clicking below.

Online Technical Library
BMW 3 Series 1999-2005 (E46)

Publishing note: Prior to October 2010, this book was published in a softcover edition (ISBN 978-0-8376-1277-5)