Contents • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • About this Wiki The E46 Wiki should be used as a tool to help all E46 owners. The greatest feature of the Wiki is that anyone with an account on Bimmerfest has the ability to edit it. See something incorrect or notice something missing? Simply click on the edit link to the right of any section. To discuss changes to the Wiki, post a message. This Wiki was primarily authored by -.

If you like my posts or the information I provide, please use me as your referrer (Kris Linquist #170334) when joining the ($48/yr). The BMW CCA offers a great magazine with tech tips, high-performance driving schools, car control clinics, autocrosses, social events, and even $500+ off of your next new or CPO BMW after you've been a member for a year (independent of the dealer transaction!). When you join the BMW CCA, you'll automatically become a member of your local chapter. I am a car control driving instructor and autocross coordinator for the. Have a question not answered here? Check out the discussion forums at and or E46 Summary What is an E46? Each BMW body style is assigned a two digit number preceeded by 'E'.

The 'E' stands for 'Entwicklung', the German word for development. The E46 is the body style for the following models (USA model listing except where noted).

Changes from 1999 to 2000 • E46 Coupe launched • DSC replaces ASC (different traction control systems) • Auto Recirculation becomes standard • Light Yellow Metallic will replace Sea Green • There will be a red interior offered • The 323 will have 15' Alloy wheels standard (replacing hub caps for no-option package 323s) • The Premium pkg will have wood trim and moonroof standard, with 16' wheels only (no more 15' offered) • The 323 will get the Sport/Premium combo package offered • Coupes get Topaz Blue as a color option • Power seats are a stand-alone option on 323. Changes from 2000 to 2001 • 323i is replaced by the 325i and receives a the new M54 2.5L engine with 184hp & 175lb/ft of torque.

• 328i is replaced by the 330i and receives a the new M54 3.0L engine with 225hp & 214lb/ft of torque. Opera Mini 7 Handler Download Android. • Engine type for 323i and 328i was M52TU, engine type for 325i and 330i is the new M54 • New sport steering wheel with circular airbag cover. • New dual exhaust from headers to muffler.

• 325i sports package gets 17x8 style 44 wheels. 330i: • 17' rims are standard • Sports package rims are changed to syle M68 with 17x7.5 up front and 17x8.5 in the rear. • Brakes are 1' larger • Headlight washer jets standard on cold-weather package • Silver trim around headlights • 'Updated' steering (more power assist) Note: Due to customer feedback, there was a midyear change back to a system with less boost, although still more than 323s and 328s had. • Coupes get titanium front spoiler trim.

Changes from 2002 to 2003 • NAV system becomes DVD based (Mark IV NAV system). In addition, the navigation system will now be available with in-dash CD-player or cassette player. • The sound system head unit now has a new auxiliary input (aux input kit required) • Sedans receive third rear headrest and 3-point seatbelt. 325 models: • Rain sensor and automatic headlight control will now be part of the Premium Package. • Front armrest will be standard in the sedan and sport wagon.

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• Moonroof will be standard in the sport wagon. • Emission regulations established by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) required BMW to sell vehicles with new emission standards in California, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont. In order to comply with these regulations, starting MY03 BMW sold Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (SULEV) in these four states.

• BMW offered three SULEV models in the states mentioned above: 325i sedan, sport wagon and coupe (equipped with automatic transmission). There were no AWD SULEV models.

For ordering purposes in the four states mentioned, these three SULEV vehicles had their own model designations. • The difference between SULEV and non-SULEV vehicles extended beyond the emissions rating. Arguably the most important was the warranty: an extensive emissions warranty covers far more. It lasts 15-years and 150,000-miles with no deductible.

Some of the differences are obvious (the engine looks different), others not so much: the fuel tank is metal instead of plastic (for evaporative emissions purposes). Originally, only automatic transmission 325 models could be SULEV vehicles, but this changed with the E90 model transition where either transmission could be a SULEV.) 330 models: • Tire Pressure Monitor replaces the Flat Tire monitor on vehicles with run-flat tires. The alarm display and button in the middle console remain unchanged. • 330xi with Sport Package will come with 17' all-season run-flat tires with styling 98 wheels (same as the current run-flat tire option). Changes for March 2003 Production • Performance package introduced on the 330i sedan.

It's only offered with a manual transmission and NOT offered with the premium package. • All E46s are now pre-wired for the BMW bluetooth kit • All 330 manual transmissions now 6-speed instead of 5-speed • All steptronic transmissions are now GM, not ZF. Changes for Sept 2003 Production • All 330i/330xi Sedans, and 330Ci Coupes must be ordered with option 403 - moonroof. Additionally, all 330Ci Convertibles for September production must be ordered with ZPP - premium package. • Myrtle wood is no longer available as a stand-alone option.

It will only be available when the Premium Package is ordered. • A new interior trim will be made available on all 3 Series. SA 426 or Aluminum 'Brushed Columns' trim will be available as a no cost option when the Premium Package is ordered.

If the Premium Package is ordered and SA 426 is not specified, the car will be equipped with Myrtle Wood trim (as before) • Cars equipped with Navigation are now pre-wired for Sirius • SMG or Sequential Manual Gearbox will become available for most rear-wheel drive 3 Series models beginning October 2003 production. It will only be available in conjunction with the sport package. SMG will not be available in conjunction with the Performance Package or all-wheel drive models.

• E46 SMG models were remarkably rough-shifting and problematic. They sold poorly as a result. Very few were ordered and this option was later dropped. While the SMG system used on the 325 was not the same system as used on the M3, both have poor reputations. For full details see the various long-term tests of these drive train combinations in Car and Driver, Automobile, and other enthusiast magazines.) June 2003 to December 2003 • M3 CSL production (1400 units) Changes from 2003 to 2004 • Performance package now available on coupes and convertibles, as well as with the automatic transmission and the premium package (on all 330s). • The climate control head unit has a new control button layout (temp, fan and recirc control buttons) for simpler operation and ease of use.

Sedan and wagon: • The rain sensor and automatic headlight control standard for all Sedans and Sports Wagons. These features were previously only available with the Premium Package (ZPP). • Automatic STEPTRONIC transmission will be available in conjunction with the Performance Package. • New Sport Package wheel for 325i Sedan and Sports Wagon. Styling 119 replaces Styling 96.

• New base wheel for the 330i/330xi Sedan and 325xi Sedan/Sports Wagon when equipped with the Sport Package. New wheel replaces Styling 73. • Titanium exterior trim on the front grille and headlights will no longer be a differentiator for 330i and 330xi Sedans. (The headlights will be black and the front spoiler will be a combination of black and body color.) Coupes and Convertibles: • Coupes and convertibles receive a major face lift with a new front grille (larger 'BMW kidneys'), revised cleaner looking lower bumper design and front/rear light design including LED tail lights, repositioned side turn signal lights and clear front corners on sport package cars. • The Xenon headlight package was upgraded to the Adaptive Xenon package for coupes/convertibles only. • Adaptive Xenons not only auto-level as the standard Xenons do, but they also rotate side-to-side depending on orientation of the steering wheel. The goal is to point the light in the direction the car is traveling.

A complex algorithm uses car speed, wheel angle, etc. To determine where to point the lights. Of interesting note is the fact that when the car is not moving, the lights will not turn to the driver's side (this is to avoid potential blinding of oncoming traffic, e.g.

At a stop light). The headlight switch must be in the 'A' (automatic) position -- turning the headlight switch to the 'On' position will auto-level the headlights and turn them on, but they will be fixed straight ahead and not turn left and right.

325i and 325i Sports Wagon: • Styling 119 (17 x 8) with performance tires replaces Styling 96 when the sport package (ZSP) is ordered. This aligns the 325i with the 325Ci. Now all rear-wheel drive 325 models have the same Sport Package Wheel. • MY2004 330i/330xi Sedan Base wheel. 325xi and 325xi Sports Wagon Sport Package wheel. • Styling 137 (17 x 7) with all-season tires replaces Styling 73, also known as the Radial spoke. Changes from 2004 to 2005 • Performance package 330s get a perforated leather steering wheel instead of alcantara • The change was made about halfway through the 2005 model year and driven primarily by the inability of the alcantara wheel to hold up well over time.

Prior to May 2005, Performance Package 330s shipped with alcantara, after that they shipped with a perforated leather wheel. Many originally-alcantara Performance Package 330s, however, will have had the alcantara wheel swapped out for leather under warranty due to excessive wear of the alcantara. • Lumbar seat support added to the premium package on the 325.

• CD shuttle became MP3 compatible Buying an E46 How durable or reliable is the E46? Is it expensive to own? Given that the average E46 is 7+ years old, this is a particularly common concern for prospective buyers. To begin with, 'reliability' means different things to different people. To some, a car that starts and runs and doesn't break down frequently would be considered reliable.

To others, a 'reliable' car is one that runs forever with little or no maintenance. The E46 is of the former--the engines and most of the drivetrain components are first class, though unfortunately there are also peripheral components of questionable design and/or production quality which are likely to fail. If you want or expect a car that will get you where you need to go (provided it is properly maintained), an E46 will do that. If you want a car that you can abuse or neglect, or one that will be absolutely free of any sort of minor nuisance or defect, look elsewhere. That being said, unlike some other BMW's models, the E46 does not have particularly problematic electronics; 'gremlins' are unusual.

Virtually all of the model's common problems are now well documented, and most are actually fairly easy to diagnose and repair. The following E46/BMW components can be considered highly dependable (Least likely to cause issues).

• Engine cooling system: water pump, thermostat, expansion tank • Accessory pulleys and tensioners • Automatic transmissions, particularly in early model years • ZKW brand HID/xenon headlamps (most cars have AL/Bosch, particularly those built before 2003) • Window lifters/regulators (the mechanical apparatus that physically lifts or lowers the glass side windows) and sunroof shade guides • Rear subframe, primarily (but not absolutely limited to) the early model year cars (model years 1999-2000--i.e. ALL 323/328 sedan/coupes).

Convertibles and Wagons of all years have least reports of failure. For all models, it is important to verify subframe and differential bushings are in good shape so there is minimal play in heavy drivetrain components which could further stress the subframe mounting area. ( See and the sections on Cooling System, Maintenance, Engine, etc. For more information.) Cost of upkeep varies wildly.

The E46 is not an exotic car per se, and does not generally require any special service techniques beyond any other typical import car, though dealerships and many third party shops will attempt to bill you as though it is. Without question, you will save a significant sum of money by performing your own simple repairs and routine maintenance; meanwhile, paying dealership/shop prices for window regulator repairs and blower resistor pack replacements will make it difficult to justify the cost of ownership.

Bottom line, budget about $1000 per year for repairs and maintenance (including tires, brakes, oil, etc) if you perform the maintenance yourself. If you intend to have a third party perform all work, you might realistically expect to spend 2-3x this amount. What should I look out for? The E46 doesn't have many significant problem areas and is generally a durable vehicle; however if the car was not maintained at by the PO, you can expect numerous problems just like any used and abused car. If you are going to buy a used E46, avoid cars without a good maintenance and repair history. Luckily, the E46 had free maintenance until 36,000 or 50,000 miles (depending on year), so most early maintenance was performed by BMW dealers.

Any dealer should be able to provide the service history with just the last seven digits of the VIN. Below are some typically and well known issues: • Window regulators - The windows will then either make clicking noises as they go up/down (sign of a failing regulator) or not operate at all possibly leaving your window partially or fully open.

This is an extremely common failure and a clear weakspot on the E46 Sedans. Out of warranty, expect to pay $700+ per door for parts and labor. Some owners had success asking BMW NA to cover all or a portion of the cost for this design defect even when the vehicle was out of warranty. • Tail lamp wiring - The updated E46 sedan (from 9/01 to 3/05 production) wiring harness has a design defect with grounding wires for the rear lighting that are too small and are made of poor quality materials, thus leading to wiring harness failure due to overheating. As stated in BMW's TSB, 'Customers may complain that one of the rear lights is inoperative. CAUSE: Minor corrosion at the 8-pin rear lamp connector creates high resistance causing damage to the connector housing. CORRECTION: Repair the damaged wire(s) and replace damaged connector housing.

Install additional ground wires to both left and right rear lamps.' This can be easily confirmed by careful examination of the rear lamp wiring connectors which are usually melted. Symptoms include a 'burned out bulb' warning in the instrument panel and (intermittently) completely inoperative rear lamp cluster(s).

While BMW has a TSB for this problem, many have occurred out of warranty leading to arguments with the dealer (automotive lighting standards are Federally legislated, yet BMW refuses to repair this design defect once the cars are out of warranty). BMW dealers expect $350-$400, or more, PER SIDE to make the tail lamps work. As a result, check for a NHTSA recall (or a class-action lawsuit against BMW) before you pay for repairs. There are many threads on this problem; see the BMW TIS (search for SIB 63 03 06 if the attached link is inop). This problem was not limited to US market as you can read. Cheaper DIY repairs can also be found on a variety of web forums, although your results may vary; here is one:. • Cooling system - The cooling system will eventually fail catastrophically due to a disintegrating water pump bearing.

When this occurs all coolant is lost within seconds and the engine will overheat instantly (remember, these cars have only a total of ~2 gallons of coolant). A much better water pump than the stock/OEM unit is available from EMP Steward, but it's pricey ($200) compared to stock ($70). Other items on the cooling system that should be considered maintenance items since they will likely/eventually fail are the plastic/electric thermostat and the coolant reservoir. Therefore, preventative cooling system maintenance replacing these items every 60k to 80k miles is strongly advised. If an engine is allowed to seriously overheat the repair costs can reach several thousand dollars because of warped cylinder heads.

There is an excellent write-up on the cooling system and components posted as a sticky on E46fanatics.com written by Mango. • VANOS - Unit wear and failure. This was already the case with the M52 engines in the E36, but it's much easier to repair on the E46's M54 engines since the timing chains do not have to be removed. This defect is mostly related to the Buna o-rings in the unit's control pistons which due to heat induced hardening allow excessive oil bypass, thus leading to less accurate control of camshaft timing.

Fluctuating idle or stalling can also be signs of this problem. Depending on maintenance this can already occur at 50K miles. If this defect occurs, there is a noticeable rattle in the engine from the VANOS unit, often around 2,000 rpm and low rpm performance will be affected. Repair is actually relatively easy and a true DIY for someone who has basic skills. Replacing the Buna o-rings with higher quality Viton rings in the VANOS unit will fix the issue.

Better yet sells complete rebuild and blue printed VANOS units that are even better than new OEM BMW units and sells the above mentioned Viton seal/o-ring DIY kits. Cam sensors (intake and exhaust) on the VANOS unit are also prone to fail and as small as they are, they are expensive ($100+). The exhaust sensor is usually the first to fail and that occurs often right around 100K miles. It has been proven that ONLY OEM BMW sensors should be installed during repair since all aftermarket units are not that compatible and of lower quality. VANOS units on ZHP cars are especially failure prone for undetermined reasons. Common opinion is that this is related to the more aggressive camshaft profiles.

• Subframe - There are many reports of cracked or torn subframe mounting points. Most often the two rear mounting points below the trunk floor are affected. This occurs more often (but not exclusive to) on the early E46 323/328 models. BMW later improved the subframe mounting points in the trunk floor of the car and in later E46 325i/330i this problem seems to be less common. This problem seems to be so frequent in early E46 cars that a check before buying a 323i/328i IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST! Repairs are very expensive and difficult since the rear axle and subfram have to be removed and the unibody frame and mounting points have to be welded.

Recurring stress cracking often occurs even after a repair has been made. You can find more information as well as what it looks like in these threads: • HVAC - Many E46 models have erratic HVAC fan speed condition wherein the instrument panel display indicates a set constant fan speed, yet the fan changes speed on a 1hz rate (constantly up and down), or fails to come on at all. This is almost always results from failure of defective original Final Stage Resistors (FSR) whose design provided insufficient heat sink surface area. The improved design FSR's can be purchased for ~$60 to $80 from a wide variety of vendors; installation threads abound. • Front control arm bushings - tend to fail after 40-60k miles. You can replace them with Powerflex bushings from Bimmerworld for $149 (pre-pressed into new carriers). • Ignition Coils - There was a recall for failure-prone Bremi ignition coils.

Symptoms include multiple yet intermittent 'cylinder misfire' OBD-II codes, among with other difficult to diagnose problems. A dealer can tell you if this TSB/recall has been performed in which all six Bremi coils were replaced. The following build date & VIN ranges were affected by this recall. • E46 with M54/M56 from 09/02 up to 12/04 production date.

How much does the extended warranty cost? Is the price negotiable? 'Service contracts' vary in price according to length and level of coverage, as well as by 'deductible.' Most definitely, the price is negotiable.

The cost of the service contract is also dependent on who the provider is, and how likely they are to be in business in a few years. NOTE: These policies are either 'Named Component' or 'Named Exclusion' programs. The difference is that the latter is far better. In a Named Component program, ONLY the items listed in your contract are covered.

In a Named Exclusion program everything is covered, except for the specific items listed in your contract. One of the major ways these programs can deny coverage is when an esoteric component fails, and it is not listed in a Named Component program. Hence, if you feel you must buy one of these contracts (which have very large markups), then get a Named Exclusion policy.

Can I buy the policy through any dealer or only from the dealer that I bought the car from? Most service contracts can be purchased from any dealer. Some dealerships are signed up with specific warranty providers that will not permit a warranty to be placed on a vehicle that was not serviced and sold through the dealership. Can I get repairs done at any dealer in the country?

Generally speaking, the repair doesn't even have to be performed by a 'dealer' per se. The only requirement (in most cases) is that the repair is performed by a reputable licensed repair facility.

As a general rule, 'deductibles' are usually lower, or are waived if the repair is performed by the selling dealer. Is the policy underwritten by a 3rd party or BMW?

Unfortunately, service contracts for BMW's are only (at this time) administered by a 3rd party.:-( What happens if this third party company goes bankrupt, does the dealership take over the policy? Unfortunately, no. El P Cancer For Cure Rar 320 Main on this page. If the company goes bankrupt, you will probably lose your money.

This has happened before. Make sure that you select a solid one.

As long as you purchase a warranty from an insured provider you will be fine. There are many to choose from and they are affordable. How long do you have after buying the car to decide on buying the extended warranty?

You have up until there is a minmum of 1 month, *and* 1,000 miles remaining on the original factory warranty. Is the only variable between buying the policy now instead of at the end of the allowable period the possibility that the price of the policy might go up? If so, how much have prices been going up recently. The advantage of getting one early is obviously financial. If you buy one with the car, the cost can be included (i.e.

Financed) right in with the rest of the deal, and included in your monthly payments. There is also the issue of an 'eligibility surcharge' that gets applied at various levels or intervals. Lastly, they do go up in price regularly. The last price increase I saw was on the order of several hundred dollars. Because service contracts are 'transferable', and build 'future value' it may make sense for some buyers to get one. If you are going to get one, the sooner the better.

One thing is a given fact: they will go up in price. Think of them as a hedge against inflation. 'Lock-in' future repairs at today's costs.

What are the car/key memory options? They can be set by a dealer or any independent mechanic with a MODIC3/GT1 BMW diagnostic computer. The list of programmable options can be found here. Options & Package Codes Summary BMW of North America offers specific option packages. Elsewhere in the world, a program called BMW Individual is offered to allow individuals to better mix and match options.

Options and packages often have numerical or alphanumerical codes associated with them. These codes are used as shorthand to describe the option or package on many BMW forums around the internet. Option codes is a list of option codes in a post by Terry Kennedy.

Option packages This information is specific to US-bound E46s. ZSP - Sport Package The sport package has been available on all E46 3-series cars. It typically included: • A 3-spoke multifunction steering wheel • Sport seats with adjustable thigh support and heavier, more pronounced side bolsters. • Sport wheels and tires (larger wheels with a different design and lower-profile tires) • Sport suspension calibration (stiffer springs/shocks). Larger swaybars than standard. Note that 2001 and up 330i sedans got the sport suspension as standard equipment that all Coupes recieved.

ZPP - Premium Package The premium package has been available on all 3-series cars.