Vehicle Maintenance BMW 3 Series E46

This chapter has been written to help the hobby mechanic keep their vehicle in top condition for maximum performance, economy, safety and reliability. Here you will find a complete schedule of routine vehicle maintenance procedures, as well as a description of the maintenance of its individual systems.

Specifications and filling volumes
Types and volumes of lubricants and fluids used Fuel Petrol engines 316i unleaded, not worse than AI 95 318i unleaded, not worse than AI 95 320i unleaded, not...

Routine car maintenance
As you service your vehicle, you'll soon discover that you can - and should - combine many procedures because of the similarities in the steps involved. For...

General information about the setup
The term "setup" is used in this manual to refer to a set of procedures rather than to a single procedure. If the routine maintenance schedule is strictly...

Checking fluid levels
The following procedures are used to check the liquid level every 400 km or weekly. Other fluid level checks can be described later in the Sections on specific...

Checking the condition of tires and pressure in them. Designation of tires and wheel disks
Once every six months, or every 15,000 km. Tire valve 1 and 2 - rubber and metal caps 3 — valve 4 - valve body Examination 1. Depending on the model and...

Changing engine oil and oil filter
Prolonged skin contact with used engine oil is quite dangerous. Use a barrier cream and wear gloves during this procedure. Change oil-soaked clothing...

Replacing the air filter element
The engine air filter element should only be replaced when it is dirty. Under normal operating conditions, the replacement interval is up to 100,000 km. The...

Brake system checks
Dust from lining wear that collects on brake components may contain asbestos, which is hazardous to health. Do not blow out this dust with compressed air or...

Replacing the cabin air filter element
Every 2 years or 20,000 km. The filter that traps dust and pollen in the interior ventilation and heating system is located in the water collection compartment...

Checking the condition of ribbed drive belts
1. The ribbed belt tension is automatic. It is necessary to periodically check the condition of the belt, and if defects are found, replace the belt. 2. Drive...

Checking the condition and replacing the engine compartment hoses
Air conditioning hoses must be replaced at a dealership service station or specialist workshop equipped to safely relieve system pressure. Never disconnect...

Checking the functioning of the cooling system and frost resistance of the coolant
1. Many serious engine malfunctions are related to cooling system failures. If the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, its operation and service...

Checking the condition of the exhaust system
1. The check should be done with a cold engine, so it is best to do it before the first trip of the day or no sooner than three hours after turning off the...

Checking the oil level in a manual transmission
Visual inspection of gearbox tightness Gearbox oil leaks may occur in the following places: At the junction of the drive shaft to the gearbox. Near the oil...

Checking the condition of suspension and steering components
Steering and suspension components should be inspected regularly. Worn or damaged steering and suspension components can cause excessive and dangerous tire...

Checking the condition of the protective covers of the drive shafts
1. Protective covers of drive shafts are very important elements, as they protect constant velocity joints (CV joints) from dirt, water and other foreign...

Checking the power steering fluid level
1. Check the power steering fluid level periodically to avoid vehicle handling problems such as damage to the steering pump. Follow these steps:. Do not hold...

Visual inspection of the body and its bottom
You will need an inspection pit or a garage hydraulic lift with supports. 1. When performing regular maintenance, pay attention to the condition of the...

Checking seat belts
The noise that occurs when the belt is reeling in is normal. If the noise is excessive, the belt must be replaced. Never use oil or grease to eliminate the...

Wheel rotation and replacement
1. Rotation can be done when signs of uneven tread wear appear. However, remember that if you successfully rotate all four wheels, you will eventually have to...

Checking the condition, replacing the brushes and adjusting the angle of the windshield wipers
1. Over time, road film accumulates on windshield wipers, reducing their effectiveness, so wipers should be washed regularly in a mild cleaning solution....

Checking battery condition, care and charging
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Tools and materials needed for battery maintenance 1 - Face shield/safety glasses - when brushing away traces of...

Replacing brake fluid
To carry out the work you will need: Open-end wrench for the air bleed nipple. For example, HAZET 1968-7. Transparent plastic hose with an internal diameter of...

Checking and replacing spark plugs
Tools needed when replacing spark plugs 1 — Spark plug head - Equipped with a special elastic insert, eliminating the possibility of accidental damage to the...

Checking the fuel system, replacing the fuel filter. Operation of a diesel model in winter conditions
Gasoline engine Gasoline is highly flammable, so special precautions should be taken when working with any fuel system components. Do not smoke or approach the...

Lubrication of door hinges and locks
Lubricate the door latches and hinges with grease, refer to Specifications. Lubricate the door locks where the latches meet. Wipe off excess grease.

Replacing the remote control key battery
When removing the battery, check the marks for the presence of polarity of the battery connection, otherwise apply marks. If the LED does not light when turned...

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