Vehicle Maintenance BMW 3 Series E46

Lubricants and working fluids
Engine Engines M43TU, M52TU and M54 - BMW engine oil, viscosity according to SAE 0W/40 or 5W/30 (fully synthetic), with performance properties according to...

Selecting engine oil
Oil performs several functions in the engine. The higher the engine power, the higher the demands placed on the oil. Duckhams produces premium quality oils...

Tire pressure
The tire pressures installed on your vehicle at the time of sale are indicated on a plate attached to the driver's door opening. When changing tires, follow...

Technical data
Recommended oils and fluids Cm. Weekly checks . Filling tanks Engine oil with filter change 4-cylinder engine 1796 cm³ (code N42 B18) — 4.25 l 4-cylinder...

Maintenance schedule
All 3 Series models have a service interval display in the center of the instrument panel, which shows the next service and the remaining mileage. When the...

Engine compartment arrangement
Engine compartment of models with 2-liter engine (N42) 1 Oil filler neck 2 Oil dipstick 3 Oil filter cover 4 Brake and clutch fluid reserve reservoir 5 Air...

Rear wheel drive device
View of the rear wheel drive from below (model with 2.0 liter engine, other models are similar) 1 Fuel tank 2 Rear muffler 3 Main gear 4 Suspension trailing...

Maintenance Procedures Introduction
1. This chapter is intended to help the vehicle owner maintain the vehicle in a state of maximum power, economy and safety for a long time. 2. The chapter is...

Scheduled maintenance
1. If the maintenance schedule is followed from the moment the vehicle is purchased, the fluid levels in the systems are checked regularly and frequently...

Changing engine oil and oil filter
1. Frequent oil changes are one of the reliable preventive measures to keep the engine in working condition, which can be easily performed by the car owner....

Resetting the Service Interval Display
Note: To perform this operation, you will need a special BMW tool with an adapter. Follow the tool manufacturer's instructions. 1. Switch off the ignition,...

Checking pipelines and leaks
1. Inspect all engine joints, gaskets, and seals for signs of coolant or oil leaks. Pay particular attention to the cylinder head cover, oil filter, oil pan,...

Accessory Drive Belt — Checking and Replacing
Examination 1. The functions performed, the material and the design of the belt are such that over time it ages and can break. To prevent problems when the...

Checking the suspension and steering
Front suspension and steering 1. Raise the front of the car and place it on reliable supports (see appendix: Lifting the vehicle and placing it on supports)....

Checking the front brake pads
1. Securely apply the handbrake, raise the front of the car and place it on reliable supports. Remove the front wheels. 2. For a comprehensive check of the...

Checking the rear brake pads
1. Place chocks under the front wheels, lift the rear of the car and place it on reliable supports. Remove the rear wheels. 2. You can quickly check the...

Checking the parking brake
1. Check and, if necessary, adjust the parking brake as specified in chapter 9 . Make sure the brake cables move freely. Lubricate all exposed joints and...

Checking the exhaust system
1. When the engine is cold (at least three hours after the trip) inspect the exhaust system along its entire length from the engine to the rear pipe. Ideally,...

Checking seat belts
1. Inspect the belts, buckles and belt fastenings to the body for visible damage and signs of wear. If the belt has an inertia drum, pull the belt out to its...

Lubrication of hinges and locks
1. Lubricate the hood, door and trunk lid hinges with a universal lubricant. Also lubricate all locks and latches. Check the reliability of the locks and their...

Replacing the cabin filter
1. At the rear of the engine compartment, remove the cabin filter cover by turning the cover latches 90° counterclockwise. Pull the cover forward (fig. 14.1....

Checking the headlight beams
1. Precise adjustment of the headlight beams requires special optical equipment, so this work should be entrusted to specialists at a BMW service station. 2....

Checking the windshield and headlight washers
1. Check that the washer nozzles are not clogged. Make sure that the nozzles produce a powerful stream of liquid. The nozzles should be adjusted so that the...

Checking the engine management system
1. This work is provided for in the maintenance schedule and involves checking the control system using special test equipment. During the testing process, all...

Road check
Instruments and electrical equipment 1. Check the operation of devices and electrical equipment. 2. Make sure that all devices give correct readings, turn on...

Replacing spark plugs
General information 1. Proper spark plug operation is vital to the engine's performance and power output. Obviously, the spark plugs must be matched to the...

Replacing the air filter
Engine M43TU 1. The air cleaner is located in the front left corner of the engine compartment. 2. Unfasten the four latches and remove the air cleaner cover...

Checking the drive shaft covers
1. Raise the vehicle and place it on reliable supports. Slowly rotate the rear wheel. Carefully inspect the condition of the rubber boot of the outer constant...

Checking the handbrake pads
Remove the rear brake discs as described in chapter 9 . Inspect the handbrake shoes for wear or other damage. Replace the shoes if necessary.

Replacing the fuel filter (every second service)
4-cylinder engine 1. Relieve pressure in the fuel system (see chapter 4A). 2. The fuel filter is located at the bottom of the vehicle (Fig. 23.2). 3. Raise the...

Brake fluid replacement (every two years)
Warning! Brake fluid is harmful to the eyes and to the car paint, so be careful when working with it. Do not use fluid that has been stored in an open...

Coolant replacement (every 4 years)
Warning! Allow the engine to cool before starting this work. Avoid contact with skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle body. Immediately wash away spilled...

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