Maintenance schedule (BMW 3 Series E46)

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 mileage reaches zero, the display starts showing the overdue mileage. There are two types of service: T01 ("Oil service") and T02 ("Inspection"). For more information, refer to the "Manual" supplied with your vehicle.

T02 service also has two types: T02, (Inspection I) and T02₂ (Inspection II). One of the maintenance types is performed. When performing T02₂, several additional items are added to the schedule every second maintenance. If you do not know which maintenance type was performed last, start with T02 (with the addition of additional points).

To reset the service interval display, a special BMW tool is required. Such tools are available and can be purchased from large stores or a BMW dealer.

Every 400 km or weekly - whichever comes first

See Weekly Checks.

T01 (Oil service)

• Change engine oil and oil filter (paragraph 3)
• Reset the service interval display (paragraph 4)
• Check the thickness of the friction material of the front brake pads (paragraph 8)
• Check the thickness of the friction material of the rear brake pads (paragraph 9)
• Check the operation of the handbrake (paragraph 10)
• Replace the cabin filter (paragraph 14)

T02₁ (Inspection I)

• Change engine oil and oil filter (paragraph 3)
• Reset the service interval display (paragraph 4)
• Check the hoses under the hood for leaks (paragraph 5)
• Check the condition of the accessory drive belt(s), adjust or replace as necessary (paragraph 6)
• Check the condition and reliability of the suspension and steering (paragraph 7)
• Check the thickness of the friction material of the front brake pads (paragraph 8)
• Check the thickness of the friction material of the rear brake pads (paragraph 9)
• Check the operation of the handbrake (paragraph 10)
• Check the exhaust system and its fastening elements to the body (paragraph 11)
• Check the condition and functionality of the seat belts (paragraph 12)
• Lubricate the hinges and locks (paragraph 13)
• Replace the cabin filter (paragraph 14)
• Check the headlight beams (paragraph 15)
• Check the operation of the windshield and headlight washers (paragraph 16)
• Check the operation of the engine management system (paragraph 17)
• Perform a road test of the vehicle (paragraph 18)

T02₂ (Inspection II)

In addition to operations T02, do the following:

• Reset the service interval display (paragraph 4)
• Replace the spark plugs (paragraph 19)
• Replace the air filter (paragraph 20)
• Check the condition of the drive shaft covers (paragraph 21)
• Check the condition of the handbrake pads (paragraph 22)

Every second service T02₂ (Inspection II)

• Replace the fuel filter (paragraph 23)

Every 2 years

Note: This type of service is performed regardless of the distance traveled.

• Replace brake fluid (paragraph 24)

Every 4 years

Note: This type of service is performed regardless of the distance traveled.

• Replace the coolant (paragraph 25)