BMW 3 Series E46 1998 - 2006 - Problems and malfunctions

BMW 3 Series E46

What are the most common problems and breakdowns of the BMW 3 Series E46 and how to solve them?

BMW 3 Series - All 2-door models.
Issue - Vibration / slamming from the door when closing.
Clicking from a window when opening or closing.
Cause - Loose window nuts for window opening and closing mechanism.
Repair - Remove the inner door panel. Install the modified window opening and closing locknuts. Tighten the locknuts to 9,5 Nm. Install the inner door panel.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with xenon headlights.
Issue - Left or Right Headlight Error.
Cause - Electrical headlamp installations touch the headlamp cover and depress the headlamp ignition unit.
Repair -  The headlamp control module must be disconnected from the power supply. Remove the headlight bulb. Check that the base of the headlamp bulb and the headlamp ignition unit are burned, if there are any signs of burns: Insert the modified bulb and the headlamp ignition unit. Secure the electrical installations of the headlights so that they do not touch the covers.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All station wagon models.
Issue - License plate light error. The rear door is automatically locked / unlocked.
Cause - Water entering the component multipurpose through the license plate lamp creates corrosion.
Repair - Remove the license plate light assembly. Check electrical installations for damage and repair / replace if necessary. Install the license plate light assembly.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with towing bar, 09 / 01-04 / 02.
Issue - The indicator light flashes at double speed, no trailer. Error code Incorrect trailer direction indicator stored in fault memory.
Cause - Headlight Switch Control Module Software Error.
Repair - Re-program the headlamp switch control module with upgraded software.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models.
Issue - ESP indicator light illuminates. Stored Error Code: 5E43.
Cause - Steering Angle Sensor Defective.
Repair - Install a new steering angle sensor. Calibrate the steering angle sensor using the appropriate diagnostic equipment.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with AC device, → 06/01.
Issue - The air conditioning / heating fan motor does not work. The air conditioning / heating fan motor runs periodically. The air conditioning / heating fan motor runs at a constant speed even though the fan speed is set manually.
Cause - Air conditioner / heating fan control module error.
Repair - Install the air conditioning / heating fan control module.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models, 02 / 00-11 / 00.
Issue - Headlights must be switched off. Turn on the ignition, the dipped headlights will come on. Bright rear lights, license plate light and instrument panel. Stored error code.
Cause - Defective light switch.
Repair - Install a modified light switch. Erase the errors.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with engine code 25 6S 5.
Issue - Lengine failure indicator (MIL) illuminates. Error code stored: 123.
Cause - Thermostat and heater element error.
Repair - Insert new housing and thermostat.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with sliding / sliding sunroof, 1994-04.
Issue - Loss of automatic function at one touch of skylight.
Cause - Disconnecting the battery.
Repair - Program a sliding / sliding sunroof. Turn the ignition ON. Press and hold the sunroof / slide window switch in the raised position. When it is raised to the maximum, keep the switch pressed for another 20 seconds. The sunroof will lift slightly to indicate that programming is complete.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with automatic temperature control (ATC), → 02/01.
Issue - Evaporator blocked which reduces or stops the flow of air into the interior of the vehicle.
Cause - Air Conditioner Evaporator Temperature Sensor.
Repair - Perform a diagnostic check to confirm the error. Install a modified air conditioning evaporator temperature sensor.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with air conditioning (AC), → 06/01.
Issue - The air conditioning / heating fan motor does not work. The air conditioning / heating fan motor runs periodically. The air conditioning / heating fan motor runs at a constant speed even though the fan speed is set manually.
Cause - Air conditioner / heating fan control module error.
Repair - Install the new air conditioning / heating fan control module.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with semi-automatic temperature control, 07 / 00-08 / 01.
Issue - The air conditioning (AC) / heater flap motors do not match the air conditioning settings. An error occurs if the air distribution to the left is in the same position and the ignition is switched on and off several times.
Cause - Each time the ignition is switched off and on, there is a slight movement in the air-conditioning / heater flap motors. Software error in air conditioning control module.
Repair - Install the modified air conditioning control module.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models.
Issue - Clutch shaking, heavy throwing into gear. Transmission noise. The gear lever is stuck. Torque converter bearing error.
Cause - The alignment pin (s) cannot be fitted when the transmission and engine are separated.
Repair -  Check that the alignment pins are fitted and in good condition.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with GS5-280Z / 320Z (C-transmission) or GS5-39DZ (F-transmission), 09 / 97-12 / 02.
Issue - It is difficult to shift the gearbox between 3/4/5. and reversing speeds. The selector lever will not automatically return to its starting position.
Cause - Selector lever lock wedge locked in bearing.
Repair - Remove the transmission. Install the bearing repair kit. Special tools required BMW no. 23.4.021, 23.4.022, 23.4.023.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with dynamic stability control (DSC), except 4 × 4 / M3.
Issue - The steering wheel jerks when it brakes abruptly. The steering wheel pulls left or right when the brakes are applied.
Cause - The front axle is hypersensitive and vibrations are sent to the steering wheel.
Repair - Check and adjust the geometry of the front wheels. Check and adjust the longitudinal angle of the sleeve and the lateral inclination of the front wheels. Check and adjust the geometry of the rear wheels.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models without dynamic stability control (DSC), except 4 × 4 / M3.
Issue - Swinging through the steering wheel when it suddenly locks. The steering pulls left or right when the brake is applied.
Cause - The front axle is too sensitive and vibrations are transmitted to the steering wheel. Worn ball joints of the lower suspension handle.
Repair - The front and rear wheels must be aligned. Bleed the brakes. If the error is still present: Place the modified ball joints on the shoulders of the front lower suspension.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models without dynamic stability control (DSC), → 12/99, except 330d.
Issue - Swinging through the steering wheel when it suddenly locks. The steering pulls left or right when the brakes are applied.
Cause - The front axle is hypersensitive and the vibrations are transmitted to the steering wheel.
Repair - The front and rear wheels must be aligned / checked. Open the brake vent hose, insert the hose, collect the brake fluid. Gently depress and hold the brake pedal. Drain the fluid from the brake master cylinder reservoir and remove the reservoir. Disconnect the brake hose from the brake master cylinder. Place the limit valve on the brake master cylinder. Tightening torques: 17-19 Nm. Place the brake hose on the limiter valve. Tightening torques: 17-19 Nm. Bleed the brake system.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with 4-cylinder engines.
Issue - Ignition OFF.
Cause - Defective coil (s).
Repair - Perform a diagnostic check on the bobbins to confirm the error. Replace if necessary.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with Bremi coil, → 11/02.
Issue - The Engine Malfunction Indicator (MIL) illuminates. Improper engine ignition. Loss of strength.
Cause - Faulty coil insulation - Bremi only.
Repair -  The last four marks indicate the week and year of production. Access the engine computer error memory (ECM). Perform a diagnostic test on the coils to confirm the error. Install the modified coils. Clear the error codes.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models
Issue - The ABS indicator light illuminates. Stored Error Code: 5E1F.
Cause - ABS control module defective.
Repair -  Perform component, electronics, and mechanics tests (as appropriate) to eliminate other possible causes. If no error is found: Replace the ABS control module.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All RHD → 04/02.
Issue - Buzz at 1000-1200 rpm.
Cause - Thermal protection of the exhaust in contact with the surrounding components.
Repair -  Install the modified exhaust manifold gasket and parts listed.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models, → 07/02.
Issue - Blocked accelerator pedal.
Cause - High outside temperature. Warm air from the heater goes to the accelerator pedal position (APP) sensor. There is an expansion in the APP provider.
Repair -  Remove the APP encoder. Check the adapter board number. If the adapter plate has the following number, it must be replaced: Series 3 - part no. 6.751.143.Series 5 / Series 7 / Series 8 / X5 (E53) - part no. 1.165.708 Install a modified APP encoder.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models, → 11/98.
Issue - Error starting. The engine will not start. Transmission gear (TR) display on instrument panel defective. The alternator control indicator flashes. Fuse No. 15 or No. 30 blown.
Cause - Engine oil level switch faulty.
Repair -   Replace fuse (7,5 A). Try starting the engine. If the fuse blows again, disconnect the engine oil level switch. Replace fuse. Try starting the engine. If the engine is starting and the gearbox is on the instrument panel, install a new engine oil level switch.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with gearbox S5D 260Z / 280Z / 310Z / 320Z.
Series 3, M47, → 08/01.
Serija 3, M52TU-B28/M54-B30
Series 3, M47-318d, → 03/02.
Serija 5, M47/M54-B25/M54-B28/M54-B30/M54-B35, →03/02.
Serija 7, M51/M52TU-B28/M54-B30/M62-B35, 1995-03.
Z3, S50/S52, →07/00.
Z3, S54, → 04/02.
X5, M54-B30, →03/02.
Issue - Hard gear shift when the gearbox is at normal operating temperature.
Cause - Locking pin (s) blocked.
Repair - Insert modified locking studs, bearings, springs and seals.

BMW 3 Series (E46), 2000-09 / 03.
BMW 5 Series (E39), 1998-03.
BMW Z3 (E36 / 7), 2000-02.
BMW Z8 (E52), 1999-03.
BMW X5 (E53), 1999-09 / 03.
Issue - The Engine Malfunction Indicator (MIL) illuminates. The various lambda probe (HO2S) heating error codes stored in the engine computer error memory (ECM). Stored fault codes, motor M54: P0030, P0036, P0050, P0056, P0134, P0135, P0140, P0141, P0154, P0155, P0160, P0161. Stored fault codes, motor S54 / 62: P0130, P0134, P0139, P0150, P0154, P0159, P1184, P1185.
Cause - Engine Computer Software (ECM) error.
Repair -  Re-program the ECM with the upgraded software

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with sequential transmission, H-SMG GS6-37, → 06/04.
Issue - Stopping the engine when braking. The engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminates intermittently. The transmission shifts from automatic to manual mode. Sport mode is switched off. The engine cannot be started, the immobilizer is working. Fault code stored in engine computer error memory (ECM): EWS (electronic immobilizer) interference. If you lock and unlock the vehicle, the engine starts.
Cause - Defective transmission relay.
Issue -  When installing a modified relay, replace the connector as well. Remove the relay board. Replace the relay multi-connector. Install the transmission relay replacement kit. Install the modified transmission relay.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with rain sensor, → 01/00.
Issue - 
1. Windshield wipers are running continuously.
2. Inability to adjust the sensitivity of the rain gauge.
3. The rain gauge cannot operate the wipers. The operation is correct after the ignition is switched off and on.
4. Delay when wipers shift from normal speed, position 2 or 3 to position 1 of rain gauge.
5. The wipers come on for no reason when the vehicle comes out of the shadows.
6. The wipers wipe 4-5 times when the rain gauge is activated, then stop and the rain gauge stops working.
7. The wipers do not stop in the 'stop' position, move 10-15 ° and then stop.
Cause - 
Problem 1-5: Software Error in Rain Encoder.
Problem  6-7: Defective double wiper relay.
Issue -  Access the rain sensor error memory using diagnostic equipment.
Problem 1, 3, 4, 5: If the encoder software version is 1.3 or older, install a modified rain encoder.
Problem 2: Error - adjustment on the windscreen is not possible - stored in the rain sensor error memory, reprogram the rain sensor. If programming fails, install a modified rain encoder.
Problem 6, 7: If the date of installation of the double relay is 379 (10/99) or older, replace with a modified relay.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models with diesel engines: 4-cylinder engines → 09/01, 6-cylinder engines → 01/01
Issue - Loss of engine power at acceleration.
Cause - The Mass Air Flow Sensor (MAF) delivers an incorrect signal to the engine computer.
Repair -  Perform component, electronics, and mechanical tests (as needed) to eliminate other possible causes. If no error (s) are found: install a modified MAF encoder. Reprogram the engine computer (ECM) with the modified software.

BMW 3 Series E46 - All models, → 03/02.
Issue - The engine fails at acceleration or at constant speed.
Cause - Corroded pins between the pressurized fuel pressure sensor (FRP) and the multi-connector.
Repair -  Check the injectors for possible errors. Inspect the pins for corrosion in the injector body and connectors on the injectors. The symptoms are similar. Shake the encoder multi-connector (FRP). If the engine idle changes: clean the FRP encoder connections with the tools provided. Install a modified encoder set (FRP).

Source: autoportal.hr