BMW 3 of the E46 series

since 1998 release

Repair and operation of the car

Power supply systems, injection and release

Specifications

Separate characteristics are provided also in the text of the Head and in case of obligation of their performance are highlighted in bold type

Fuel
Petrol engines
316i	unleaded, AI 95 is not worse
318i	unleaded, AI 95 is not worse
318i	unleaded, AI 983 is not worse)
323i	unleaded, AI 983 is not worse)
328i	unleaded, AI 983 is not worse)
330i	unleaded, AI 983 is not worse)
M3	unleaded, AI 983 is not worse)
3) Filling with AI 95 gasoline with insignificant deceleration of power of the engine is possible. AI 91 can be applied only in exceptional cases.
Diesel engines
Diesel fuel on DIN EN 590	Cetane number of not less than 49
Do not use biodiesel fuel (methyl air of rape oil)
The cetane number characterizes ability of diesel fuel to spontaneous ignition.
Operation in winter conditions
winter diesel fuel which depending on its brand ensures trouble-free operation of the engine at a temperature up to -15 °C or to -22 °C.
Heating of the fuel filter
The car is equipped with the device of heating of the fuel filter. Thanks to it the fuel calculated on its application at a temperature up to -15 °C can be used at a temperature approximately to -25 °C. If at air temperature below -25 °C fuel became so dense that the engine is not started, some time in the warmed room is enough to allow to the car to stand. To diesel fuel it is not necessary to mix various additives increasing its fluidity. At temperature drop of external air below -9 °C to summer diesel fuel it is possible to add kerosene (to % of total volume)
From –9 to –15 °C	10%
From –15 to –25 °C	30%
It is below -25 °C	50%
At temperature drop of external air below -20 °C to winter diesel fuel add means of reduction of viscosity or kerosene (to % of total volume)
From –20 to –26 °C	10%
From –26 to –31 °C	30%
It is below -31 °C	50%
Capacity of a fuel tank
Volume	63 l
including reserve stock	8 l
Control system of the engine
316i	BMS 46
318i	BMS 46
318i	Siemens MS 42.0
323i	Siemens MS 42.0
328i	Siemens MS 42.0
320d	DDE Bosch 3.0
330d	DDE Bosch 3.0
BMS - a control system of the BMW engine.
MS - a control system of the engine (Motronic).
DDE - a digital control system of the diesel engine.
Efforts of a tightening of threaded connections
The moments of an inhaling of fixture are given in the text of the Head and on some illyustratsiyakh*. * The moments of an inhaling highlighted in the text in bold type are subject to exact observance; the efforts which are not highlighted in bold type are given only approximately
System of production of the fulfilled gases
Reception pipe to a final collector	30 N • m
Fastening to a triangular flange	20 N • m
Collar of the additional muffler	15 N • m
The holder of the muffler to RKPP, M8 carving	20 N • m
Fastening levels to the bottom	20 N • m
Final collector
Models 316i, 318i, 320d
M6	10 N • m
M7	15 N • m
Models 320i, 323i, 328i
M6	10 N • m
M7	20 N • m

The fuel system consists of a fuel tank, fuel-supply lines, the filter, the fuel pump and system of injection of fuel.

The fuel tank has two chambers. The tank is located under back seats. The available reserve of fuel is shown to the driver on the dashboard. And the fuel reserve for each chamber is measured by the separate sensor. The microprocessor in the block of the dashboard counts the current content of fuel on the basis of impulses of injection, speed of the movement and electric signals of the lever sensor.

Ventilation of a fuel tank is carried out through the closed system of removal of air. At the petrol engine harmful vapors of gasoline gather in an adsorber and move under control in the engine.

Methods of economic operation of the car

Style of driving of the car has essential impact on fuel consumption. Some councils for reasonable operation of the car are given below:

- After start of the engine at once start even if it occurs on a frost.
- At a car stop lasting more than 40 with switch off the engine.
- Move always on the highest transfer.
- At the movement on long distances whenever possible support uniform speed. Avoid the movement at high speeds. Operate the car circumspectly. Without need do not brake.
- Do not transport excess freight on the car. For example, on a roof whenever possible remove the luggage carrier established on the car.
- Check air pressure in tires. Do not allow excessive pressure decrease.