Vehicle database
BMW 3 Series 325i
E46 / 2002-2005 / Sedan / Coupe / Convertible / Sedan / Coupe / Convertible (market-dependent) / Sedan/Coupe/Wagon/Convertible / Sedan / Coupe / Convertible / Touring
Global / Europe and North America primaryEurope / North America / selected global marketsGlobal (with regional engine variations)Global (primarily Europe, North America, Asia with variations)Coverage: expanded
Year and trim selector
Choose the exact year and trim to see engine, oil and service details.
2002 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)
E46 / M54B25 / 2.5L inline-6 DOHC, naturally aspirated
SilverOpen details
Oil type: BMW Longlife-01 5W-30 synthetic oilOil capacity: Approx. 6.9 liters (service fill including filter change)Related: M54B22 (2.2L variant), M54B30 (3.0L variant)
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)
E46 / M54B25 / 2.5L inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, DOHC, 24 valves with variable valve timing (Double-VANOS).
SilverOpen details
Oil type: BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40Oil capacity: Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity)Related: M54B25, E46
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)
E46 / M54B25 / 2.5L Inline-6 naturally aspirated petrol engine
GoldOpen details
Oil type: BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil SAE 5W-30Oil capacity: 6.75 liters (including oil filter), service fillRelated: E46, M54B25, Getrag 420G
2005 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)
E46 / M54B25 / 2.5L inline-6 SOHC, VANOS variable valve timing, iron block, aluminum head
GoldOpen details
Oil type: BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic SAE 5W-30 or equivalentOil capacity: 6.5 liters (engine oil service fill including filter replacement)Related: M52TÜ, M54B30
Engine codes by year
| Year | Trim | Engine codes | Displacement | Fuel system |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | technical-profile | M54B25 | 2494 cc | Sequential multi-port fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.x) |
| 2003 | technical-profile | M54B25 | 2494 cc | Electronic fuel injection |
| 2004 | technical-profile | M54B25 | 2494 cc | Multipoint fuel injection |
| 2005 | technical-profile | M54B25 | 2494 cc | Multi-point fuel injection |
Oil capacity by engine
| Year | Engine codes | Oil type | Oil capacity | Fluid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | M54B25 | BMW Longlife-01 5W-30 synthetic oil | Approx. 6.9 liters (service fill including filter change) | BMW ATF or equivalent for automatic, SAE 75W-90 for manual |
| 2003 | M54B25 | BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 | Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity) | BMW ATF or approved equivalent (type depends on transmission variant) |
| 2004 | M54B25 | BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil SAE 5W-30 | 6.75 liters (including oil filter), service fill | BMW ATF or equivalent synthetic automatic transmission fluid |
| 2005 | M54B25 | BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic SAE 5W-30 or equivalent | 6.5 liters (engine oil service fill including filter replacement) | BMW approved synthetic ATF for automatics; API GL-4 for manuals |
Technical specifications
- Engines: M54B25
- Transmissions: 5-speed or 6-speed Getrag manual (market dependent), 5-speed or 6-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19 / GM 5L40-E), BMW ATF or equivalent for automatic, SAE 75W-90 for manual, Getrag 5-speed or 6-speed manual (market dependent), GM 5-speed Steptronic automatic (market dependent), BMW ATF or approved equivalent (type depends on transmission variant), Getrag 420G 5-speed (early 2004) / Getrag 420G 6-speed (mid-2004+ in some markets), ZF 5HP19 5-speed automatic
- Tire sizes: 205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18, 225/40 R18 (market-dependent), 205/55 R16 (base), 225/45 R17 (optional sport wheels)
- Bolt pattern: Verify by exact trim and wheel package
- Wheel torque: Verify by VIN and wheel package
- Battery: Verify by engine, market and equipment package
Fluids and service data
- Engine oil: BMW Longlife-01 5W-30 synthetic oil / BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 / BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil SAE 5W-30 / BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic SAE 5W-30 or equivalent
- Transmission fluid: BMW ATF or equivalent for automatic, SAE 75W-90 for manual / BMW ATF or approved equivalent (type depends on transmission variant) / BMW ATF or equivalent synthetic automatic transmission fluid / BMW approved synthetic ATF for automatics; API GL-4 for manuals
- Coolant: 7.4 liters / Around 9 liters / 9 liters approximately / 10 liters
- Brake fluid: Dot 4 / DOT 4 / DOT 4, changed every 2 years recommended
Known problems
- Cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat)
- Rear subframe bushing wear
- Window regulator faults
- Rear subframe cracking (especially in North American models)
- Cooling system leakage
- DISA valve failure
- Cooling system expansion tank cracking
- VANOS solenoid failure
- Vanos solenoid failure causing rough idle
- Cooling system thermostat and water pump wear
- Rear subframe bushing wear in high mileage models