2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)

E46 / Sedan / Coupe / Convertible (market-dependent) / Europe / North America / selected global markets

M54B25Exact year/trim recordSilver

Engine identity

Engine code

M54B25

Engine summary

2.5L inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, DOHC, 24 valves with variable valve timing (Double-VANOS).

Displacement

2494 cc

Power

170 kW / 231 hp @ 5900 rpm (varies slightly by market emission standards)

Torque

250 Nm / 184 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel system

Electronic fuel injection

Timing drive

Chain-driven DOHC with variable valve timing

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40

Oil capacity

Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity)

Coolant

Around 9 liters

Fluid

BMW ATF or approved equivalent (type depends on transmission variant)

Differential fluid

Hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5

Brake fluid

DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Getrag 5-speed or 6-speed manual (market dependent)

Automatic transmission

GM 5-speed Steptronic automatic (market dependent)

Spark plugs

NGK or Bosch iridium plugs, gap ~0.9 mm

Service interval

15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first), with oil and filter change

Tire sizes

205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

Common and chronic problems

Rear subframe cracking (especially in North American models)
Cooling system leakage
DISA valve failure

First checks

Inspect cooling system hoses and water pump
Check rear suspension mounting points
Verify VANOS system operation

Before replacing parts

Save fault codes and freeze-frame data before clearing anything.
Check engine oil, coolant and transmission fluid using the correct temperature and service procedure.
Verify power, ground, connectors, hoses, leaks and live data before replacing expensive parts.

Important notes

Market variations exist mainly in transmission options and minor emissions tuning.
2003 was the mid-cycle refresh year for the E46 3 Series with slight cosmetic updates and improved electronics.

Common codes

Source and verification notes

BMW E46 Factory Service Manual 2003 - technical specifications and maintenance.
BMW enthusiast technical archives - confirmed engine and transmission details.

Compatible tools

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) use? 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) is listed here with engine code M54B25; engine summary: 2.5L inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, DOHC, 24 valves with variable valve timing (Double-VANOS)..
What oil and capacity does the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) use? 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) is listed with BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 and oil capacity Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity). Confirm market and engine option before service.
What are common 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) problems? Highlighted checks for 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46): Rear subframe cracking (especially in North American models), Cooling system leakage, DISA valve failure.

Engine identity

Engine code

M54B25

Engine summary

2.5L inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, DOHC, 24 valves with variable valve timing (Double-VANOS).

Displacement

2494 cc

Power

170 kW / 231 hp @ 5900 rpm (varies slightly by market emission standards)

Torque

250 Nm / 184 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel system

Electronic fuel injection

Timing drive

Chain-driven DOHC with variable valve timing

OBD port

Verify by VIN and market

Oils and fluids

Oil type

BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40

Oil capacity

Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity)

Coolant

Around 9 liters

Fluid

BMW ATF or approved equivalent (type depends on transmission variant)

Differential fluid

Hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 75W-90 GL-5

Brake fluid

DOT 4

Service and parts data

Manual transmission

Getrag 5-speed or 6-speed manual (market dependent)

Automatic transmission

GM 5-speed Steptronic automatic (market dependent)

Spark plugs

NGK or Bosch iridium plugs, gap ~0.9 mm

Service interval

15,000 km or 1 year (whichever comes first), with oil and filter change

Tire sizes

205/55 R16, 225/45 R17, 225/40 R18

Wheel torque

Verify by VIN and market

FAQ

What engine code does the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) use? 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) is listed here with engine code M54B25; engine summary: 2.5L inline 6-cylinder naturally aspirated petrol engine, DOHC, 24 valves with variable valve timing (Double-VANOS)..

What oil and capacity does the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) use? 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) is listed with BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 5W-40 and oil capacity Approximately 6.5 liters (includes filter change service-fill capacity). Confirm market and engine option before service.

What are common 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46) problems? Highlighted checks for 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46): Rear subframe cracking (especially in North American models), Cooling system leakage, DISA valve failure.

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes

Scanning Engine...

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i M54B25 (E46)

Engine identity

Oils and fluids

Service and parts data

Common and chronic problems

First checks

Before replacing parts

Important notes