BMW

BMW badges are not enough to identify parts or plan an inspection. Body, production date, delivery market, engine, transmission and installed hardware can all change the answer. These guides start with the exact car.

E46 3 Series

Contemporary Australian reporting dates the E46 sedan launch to October 1998. Coupe, convertible and Touring timing followed separate paths. [1] *(Australian secondary chronology; not VIN-level build proof.)*

• BMW E46 buyer's guide covers identity, documents, recalls and a workshop pre-purchase inspection, including a clearly labelled Australian-market module.
• BMW E46 chassis, engine and variant guide explains what to record before researching parts.
• BMW E46 cooling-system inspection checklist separates safe observation from diagnosis.
• BMW E46 brake package identification provides an axle-by-axle fitment workflow.
• BMW E46 suspension road-test checklist creates useful notes for a qualified lift inspection.

E90 and E92 3 Series

The E90 sedan went on sale in Australia in June 2005. [2] The E92 coupe launch period began in October 2006. [3] *(Both dates come from Australian secondary launch reporting; verify the individual car by VIN and build record.)*

• BMW E90 and E92 buyer's guide sets out a VIN-led inspection process.
• BMW E92 M3 service-history checklist covers the S65 V8, manual and M DCT branches, body evidence and specialist sign-off.

Use the guides safely

Record the 17-digit VIN, production date, market, body, engine, transmission and relevant installed hardware. Use a BMW-experienced workshop for lifting, diagnosis and safety-critical work. Do not road-test a car with brake, steering, tyre, overheating, fuel-leak or restraint-system warnings.

Recall status is VIN-specific. Check BMW Australia's live tool and retain the result with the vehicle file.