Table of Contents

Subject Page

Introduction ....................................................................................... 3

Technical Data ................................................................................... 4

Body
Body Shell.................................................................................... 7

Interior Features ........................................................................... 12

Instrument Cluster ....................................................................... 13

Front Seats .................................................................................. 15

Seat Belt Assembly ...................................................................... 16

Comfort Entry Aid ........................................................................ 17

Seat Memory System................................................................... 18

Component Locations.................................................................. 21

Mirror Memory System................................................................. 23

Rear Seats ................................................................................... 25

Top Storage Compartment Floor.................................................. 26

Initial Print Date: 02/2000 Revision Date: 4/13/00

INTRODUCTION

The E46 Convertible is the replacement for the E36 Convertible and is based on the E46
Coupe. It is initially being introduced in March 2000, as a 323 Model only with the M52 TU
2.5 liter engine. The 3 liter version of the E46iC will begin production starting in 6/2000.

The E46 323 features a new design top that consists of a three layer top and all glass rear
window. The 323 comes with a manual top as standard equipment. The new fully automatic
electro-hydraulic top is available as an option. The 330 E46iC will come with the fully auto-
matic top as standard equipment.

The roll over protection system is standard equipment and is similar in design to the E36
system. The roll over protection bars are hidden by the rear headrest and deployed under
the same criteria as the E36 system.

The front seats of the E46iC are a new design with the seat integrated belt (SGS) system
similar to the system introduced on the E31 - 8 series vehicles.

00E46ICINTRO100

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TECHNICAL DATA

4
E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
TECHNICAL DATA

E36 E46
E36 E46
Convertible
Convertible Convertible
Convertible
(323I)
(323i) (323I) (323i)
Length (mm)
Outside Car Dimensions
4433 4488
Width (mm) (with mirror)
Length (mm)
1710 (1875)
4433 4488
1757 (1947)
Height
Width (mm)
(mm) (With Mirrors) 1348(1875)
1710 1757 (1947) 1372
Height (mm) 1648 1372

Shoulder
Inside Room,
Car Dimfront
ension(mm)
s 1352 1384
Shoulder
Shoulder Room, rear(mm)
Room, front (mm) 1108
1352 1384 1165
Shoulder
Elbow Room,front
Room, rear (mm)
(mm) 1108
1412 1165 1443
Elbow Room, front (mm) 1412 1443
Elbow
ElbowRoom, rear
Room, rear (mm)(mm) 1120
1120 1208 1208
Effective headroom, front (mm) 968 974
Effective headroom, front (mm)
Effective headroom, rear (mm)
968
921 937
974
Effective headroom, rear (mm) 921 937
General Information
Cd Cd 0.36
0.36 3.36 0.36
Unladen weight 3319 3516
Unladen weight (lb) 3319auto)
(3396 (3649 auto) 3516
Total Weight (3396
4035auto) 4322 (3649 auto)
(4112 auto) (4410 auto)
Total Weight
Luggage (lb) (L)
Comp. Volume 4035
230 260 4322
(Comp Floor Extended (4112 auto) (300) (4410 auto)
SpeedComp.
Luggage Rating Volume (L) 230 260
(Comp Floor
Top Speed Extended)
(MPH) 128 128 (300)
governed governed

Acceleration 0-60 MPH (Sec.) 7.7 8.8

Top Speed (MPH) 128 128
8.8 auto 9.7 auto
governed preliminarygoverned
Acceleration 0-60 MPH (sec) 7.7 8.8
(8.8 auto) (9.7 auto)
preliminary

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
BODY

Body Shell

Model: E46 Convertible

Production Date: 01/00

Objective of the Module:

After completing this module, you should be able to:

Describe how the body shell is reinforced to improve Torsion Rigidity

Identify the floor pan reinforcements for energy absorption on the SGS seats.

Identify the body shell reinforcements necessary for the addition of the Variable
Convertible Top Storage Compartment Floor.

Describe how the windshield frame is reinforced.

Identify and describe the functions of the tension strut.

Identify and describe the function of the Aluminum plate.

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Purpose of the System:

The body shell of the E46iC has been developed specifically for the convertible to improve
crash performance which is similar to the E46 Coupe. This was achieved by the use of
reinforcements on the body shell that improved torsional rigidity (body twisting). In the main
body floor pan, reinforcements were necessary to accommodate the new SGS (Seat
Integrated Belt System) seat system. In the rear floor pan, reinforcements were necessary
to account for the variable convertible top storage. compartment floor.

ART-E46BODY3

Components of the System

Floor Pan

The floor pan is reinforced to support the SGS seat by heavier cross brace members, rein-
forced tunnel/floor pan and reinforced engine support brackets. During a collision all forces
occurring on the seat are channeled to be absorbed by the floor pan.

Windshield Frame

The windshield frame is reinforced with stepped

reinforcing tubes to allow it to act as a roll-over pro-
tection. During the rollover all of the forces exerted
on the A-pillar of the windshield frame are transmit-
ted as a Moment (Torque) to the bottom of the A-
pillar where stepped reinforced tubes are reinforced.

ART-E46BODY4

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
Rear Bulkheads

The rear bulkheads are redesigned to support the roll-

over protection and seat belts. They are welded to
increase structural rigidity and to secure rear seat, rear
seat belts and the mounting point for the ISO child seat.

ART-E46BODY5

Variable Top Storage Compartment

The variable top storage compartment is reinforced to make the top storage compartment
rigid and stronger, not to allow twisting moments when the soft top is in its compartment
or when the compartment is opened to enlarge the storage area.

Tension Strut

Tension struts are integrated into the rear of the

body shell to improve the torsional rigidity by not
allowing body twist in the rear. It also keeps the
rear end of the car intact with the middle floor
pan.

41E46STRUT0100

Aluminum Support Plate

An aluminum support plate is incorporated into

the front suspension carrier to achieve a high
degree of rigidity combined with low weight.

All of these design improvements increased the 41E46PLATE0200

E46iC torsional rigidity by 50% compared to the
E36iC:

E36 Convertible Torsional Rigidity 6000Nm/degree

E46 Convertible Torsional Rigidity 9000 Nm/degree

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REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. How is the floor pan on the E46iC improved for structural rigidity?
___________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

2. Why was it necessary to reinforce the floor pan on the E46iC?

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

3. What allows the windshield frame to act as a roll over protection device?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

4. Why is the Tension strut integrated at the rear of the body shell?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

5. How much is the torsional rigidity improved on the E46iC as compared to the
E36iC?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

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E46iCBODY/ST0394/13/00
BODY

Interior Features
Model: E46 Convertible
Production Date: 01/00

Objective of the Module:

After completing this module, you should be able to:

Describe how the seat back rest activates the warning lamp in the Instrument cluster.

Understand the Roll Over Protection warning lamp in the instrument Cluster.

Describe the operation of the SGS seat system.

Describe the operation of the Inertia Reel locking mechanism.

Describe the operation of the Comfort Entry Aid system.

Explain how the two control modules on each seat operates the seat functions.

Explain the memory function for the Comfort Entry Aid System.

Identify the control modules used for mirror memory.

Explain how the mirror memory positions are stored and recalled.

Identify the ISO child seat brackets.

Describe the operation of the Variable Convertible Top Storage Compartment Floor.

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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

Purpose of the System:

The instrument cluster displays the information about the status of different operating sys-
tems in the vehicle. The information is received in the form of dial gauges, LCD display,
warning LEDs and Gong sound. Switches are also integrated in the instrument cluster to
reset the trip mileage, perform BC functions and to change over some units of measure-
ment e.g. degree F to degree C.

80 3 4
60 100
100
120 140
160
2 1/min
x1000
5
80 180 120
40
12 60 200 1 6
11 40 220
0
20 20 240 140
UNLEADED GASOLINE ONLY 0 50 30 20 15 7
km/h 12
MPH

ART-E46BODY8.EPS

Components of the System:

The instrument cluster layout in the E46iC is the same configuration as the E46 Coupe and
Sedan. The cluster continues to use five analog gauges to display engine RPM, engine
temperature, fuel level and economy display.

There are three LCD blocks to display:

Check control pictogram

Service Interval, mileage and outside temperature
Transmission range program and failure display

Warning indicators and lamps are arranged to the right and left of the LCD blocks. The
ASC, charge indicator, high beam and oil pressure lamps are located between the
speedometer and tachometer.

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INSTRUMENT CLUSTER

62E46ROLLBARSIGNAL0600

62E46INTRUMENTPANEL0100

New warning indicators are:

Seat Belt warning lamp:

The seat belt warning lamp is illuminated when the seat belt is not fastened and FLASHES
when the seat back rest is not locked into position.

Roll Over Protection warning lamp:

Roll over protection warning lamp is illuminated when there is a fault in the Roll over
Protection System (RPS).

System Operation:

Refer to ST034 handout for the details on the Instrument Cluster operation.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

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FRONT SEATS

Purpose of the System:

The front seats of the E46iC are designed in such a way that all forces acting on the occu-
pants during collision are reduced to the floor pan by the defined design characteristics of
the seat. The front seat also incorporate the Seat Integrated belt System (SGS) and the
Comfort Entry Aid System.

Components of the System:

ART-EBODY11

Seat Integrated Belt System (SGS)

The SGS seat is similar in design to the SGS in the E31. The backrest and seat frame are
reinforced to allow the belt system and deflection points to be integrated into the seat. All
of the belt fastening points move with the seat as it is adjusted. This ensures the best pos-
sible body strapping irrespective of the seat position or body size. With the short free belt
lengths, the occupants are held quicker with any vehicle deceleration. The SGS design will
cause all forces occurring during a collision to be channeled into the reinforced floor pan.

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
Seat Belt Assembly

The fixed anchor point and seat belt tensioner are mounted on the seat frame. The upper
deflection point of the belt is attached to the head rest which causes the belt to be opti-
mally positioned when the head rest is moved.

The inertia reel locking mechanism is attached to the backrest frame of the seat. It con-
sists of two independent triggering devices which act on the inertia reel.

The first triggering device locks the belt during fast cornering, heavy braking,
roll over or during impact.

The second triggering device serves as an auxiliary safety lock and is controlled
by the Mass Moment of Inertia. The position of the mass moment of inertia is a
decisive factor for the belt to lock.

The inertia reel locking mechanism is connected through a lever and a cable drive to a gear
assembly on the seat back hinge. As the angle of the backrest is adjusted, the gear assem-
bly and cable drive will change the angle of the inertia lock. This ensures that the lock is in

52460001

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
Comfort Entry Aid

The switch for the comfort entry aid feature is positioned at the top of the seat back. The
switch provides an input to the seat module which activates the seat forward/backward
motor.

When pressed forward, the motor rapidly moves the

seat to its most forward position.

When the switch is pressed rearward, the seat returns

to the previous set position.

When the lever for the backrest is raised and the back
rest is pulled forward, the back rest lock switch pro-
vides an input to the seat module. The module acti-
vates the head rest motor and it moves down to its
lowest position. When the seat back rest is relocked,
the module activates the head rest motor to return to
its previous set position. This feature will only activate
when the seat is moved forward far enough to cause
the head rest to interfere with the sun visor as the back ART-E46BODY17
rest is pulled forward. The seat module recognizes the
position of the seat base for activation of this feature.

ART-E46BODY15
ART-EBODY16

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SEAT MEMORY SYSTEM

Purpose of the System:

The seat memory system uses two control modules on each front seat (driver and pas-
senger). One processor is incorporated into the seat adjusting switch and a second
processor is mounted under the seat. The functions of the two control modules is to
process the following inputs and outputs to control the seat:

Seat adjustments
Comfort entry aid switch
Seat back rest lock micro switch
Seat belt fastened
K-bus communication with the GM V and Instrument Cluster

As with previous systems, the Driver seat memory feature stores three seat positions for
recall. The positions are stored in the non-volatile memory preventing loss of positions in
case the SM or the battery is disconnected.

Components of the System:

Refer to the Drivers and Passengers memory seat IPO.

System Operation:

The seat adjusting switch block communicates with the control module over dedicated
lines. The output stages for seat motor movement are in the control module. The seat posi-
tions are recognized through the use of hall sensors on the motors. All components of the
seat memory system are monitored for faults.

Additional functions of the memory system include memorizing the position of the seat and
headrest when the entry aid feature is activated. The seat will return to its previous set posi-
tion when the entry aid switch is pressed rearward or the seat back rest is locked.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
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MEMORY SEAT I P O

Comfort
Entry

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
PASSENGERS SEAT MEMORY IPO

The passengers front seat incorporates a control module for seat adjustment and the entry
aid features. Only the seat forward/back and head rest adjustment motors incorporate hall
sensors for position recognition.

Comfort
Entry

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
COMPONENT LOCATIONS:

52460004

The memory control module for the seat is

mounted under the seat base on the seat
frame.

52460002

Three seat adjustment motors are mounted under the seat base on the seat frame as fol-
lows:

TILT
MOTOR

FOWARD/BACKWARD
MOTOR

HEIGHT MOTOR
52460003

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COMPONENT LOCATIONS:

The backrest adjustment motor is mounted on the lower edge of the backrest frame.

BACKREST MOTOR

52E46SEAT0300

The headrest adjustment motor is mounted at the upper edge of the backrest frame.

HEADREST MOTOR

ART-KT5424
MIRROR MEMORY SYSTEM

Purpose of the System:

The function of the mirror memory system is to:

Memorize mirror positions,

Adjust mirrors,
Control heaters for the outside mirrors and windshield spray nozzle
Communicate with the Drivers seat memory module to recall mirror positions.

Components of the System

The mirror memory system consists of the following components:

Mirror adjusting switch

Drivers mirror memory module
Passengers mirror memory module
Drivers seat memory module
Mirrors with adjusting motors and
feedback potentiometer

ART-E46BODY25

The mirrors are hinged mechanically to swing up instead of in as on previous mirror sys-
tems.

ART-A0020018
ART-E46BODY26

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System Operation:

Each mirror module is responsible for mirror adjustment, storage of the mirror positions and
mirror heating. Operation of the mirror adjusting switch remains the same for initial setting
of the mirror positions. Feedback potentiometers are used for mirror position recognition for
memory storage purposes. The drivers mirror module communicates with the passengers
mirror module and the seat module over the K-bus.

When a memory position is set with the seat module, a signal is sent to the mirror modules
over the K-bus and the current positions are stored in memory locations 1, 2 or 3 in the
respective modules.

When a memory button is pressed for recall of a stored position, the seat module signals
the mirror modules over the K-bus to return the mirrors to the stored settings.

ART-E46BODY28

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REAR SEATS

The E46iC is designed as a four passenger vehicle. Only two seat belts are installed in the
rear that correspond to the seat belt system of the E36iC.

52E46BACKSEAT0200 52E46BACKHEADREST0300

The E46iC is equipped with child seat mounting brackets on the left and right sides below
the seat base. The brackets conform to ISO (International Organization of Standardization)
for placement on the rear floor pan. Any ISO child seat can be installed by simply sliding
the seat into position between the seat base and backrest and locking it into place.

ART-E46BODY30

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VARIABLE CONVERTIBLE TOP STORAGE COMPARTMENT FLOOR

Purpose of the System:

The trunk of the E46 convertible offers a new feature called the Variable Convertible Top
Storage Compartment Floor. This feature allows the luggage storage area to be enlarged
by approximately 40 liters when the soft top is raised or removed for hard top installation.

MEDIAPOOL-A0020768 MEDIAPOOL-A0020768
Components of the system:

Variable Compartment Floor

The variable compartment floor is constructed of plastic with fabric covering. It is hinged
mechanically so that it can be rotated up into the top storage area providing additional lug-
gage storage space in the trunk. The floor is hinged at four points to allow it to articulate
and fold upwards:

ART-E46BODY27

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
Actuating Lever

An actuating lever is integrated in the variable

compartment floor on the right side. It allows
the compartment floor to be opened and closed
using the actuating lever. It also locks the com-
partment floor into position.

Dampening Piston
ART-COMPFLOOR1

A dampening piston is also integrated in the

variable compartment floor on the right side. It
assists in the movement of the variable com-
partment floor to either position and keep it DAMPENING
fixed in that set position (retracted or extended). PISTON
The lower dampening piston hinge switches
the micro switch integrated on the right side of
the compartment floor when the variable com-
partment floor is in the raised position. This sig-
nal is provided to the CVM to lock out the oper-
ation of the convertible-top.

ART-KT-5305

System Operation:

Opening the variable compartment floor

The convertible top must be raised or removed from the storage compartment.
Pull the actuating lever rear wards and push it down and toward the rear bulkhead.

Closing the variable compartment floor

Pull the actuating lever down.

Pull the compartment floor rear wards to close the floor.

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E46iCBODY/ST039/4/13/00
REVIEW QUESTIONS:

1. What has changed with the seat belt warning indicator, and why?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

2. What is the purpose of the Comfort Entry Aid system?

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

3. What are the new components integrated into the inertia reel locking mechanism?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

4. How is the seat position recognized for the memory storage function on the
drivers seat?
________________________________________________________

5. Which motors on the passengers seat require position recognition?

________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

6. Which control modules are used for the mirror memory storage/recall function?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

7. Where are the memory positions for the mirror adjustment stored?
________________________________________________________

8. Explain the function of the damping piston on the variable compartment floor?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

9. Explain the function of the micro switch on the variable compartment floor?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

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