🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 330xi Years Covered: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Generation Chassis Code: E46 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon (E-segment) Competitive Analysis Rivals: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35 Key Features Performance Orientation: Known for sporty handling, engaging driving dynamics, and refined interiors Drivetrain: xDrive all-wheel drive system providing enhanced traction and stability 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Vehicle Models: BMW 330xi Model Years: 1999-2005 Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500-2000 Manual Type Type: Full Service and Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M54B30 Engine, engine mechanical, engine control systems (DME), ignition, fuel injection, exhaust, cooling system, lubrication system, emissions control Transmission: GM A5S360R Automatic Transmission, ZF S5-31 Manual Transmission, clutch, driveline, xDrive all-wheel drive system Brakes: Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, parking brake Suspension: Front MacPherson strut, rear multi-link suspension, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column Electrical: Battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, body control module (BCM), instrument cluster, power accessories HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, blower motor, refrigerant system, climate control unit Body: Exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, interior trim, seats, airbags Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake service, tire rotation Repair: Engine component replacement, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical system diagnostics and repair, HVAC system repair Diagnostics: Troubleshooting common problems, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, module testing Specifications: Torque specifications, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters, alignment settings, wiring diagrams Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and detailed diagnostics 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Quality: High-resolution, searchable PDF for easy navigation and printing Print Quality Clarity: Includes clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs Binding Type Format Detail: Digital format allows for easy access and searchability Paper Type Physical Format: N/A (Digital Product) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M54B30 Engine Type: 3.0L Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Injection Type: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher) Cooling System Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) Lubrication System Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent) Oil Capacity Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: GM A5S360R 5-Speed Automatic Optional Type: ZF S5-31 5-Speed Manual Features AWD System: xDrive Permanent All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution Fluid Specifications Automatic Fluid Type: Dexron III or equivalent Manual Fluid Type: BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF for some models) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) (Sedan) Width: 68.7 inches (1745 mm) Height: 55.5 inches (1410 mm) (Sedan) Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2728 mm) Weights Curb Weight: 3571 lbs (1620 kg) (approx.) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for models tested) Active Features Electronic Stability Control: Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control) Traction Control: Standard (ASR - Automatic Stability Control) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional CD/Radio systems, optional Navigation system (MK III/IV) Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional rear park distance control (PDC) Connectivity Auxiliary Input: Optional AUX input (depending on head unit) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change: Variable service interval (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months Inspect Brakes: Every 15,000 miles or annually Replace Cabin Filter: Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually Replace Air Filter: Every 30,000 miles Replace Spark Plugs: Every 60,000 miles (NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent recommended) Inspect Coolant: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months Fluid Specifications Brake Fluid: DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent) Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid Differential Fluid: SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5) Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic coolant expansion tanks can crack; water pumps and thermostats can fail prematurely. Suspension: Control arm bushings (FCABs), rear subframe bushings, and shock mounts are common wear items. Oil Leaks: Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and eccentric shaft sensor seals are prone to leaking. Electrical: CCFL angel eye rings (on facelift models) can fail; LCM (Light Module Control) can fail, causing lighting issues. ABS Asc Sensor: Wheel speed sensors (ABS/ASC sensors) can fail, leading to ABS and traction control warnings. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Manufacturer: Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded in 1916 Model Evolution E46 Generation: The E46 generation (1998-2006) succeeded...
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, belt inspection and replacement, brake service, tire rotation
Repair:
Engine component replacement, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical system diagnostics and repair, HVAC system repair
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and detailed diagnostics
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Quality:
High-resolution, searchable PDF for easy navigation and printing
Print Quality
Clarity:
Includes clear diagrams, illustrations, and photographs
Binding Type
Format Detail:
Digital format allows for easy access and searchability
Paper Type
Physical Format:
N/A (Digital Product)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Code:
M54B30
Engine Type:
3.0L Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Performance
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Injection Type:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Electronic Throttle Control (ETC)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)
Lubrication System
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)
Oil Capacity
Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
GM A5S360R 5-Speed Automatic
Optional
Type:
ZF S5-31 5-Speed Manual
Features
AWD System:
xDrive Permanent All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid Type:
Dexron III or equivalent
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (e.g., Red Line D4 ATF for some models)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm) (Sedan)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.5 inches (1410 mm) (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3571 lbs (1620 kg) (approx.)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for models tested)
Active Features
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Standard (ASR - Automatic Stability Control)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/Radio systems, optional Navigation system (MK III/IV)
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear park distance control (PDC)
Connectivity
Auxiliary Input:
Optional AUX input (depending on head unit)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change:
Variable service interval (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months
Inspect Brakes:
Every 15,000 miles or annually
Replace Cabin Filter:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually
Replace Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles
Replace Spark Plugs:
Every 60,000 miles (NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent recommended)
Inspect Coolant:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-5)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can crack; water pumps and thermostats can fail prematurely.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (FCABs), rear subframe bushings, and shock mounts are common wear items.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and eccentric shaft sensor seals are prone to leaking.
Electrical:
CCFL angel eye rings (on facelift models) can fail; LCM (Light Module Control) can fail, causing lighting issues.
ABS Asc Sensor:
Wheel speed sensors (ABS/ASC sensors) can fail, leading to ABS and traction control warnings.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW), founded in 1916
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) succeeded the E36 and introduced significant advancements in design, engineering, and technology. The 330xi variant joined the lineup later in the generation, offering a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA for certain markets.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
BMW 3 Series (E46) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best award during its production run.