🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 330i Year: 2003 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code: M54B30 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking in-depth technical information. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35. Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Sporting dynamics, refined interiors, strong inline-6 engines, advanced engineering for its era. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas General Coverage: Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 2003 BMW 330i (E46 chassis). Page Count Estimated Page Count: 1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals) Manual Type Manual Type: Service and Repair Workshop Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, searchable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M54B30 3.0L inline-6, including cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine management (DME). Transmission: 5-speed manual (Getrag 420G) and 5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R) transmission service, repair, and diagnostics, including fluid specifications and replacement procedures. Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) system, driveshaft, differential, axles, wheel bearings. Suspension: Front and rear suspension components, including struts, control arms, bushings, springs, shock absorbers, and alignment procedures. Steering: Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, hydraulic fluid specifications. Brakes: Front and rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, component replacement (calipers, rotors, pads). Electrical System: 12V battery system, alternator, starter, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, mirrors, central locking, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams. Body And Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, structural components, rust prevention, underbody coatings. Climate Control: HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant types, evaporator, heater core, blower motor, diagnostic procedures. Diagnostics: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures for various systems, use of diagnostic tools. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor inspection. Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine teardown and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, bodywork repairs. Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic approaches and solutions for common and uncommon problems, fault isolation guides, symptom-based troubleshooting trees. Specifications: Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, dimensional data. Wiring Diagrams: Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including color codes and connector pinouts. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF (Portable Document Format), optimized for readability and searchability. Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution digital scans or professionally typeset content, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Code: M54B30 Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 2979 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Valvetrain: DOHC, 24 valves (4 per cylinder), Double VANOS (variable camshaft timing) Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Sequential Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed manual (Getrag 420G) Optional Type: 5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R) with Steptronic manual shifting mode Features Clutch Type: Hydraulically operated single dry plate clutch (manual) Final Drive Ratio: 3.07:1 (typical for 330i) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 107.0 inches (2718 mm) Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) (Sedan/Coupe) Width: 68.2 inches (1732 mm) Height: 56.1 inches (1425 mm) (Sedan), 53.7 inches (1364 mm) (Coupe) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg) depending on body style and transmission 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-star (for driver and front passenger) IIHS Front Offset: Good Active Features Traction Control: Standard (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction) Stability Control: Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control) ABS: Standard (Anti-lock Braking System) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags. Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD players, optional navigation system (MK III/MK IV). Speakers: Typically 6-10 speakers depending on option packages, with optional Harman Kardon sound system. Driver Assistance Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard, offering advanced traction and stability management. Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth phone integration available with specific telematics modules. Convenience Cruise Control: Standard cruise control system. Keyless Entry: Standard remote keyless entry and central locking. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions and sensor feedback. Manual...
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking in-depth technical information.
Competitive Analysis
Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Key Features
Vehicle Strengths:
Sporting dynamics, refined interiors, strong inline-6 engines, advanced engineering for its era.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
General Coverage:
Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic information for the 2003 BMW 330i (E46 chassis).
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)
Manual Type
Manual Type:
Service and Repair Workshop Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Digital (likely PDF, searchable)
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
M54B30 3.0L inline-6, including cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control systems, engine management (DME).
Transmission:
5-speed manual (Getrag 420G) and 5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R) transmission service, repair, and diagnostics, including fluid specifications and replacement procedures.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, common diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures for various systems, use of diagnostic tools.
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks: oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid level checks and top-offs, belt inspections and replacement, brake pad/rotor inspection.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components, including engine teardown and reassembly, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component troubleshooting and replacement, bodywork repairs.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic approaches and solutions for common and uncommon problems, fault isolation guides, symptom-based troubleshooting trees.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical system voltages, dimensional data.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including color codes and connector pinouts.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF (Portable Document Format), optimized for readability and searchability.
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution digital scans or professionally typeset content, ensuring clarity of diagrams, illustrations, and text.
Approx. 3400-3500 lbs (1542-1588 kg) depending on body style and transmission
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Standard (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)
Stability Control:
Standard (DSC - Dynamic Stability Control)
ABS:
Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and front passenger, front side-impact airbags, optional head protection airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD players, optional navigation system (MK III/MK IV).
Speakers:
Typically 6-10 speakers depending on option packages, with optional Harman Kardon sound system.
Driver Assistance
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard, offering advanced traction and stability management.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration available with specific telematics modules.
Convenience
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control system.
Keyless Entry:
Standard remote keyless entry and central locking.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 1 year, depending on driving conditions and sensor feedback. Manual will detail inspection points.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 100,000 miles (for original Long Life spark plugs).
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, viscosity typically 0W-30 or 5W-30. Capacity: 6.5 liters (approx. 6.9 US quarts).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent)
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank prone to cracking, water pump impeller failure (especially plastic ones), thermostat housing leaks.
Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption and leaks, VANOS solenoid issues, oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (RTABs), ball joints, and strut mounts wear out over time, affecting handling.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC wheel speed sensor failures, rear subframe mounting points cracking (a significant structural issue requiring reinforcement), door seal water ingress.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation, produced from 1998 to 2006, is a highly regarded iteration of the 3 Series, known for its balanced chassis and refined engineering.
330I Placement:
The 330i replaced the 328i as the top-tier non-M model in the E46 lineup for the 2001 model year, featuring the more powerful M54B30 engine.
Production
Production Years E46:
1998-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz), South Africa (Rosslyn), USA (Spartanburg - for certain models/facelifts).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 generation 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists for their class-leading dynamics and value.
Ward 10Best Engines:
The M54 engine family received Wards 10 Best Engines accolades.