🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 330xi Year: 2001 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code: M54B30 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon Target Audience: Premium, performance-oriented buyers seeking a blend of luxury and sportiness, with the added capability of all-wheel drive. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300 Key Features Drivetrain Advantage: xDrive all-wheel-drive system provides enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions. Powertrain Performance: Smooth and powerful M54B30 inline-six engine, known for its refinement and responsiveness. Handling: Renowned BMW handling dynamics, chassis balance, and responsive steering. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Comprehensive service and repair Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Workshop Manual / Service Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Digital (likely PDF, searchable) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: M54B30 3.0L Inline-6 (including VANOS, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition) Transmission: 5-speed Manual (Getrag Type G), 5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S390R) Drivetrain: xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (transfer case, differentials, drive shafts) Suspension: Front (MacPherson struts, multi-link), Rear (multi-link), shock absorbers, springs, bushings Brakes: Front (Vented Discs), Rear (Solid/Vented Discs), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) Steering: Hydraulic Power Steering (rack and pinion) Electrical: 12V system, battery, alternator, starter, fuse box, relays, lighting, horn, wipers, power accessories Body: Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, bumpers, chassis structure HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning system (compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower) Safety Systems: Airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, SRS system Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, fault code interpretation, component testing Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, belts, hoses, fluid checks/flushes Repair: Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis/replacement Troubleshooting: Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults Adjustment: Wheel alignment, parking brake adjustment Installation: Component replacement and installation guidelines Technical Depth Depth: Detailed, from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and full component overhaul, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIYers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Digital Format: PDF Searchability: Yes (fully searchable text) Print Quality Print Readability: High (clear text and diagrams) Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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 Valve Train: DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6100 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with Sequential Ignition Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended) Engine Management System: Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transmission Optional Type: 5-speed Automatic Transmission (Steptronic optional) Features AWD System: xDrive All-Wheel Drive with variable torque split (default 38% front, 62% rear) Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification) Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ATF LT-71141 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 2760 mm (108.7 in) Length: 4471 mm (176.0 in) Width: 1739 mm (68.5 in) Height: 1415 mm (55.7 in) Front Track: 1471 mm (57.9 in) Rear Track: 1494 mm (58.8 in) Weights Curb Weight: 1580 kg (3483 lbs) - Manual; 1610 kg (3550 lbs) - Automatic Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 2030 kg (4475 lbs) Towing Capacity: Not specified for North American models Cargo Trunk Volume: 410 Liters (14.5 cu ft) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger in E46 generation generally) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for E46 generation generally) Active Features Dynamic Stability Control: Standard (DSC III) Anti Lock Braking System: Standard (ABS) Traction Control: Standard (part of DSC) Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters Body Structure: Integrated safety cage, crumple zones 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Standard BMW Business CD or optional BMW Professional CD with enhanced sound system options and amplifier. Navigation: Optional BMW Navigation system (Mk III or Mk IV Professional) Driver Assistance Parking Sensors: Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) Cruise Control: Standard cruise control Connectivity Phone Integration: Optional Bluetooth preparation with voice control (may require specific phone compatibility) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact CBS reset procedures. Air Filter Replacement: Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as indicated by CBS. Cabin Filter Replacement: Annually or every 15,000 miles. Spark Plug Replacement: NGK BKR6EQUP; typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type and condition. Coolant Flush: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48); every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate). Engine Oil Capacity: 6.5 Liters...
BMW MTF LT-1 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 or equivalent (refer to manual for exact specification)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
2760 mm (108.7 in)
Length:
4471 mm (176.0 in)
Width:
1739 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1415 mm (55.7 in)
Front Track:
1471 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
1494 mm (58.8 in)
Weights
Curb Weight:
1580 kg (3483 lbs) - Manual; 1610 kg (3550 lbs) - Automatic
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
2030 kg (4475 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Not specified for North American models
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
410 Liters (14.5 cu ft)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger in E46 generation generally)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for E46 generation generally)
Active Features
Dynamic Stability Control:
Standard (DSC III)
Anti Lock Braking System:
Standard (ABS)
Traction Control:
Standard (part of DSC)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Body Structure:
Integrated safety cage, crumple zones
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Standard BMW Business CD or optional BMW Professional CD with enhanced sound system options and amplifier.
Navigation:
Optional BMW Navigation system (Mk III or Mk IV Professional)
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control
Connectivity
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with voice control (may require specific phone compatibility)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for exact CBS reset procedures.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Annually or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK BKR6EQUP; typically every 60,000 - 100,000 miles depending on plug type and condition.
Coolant Flush:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48); every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 (refer to manual for precise viscosity based on climate).
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts) with filter.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4, BMW recommends P/N 82 11 1 468 095.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11 S or equivalent ATF.
Known Issues
Ccv System Failure:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can fail, leading to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak:
Oil filter housing gasket is prone to cracking, causing oil leaks.
Vanos Solenoid Failure:
Double VANOS system solenoids can fail, leading to reduced engine power and rough idle, especially at lower RPMs.
Cooling System Failures:
Plastic coolant expansion tank and radiator end tanks can become brittle and crack; water pump and thermostat failures are also common.
Window Regulator Failure:
Power window regulators are known to fail frequently.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Philosophy:
BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) succeeded the E36 and was celebrated for its refined design, improved dynamics, and technological advancements. The 330xi variant introduced xDrive all-wheel-drive to the 3 Series sedan line in 2001.
Production
Production Years:
2001-2005 (for 330xi)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series generation was a multiple recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' list, a testament to its overall excellence.
Ratings
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varies by specific year and components, but generally considered good to above average within its class for the era. Manuals often highlight areas needing proactive maintenance.