🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 330i Year: 2004 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Code: M54B30 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan Target Audience: Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians Competitive Analysis Key Competitors 2004: Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35 Key Features Vehicle Strengths: Engaging driving dynamics, premium interior, strong inline-six engine, sporty styling Manual Value Proposition: Enables owners to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving on labor costs and ensuring proper vehicle upkeep. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas All Systems: Yes Page Count Estimated Pages: 1500+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (M54B30), Transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S390R Automatic, Getrag 420G Manual), Drivetrain (Rear-wheel drive, Differential) Chassis: Suspension (Front MacPherson strut, Rear multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic power steering), Brakes (Front ventilated discs, Rear solid discs, ABS, DSC) Electrical: Engine control module (DME), Body control module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC controls, Infotainment system, Power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), Sensor systems Body: Exterior body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seating systems Procedures Included Maintenance: Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and top-offs, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Belt inspection/replacement Repair: Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair Troubleshooting: Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based diagnostics, Electrical circuit testing, Mechanical component testing Diagnostics: OBD-II diagnostics, DME advanced diagnostics, Live data interpretation, Component testing procedures Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive factory-level repair, including detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format PDF Quality: High-resolution, searchable text and vector graphics. Printable: Fully printable by section or in its entirety. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2979 cc) Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 6100 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.0) Recommended Fuel: Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher) Engine Management Ignition System: Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G) Optional Transmission Type: 5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R / A5S390R) Features Automatic Features: Steptronic manual shifting mode Fluid Specs Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 107.7 inches (2736 mm) Length: 176.7 inches (4488 mm) Width: 68.7 inches (1745 mm) Height: 55.9 inches (1420 mm) Weights Curb Weight Manual: 3373 lbs (1530 kg) Curb Weight Automatic: 3417 lbs (1550 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: 4497 lbs (2040 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 13.0 cubic feet (368 liters) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver: 5-Star NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger: 5-Star IIHS Side Impact: Good Active Features Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Traction Control: Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) ABS: Yes Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Front and rear head protection system (optional) Seatbelts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD (optional) Navigation: Optional MKIV navigation system with CD-ROM maps Driver Assistance Parking Assist: Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) optional Connectivity Bluetooth: Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration Audio Interface: Optional CD changer, auxiliary input (late models) 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately 60,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs. Coolant Replacement: Initial fill and then typically every 2-4 years or as per CBS. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Type: SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved) Engine Oil Capacity: 6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 Known Issues Cooling System: Plastic expansion tank and water pump failures are common. Coolant leaks from hoses and the thermostat housing. Oil Leaks: Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket can leak. Suspension: Worn control arm bushings and ball joints can cause steering looseness and noise. Electrical: ABS/DSC wheel speed sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, and ignition coil failures are known. 📚 Vehicle History Brand Heritage Heritage Summary: BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with a strong emphasis on performance and engineering. Model Evolution E46 Generation: The E46 generation (1998-2006) is considered a benchmark for driving dynamics in its class. The 2004 model represents a mid-cycle facelift update for many variants. Production Production Period: 2000-2006 (E46 3 Series) Manufacturing Locations: Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr) 🏆 Awards & Recognition Recognitions Car And Driver 10 Best: The E46 3 Series was frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run. Ratings...
Engine control module (DME), Body control module (BCM), Lighting, HVAC controls, Infotainment system, Power accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), Sensor systems
Body:
Exterior body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seating systems
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Fluid checks and top-offs, Brake pad/rotor replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Repair:
Engine overhaul, Transmission repair/rebuild, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, HVAC system repair
OBD-II diagnostics, DME advanced diagnostics, Live data interpretation, Component testing procedures
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive factory-level repair, including detailed diagrams, torque specifications, and diagnostic procedures.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
PDF Quality:
High-resolution, searchable text and vector graphics.
Printable:
Fully printable by section or in its entirety.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Performance
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6100 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.0)
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher)
Engine Management
Ignition System:
Distributorless ignition system (DIS) with coil-on-plug
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G)
Optional
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R / A5S390R)
Features
Automatic Features:
Steptronic manual shifting mode
Fluid Specs
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ETL-7045E or equivalent
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
107.7 inches (2736 mm)
Length:
176.7 inches (4488 mm)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.9 inches (1420 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
3373 lbs (1530 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
3417 lbs (1550 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4497 lbs (2040 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
13.0 cubic feet (368 liters)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Crash Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
ABS:
Yes
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Front and rear head protection system (optional)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD (optional)
Navigation:
Optional MKIV navigation system with CD-ROM maps
Driver Assistance
Parking Assist:
Rear Park Distance Control (PDC) optional
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration
Audio Interface:
Optional CD changer, auxiliary input (late models)
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 7,500 - 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for platinum or iridium plugs.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial fill and then typically every 2-4 years or as per CBS.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank and water pump failures are common. Coolant leaks from hoses and the thermostat housing.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket can leak.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings and ball joints can cause steering looseness and noise.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC wheel speed sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, and ignition coil failures are known.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Heritage Summary:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused luxury vehicles with a strong emphasis on performance and engineering.
Model Evolution
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) is considered a benchmark for driving dynamics in its class. The 2004 model represents a mid-cycle facelift update for many variants.
Production
Production Period:
2000-2006 (E46 3 Series)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 3 Series was frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.