🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series Model Variant: 330i, 330xi Year: 2001 Codes Chassis Code: E46 Engine Codes: M54B30 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: The BMW 3 Series (E46) was positioned as a premium compact executive sports sedan and coupe, renowned for its driving dynamics, build quality, and refined engineering. The 330i and 330xi represented the higher-performance and all-wheel-drive variants of this highly successful generation. Competitive Analysis Competitive Analysis: Competed with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Lexus IS. The E46 3 Series, particularly in its 330 variants, was lauded for offering a more engaging driving experience and superior handling compared to many competitors. Key Features Key Features: Legendary handling, powerful inline-six engines, sophisticated chassis, premium interior appointments, advanced (for its time) safety features. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Areas: Complete service and repair for BMW 330i and 330xi models Page Count Page Count: Hundreds of pages (exact count not specified, but comprehensive) Manual Type Manual Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Systems Covered: Engine, Drivetrain (including xDrive AWD system), Transmission (manual and automatic), Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Electrical System (including wiring diagrams), HVAC, Bodywork, Interior Trim, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Emississions Control Procedures Included Procedures Included: Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, component removal and installation, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, troubleshooting guides, wiring harness repair, component testing Technical Depth Technical Depth: Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced diagnostics and repairs, including full engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and body panel alignment. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital PDF download) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital PDF download) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine: M54B30 (3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder) Performance Horsepower: 225 hp @ 5900 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Multi-Port Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2) Engine Details Bore X Stroke: 84.0 mm x 89.6 mm Compression Ratio: 10.2:1 Engine Control Unit: BMW DME (Digital Motor Electronics) Valve Train: Double VANOS (variable valve timing), DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Standard 330I: Getrag 5-speed manual Optional Transmission Optional: GM 5-speed Steptronic automatic Features Transmission Features: Rear-wheel drive (330i), xDrive all-wheel drive (330xi), hydraulic clutch (manual), electronic control (automatic). Fluid Specifications Manual Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends specific MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B75) Automatic Transmission Fluid: BMW recommends ATF LT71141 or equivalent (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid 5) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 107.4 inches (2728 mm) Length: 177.4 inches (4506 mm) Width: 68.7 inches (1745 mm) Height: 55.2 inches (1402 mm) Weights Curb Weight 330I Manual: approx. 3351 lbs (1520 kg) Curb Weight 330Xi Manual: approx. 3593 lbs (1630 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Varies by model and configuration (refer to manual) Towing Capacity: Not officially specified by BMW for US market; check local regulations and owner's manual if equipped. Wheels Tires Standard Wheel Size: 17 x 7.5 inches (front), 17 x 8.0 inches (rear) - often staggered on 330i Standard Tire Size: 225/45R17 (front), 245/40R17 (rear) - often staggered on 330i Bolt Pattern: 5 x 120 mm Center Bore: 72.5 mm 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger) IIHS Side Impact: Good Active Features Active Safety Features: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS) Passive Features Passive Safety Features: Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (optional), crumple zones, safety-reinforced passenger compartment. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Optional BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD/radio, optional navigation system (MKIII/MKIV). Driver Assistance Driver Assistance Features: Cruise control, parking sensors (optional), rain-sensing wipers (optional), Xenon headlights with adaptive cornering (optional). Connectivity Connectivity Features: Optional Bluetooth hands-free system. Climate Control Climate Control: Manual or automatic climate control with recirculation, cabin air filter replacement procedures. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, but the manual details specific checks and recommended intervals based on driving conditions. Spark Plug Replacement: Approximately 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP). Coolant Replacement: First change at approx. 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue coolant). Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Specification: BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. Refer to manual for exact type and viscosity. Coolant Type: BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4) Known Issues Known Issues Common: Cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat), VANOS system issues (rattle, oil leaks), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading...
The BMW 3 Series (E46) was positioned as a premium compact executive sports sedan and coupe, renowned for its driving dynamics, build quality, and refined engineering. The 330i and 330xi represented the higher-performance and all-wheel-drive variants of this highly successful generation.
Competitive Analysis
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, and Lexus IS. The E46 3 Series, particularly in its 330 variants, was lauded for offering a more engaging driving experience and superior handling compared to many competitors.
Scheduled maintenance, routine inspections, diagnostic procedures, step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor components, component removal and installation, torque specifications, fluid capacities and types, troubleshooting guides, wiring harness repair, component testing
Technical Depth
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced diagnostics and repairs, including full engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system troubleshooting, and body panel alignment.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual
BMW recommends specific MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol Syntrans B75)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends ATF LT71141 or equivalent (e.g., ZF LifeguardFluid 5)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
107.4 inches (2728 mm)
Length:
177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
68.7 inches (1745 mm)
Height:
55.2 inches (1402 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight 330I Manual:
approx. 3351 lbs (1520 kg)
Curb Weight 330Xi Manual:
approx. 3593 lbs (1630 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model and configuration (refer to manual)
Towing Capacity:
Not officially specified by BMW for US market; check local regulations and owner's manual if equipped.
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 7.5 inches (front), 17 x 8.0 inches (rear) - often staggered on 330i
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17 (front), 245/40R17 (rear) - often staggered on 330i
Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Center Bore:
72.5 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
4-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good
Active Features
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Passive Features
Passive Safety Features:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (optional), crumple zones, safety-reinforced passenger compartment.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment System:
Optional BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD/radio, optional navigation system (MKIII/MKIV).
Manual or automatic climate control with recirculation, cabin air filter replacement procedures.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, but the manual details specific checks and recommended intervals based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Coolant Replacement:
First change at approx. 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue coolant).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40. Refer to manual for exact type and viscosity.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW Super DOT 4)
Known Issues
Known Issues Common:
Cooling system failures (plastic expansion tank, water pump, thermostat), VANOS system issues (rattle, oil leaks), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to oil consumption/leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, subframe bushings, window regulator failures, spark plug well seal leaks, valve cover gasket leaks.
Parts Replacement
Air Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter C 24 005 / BMW 13721438436
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
Mann-Filter HU 832 x / BMW 11421742274
Diagnostics
Diagnostic Tools:
BMW GT1, INPA, DIS (covered in manual procedures)
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Heritage:
BMW, known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history of producing high-performance luxury vehicles, particularly renowned for its sporting sedans and coupes.
Model Evolution
Model Evolution:
The E46 generation, launched in 1998 (as a 1999 model in the US), succeeded the E36. It was a significant advancement in terms of chassis rigidity, suspension design, and interior refinement, setting new benchmarks for the compact executive segment.
Production
Production Years E46:
1998-2006
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa (Rosslyn), Thailand (Rayong), Egypt (6th October City)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series, including variants like the 330i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run.
Ratings
General Reputation:
Highly regarded for its balance of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics; considered a benchmark in its class.
Certifications
Certifications:
Not applicable in the traditional sense, but adheres to all relevant automotive engineering and safety standards for its market.
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