Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate, Volvo V50/S60 (depending on year), Saab 9-3 SportCombi
Strengths:
Renowned driving dynamics ('Ultimate Driving Machine'), quality engineering, refined interior, powerful inline-six engine.
Sport Wagon:
Combines BMW's performance credentials with the practicality of a wagon body style.
Sport Package:
Typically includes sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, sport steering wheel, and aerodynamic enhancements.
Countries Of Origin:
Global (primarily North America & Europe focus)
Covered Years:
1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Specific Models Covered:
BMW 330i E46 Wagon (Touring)
Estimated Pages:
Approximately 1000-2000 pages (typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Origin:
Likely derived from OEM factory service information
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, transmission (manual & automatic), drivetrain (rear-wheel drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, DSC), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Body electrical, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, climate control, power accessories, DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System)
Body:
Body panels, interior trim, windows, doors, seats, exterior trim, convertible top (if applicable to specific E46 variants, but not the 330i Wagon)
Maintenance:
Routine service, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks & changes, spark plug replacement, brake service, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), electrical circuit diagnosis
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, electrical component repair, body panel repair
Installation:
Component installation and removal (e.g., starter motor, alternator, water pump, catalytic converter)
Specifications:
Torque specifications, alignment data, electrical values, fluid capacities, diagnostic parameters
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to in-depth engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Intended User:
Professional Automotive Technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-cylinder
Displacement:
2,979 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) with VANOS (variable camshaft timing)
Horsepower:
225 hp (168 kW) @ 5,900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 or similar)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type)
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts)
Oil Type Recommended:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 specification)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
Approximately 6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 320Z or similar)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S 325Z or similar)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) often standard or available
Differential:
Standard Open Differential (M-Variable Lock Differential optional on some models/years)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF 2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT 71141 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF 1)
Length:
Approx. 4,471 mm (176.0 in)
Width:
Approx. 1,739 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
Approx. 1,400 mm (55.1 in)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2,725 mm (107.3 in)
Front Track:
Approx. 1,471 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
Approx. 1,479 mm (58.2 in)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 450 Liters (15.9 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 1,510 Liters (53.3 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,540 - 1,600 kg (3,400 - 3,527 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Typically around 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs)
Towing Capacity:
Varies by market/configuration, often around 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) with trailer brake
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for sedan/coupe variants, wagon may differ slightly)
IIHS Front Offset:
Good (for sedan/coupe variants)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard or available
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, optional side-impact airbags, optional head protection system (HPS).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones.
Head Unit:
BMW Business or Professional CD Radios, often with cassette player. Optional CD changer.
Navigation:
Optional GPS Navigation system (MK4 system).
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system (requiring cradle or integration).
Aux Input:
Optional AUX input jack.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium-tipped plugs (M54 engines).
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles (48,000-80,000 km).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual: Recommended 50,000-100,000 miles. Automatic: Lifelong fluid is often quoted, but periodic changes (50,000-80,000 miles) are advisable for longevity.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11S
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW recommends DOT 4 PLUS)
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump failure (plastic impeller versions); thermostat housing leaks.
Engine:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil leaks and rough idle; VANOS solenoids and seals can fail; intake manifold gaskets can leak; oil pan gasket leaks; spark plug well seals.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures; window regulator failures; LCM (Light Control Module) issues; pixelation on the instrument cluster display.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings themselves or the entire arm), rear trailing arm bushings, tie rod ends.
Body:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or fatigue over time, especially under spirited driving.
Bmw Philosophy:
Focus on 'The Ultimate Driving Machine,' blending performance, luxury, and engineering.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 series, marking a significant step in chassis dynamics, refinement, and technology.
Wagon Introduction:
The E46 Touring (wagon) variant was introduced later in the generation, offering increased practicality for the popular 3 Series platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), with some assembly in other locations globally.
Model Production Years:
E46 generation produced from 1998 to 2006. 330i Wagon variants typically from 2000/2001 to 2005.
Car And Driver Best:
E46 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.
Automotive Journalism:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and build quality.
Safety Standards:
Meets or exceeds all relevant global safety and emissions standards for its time.
