Market Position:
Premium compact executive sedan, known for driving dynamics and build quality
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Platform Heritage:
E46 platform, considered a benchmark for handling and driver engagement in its class
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, owners seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and rear-wheel-drive dynamics (or xi all-wheel-drive)
Engine:
Detailed repair, overhaul, diagnostics, timing, cooling, lubrication, fuel delivery, ignition
Transmission:
Automatic and manual transmission service, repair, diagnostics, fluid changes, clutch (manual)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (xi model) system service, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, bushings, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, bleeding procedures
Electrical:
Complete electrical system schematics, wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, power windows, central locking, ignition system
Bodywork:
Body panel removal/installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning system service and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system service and SRS diagnostics
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance procedures, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs, fluid checks
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components and systems
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting
Disassembly:
Complete disassembly and reassembly of major vehicle components
Installation:
Installation procedures for replacement parts and accessories
Cleaning:
Cleaning procedures for specific components as part of repair or maintenance
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Bosch Motronic Engine Management
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Premium Coolant (G48 or equivalent blue/purple ethylene glycol-based)
Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 compliant)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 420G) or 5-speed Automatic (Steptronic)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive all-wheel-drive system (standard on 330xi)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (check specific BMW specs for LL-01 FE, though often Dexron is referenced for this era)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (API GL-4 or GL-5, check specific BMW specs)
Length:
Approx. 177.4 inches (4506 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
Approx. 56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.3 inches (2726 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg) depending on options
Trunk Capacity:
Approx. 13.5 cubic feet (380 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable model years)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable model years)
Traction Control:
Yes (ASC or DSC)
Stability Control:
Yes (Dynamic Stability Control - DSC)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts
Infotainment System:
BMW Professional Radio, optional CD player, optional navigation system (CCC)
Driver Assistance Features:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Cruise Control
Connectivity Options:
Optional Bluetooth integration, optional CD changer
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (Condition Based Service - CBS) or typically every 7,500-10,000 miles (12,000-16,000 km) with synthetic oil
Engine Air Filter:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or as indicated by CBS
Cabin Air Filter:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or annually
Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent, replace every 60,000 miles (100,000 km)
Coolant Flush:
Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance DOT 4)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (check manual for specific BMW fluid)
Vibration Harshness Coupler:
Common failure, leading to vibration under acceleration
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Frequent failure, causing intermittent starting issues or stalling
Cooling System Components:
Plastic expansion tank and water pump can become brittle and leak
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common leak point on M54 engines
Oil Separator System (Ccv):
Clogged CCV can lead to pressure issues and leaks
Brand Focus:
BMW's reputation for engineering, performance, and luxury vehicles
E46 Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year, succeeding the E36 generation
330Xi Introduction:
The 330xi variant was introduced later in the E46 lifecycle, offering the larger 3.0L engine with xDrive AWD.
Production Period:
1999-2006 (E46 generation), 330xi specific years within this range
