Segment:
Compact Executive Sports Sedan/Coupe
Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine, blending performance, luxury, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Drivetrain:
xDrive all-wheel-drive system (standard on 330xi), offering enhanced traction and stability.
Engine Performance:
Inline-six cylinder engine renowned for its smoothness, power delivery, and distinctive sound.
Handling:
Renowned BMW chassis dynamics, near 50/50 weight distribution, and precise steering feedback.
Coupe Styling:
Sleek, timeless coupe design offering sporty aesthetics.
Engine:
Complete diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and tuning of the M54B30 engine.
Transmission:
Diagnosis, repair, and fluid service for both the GM 5L40-E automatic and the Getrag S5D 250G manual transmissions, including xDrive transfer case.
Drivetrain:
Front and rear differential service, driveshaft maintenance, CV joints, and xDrive all-wheel-drive system specifics.
Suspension:
Front struts, rear multi-link suspension, control arms, bushings, sway bars, and wheel alignment procedures.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brake systems (including vented rotors), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid flush and bleed procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis, pump, rack and pinion, tie rods, and steering column components.
Electrical:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), ECU functions, sensors, alternators, starters, lighting systems, and instrument cluster.
HVAC:
Climate control system diagnosis, A/C refrigerant handling, blower motor, heater core, climate control unit, and EATC (Electronic Automatic Climate Control) operation.
Bodywork:
Exterior panel removal/installation (doors, fenders, hood, trunk), interior trim, glass replacement, and basic body repair guidelines.
Fuel System:
Fuel pump, fuel filter, injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system diagnosis.
Cooling System:
Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, hoses, and coolant specifications.
Exhaust System:
Catalytic converter, mufflers, exhaust manifold, and oxygen sensors.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, cabin air filter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
System-specific diagnostic charts, symptom-based troubleshooting, and DTC interpretation.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul:
Detailed engine and transmission rebuild procedures.
Installation:
Guidelines for component replacement and accessory installation.
Calibration:
Procedures for recalibrating sensors and modules after replacement (e.g., throttle body, DSC sensors).
Diagnostics:
Emphasis on using BMW's diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D, DIS) and interpreting live data.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance through to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Diagnostic Capability:
Advanced: Includes specific diagnostic trouble codes, sensor data interpretation, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
Electrical Diagrams:
Full, detailed color wiring diagrams for all circuits.
Configuration:
3.0L Inline 6-cylinder
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 24 valves with Double VANOS (variable camshaft timing).
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic engine management.
Fuel Type Recommended:
Premium Unleaded (91+ octane)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30, Mobil 1 0W-40)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant
Engine Oil Capacity With Filter:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters)
Cooling System Capacity:
Approx. 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters)
Type 330Xi:
GM 5L40-E 5-speed Automatic with Steptronic
Type Manual:
Getrag 5-speed Manual (S5D 250G)
Drivetrain Layout:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (DVLS - Dynamic Variable Letter System)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Dexron III or equivalent (consult manual for exact BMW spec, e.g., LT-2)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) for fluid change
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.7 quarts (1.6 liters)
Transfer Case Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 0.5 quarts (0.5 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable models/years, consult specific data)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable models/years, consult specific data)
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)
Braking System:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear seat belts.
Chassis Design:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones, side-impact protection beams.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable via Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles (15,000-25,000 km) or 1-2 years.
Microfilter Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (25,000-50,000 km) or as indicated by CBS.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Replacement:
BMW Longlife coolant is typically rated for 4-5 years or 60,000 miles (100,000 km), but often recommended sooner by specialists.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks can crack; water pump and thermostat failures are common on higher mileage vehicles.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket (VCG), oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket are common leak points.
Suspension Bushings:
Front control arm bushings and rear trailing arm bushings wear out, affecting handling and ride quality.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to oil consumption and seal failures.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
These sensors are prone to failure, causing ABS and DSC warning lights.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
Can fail intermittently, causing misfires and rough running.
Bmw Legacy:
Founded in 1916, BMW is renowned for its performance-oriented luxury vehicles and motorsports heritage.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006 (coupe models from 1999-2006). It represented a significant step forward in design, technology, and driving dynamics.
330Xi Introduction:
The 330xi variant, featuring xDrive all-wheel drive, was introduced later in the E46 lifecycle to offer enhanced traction, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Munich, Germany; also manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.
