Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury buyers seeking sporty driving dynamics and premium features
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling, balanced chassis, sophisticated suspension
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful M54 inline-six engine, xDrive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction
Premium Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, driver-focused cockpit, available luxury options
Engine:
M54B30 - Engine mechanical, cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, emission control
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z) and Manual Transmission (ZF S5D-320Z) - Operation, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid service
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System, front/rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid flush
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars, alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrument cluster, ECUs, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, OBD-II diagnostics
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, component testing, cabin filter replacement
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, mirrors, interior trim, body sealant, rust prevention
Preventative Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical faults, and component failures
Repair:
Component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for all major systems
Diagnostics:
Step-by-step diagnostic flowcharts, use of diagnostic tools (ISTA/INPA), interpretation of fault codes
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Rebuilds:
Engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (ZF S5D-320Z)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/A5S325Z)
Drive System:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (Permanent, with viscous coupling)
Transfer Case:
Integrated with front differential
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF-LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 75W-90)
Length:
4,471 mm (176.0 in) Sedan / 4,492 mm (176.9 in) Wagon
Width:
1,739 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1,415 mm (55.7 in) Sedan / 1,424 mm (56.1 in) Wagon
Wheelbase:
2,760 mm (108.7 in)
Front Track:
1,471 mm (57.9 in)
Rear Track:
1,484 mm (58.4 in)
Curb Weight:
1,600 - 1,650 kg (3,527 - 3,638 lbs) approx.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
2,050 kg (4,519 lbs) approx.
Trunk Volume:
440 Liters (15.5 cu ft) Sedan / 430-1450 Liters (15.2-51.2 cu ft) Wagon
NHTSA Front Impact:
4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) / Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags (driver/passenger), Side-impact airbags (front seats), Optional Head Protection System (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Chassis Design:
High-strength steel safety cage, crumple zones
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS with optional CD changer and navigation system (MKIII/MKIV)
Display:
Central information display (CID) in dashboard for vehicle settings, diagnostics, and navigation (if equipped)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with integrated ABS and traction control
Cruise Control:
Standard electronic cruise control
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle for mobile phone integration
Diagnostics Interface:
OBD-II compliant diagnostic port for engine management and vehicle systems
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval (VSI) system, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically 15,000-30,000 miles)
Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR6EQUP (or equivalent), replace every 100,000 miles (recommended)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with filter change
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) certified synthetic oil, SAE 0W-40 or 5W-30 recommended
Coolant Capacity:
8.0 Liters (8.5 Quarts)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW P/N 81.22-9 400 272
Crankcase Ventilation:
Clogged CCV system leading to oil leaks, rough idle, and potential gasket failure
Oil Filter Housing Gasket:
Leaking oil filter housing gasket, common source of oil leaks
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat issues
Vanos System:
Solenoid failures or seal degradation on the Variable Valve Timing system (VANOS), causing rough idle and power loss
Subframe Bushings:
Rear subframe mounting points can crack or wear, leading to clunking noises and poor handling
Window Regulators:
Plastic clips in window regulators can break, causing windows to fall into the door
Bmw Heritage:
BMW AG, a German multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles, founded in 1916, known for performance and engineering excellence.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It was praised for its improved styling, chassis dynamics, and technology.
330Xi Introduction:
The 330xi model, featuring the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, was introduced for the 2001 model year to offer enhanced all-weather capability.
Production Period:
1999-2005 (for 330xi)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich)
