🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

330xi

Production Years Covered:

1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series (E46) was a benchmark in the compact luxury sedan segment, renowned for its sporty handling, refined interior, and powerful engines. The 330xi variant offered the added security and performance of BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

Competitors:

Competed directly with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, and Infiniti G35. The 330xi's xDrive system provided a key differentiator against RWD-focused competitors.

Vehicle Highlights:

Exceptional driving dynamics, premium interior materials, robust inline-6 engine, available xDrive all-wheel drive, sophisticated design, and advanced (for its time) technology features.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), emissions control.

Transmission Systems:

Automatic transmission (Steptronic), manual transmission, clutch, driveshafts, differential, xDrive all-wheel drive system.

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front and rear), steering, brakes (front and rear discs, ABS, DSC), wheels, tires, body chassis.

Electrical Systems:

Engine electrical, body electrical, lighting, instruments, audio system, climate control, power windows/locks/mirrors, central locking, alarm system, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).

Body And Interior:

Exterior body panels, interior trim, seats, airbags, HVAC system, body sealing, doors, hood, trunk.

Maintenance And Diagnostics:

Routine maintenance schedules, fluid capacities, troubleshooting guides, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component locations, torque specifications.

Estimated Pages:

Over 1000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Detailed disassembly, inspection, repair, and reassembly procedures for the entire engine, including cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing components, and associated seals and gaskets.

Fuel And Ignition:

Fuel injection system (DISA valve, injectors, fuel pump, pressure regulator), ignition system (coils, spark plugs), electronic engine control (DME).

Drivetrain:

xDrive all-wheel drive system (transfer case, front/rear differentials, CV joints), driveshafts, and propshafts.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), power steering system (pump, rack and pinion, tie rods).

Braking System:

Brake system diagnostics and repair, including ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper service, brake fluid bleeding, and parking brake.

Electrical And Diagnostics:

Comprehensive electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, component testing, and OBD-II diagnostic codes and troubleshooting.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, cabin filter replacement, spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake inspection.

Engine Repair:

Head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, valve adjustment, timing chain/belt service, oil pan gasket replacement, coolant system flush and fill.

Transmission Service:

Transmission fluid and filter change (automatic and manual), clutch replacement, seal replacement, drive axle replacement.

Suspension And Steering Repair:

Strut and shock absorber replacement, control arm bushing replacement, wheel bearing replacement, steering rack and pump replacement.

Brake System Overhaul:

Brake rotor and pad replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line replacement, bleeding the brake system.

Electrical Troubleshooting:

Diagnosing and repairing common electrical faults, including battery issues, starter and alternator problems, lighting malfunctions, and power accessory failures.

Bodywork And Interior Repair:

Panel alignment, door and window regulator repair, seat repair, climate control system diagnosis and repair.

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage suitable for professional technicians, including detailed diagnostic procedures, component specifications, and advanced repair techniques. Also beneficial for experienced DIY enthusiasts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Quality:

High-resolution, searchable text and clear diagrams/illustrations for easy reading and printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

3.0L (2979cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

DOHC, 24 Valves (4 per cylinder), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic (GM A5S360R/R-Z)

Drive System:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

AWD Design:

Permanent AWD with a planetary gear center differential and optional electronic limited-slip functionality.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2728 mm)

Front Track:

58.1 inches (1476 mm)

Rear Track:

58.3 inches (1481 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 3472 lbs (1575 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 3516 lbs (1595 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 4500 lbs (2041 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

Not directly rated for this specific model year by NHTSA in a comparable format to modern standards, but generally considered very safe for its era.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction) standard on most models, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) often optional or standard on later models.

Anti Lock Brakes:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) standard.

Airbags:

Frontal airbags for driver and passenger, side-impact airbags (often optional or standard on higher trims).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.

Chassis Structure:

Reinforced safety cell and crumple zones designed for impact energy absorption.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory optional BMW Professional RDS radio/cassette with CD changer integration, available premium Harman Kardon audio system.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system with CD-ROM based maps. Control via steering wheel buttons or optional navigation screen.

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) available, enhancing vehicle stability during cornering and adverse conditions.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control system.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth mobile phone preparation with cradle and hands-free system.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (Climatronic) with cabin air filtration.

Seats:

Manually adjustable or optional power-adjustable sport seats with lumbar support and memory function (driver's side).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles (or as indicated by the 'Condition Based Service' system, usually around 12 months).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (check specific plug type recommended).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or equivalent synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30. Check owner's manual for precise recommendation. Capacity approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors. Mixture ratio 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF LT-3 (Texaco ETL 7045E) or equivalent. Capacity approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 liters) for a complete drain and fill.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent manual transmission fluid, e.g., Pentosin MTF 2). Capacity approx. 1.6 quarts (1.5 liters).

Differential Fluid:

BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAF-XJ) or equivalent synthetic gear oil (e.g., Castrol SAF-XJ). Capacity approx. 1.3 quarts (1.2 liters) for rear differential.

Common Problems:

Vibrations (driveshaft guibo, rear subframe bushings), cooling system leaks (water pump, expansion tank, hoses), VANOS solenoid issues, oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket), CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system clogging, ABS/DSC sensor failures, power steering hose leaks.

Recommendations:

Regular inspection of the cooling system, checking for oil leaks, timely replacement of wear items like bushings and guibo, and ensuring proper ventilation system function can prevent many common issues.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, founded in 1916, has a long-standing reputation for producing high-performance luxury vehicles with a focus on driving pleasure ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series replaced the E36 and was produced from 1998 to 2006. It represented a significant advancement in design, engineering, and technology over its predecessor.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich) and also at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant for North American markets.

Sales Figures:

The E46 3 Series was a highly successful generation for BMW, with global sales in the millions, solidifying its position as a leader in the premium compact segment.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver:

The BMW 3 Series (E46) was a consistent fixture on Car and Driver's '10Best' list throughout its production run, specifically for its exceptional driving dynamics and overall balance.

Consumer Reports:

While Consumer Reports ratings can fluctuate, the E46 generation was generally praised for its performance and handling but sometimes noted for average predicted reliability compared to Japanese luxury brands, particularly regarding certain mechanical components.

Safety Certifications:

Met all relevant US federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) for its production years.