Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury sedan buyers
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS Series, Cadillac ATS
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive bias, and engaging driving experience
Powertrain:
Smooth and powerful M54 inline-six engine, offering excellent performance and refinement
Build Quality:
Typical BMW build quality with premium materials and meticulous fit and finish
Engine:
3.0L M54B30 Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Engine
Engine Management:
MS43 DME (Digital Motor Electronics) Diagnostics and Calibration
Transmission Manual:
Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Automatic:
GM 5L40-E 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) System including Differential and Axles
Suspension:
Front McPherson Strut and Rear Multi-link Suspension
Brakes:
Front Ventilated Discs, Rear Solid Discs with ABS and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering System with Servotronic
Electrical:
Full Vehicle Electrical System, Wiring Diagrams, Component Location
Climate Control:
Automatic Climate Control System (HVAC)
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, and Trim
Interior:
Interior Trim, Seats, Dashboard, and Upholstery
Safety Systems:
Airbag System, Seatbelts, and Passive Safety Restraints
Infotainment:
Radio, CD Player, Speaker System, and Navigation (if equipped)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Tune-ups
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement
Diagnostics:
Fault Code Reading, Troubleshooting Guides, Symptom-Based Diagnostics
Removal Installation:
Component Removal and Installation Procedures for all major systems
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed Electrical Schematics for all vehicle circuits
Depth:
Comprehensive - Covers basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced ECU (Engine Control Unit) and DME (Digital Motor Electronics) diagnostics
Rebuild Procedures:
Full engine and transmission overhaul specifications and procedures
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2979 cc (3.0 Liters)
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
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 Synthetic (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30)
Type:
Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
GM 5L40-E 5-Speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic
Manual Gear Ratios:
1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.85
Automatic Gear Ratios:
1st: 3.42, 2nd: 2.14, 3rd: 1.37, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.71
Manual Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Automatic Fluid Type:
GM Dexron III (or equivalent approved fluid)
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 Stars (Driver/Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Acceptable (for its era)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Airbags:
Frontal Driver and Passenger Airbags, Optional Side-Impact Airbags
Seat Belts:
3-Point Pretensioner Seat Belts with Force Limiters
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD RDS, Optional Navigation System
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon upgraded audio
Cruise Control:
Standard Cruise Control
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Telephone:
Optional BMW Bluetooth Preparation/Hands-free system
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 7,500 - 15,000 miles (12,000 - 24,000 km) based on Condition Based Service (CBS) or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-3 years or as indicated by CBS.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years regardless of mileage.
Coolant Type:
BMW Premium Coolant (G48 Ethylene Glycol based)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank leaks, water pump failure (plastic impeller).
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket failures common.
Suspension:
Control arm bushings (control arm separation), rear shock mounts.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues, window regulator failures.
Ignition:
Coil-on-plug (COP) ignition coil failures.
Brand Philosophy:
BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy emphasizing performance, handling, and driver engagement.
E46 Generation Introduction:
The E46 generation was introduced in 1998, succeeding the E36.
E46 Facelift:
The 2001 model year represents the E46 facelift, featuring updated styling and features.
330I Positioning:
The 330i replaced the 328i as the top-tier naturally aspirated model in the US market for the E46 facelift.
Production Years:
E46 production ran from 1998 to 2006 (sedan), with the 330i variant produced from 2001-2006.
Manufacturing Plants:
Primarily Dingolfing and Regensburg, Germany; Spartanburg, USA (for some models/markets).
