🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330i

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Generation Name:

E46 First Generation

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Class:

Compact Executive Sedan/Sports Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops seeking detailed information for BMW E46 models

Competitors 1999:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202), Audi A4 (B5), Lexus IS200/IS300, Infiniti I30

Handling:

Renowned for its balanced chassis and precise handling characteristics

Powertrain:

Smooth and powerful inline-six engines

Build Quality:

High-quality materials and solid construction typical of BMW

Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth knowledge essential for maintaining and repairing the complex systems of the E46 platform

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Full Service Repair and Maintenance

Additional Coverage:

Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Rebuilding, Refurbishment, Restoration

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M52TU B28 (2.8L Inline-6), M54 B30 (3.0L Inline-6 - potentially for later E46 330i variants, but primary focus is likely M52TU for '99 330i, or if it's a European spec model. Manual should clarify engine variants covered.)

Engine Management:

DME (Digital Motor Electronics), VANOS, ignition system, fuel injection, emissions control

Transmission:

ZF 5HP19 (Automatic), Getrag 420G (Manual)

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), differential, driveshaft, axles

Suspension:

Front McPherson struts, rear multi-link (Integral-Link), springs, shock absorbers, bushings, sway bars

Brakes:

Front vented discs, rear solid/vented discs (model dependent), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, steering column

Electrical:

12V system, battery, alternator, starter, fuse box, wiring diagrams, lighting, power accessories

Body And Chassis:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis components, rust prevention

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control unit, refrigerant circuits

Safety Systems:

Airbags, seatbelt systems, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics

Routine Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement

Major Repairs:

Engine overhauls, transmission rebuilds, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake system overhauls

Diagnostics:

OBD-II code retrieval, symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical circuit testing, sensor testing

Rebuilding:

Engine components (pistons, bearings, valves), transmission components, differential rebuilds

Refurbishment:

Interior detailing, exterior component refurbishment, cosmetic repairs

Restoration:

Chassis restoration, bodywork, mechanical system restoration, electrical system renewal

Electrical Diagnosis:

Wiring harness repair, component testing, ECU diagnosis

Bodywork:

Panel replacement, dent repair, rust removal and treatment, paint preparation

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds)

Diagnostic Tools:

Includes procedures for using common diagnostic tools and interpreting diagnostic data

Torque Specifications:

Detailed torque specifications for all critical fasteners

Schematics:

Includes electrical wiring diagrams and system schematics

Special Tools:

Identifies and explains the use of BMW-specific special tools required for certain procedures

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval

Printability:

Printable pages for in-shop use

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity

Diagram Quality:

Clear, detailed technical illustrations and schematics

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Usdm:

M52TU B28 (2.8L)

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Displacement Cc:

2793

Bore Mm:

84.0

Stroke Mm:

84.0

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower Hp:

193 @ 5500 RPM

Torque Lb-Ft:

206.5 @ 3800 RPM

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 (or similar variant)

Variable Valve Timing:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control)

🔧 Transmission

Type Usdm:

ZF 5HP19 Electronic 5-Speed Automatic

Type Usdm:

Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual

Automatic Modes:

Sport and Manual modes (Steptronic)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW LT-3 ATF (or equivalent such as Shell M-1375.4, ZF Lifeguardfluid5)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., 75W-90 API GL-4/GL-5)

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

177.4

Width In:

68.7

Height In:

55.1

Wheelbase In:

107.3

Curb Weight Lbs:

~3300-3500 (depending on transmission and options)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

5-Star (for driver and passenger)

Dynamic Stability Control:

Standard (DSC III)

Anti Lock Brakes:

Standard (ABS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, optional side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

Pretensioned front seatbelts with force limiters

💡 Technology Features

Radio System:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD (optional navigation)

Speaker System:

Standard 10-speaker Hi-Fi system, optional Harman Kardon

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Key System:

Remote keyless entry, EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months (BMW's Condition Based Service system)

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type (e.g., Long Life plugs)

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years regardless of mileage

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Synthetic, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (check manual for precise specification)

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

6.5 (with filter)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific model requirements)

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tanks prone to cracking, water pump failure (plastic impeller)

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (RTABs - Rear Trailing Arm Bushings), rear shock mounts, strut mounts

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket (O-ring)

Electrical Gremlins:

Water ingress into LCM (Light Module Control), ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid issues

Misfires:

Ignition coils, spark plugs, fuel injectors, VANOS solenoids

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Inline 6:

BMW's legacy of refined inline-six engines dates back to the 1930s, known for smooth power delivery and durability.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation replaced the E36 3 Series and was introduced in 1998 for the 1999 model year.

330I Introduction:

The 330i model designation, featuring the larger 3.0L engine (M54 variant), typically appeared in later E46 production runs (e.g., 2001 onwards in some markets). The 1999 330i likely refers to the initial introduction of the E46 chassis, possibly with the M52TU B28 engine initially marketed as '328i' in some regions and transitioning to '330i' with the M54 engine. Clarification within the manual is key.

E46 Production Years:

1998-2006 (sedan), 1999-2006 (coupe/convertible), 2000-2007 (wagon)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Munich, Dingolfing), Austria, South Africa, Thailand, Russia, Brazil, India, Egypt

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

E46 3 Series models frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10 Best lists during its production run for exceptional driving dynamics.

Automotive Journalism:

Critically acclaimed by automotive journalists for its performance, handling, and driver engagement.