🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330i

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level luxury sport sedan

Competitors 2004:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive platform, and engaging driving experience.

Powertrain Options:

Powerful inline-six engines, available with manual or automatic transmissions.

Interior Quality:

Premium materials, driver-focused cockpit, excellent ergonomics.

Target Audience:

BMW owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 330i (E46) models, All Engines, All Trim Levels, All Transmission Types

Page Count:

Extensive (typical workshop manuals exceed 1500 pages, specific count not provided in product info)

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Engine assembly, cylinder head, valve train, crankshaft and piston assembly, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel injection system, exhaust system, engine management (DME)

Engine Electrical:

Ignition system, starter system, charging system, engine sensors, ECU diagnostics

Transmission Manual:

Manual transmission (Getrag 420G for 330i) overhaul, clutch system, shift linkage

Transmission Automatic:

Automatic transmission (GM 5L40-E) overhaul, torque converter, hydraulic control, mechatronics

Drivetrain:

Driveshaft, universal joints, differential, rear axle, axle shafts

Suspension:

Front suspension (MacPherson strut, multi-link), rear suspension (multi-link), springs, shock absorbers, control arms, wheel bearings

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, steering angle sensor

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS system (Bosch 5.7), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid, brake lines, calipers, master cylinder

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, wiring diagrams, CAN bus system

Body Exterior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, mirrors, sunroof, chassis alignment

Body Interior:

Seats, dashboard, trim panels, HVAC system, SRS airbag system, seat belts, interior lighting

Climate Control:

Air conditioning system, heating system, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant (R134a)

Infotainment:

Radio, CD player, navigation system (CCC), speaker systems

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, cabin air filter replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change

Diagnostic Procedures:

Troubleshooting guides for common issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, use of BMW diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA - conceptual understanding)

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal and installation (engine components, suspension parts, brake assemblies, interior trim, electrical modules)

Overhaul Procedures:

Complete engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, differential rebuild

Electrical Diagnostics:

Wiring diagram interpretation, troubleshooting electrical faults, component testing

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostics and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchable:

Typically yes for quality PDF manuals, enabling quick navigation.

Printability:

Designed for printing specific sections or the entire manual.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

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 (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) - Bosch Motronic ME 7.2

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

Dme System:

Digital Motor Electronics (DME) with VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

6-speed manual (Getrag 420G)

Transmission Type Opt:

5-speed automatic (GM 5L40-E)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch (manual)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic (manual shifting mode)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

GM DEXRON III / MERCON or ZF LifeguardFluid 5

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Front Track:

57.7 inches (1466 mm)

Rear Track:

57.9 inches (1471 mm)

Front Headroom:

37.1 inches (942 mm)

Rear Headroom:

36.0 inches (914 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.5 inches (1054 mm)

Rear Legroom:

33.7 inches (856 mm)

Trunk Volume:

13.1 cubic feet (371 Liters)

Curb Weight:

3362 - 3461 lbs (1525 - 1570 kg) depending on transmission and options

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4475 lbs (2030 kg)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches (front), 17 x 8.0 inches (rear)

Standard Tire Size:

205/50R17 (front), 225/45R17 (rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact Driver:

4-Star (2004 model year)

NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:

4-Star (2004 model year)

IIHS Moderate Overlap Frontal Offset:

Good (2004 model year)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Dsc:

Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control:

Automatic Traction Control (ASC+T) integrated with DSC

Airbags:

Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS) curtain airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters

Rollover Protection:

Integrated roll-over protection system (structure)

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Optional BMW Professional Radio/CD player or the newer iDrive system (CCC - Car Communication Computer) depending on package.

Navigation:

Optional MK4 Navigation system with DVD ROM

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) sensors

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth mobile interface

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control

Climate Control Type:

Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ATC)

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12 months, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, 5W-30 or 0W-30 recommended. Check owner's manual for exact specification.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 miles (check manual for specific plug type and interval)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)

Power Steering Fluid:

CHF 11S (Pentosin) or BMW Power Steering Fluid

Common Problems E46:

Vibration damper failure, cooling system leaks (water pump, thermostat housing, expansion tank), VANOS solenoid issues, subframe cracks (less common on 330i than earlier models but still possible), oil filter housing gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues

Specific 330I Issues:

While robust, potential for VANOS rattle if maintenance is neglected; early plastic coolant system components may degrade over time.

Oil Filter Oem:

BMW Part No. 11421460844 (example, verify with VIN)

Air Filter Oem:

BMW Part No. 13721438670 (example, verify with VIN)

Cabin Filter Oem:

BMW Part No. 64116904760 (example, verify with VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

The Ultimate Driving Machine, emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series, produced from 1998 to 2006, is highly regarded for its driving dynamics and build quality.

330I Positioning:

The 330i represented the higher-performance, naturally aspirated engine option in the 3 Series lineup for this year, succeeding the 328i.

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich plants)

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Wagon variants)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 3 Series, including variants like the 330i, frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally rated as average to good for reliability, with specific model years and common issues to be aware of.

European Safety Standards:

Meets stringent European safety standards, often a benchmark for its class.