🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330xi

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Key Competitors 2001:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Lexus IS300, Acura TL

Performance Orientation:

Focus on driving dynamics, balanced chassis, premium interior, advanced technology for its era

Drivetrain Advantage:

xDrive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability, especially in adverse weather

Target Audience:

BMW owners seeking to perform maintenance, repairs, or restoration; DIY enthusiasts; independent repair shops

📋 Manual Details

Manual Type:

Full Service & Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (Likely PDF, though not explicitly stated in description)

Estimated Page Count:

Likely over 1000 pages (typical for full factory service manuals)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (M54B30), engine management (DME), fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, turbocharging/supercharging (N/A for 330xi)

Drivetrain Systems:

All-wheel drive (xDrive) system, front differential, rear differential, drive shafts, transfer case, manual and automatic transmissions (Steptronic)

Chassis Systems:

Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), steering (rack and pinion, hydraulic power assist), brakes (front/rear discs, ABS, DSC), wheels and tires

Electrical Systems:

Body control module (BCM), powertrain control module (PCM), instrument cluster, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, climate control, audio system, SRS airbag system, diagnostic connector (OBD-II)

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, bumpers, windows, seats, dashboard, interior trim, convertible top (if applicable)

Maintenance:

Scheduled maintenance intervals, oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad/rotor replacement, tire rotation

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting common symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, module testing, wiring diagrams, connector pinouts

Repair Rebuild:

Engine component replacement (e.g., water pump, thermostat, alternator, starter), transmission service and repair, suspension component replacement (e.g., control arms, ball joints, struts), brake system repair, steering system repair, electrical component replacement

Restoration:

Bodywork repair, paint preparation, interior refurbishment, mechanical component overhaul

Depth Level:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to major component rebuilds and diagnostics)

📊 Manual Specifications

Digital Format:

PDF (Searchable, printable, bookmarked)

Image Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams for clarity

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ 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

Valve Train:

DOHC, 4 Valves per Cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6000 rpm (SAE Net)

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (SAE Net)

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)

Oil Type Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (e.g., Castrol Syntec 5W-30)

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol-based)

Emission Standards:

Federal Tier 1 compliant

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 320Z)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-Speed Steptronic Automatic

Drivetrain Configuration:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive

Transfer Case:

Electronically controlled multi-plate clutch system

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-2 or equivalent

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Castrol TAF-X 75W-90)

Transfer Case Fluid:

BMW Transfer Case Fluid (e.g., Pentosin ATF 105)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.9 inches (Sedan)

Width:

68.7 inches

Height:

56.1 inches (Sedan)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches

Front Track:

58.5 inches

Rear Track:

59.4 inches

Curb Weight:

3571 lbs (Manual), 3627 lbs (Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4586 lbs

Payload Capacity:

Approx. 1015 lbs

Trunk Volume:

11.7 cu ft (Sedan)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for vehicles of its time)

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)

Antilock Brakes:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver & passenger), side-impact airbags (front)

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Optional Harman Kardon sound system, standard BMW Professional radio/cassette with CD support.

Navigation:

Optional factory navigation system (CCC or similar era)

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control

Bluetooth:

Not standard, may have been an aftermarket addition or dealer-installed option for earlier Bluetooth integration.

Headlights:

Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights

Climate Control Type:

Automatic climate control with active carbon cabin filter

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Oil Service Indicator (VOSI) system, typically 7,500-10,000 miles or as indicated by the onboard computer.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 30,000 miles)

Cabin Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (or every 15,000-20,000 miles)

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (Denso FK20HR11 Iridium recommended)

Brake Fluid:

Flush and replace every 2 years (DOT 4)

Coolant:

Replace at 30,000 miles or 2 years, then every 60,000 miles or 4 years

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (with filter change)

Coolant Capacity:

8.5 US quarts

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (especially plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks. Regular inspection recommended.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (bushings wear out causing 'clunking' or steering wander), rear shock mounts, sway bar links.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket are common failure points.

Electrical:

Window regulators, ABS/DSC sensor failures, alternator failure, blower motor resistor issues.

Vanos System:

Seals in the VANOS solenoids and pistons can degrade, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.

Preventative Maintenance:

Adhering to fluid change intervals, inspecting the cooling system regularly, and addressing suspension noises promptly are crucial for longevity.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

Longstanding reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence in the automotive industry.

E46 Generation:

Fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006), known for its refined handling and improved build quality over the E36.

330Xi Introduction:

The 'xi' designation signifies the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, introduced to enhance traction and stability. The 330xi replaced the 328xi in the lineup for 2001.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily Dingolfing and Munich, Germany

Production Period:

2001-2005 model years for the 330xi (E46 chassis)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

E46 3 Series models (including 330) were frequently named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run, lauded for their driving dynamics.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Generally considered good to excellent for the era, with typical wear-and-tear items for a luxury performance car.

Emissions Certification:

Certified to meet US EPA emissions standards for its model year.