Vehicle Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' characteristics, balanced chassis, and rear-wheel-drive platform.
Powertrain Availability:
Offered with potent inline-six engines and optional xDrive all-wheel-drive.
Interior Quality:
Typically features a driver-focused cockpit with high-quality materials and refined ergonomics.
Powertrain:
Engine, Drivetrain (RWD/AWD), Transmission (Manual/Automatic), Fuel System, Cooling System, Exhaust System
Chassis:
Suspension (Front/Rear), Steering System, Brake System (Front/Rear), Wheel/Tire Assemblies
Electrical:
Engine Electrical, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Comfort & Convenience Systems, Infotainment (basic), Battery, Charging System
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Body Exterior/Interior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, symptom-based diagnostics, fault code interpretation
Repair:
Component removal and installation, sub-assembly rebuilding, system adjustments
Rebuild:
Engine rebuild specifications, transmission overhaul procedures
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized BMW service tools
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)
Transmission Type:
5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/RL, A5S390R)
AWD System:
xDrive (Permanent All-Wheel Drive with variable torque distribution)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 rated fluid)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI compatible fluid)
NHTSA Front Crash:
4/5 Stars (for 2000-2005 models)
IIHS Side Crash:
Good (for 2000-2005 models)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) or Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side-impact airbags (optional/standard depending on trim/year)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, or optional Professional Navigation System (MKIV)
Audio System:
Harmon Kardon premium sound system optional on higher trims.
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) available as an option.
Telematics:
Optional BMW Assist telematics system (early form of connected services).
Climate Control:
Manual or optional Automatic Climate Control (ACC).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system or driving habits.
Air Filter Replacement:
Recommended every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK BKR6EQUP or equivalent. Replacement every 60,000 miles.
Coolant Flush:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48). Flush and replace every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter for M54B30
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) - ethylene glycol based.
Vibration Dampers:
Cracked harmonic balancer or worn engine mounts can cause vibrations.
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack. Water pump (plastic impeller) failures are common.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure can lead to oil consumption and vacuum leaks.
Brakes:
Rotor warpage and pad wear are normal wear items; ABS sensor failures can occur.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's legacy of performance, engineering, and luxury driving experience.
E46 Introduction:
The E46 generation replaced the E36 and was produced from 1998 to 2006 (with facelift in 2001). It refined the chassis dynamics and styling.
330I Introduction:
The 330i and 330xi models, powered by the M54B30 engine, replaced the 328i and 328xi models starting in model year 2001.
Production Years:
2001-2005
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E46 3 Series was a perennial winner of Car and Driver's 10Best list throughout its production run.
Vehicle Dynamics Awards:
Widely praised by automotive journalists for its class-leading handling and driving pleasure.
Automotive Engineering Awards:
The M54 engine family received multiple awards for its performance and refinement.
