🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

330xi

Chassis Code:

E46

Production Years Covered:

1999-2005

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Reputation:

Known for its sporty handling, refined interior, and advanced engineering.

Key Competitors:

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

Performance Focus:

Emphasis on driver engagement and dynamic performance.

All Wheel Drive:

The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability.

Build Quality:

Reputation for robust build quality and premium materials.

Technology Integration:

Early adoption of advanced automotive technologies for its era.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

BMW 330xi (E46 Chassis)

Additional Coverage Notes:

While the title specifies 330xi, comprehensive E46 service information typically includes general maintenance and repair procedures applicable to other E46 variants, especially those sharing core driveline and chassis components.

Estimated Page Count:

Over 2000 (Typical for comprehensive factory-level manuals)

Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

File Format:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages, allowing for on-site reference.

Quality:

High-resolution scans of original factory documentation.

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete disassembly, assembly, inspection, and repair of the M54B30 engine.

Engine Management:

Engine Control Unit (ECU) diagnostics, sensor testing, fuel injection systems, ignition timing, emission controls (DME).

Transmission Automatic:

GM 5L475Z-RL (Steptronic) transmission service, diagnostics, fluid changes, and repair procedures.

Transmission Manual:

Service and repair of manual transmissions (if applicable to specific 330xi models or as general E46 information).

Drivetrain AWD:

Detailed service and repair procedures for the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, including transfer case, differentials, and driveshafts.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnostics, hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, lines), ABS system, parking brake, rotor and pad replacement.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, diagnosis of leaks and performance issues.

Cooling System:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, coolant hoses, expansion tank, fan clutch, diagnosis of overheating.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, EVAP system diagnostics.

Exhaust System:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converters, mufflers, oxygen sensors, emissions components.

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, lighting systems, power windows, central locking.

Body And Interior:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, seats, dashboard removal, HVAC system.

Climate Control:

HVAC system operation, diagnosis, refrigerant charging, blower motor, climate control module.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seat belt mechanisms.

Maintenance Tasks:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, fluid checks and changes, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery testing.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting for common drivability and electrical issues.

Repair Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions for component removal, repair, and reinstallation.

Diagnostics:

Procedures for using diagnostic tools (e.g., BMW Scanner, ISTA/D), interpreting fault codes, and performing system tests.

Wiring Diagrams:

Detailed electrical schematics for various vehicle systems.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Focus:

Strong emphasis on diagnostic procedures, including specific BMW diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their likely causes.

Component Specs:

Includes torque specifications, clearances, and tolerance data for critical components.

Exploded Views:

Contains detailed exploded views and diagrams to aid in component identification and assembly.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Image Resolution:

Typically 300 DPI or higher for clear diagrams and text.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Quality:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

Inline 6-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves (4 per cylinder), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug

Cooling Type:

Liquid-Cooled

Oil Capacity:

6.5 Liters (6.9 Quarts) with Filter Change

Oil Type:

SAE 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 or equivalent)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L475Z-RL with Steptronic)

Transmission Type:

6-Speed Manual (Getrag Type H)

Steptronic Functionality:

Allows manual gear selection via selector lever or steering wheel paddles (depending on options).

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Dexron III/VI compatible (BMW Blue Label or equivalent)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil

Transfer Case Fluid:

BMW Transfer Case Fluid (ETL-7045E or equivalent)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Approximately 4526 mm (178.2 in)

Width:

Approximately 1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

Approximately 1415 mm (55.7 in)

Wheelbase:

Approximately 2760 mm (108.7 in)

Front Track:

Approximately 1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

Approximately 1479 mm (58.2 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1575 kg (3472 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approximately 2010 kg (4431 lbs)

Maximum Payload:

Approximately 435 kg (959 lbs)

Towing Capacity:

Typically not specified for this model, or very limited.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver), 4 Stars (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for vehicles tested with side airbags)

ABS:

Standard Anti-lock Braking System

Asc:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC) or Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) on later models.

Traction Control:

Standard traction control system, integrated with DSC.

AWD:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced grip.

Airbags:

Driver and front passenger airbags, optional side airbags.

Seatbelts:

Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners.

Chassis Construction:

Unitized body construction with crumple zones.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD/Radio with optional navigation system (CCC).

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking sensors (Park Distance Control - PDC).

Auxiliary Input:

Typically not standard, but aftermarket solutions or early OEM aux inputs may exist on later models.

HVAC Type:

Manual climate control or optional automatic climate control with digital display.

Headlights:

Halogen headlights, optional Xenon HID headlights with adaptive cornering.

🔧 Maintenance

Engine Oil Change:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically between 7,500 - 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace every 15,000 - 30,000 miles.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type, e.g., platinum or iridium).

Coolant Flush:

Replace every 30,000 - 60,000 miles or 2-4 years.

Automatic Transmission Service:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (fluid and filter change).

Manual Transmission Service:

Recommended every 60,000 miles (fluid change).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Replace every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW LL-01 Certified 5W-30 Synthetic

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid

Cooling System Leaks:

Common failures include plastic coolant expansion tanks, water pumps, and thermostat housings.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gaskets are prone to degradation and leaks.

Suspension Components:

Worn control arm bushings (especially lower control arm bushings with hydro-mounts) and tie rod ends are common due to age and mileage.

Ccv System:

The Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system can clog, leading to increased oil consumption and pressure buildup.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

Failure of ABS wheel speed sensors can disable ABS and traction control, often due to heat or physical damage.

Power Steering Pump:

Occasional leaks or failure of the power steering pump and lines.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in window regulators can break, leading to windows not operating.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, sporty luxury vehicles, often referred to as 'The Ultimate Driving Machine'.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation 3 Series was introduced in 1998 (for the 1999 model year) as the successor to the E36.

E46 Facelift:

The E46 received a facelift (LCI - Life Cycle Impulse) in 2001, with updated styling for headlights, taillights, bumpers, and minor interior revisions.

330Xi Positioning:

The 330xi variant, featuring the powerful M54B30 engine and xDrive AWD, represented a high-performance, all-weather option within the E46 lineup.

Production Start Year:

1999

Production End Year:

2006 (for sedans/wagons, coupes/convertibles lasted longer in some markets)

Manufacturing Locations:

Primary assembly in Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing), with some production for specific markets in other countries.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

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

Motor Trend Car Of The Year:

While not a direct winner for the E46 generation, the 3 Series has a strong history of MotorTrend awards.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good to excellent ratings for reliability and performance, though some specific model years/engines had noted issues (e.g., early cooling system components).