🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330i

Model Generation:

E46

Model Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

E46

Body Styles Covered:

Sedan (E46/4), Coupe (E46/2), Convertible (E46/2C), Wagon (E46/3)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Entry-level luxury sport sedan/coupe/convertible/wagon.

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts and owners seeking to maintain or repair their BMW 3 Series vehicles with professional-level information.

Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.

Driving Dynamics:

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

Engine Performance:

The M54B30 engine offers a strong balance of power and refinement for its class.

Value Proposition:

Provides comprehensive, OEM-level technical data essential for DIY repairs, professional diagnostics, and proper vehicle maintenance.

Scope:

Covers all essential aspects of the vehicle, empowering owners with the knowledge to keep their E46 330i in optimal condition.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Variants:

M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6)

Transmission Types:

5-speed manual (S5D 310Z), 5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R/GA) (with Steptronic option)

Regions Covered:

Global (assuming North American market focus but generally applicable)

Estimated Pages:

1500-2000 (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals of this era)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M54B30 engine mechanicals, lubrication, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME), emissions control

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission service, repair, removal, installation, clutch service, torque converter service, shift mechanism

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, rear axle, wheel bearings, CV joints

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, steering knuckles, alignment procedures

Steering:

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

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, lines, master cylinder), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, brake fluid service

Electrical:

12V battery system, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, ECUs, body control module (BCM)

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, climate control, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, sunroof, interior trim, exterior trim, bumpers, underbody panels

Safety Systems:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, restraint systems

Infotainment:

Radio, CD player, navigation system (optional), speaker systems (basic troubleshooting)

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes, belt replacement, battery checks

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics, engine performance issues, transmission shifting problems, braking system faults

Repair:

Engine rebuild procedures, cylinder head removal/installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft service, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, steering rack replacement, starter/alternator replacement

Diagnostics:

Use of diagnostic tools (e.g., DIS, ISTA), interpreting sensor data, checking system pressures, electrical circuit testing

Assembly Disassembly:

Detailed instructions for removing and reinstalling all major components and systems

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Searchability:

Likely searchable PDF with hyperlinked sections for easy navigation.

Quality:

High-resolution digital reproduction, suitable for printing.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper:

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 @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

ECM:

Bosch Motronic ME7.2

Actuation:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 310Z)

Type:

5-Speed Automatic with Steptronic (GM A5S360R/GA)

Manual Clutch:

Hydraulically actuated single-plate dry clutch

Automatic Modes:

Adaptive shift logic, manual mode selection (Steptronic)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 SAE 75W-80, e.g., Castrol Syntrans)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent Dexron III/VI, e.g., Mobil ATF 3309)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

Sedan: 177.4 in (4506 mm)

Width:

Sedan: 68.5 in (1740 mm)

Height:

Sedan: 55.7 in (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

Sedan: 107.1 in (2720 mm)

Front Headroom:

Approx. 38.5 in (978 mm)

Front Legroom:

Approx. 41.7 in (1059 mm)

Trunk Volume:

Sedan: 13.1 cu ft (371 L)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3350-3450 lbs (1520-1565 kg) depending on body style and transmission.

Gvw:

Approx. 4431 lbs (2010 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star (Driver and Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good (for models tested)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Dsc:

Standard (Dynamic Stability Control), often with DTC (Dynamic Traction Control)

Traction Control:

Standard

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), Side airbags (front door-mounted)

Seat Belts:

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

Rollover Protection:

Standard on Convertible models (pop-up roll bars)

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS radios, optional navigation system (MK III/IV).

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear parking distance sensors (PDC).

Telematics:

Optional BMW Assist telematics system.

Climate Control:

Manual or optional automatic climate control (digital readouts).

Headlights:

Halogen projector beam headlights, optional Xenon headlights with automatic leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately every 60,000 - 100,000 miles (depending on plug type and usage).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years regardless of mileage.

Coolant Flush:

BMW Long-Life Coolant, typically replaced every 4-5 years or 50,000-60,000 miles.

Engine Oil:

SAE 0W-40 or 5W-40 Synthetic meeting BMW LL-01 specification. Capacity: 6.5 US Quarts (6.2 Liters).

Coolant:

BMW Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (G48, blue) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4.

Cooling System:

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

Engine Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket (o-rings), oil pan gasket, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to vacuum leaks and oil consumption.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (raked), rear subframe bushings, sway bar links and bushings.

Electrical:

ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures, headlight condensation issues, VANOS solenoid failures.

Clutch Replacement:

Typical wear item for manual transmission models.

Coil On Plug Replacement:

Individual ignition coils can fail, leading to misfires.

Oil Pan Gasket Replacement:

Common due to age and material degradation.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused, performance-oriented vehicles.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation was introduced in 1998, with the 330i model replacing the 328i in 2000 for the 2001 model year.

E46 Facelift:

The E46 received a mid-cycle facelift (LCI) for the 2001 model year, with minor updates continuing through 2006.

Production Years:

E46 generation: 1998-2006. 330i specific: 2001-2006.

Manufacturing:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other locations globally.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 generation (including the 330i) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' lists for its class-leading dynamics and performance.

Edmunds Review:

Highly praised for its driving dynamics, upscale interior, and strong performance.