🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330i

Year:

2003

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Range:

M54B30

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Sports Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203), Audi A4 (B6), Lexus IS300, Infiniti G35.

Performance Orientation:

Known for its balanced chassis, responsive handling, and a smooth, powerful inline-six engine.

Build Quality:

Reputation for German engineering and high-quality interior materials.

Utility:

Essential resource for maintaining and repairing the E46 330i, offering a significant cost saving over dealership service.

Clarity:

Detailed step-by-step instructions, clear illustrations, and accurate torque specifications.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair

Secondary Coverage:

Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, Overhauling, Rebuilding

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Professional Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF), Printable

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6): Engine mechanical, cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, camshafts, valve train, lubrication system, cooling system, intake system, exhaust system, fuel injection, ignition system, engine management (DME).

Transmission:

5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E) and 5-speed Manual (ZF S5D-320Z): Removal, installation, overhaul, clutch, torque converter, transmission control module (TCM/TCU).

Drivetrain:

Rear Wheel Drive (RWD): Driveshafts, universal joints, differential, axles, wheel bearings.

Brakes:

Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake calipers, rotors, pads, lines, master cylinder, vacuum booster, parking brake.

Suspension:

Front (MacPherson strut, multi-link) and Rear (Multi-link): Control arms, ball joints, bushings, shock absorbers, springs, stabilizer bars, steering knuckles.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering system: Steering rack, pump, fluid, tie rods, steering column.

Electrical:

12V battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, instrument cluster, body control module (BCM), fuse box diagrams, relay assignments.

Climate Control:

HVAC system: Blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant, heater core, automatic climate control module (IHKA).

Body And Interior:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, seats, airbags, seatbelts, dashboard, roof liner.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Fault code diagnosis, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, live data interpretation.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacement (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid change, differential fluid change, belt replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair:

Engine rebuild, head gasket replacement, timing chain/guide replacement, water pump replacement, alternator replacement, starter replacement, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, power steering pump replacement, clutch replacement, transmission overhaul.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.

Installation:

Installation procedures for major components and accessories.

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Resolution:

High-resolution images and diagrams

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

M54B30 Inline-6, Naturally Aspirated

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valve Train:

DOHC, 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6000 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.2)

Ignition System:

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

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed Manual (ZF S5D-320Z)

Type:

5-speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.24, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.93

Automatic Features:

Steptronic (manual shifting mode), adaptive shift programs.

Manual Fluid Type:

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

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III or Dexron VI compatible (e.g., Mobil ATF 3309)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.5 inches (4508 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches (2726 mm)

Front Track:

58.5 inches (1486 mm)

Rear Track:

59.3 inches (1506 mm)

Curb Weight Manual:

3373 lbs (1530 kg)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3450 lbs (1565 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

4431 lbs (2010 kg)

Trunk Capacity:

11.1 cu ft (314 L)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:

5-Star

NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:

5-Star

IIHS Frontal Offset:

Good

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Anti Lock Brakes:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Frontal airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, available head protection system (HPS).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with front pre-tensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Optional BMW Business CD or Professional RDS CD/Radio with cassette player. Optional Navigation system available.

Sound System:

Standard 6-speaker audio system; optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control.

Parking Sensors:

Optional rear Park Distance Control (PDC).

Auxiliary Input:

Not standard; often added via aftermarket adapters.

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth integration for hands-free calling (BMW Assist/Tele Aid).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used. BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically indicates via the Service Indicator Light (SI).

Air Filter Replacement:

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

Cabin Filter Replacement:

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

Spark Plug Replacement:

Every 100,000 miles (using original equipment long-life plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or 30,000 miles (BMW Blue Antifreeze).

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-40.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48) or equivalent.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (typically specified as BMW Super DOT 4).

Ccv System:

Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) system failure leading to oil leaks, rough idle, and increased oil consumption.

Cooling System:

Plastic coolant expansion tank can crack; water pump and thermostat failure are common as mileage increases.

Vibration Issue:

Driveshaft flex disc (guibo) failure, center support bearing wear, subframe bushings, and differential bushings can cause vibrations.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Oil pan gasket and rear main seal leaks are prevalent due to age and material degradation.

Oil Seals:

Valve cover gasket and spark plug well seals often leak oil.

Window Regulators:

Plastic components in window regulator mechanisms can fail, causing windows to drop.

ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:

ABS/DSC warning lights due to faulty wheel speed sensors.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long history of producing sporty and well-engineered vehicles, particularly in the premium sedan segment.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) is renowned for its excellent driving dynamics, refined interiors, and the introduction of more powerful engine options.

330I Introduction:

The 330i replaced the 328i in 2000/2001 model year, offering a significant increase in power and torque with the new M54 engine.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (Global)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Russia, Thailand, Brazil, China.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 3 Series, including the 330i, was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best list during its production run for its exceptional driving dynamics and value.

Consumer Reports:

Generally received good reliability ratings, though specific components like the cooling system and CCV were noted as potential weak points over time.