Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors 2003:
Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Acura TL
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
Engine Performance:
Smooth and potent M54B30 inline-six engine.
Handling:
Renowned BMW handling dynamics and ride comfort.
Interior:
Premium interior appointments and driver-centric cockpit.
Differentiation:
The 330xi offered a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and all-weather capability, setting it apart in its class.
Primary Coverage:
Service, Repair, Diagnostics, Maintenance
Secondary Coverage:
Wiring Diagrams, Specifications, Torque Values, Troubleshooting
Estimated Page Count:
1500+
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (M54B30), Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
Transmission (GM A5S360R / ZF 5HP19), Transfer Case (xDrive AWD System), Drive Shafts, Differentials (Front, Rear), Axles
Suspension Steering:
Front Suspension (MacPherson Strut), Rear Suspension (Multi-link), Steering System (Hydraulic Power Steering), Wheel Alignment
Brakes:
Front Disc Brakes (Ventilated), Rear Disc Brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), Brake Fluid Specifications
Electrical Electronics:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), DME (Digital Motor Electronics), EWS (Electronic Immobilizer System), IBS (Intelligent Battery Sensor)
Body Chassis:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Underbody, Corrosion Protection
Maintenance:
Oil Change, Filter Replacement, Spark Plug Replacement, Coolant Flush, Brake Fluid Flush, Air Filter Replacement, Cabin Filter Replacement, Drive Belt Replacement
Repair:
Engine Rebuild, Transmission Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Repair, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Replacement, HVAC System Repair, Cooling System Repair
Diagnostics Troubleshooting:
DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) reading and interpretation, Symptom-based troubleshooting, Component testing, Electrical circuit diagnosis
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic scheduled maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and wiring diagrams.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 (M54B30)
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 24 Valves (Double Overhead Camshaft, 4 Valves per Cylinder), VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane)
Engine Management:
BMW Integrated Engine Management System
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Automatic (GM A5S360R or ZF 5HP19)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag S5D 320Z)
X Drive Integration:
Integrated with the xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Gear Ratios Auto:
1st: 3.67, 2nd: 2.00, 3rd: 1.41, 4th: 1.00, 5th: 0.73, Reverse: 4.04
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW LT-3 or equivalent Dexron III/VI (check specific vehicle manual for exact fluid type and change interval)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for E46 chassis general assessment)
Traction Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Braking System:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control)
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags (Driver & Passenger), Side Airbags (Front), Optional Head Protection System (HPS) Curtain Airbags
Chassis Safety:
Reinforced Safety Cell, Crumple Zones, Integrated Roll Bar Protection
Head Unit Options:
BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD (Optional with Navigation).
Navigation:
Optional MKIV Navigation System with CD-ROM maps.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, Optional Harman Kardon audio upgrade.
Stability Control:
DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (ASR)
Cruise Control:
Standard Electronic Cruise Control
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth preparation with cradle.
Remote Services:
Limited to basic remote locking/unlocking and alarm functions.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable: typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions (monitored by Condition Based Service - CBS).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (NGK Platinum or Iridium recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant recommended).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (DOT 4 Low Viscosity recommended).
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW LL-01 or LL-04 approved).
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF (Power Steering Fluid) or Pentosin CHF 11S.
Engine Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity.
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, thermostat housing cracks, expansion tank leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bavarian technique), rear subframe bushings, strut mounts.
Electrical:
CCM (Check Control Module) issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS solenoid failure.
X Drive AWD:
Transfer case fluid degradation, CV joint wear.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, luxury, and engineering.
E46 Generation:
Fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006). The 330xi was introduced as part of a mid-cycle update for the E46, replacing the 328xi.
Introduction Of AWD:
The xi designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, a significant addition to the 3 Series lineup, offering enhanced all-weather capability.
Production Years:
2001-2006 (E46 330i/xi)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Main)
Car And Driver 10Best:
E46 3 Series consistently recognized in Car and Driver's 10Best list for multiple years, including the period this manual covers.
Automotive Journalism Acclaim:
The E46 3 Series was widely praised by automotive journalists for its balance of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics.
