Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Platform:
E46 chassis, known for its balance and driving dynamics
Powertrain Offering:
Renowned inline-six engine and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or optional xDrive all-wheel-drive (AWD)
Focus:
Performance, luxury, driver engagement
Coverage Scope:
Comprehensive service and repair
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Software based, equivalent to thousands of printed pages)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual Software
Format:
Digital Software (Downloadable)
Engine:
Engine mechanical, cooling, lubrication, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, emissions control, engine management systems (DME)
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmissions (ZF 5HP19, Getrag GS5-39DZ), clutch, driveshafts, differentials
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (front/rear disc, ABS, DSC), wheels, tires
Electrical:
Power supply, starter, alternator, battery, lighting (interior/exterior), instrument cluster, comfort systems, infotainment, body control modules (BCM), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, HVAC system, airbags, restraints, interior trim, exterior trim, convertible top (if applicable)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt replacement, diagnostic checks
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension component replacement, brake system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, symptom-based troubleshooting guides
Depth:
Detailed diagnostic procedures, component testing, specifications, torque values, tolerances, rebuild instructions
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
3.0 Liters (2979 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Injection Type:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Spark Plugs:
NGK BKR6EQUP (or equivalent, 14mm thread, 16mm hex, pre-gapped)
Type:
5-Speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)
Type:
5-Speed Automatic (ZF 5HP19)
Automatic Features:
Steptronic (manual shift mode)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent, e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-star (driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Dsc:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control (ASC+T)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, optional front side-impact airbags, optional head protection system (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Head Unit:
BMW Professional Radio or optional Navigation system with CD player
Display:
Central LCD display for radio, climate, navigation information
Parking Sensors:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input (may require dealer activation or aftermarket adapter)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 15,000 miles or 12 months (or as indicated by the Condition Based Service - CBS system)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-40
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation)
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years (DOT 4)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.9 US quarts (7.5 Liters)
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tank can crack, water pump impeller failure (especially plastic ones), radiator leaks
Engine:
VANOS system issues (solenoids, rattle), oil filter housing gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to oil consumption or rough idle
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings and ball joints wear, rear subframe bushings can tear
Electrical:
Window regulator failures, headlight condensation, ABS wheel speed sensor failures
Brand Focus:
Renowned for engineering, performance, and luxury vehicles
E46 Generation:
Fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from 1997 to 2006 (model years 1999-2006)
330I Introduction:
Introduced for the 2001 model year as a replacement for the 328i, featuring the more powerful M54 engine
Manufacturing Locations:
Mainly Dingolfing and Regensburg, Germany; Rosslyn, South Africa; Leipzig, Germany
