🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330xi

Year:

2005

Chassis Code:

E90

Generation Designation:

Fifth Generation (E90/E91/E92/E93)

Generation Years:

2005-2013 (North America Market)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sedan

Target Audience:

Enthusiast drivers, performance-oriented buyers, and those seeking a blend of luxury and sportiness.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300/IS350, Acura TL.

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience.

All Wheel Drive:

xDrive all-wheel-drive system providing enhanced traction and stability in various road conditions.

Engine Performance:

Smooth and powerful naturally aspirated inline-six engine.

Build Quality:

High level of perceived interior and exterior quality, characteristic of BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

All global markets, with specific emphasis on North American specifications.

Model Variants Covered:

All 330xi sedan (E90) variants for the 2005 model year.

Engine Variants Covered:

BMW M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6 Naturally Aspirated) engine.

Transmission Types Covered:

ZF 6HP19 (6-speed automatic transmission) with Steptronic functionality.

Estimated Page Count:

~2000-3000 pages (typical for comprehensive workshop manuals)

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals (M54B30), lubrication, cooling, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, clutch, transmission (ZF 6HP19), drivetrain (xDrive AWD system).

Chassis:

Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ABS, DSC, EBD, ventilated discs front/rear), wheels, tires.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, instrumentation, body control module (BCM), comfort systems (HVAC, power windows/locks/mirrors), infotainment, SRS airbag system, DME (Engine Control Module), transmission control module (TCM), xDrive control module.

Body And Interior:

Body structure, exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, safety restraint systems.

Maintenance:

Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid level checks and top-ups, spark plug replacement, drive belt inspection/replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts, symptom analysis, fault code interpretation (OBD-II), common problems and solutions.

Repair:

Component removal and installation, engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, bodywork repair.

Diagnostics:

Detailed diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including wiring diagrams and pinpoint tests.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including in-depth electrical system diagnostics and programming procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Adobe Acrobat PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content for quick information retrieval.

Printability:

Printable pages for convenient workshop use.

Image Resolution:

High-resolution for clear diagrams and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF Download)

⚙️ 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:

DOHC, 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Emission Control:

Catalytic converter, Oxygen sensors (O2S), Secondary air injection system.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

ZF 6HP19 Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Type:

Not applicable for 330xi model year 2005 (standard with AWD and automatic transmission).

Drive System:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) with electronic torque distribution.

Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.17, 2nd: 2.31, 3rd: 1.54, 4th: 1.18, 5th: 1.00, 6th: 0.85, Reverse: 3.40

Transmission Fluid:

ZF LifeguardFluid 6 (or approved equivalent); requires specific procedure for fill and level check.

📐 Dimensions

Length:

181.8 inches (4618 mm)

Width:

68.5 inches (1740 mm)

Height:

56.7 inches (1440 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches (2726 mm)

Front Track:

58.3 inches (1481 mm)

Rear Track:

59.3 inches (1506 mm)

Ground Clearance:

Approx. 5.5 inches (140 mm)

Front Headroom:

37.7 inches (958 mm)

Rear Headroom:

37.7 inches (958 mm)

Front Legroom:

41.7 inches (1059 mm)

Rear Legroom:

34.5 inches (876 mm)

Trunk Volume:

11.1 cu ft (314 Liters)

Curb Weight:

3,638 lbs (1650 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4,740 lbs (2150 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended/Specified

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:

5 Stars (Driver), 5 Stars (Passenger)

NHTSA Side Impact Crash Test:

4 Stars (Front Passenger), 5 Stars (Rear Passenger)

IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:

Good

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)

Braking System:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Tire Pressure Monitoring:

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - Sensor-based (optional on early models, standard on later)

Airbags:

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

Seatbelts:

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

Child Seat Anchors:

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.

💡 Technology Features

System:

Professional Radio or optional 'Business' or 'Professional' Navigation System with iDrive control (common for E90 models). Includes CD player, possibly cassette, and optional Harman Kardon audio.

Display:

Center console mounted display (6.5-inch or 8.8-inch for navigation).

Cruise Control:

Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some configurations (less common for 2005).

Parking Assistance:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) - front and rear sensors.

Phone Integration:

Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface with compatible phones.

Auxiliary Input:

Optional auxiliary audio input for portable music players.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically around 10,000-15,000 miles (16,000-24,000 km) or annually, depending on driving conditions.

Engine Air Filter:

Inspect every 30,000 miles (48,000 km), replace as needed or per CBS.

Cabin Air Filter:

Replace annually or every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km), depending on type (e.g., long-life platinum/iridium).

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Transmission Fluid Service:

BMW typically lists as 'lifetime', but professional recommendation is service around 60,000-100,000 miles (96,000-160,000 km) for the ZF 6HP19 automatic.

Engine Oil:

SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil, meeting BMW LL-01 specification. Capacity: 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter.

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based); 50/50 mix with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 Liters).

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW P/N 81 22 9 407 761.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (preferably DOT 4 Plus or Super DOT 4).

Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:

Common for M54 engines due to age and heat; leads to oil consumption and smoke.

Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:

Another common source of oil leaks on M54 engines.

Cooling System Components:

Water pump failure, thermostat issues, and plastic coolant expansion tank cracks can occur.

ABS Dsc Wheel Speed Sensors:

Frequent failure leading to ABS and DSC warning lights.

Pcv Valve And Hoses:

Clogging of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) system can lead to rough idle, oil leaks, and increased oil consumption.

Ignition Coils:

Can fail intermittently, causing misfires and rough running.

Oil Level Sensor:

Can fail, causing inaccurate oil level readings or persistent warnings.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Philosophy:

BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement.

Predecessor:

BMW 3 Series E46 (specifically 330i/xi).

Generation Introduction:

The E90 generation marked a significant redesign, introducing more advanced technology and a subtly larger footprint.

Key Innovations For E90:

Introduction of Electric Power Steering (EPS) on some models (not 330xi 2005), iDrive infotainment system (optional), and advanced chassis electronics.

Manufacturing Locations:

Main production facility in Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in various international locations.

Production Period For Model:

2005-2005 (specifically for the 330xi designation in the E90 chassis).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 3 Series (including the E90 generation) was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run for its driving dynamics and overall excellence.

Consumers Reports:

Generally received good ratings for performance and reliability for its class, though specific model year ratings can vary.

Safety Award IIHS:

Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick (or equivalent rating for the era).