Segment:
Compact Executive / Premium Sport Wagon
Bmw Positioning:
The E46 3 Series Wagon offered a blend of BMW's renowned driving dynamics with practicality, appealing to those seeking performance and utility.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Avant, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (T-model), Volvo V70.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced handling, precise steering, and engaging driving experience, even in wagon form.
Powertrain Options:
The 330xi variant featured BMW's potent inline-six engine and xDrive all-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and stability.
Practicality:
The wagon body style provided increased cargo space and versatility compared to the sedan or coupe variants.
Buyer Profile:
Enthusiasts and families who value performance, build quality, and the prestige of the BMW brand, requiring practical cargo capacity.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
All-wheel drive (xDrive) system, transfer case, drive shafts, differentials (front, rear), axle shafts.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag Type), Automatic transmission (Steptronic/Tiptronic variants), clutch system, torque converter.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (MacPherson struts), rear suspension (Multi-link), steering system (power assisted), wheel bearings, suspension mounting points.
Brakes:
Front and rear disc brakes (vented/solid), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake lines and hoses, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), fuse boxes, wiring diagrams, ECU (Engine Control Unit), body control modules.
Comfort And Convenience:
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), power windows, power locks, mirrors, seats, sunroof, central locking, remote keyless entry.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk lid, bumpers, interior trim, upholstery, airbags, seat belts.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics II) troubleshooting, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for various systems.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, fuel, cabin), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, transmission fluid service, differential fluid change.
Repair:
Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., head gasket, timing chain), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic guides for common drivability issues, electrical faults, HVAC problems, and other malfunctions.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for critical fasteners, engine data, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, diagnostic parameters.
Depth Level:
Comprehensive, designed for professional technicians, covering basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and rebuild procedures.
Configuration:
3.0L (2979cc) Inline 6-cylinder, DOHC, 24 valves
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft (290 Nm) @ 3500 rpm
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Bosch Motronic ME 7.2 Engine Management System
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification)
Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-01 FE specification synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30
Ignition Type:
Coil-on-plug ignition system
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag S5D 250G)
Type:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (GM A5S 325Z / Steptronic)
X Drive:
Integral to all 330xi models, providing permanent all-wheel drive with a 38:62 front/rear torque split.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent synthetic manual transmission fluid.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent synthetic ATF fluid (e.g., Dexron IIIH compatible).
Length:
4,477 mm (176.3 in)
Width:
1,739 mm (68.5 in)
Height:
1,409 mm (55.5 in)
Wheelbase:
2,725 mm (107.3 in)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 460 liters (16.2 cu ft)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 1,410 liters (49.8 cu ft)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1,640 kg (3,616 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2,110 kg (4,652 lbs)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for sedan/coupe, wagon structural integrity comparable)
Stability Control:
Standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC III)
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T) / Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, optional front and rear head protection system (HPS).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions.
Child Seat Anchors:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition-Based Service (CBS) system; typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped spark plugs (if applicable to later models/updates).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles or 2-4 years.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 4 (or DOT 4 PLUS for enhanced performance).
Cooling System:
Plastic expansion tanks and radiators can become brittle and crack; water pumps (especially plastic impeller versions) and thermostat housings are common failure points.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket are prone to leaks due to age and material degradation.
Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and tie rod ends can lead to steering wander and uneven tire wear.
Electrical:
ABS/DSC sensor failures, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids, and CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system issues are relatively common.
Bmw Philosophy:
BMW's long-standing reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with advanced engineering and quality.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant step forward in design, technology, and driving dynamics for the 3 Series.
Wagon Introduction:
The E46 Touring (wagon) was introduced in 1999, expanding the 3 Series lineup to include a more practical option.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primary production in Munich, Germany. Some assembly may have occurred in other BMW plants globally.
