🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Sub Model:

330i

Model Code:

E46

Year:

2003

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series (E46) 330i represented a pinnacle of sporty driving dynamics and luxury in its segment, appealing to enthusiasts and those seeking a premium compact car experience.

Key Competitors:

Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4, Lexus IS300, Acura TL

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive layout, and precise steering.

Engine Performance:

The M54B30 engine provided smooth, powerful acceleration and a distinctive inline-six sound.

Interior Quality:

High-quality materials and ergonomic design typical of BMW.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Complete Service and Repair for BMW 330i (E46)

Engine Coverage:

3.0L M54B30 inline-6

Transmission Coverage:

5-speed Manual (GS5-39DZ), 5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/GA)

Chassis Coverage:

Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Body

Electrical Coverage:

Wiring Diagrams, ECU, Lighting, Accessories

Body And Interior Coverage:

Panel removal/installation, Upholstery, HVAC

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Complete engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, valvetrain, lubrication system, cooling system

Engine Management:

Fuel injection, ignition system, VANOS, electronic engine control unit (DME), sensors, actuators

Transmission Mechanical:

Manual gearbox overhaul, automatic transmission overhaul, clutch system, driveshafts, differential

Transmission Electronic:

Transmission control unit (TCU), gear selection solenoids, sensors

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, springs, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, subframe

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column

Brakes:

Brake system hydraulic components (master cylinder, calipers, lines), ABS system, DSC system, parking brake

Electrical System:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, central locking, wipers

Climate Control:

HVAC system, A/C compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, climate control unit

Body:

Body panel removal and installation, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass replacement

Interior:

Seat removal, dashboard disassembly, trim panel replacement

Routine Maintenance:

Oil and filter changes, fluid checks and replacements, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement

Component Removal Installation:

Detailed step-by-step guides for removing and installing all major components

Troubleshooting Diagnostics:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting, electrical system diagnostics

Rebuilds Overhauls:

Engine and transmission rebuild procedures, detailed specifications

Wiring Diagrams:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems

Specifications Tolerances:

All necessary torque values, clearances, and measurements for proper assembly

Depth:

Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Fully searchable text

Quality:

High-resolution, printable pages

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Displacement:

2,979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.2)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded (91+ octane recommended)

Configuration:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder

Timing System:

Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic (GM A5S360R/GA)

Manual Gear Ratios:

1st: 4.23, 2nd: 2.52, 3rd: 1.67, 4th: 1.23, 5th: 1.00, Reverse: 3.93

Final Drive Ratio:

3.07:1

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shifting mode

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches

Width:

68.7 inches

Height:

55.7 inches

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches

Front Headroom:

38.2 inches

Front Legroom:

41.5 inches

Rear Headroom:

37.4 inches

Rear Legroom:

33.7 inches

Trunk Volume:

11.7 cubic feet

Curb Weight:

3,350 - 3,450 lbs (approx.)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-star (Driver), 5-star (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Traction Control:

Automatic Stability Control (ASC+T)

Brake Assist:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners

Chassis Design:

Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD, optional navigation system.

Audio System:

Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium audio.

Traction Control:

ASC+T (Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth preparation (ULF module) for hands-free calling.

Cruise Control:

Standard electronic cruise control.

Rain Sensing Wipers:

Optional.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon headlights with auto-leveling.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific M54B30 recommendations).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-3 years or as per CBS.

Engine Oil:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Approved Synthetic Oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30. Capacity: 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).

Coolant:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-2 (BMW Part # 83220309031) or equivalent. Capacity: 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts).

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF LT-3 (BMW Part # 83220024249) or equivalent. Capacity: 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) for complete drain and fill.

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Cooling System:

Plastic expansion tank failures, water pump impeller degradation, thermostat issues.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, CCV system (Cranksase Ventilation).

Suspension Components:

Control arm bushings (tend to wear out), sway bar links, rear subframe bushings.

Electrical Gremlins:

Water ingress into LCM (Light Control Module), ABS/DSC sensor failures.

Vanos System:

Sealing rings in the VANOS solenoids can degrade, leading to rough idle and loss of low-end torque.

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

BMW, known for 'The Ultimate Driving Machine', has a long history of producing performance-oriented luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) is highly regarded for its handling, refinement, and a wide range of engine options. The 330i represented the mid-to-high end of the sedan lineup for its era.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), USA (Spartanburg, SC)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E46 generation 3 Series consistently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during its production run, underscoring its class-leading attributes.

Automotive Journalism Reviews:

Widely praised by automotive journalists for its driving dynamics, refined powertrain, and build quality.