🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330i

Year:

1999

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Family:

M52TU

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact executive car, sporty sedan.

Key Selling Points:

Driving dynamics, premium interior, refined engineering, performance.

Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS300, Infiniti G20.

Manual Value Proposition:

Essential for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair the BMW 330i efficiently and accurately, reducing reliance on costly dealership services.

Vehicle Positioning:

The 330i represented a significant step in BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy, blending performance with everyday usability.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Models:

BMW 330i

Covered Years:

1999

Estimated Page Count:

Approx. 1500+

Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (likely PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions control, engine management (DME), engine diagnostics, engine overhaul.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission systems: removal, installation, overhaul, diagnostics, fluid specifications, clutch, torque converter.

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differential, axles, wheel bearings, steering components.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system: hydraulic, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering rack, steering column, troubleshooting.

Electrical:

Wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, power windows, mirrors, central locking, instrument cluster, body electronics (e.g., comfort modules).

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system: components, troubleshooting, refrigerant handling, cabin filter replacement.

Bodywork:

Body and chassis: exterior panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass replacement, sealing.

Diagnostic Troubleshooting:

Comprehensive diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and troubleshooting procedures for all major systems.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid replacement, transmission fluid changes, differential fluid changes.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component replacement (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, thermostat), brake component replacement, suspension component replacement, exhaust system repair, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, interior trim removal and installation.

Overhaul Procedures:

Detailed engine overhaul procedures, transmission overhaul for both manual and automatic units.

Diagnostic Procedures:

Step-by-step diagnostic guides for identifying and resolving common and complex issues, including wiring harness testing, sensor testing, and actuator testing.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical component data, diagnostic tool usage.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from routine maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Detailed diagnostic and troubleshooting sections.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Details:

Likely a high-resolution PDF, potentially with searchable text and bookmarked sections for easy navigation.

Quality:

High-resolution scans or original digital files, ensuring clarity of text, diagrams, and illustrations.

Binding:

N/A (Digital)

Paper:

N/A (Digital)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally aspirated inline-6 cylinder

Engine Code:

M52TU B30

Displacement:

2.979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valve Train:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).

Horsepower:

228 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag 260/6)

Transmission Type:

5-speed Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19)

Automatic Features:

Steptronic manual shift mode (on some models)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.8 inches (1748 mm)

Height:

55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.4 inches (2729 mm)

Curb Weight:

3373 lbs (1530 kg) (Manual), 3417 lbs (1550 kg) (Automatic)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4475 lbs (2030 kg)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4/5 Stars (for 1999 model year, US specific)

IIHS Side Impact:

Acceptable (for 1999 model year, US specific)

Traction Control:

Available (ASC+T - Automatic Stability Control + Traction)

ABS:

Standard (Anti-lock Braking System)

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, optional side-impact airbags.

Seatbelts:

3-point seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

Factory BMW Professional CD or cassette player, optional navigation system (MK III).

Speaker System:

Harman Kardon premium audio system optional.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Bluetooth:

Not available from factory on this model year.

Aux Input:

Not available from factory on this model year.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 7,500 - 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approximately 100,000 miles (using long-life spark plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or as indicated.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-98 approved synthetic oil, typically SAE 5W-40 or 5W-30.

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

MTF LT-1 or MTF LT-2 (specified by BMW)

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

ATF Dexron III or equivalent (ZF specific recommendations should be followed).

Differential Fluid Type:

Hypoid gear oil, API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 (BMW specified).

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 (BMW High Performance DOT 4 or equivalent).

Cooling System Failures:

Plastic expansion tanks can crack, water pump failure (plastic impeller), thermostat housing leaks.

Oil Leaks:

Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, front and rear main seals.

Suspension Wear:

Control arm bushings (especially front lower), ball joints, tie rod ends.

Electrical Gremlins:

CCFL angel eyes (if equipped) failure, VANOS solenoids, ABS/DSC sensor failures, blower motor resistor.

Exhaust Vanos Rattle:

Common issue on M52TU engines, often due to worn VANOS seals or rattle on startup, typically addressed with a VANOS rebuild kit.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused luxury vehicles with advanced engineering.

E46 Introduction:

The E46 generation of the 3 Series debuted in 1998 (for the 1999 model year in North America), succeeding the highly successful E36.

330I Positioning:

The 330i replaced the 328i as the top-tier naturally aspirated 3 Series sedan in many markets, offering increased displacement and power.

Production Years:

E46 generation produced from 1998 to 2006 (sedan, coupe, convertible, wagon variants).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

E46 3 Series (including variants like the 330i) was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10 Best list during its production run.

Motortrend Car Of The Year:

Not directly awarded for the 330i in 1999, but the E46 platform was highly acclaimed.

Driving Dynamics Reputation:

Consistently praised by automotive journalists for its balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience.