🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330xi

Year:

2001

Chassis Code:

E46

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional workshops seeking detailed service information for the E46 3-Series.

Competitors:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300.

Vehicle Highlights:

Balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics, sophisticated xDrive all-wheel drive system, premium interior, strong inline-6 engine.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides in-depth technical knowledge to maintain and repair the 330xi, enabling cost savings and ensuring optimal vehicle performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Models Covered:

All 330xi models, all engine variants, all trim levels, all transmission types.

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

M54B30 (3.0L Inline-6), engine mechanical, engine control systems, fuel system, lubrication, cooling, exhaust.

Transmission:

GM 5L40-E (5-speed automatic), Getrag 420G (6-speed manual), transmission control, fluid specifications, removal/installation, internal repairs.

Drivetrain:

xDrive all-wheel drive system, transfer case, front/rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front strut/control arm, rear multi-link suspension, springs, dampers, bushings, anti-roll bars, wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Front/rear disc brakes, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications, caliper, rotor, and pad replacement, hydraulic system diagnostics.

Steering:

Hydraulic power steering, steering rack, steering column, power steering fluid.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system, starter, alternator, lighting, wipers, horns, power windows/locks/mirrors, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all circuits.

Body:

Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, glass, seals, interior trim, body repair, paint codes.

HVAC:

Air conditioning, heating, climate control systems, refrigerant, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, diagnostic procedures.

Comfort Features:

Seats, sunroof, central locking, keyless entry, alarm system.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, fluid flushes (coolant, brake, power steering, transmission), brake inspection, tire rotation.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), common symptoms and causes, diagnostic flowcharts, electrical circuit testing.

Repair:

Engine component overhaul (head gasket, valve seals), transmission rebuild, brake system repair, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repairs.

Installation:

Component replacement procedures (e.g., alternator, starter, water pump, fuel pump, sensors), accessory installation.

Depth:

Comprehensive diagnostic procedures, detailed repair instructions with torque specifications, exploded views, wiring diagrams, component testing methods, complete overhaul procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Compatibility:

Adobe Acrobat Reader or compatible PDF viewer.

Printability:

High-resolution, printable pages for easy workshop use.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Configuration:

3.0L (2979cc) Naturally Aspirated Inline-6

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Valvetrain:

Dual Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPFI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)

ECU:

MS43 Engine Control Unit (ECU)

🔧 Transmission

Type:

GM 5L40-E 5-Speed Automatic

Type:

Getrag 420G 6-Speed Manual

AWD Integration:

Integrated with xDrive system for front and rear power distribution.

Automatic Fluid Type:

Dexron III/Mercon (or equivalent)

Manual Fluid Type:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4 gear oil)

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

107.1 inches (2720 mm)

Length:

177.4 inches (4506 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

56.1 inches (1425 mm)

Curb Weight Automatic:

3516 lbs (1595 kg)

Curb Weight Manual:

3483 lbs (1579 kg)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4542 lbs (2060 kg)

Trunk Volume:

11.1 cu ft (314 L)

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Standard Wheel Size:

16 x 7.0 inches

Standard Tire Size:

205/55R16

Optional Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches, 17 x 8.0 inches

Optional Tire Size:

225/45R17, 245/40R17 (rear)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

4 Stars (Driver and Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

Standard Safety:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), All-Season Traction (xDrive).

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (head airbags).

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit:

BMW Business CD, BMW Professional CD/RDS (Optional), optional navigation system.

Audio System:

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

Standard Features:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control.

Optional Features:

BMW Assist (telematics), Bluetooth preparation (for hands-free calling).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type (as indicated by Condition Based Service system).

Air Filter Replacement:

Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on inspection.

Cabin Filter Replacement:

Every 15,000 miles or annually.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically 60,000 miles (using high-quality iridium spark plugs).

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 24 months or 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Engine Oil Type:

SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 approved)

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent hydraulic fluid)

Common Problems:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption and rough idle, cooling system component failures (water pump, thermostat, radiator, hoses), VANOS system issues, subframe cracking (especially in earlier E46 models), rear main seal leaks, ABS/DSC sensor failures, window regulator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW, a German manufacturer, has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty and luxurious vehicles with exceptional driving dynamics, dating back to its origins in aircraft engine manufacturing.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation, produced from 1998 to 2006, represented a significant evolution of the 3-Series, building upon the success of its E36 predecessor with improved chassis dynamics, technology, and refinement. The 330xi variant introduced BMW's advanced all-wheel-drive system to the popular 3-Series platform.

Production Years:

2000-2006 (for E46 generation)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, USA (Spartanburg, SC for certain models).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10 Best:

The E46 3-Series, including models like the 330i, was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' awards during its production run, highlighting its exceptional performance and handling.

Jd Power Dependability:

While specific ratings for the 2001 330xi vary by year and model, the E46 generation generally received positive but sometimes mixed reviews for long-term dependability, with certain powertrain and electrical components being noted for potential issues.