Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300.
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive system, offering enhanced traction and stability.
Engine:
Smooth and powerful inline-six engine.
Handling:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, balanced chassis.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, emissions control.
Transmission:
Automatic and Manual transmission diagnosis, repair, fluid changes, control systems.
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive system components, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, axle shafts.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering linkage.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC, brake pad/rotor replacement, brake fluid flush, parking brake.
Electrical:
Battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting system, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, interior trim, bumpers, hinges, locks.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding strategies, use of diagnostic tools.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (e.g., head gasket, water pump), transmission overhaul, suspension component renewal, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.
Diagnostics And Testing:
Tests for sensors, actuators, ECUs, electrical circuits, and mechanical components.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission rebuilds, including electrical system schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
3.0L (2979cc) Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 89.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing).
Horsepower:
225 hp @ 5900 rpm
Torque:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm
Fuel Injection:
Electronic Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME 7.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) with Coil-on-Plug (COP) ignition coils.
Emission Control:
Secondary Air Injection (SAI) system, Catalytic Converter, EGR (where applicable).
NHTSA Front Impact:
4/5 stars (driver/passenger) for 2000 model year (as per available data for E46 generation).
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) standard.
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) standard.
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cell, crumple zones.
Oil Change Interval:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, whichever comes first.
Spark Plug Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs (part number e.g., NGK BKR6EQUP).
Coolant Flush Interval:
Every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-98 (LL-98) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30. Check owner's manual for exact specification.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 specification) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid.
Transmission Fluid Auto:
ATF LT71141 or equivalent (for GM 5-speed automatic).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 or GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil.
Differential Fluid:
API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil (for front and rear differentials).
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tank can become brittle and crack; water pump plastic impeller failure; radiator leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket commonly leak.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushing play), rear subframe bushings, thrust arm bushings wear out. Wheel bearing failures.
Electrical:
ABS/ASC/Tachometer failure often due to faulty ABS wheel speed sensors or ABS module failures.
Engine Performance:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure can lead to oil consumption and vacuum leaks.
Model Reputation:
The E46 generation, including variants like the 330xi, is widely recognized for its excellent handling, powerful engines, and overall premium feel, consistently praised by automotive journalists.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E46 3 Series platform was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, underscoring its excellence.
