🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330xi

Year:

2004

Chassis Code:

E46

Engine Code Primary:

M54B30

Transmission Code Primary:

GM A5S360R (5-speed automatic), ZF S5-42 (5-speed manual)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional repair shops.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C320), Lexus IS300.

Vehicle Selling Points:

Sporty handling, premium interior, refined powertrain, available xDrive all-wheel drive.

Manual Benefit:

Empowers owners and technicians with the knowledge to perform accurate diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs, saving time and money.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Summary:

All Models/Engines/Trim/Transmissions Types for BMW 330xi 2004

Estimated Page Count:

1500+

Manual Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Engine mechanical, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine management (DME/ECU), emissions control.

Transmission:

Manual transmission (clutch, gearbox, shifting mechanisms), Automatic transmission (hydraulic control, electronic control module, torque converter, planetary gears, valve body).

Drivetrain:

All-wheel drive system (xDrive), transfer case, front and rear differentials, drive shafts, CV joints.

Suspension Steering:

Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear suspension (multi-link, subframe, shock absorbers, trailing arms), steering system (power steering pump, steering rack, tie rods), wheel alignment specifications.

Brakes:

Brake system components (master cylinder, brake booster, calipers, pads, rotors), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake fluid specifications and bleeding procedures.

Electrical:

Battery, charging system (alternator, voltage regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior lights), wiring diagrams, fuse box locations and descriptions, body control module (BCM), comfort electronics.

HVAC:

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor, climate control unit.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, sunroof, bumpers, exterior trim, interior trim, upholstery, noise insulation.

Diagnostic:

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), OBD-II diagnostics, troubleshooting procedures, common fault diagnosis.

Maintenance:

Oil change, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid change, drive belt inspection/replacement, battery maintenance.

Repair:

Engine component repair/replacement (e.g., head gasket, pistons, valves), transmission overhaul/rebuild, clutch replacement, differential service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper/rotor replacement, power steering rack replacement, alternator/starter replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for various symptoms (e.g., poor running, no start, abnormal noises, electrical faults).

Installation:

Installation procedures for common aftermarket parts or OEM replacements (e.g., shocks, brake components, sensors).

Adjustments:

Valve adjustments (if applicable to engine variant), parking brake adjustment, clutch pedal adjustment.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Tracing electrical faults using wiring diagrams, testing sensors and actuators, module programming (conceptual).

Depth:

Comprehensive coverage from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic trees and specifications.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Text-searchable

Printability:

Printable

Digital Quality:

High resolution, clear diagrams and text

Binding:

N/A (Digital Download)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Download)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Inline 6-cylinder, naturally aspirated

Displacement:

2.979L (3.0L)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 90.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 6100 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential multi-point fuel injection (MPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 octane or higher recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic ME7.2

Valvetrain:

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

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission Type:

5-speed manual (ZF S5-42)

Optional Transmission Type:

5-speed automatic (GM A5S360R)

All Wheel Drive:

xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system with electronic power distribution

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 (or equivalent like Dexron III/VI with caution)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW Synthetic Gear Oil SAF-XO or equivalent (e.g., Red Line MTL)

Automatic Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 9.5 liters (total system capacity)

Manual Transmission Capacity:

Approx. 1.6 liters

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

2760 mm (108.7 in)

Length:

4471 mm (176.0 in)

Width:

1739 mm (68.5 in)

Height:

1415 mm (55.7 in)

Front Track:

1471 mm (57.9 in)

Rear Track:

1484 mm (58.4 in)

Curb Weight Manual:

Approx. 1590 kg (3505 lbs)

Curb Weight Automatic:

Approx. 1620 kg (3571 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Approx. 2010 kg (4431 lbs)

Trunk Volume:

430 Liters (15.2 cu ft)

Standard Wheel Size:

16 or 17 inches

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

Standard Tire Size:

205/55R16, 225/45R17

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Crash Rating:

5-Star (Driver), 4-Star (Passenger)

IIHS Side Impact Rating:

Good

ABS:

Standard

Dsc:

Dynamic Stability Control (Standard)

Traction Control:

Standard (ASC+T)

Airbags:

Front airbags, side airbags, optional head airbags (Inflatable Tubular Structure)

Seatbelts:

Pretensioning seatbelts with force limiters

Body Structure:

Reinforced safety cage construction

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW Business CD or Professional CD/RDS with optional navigation system (MKIV).

Audio Features:

AM/FM radio, CD player, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Cruise Control:

Standard

Parking Assistance:

Optional rear park distance control (PDC).

Bluetooth:

Optional Bluetooth mobile phone integration.

Headlights:

Halogen projector headlights, optional Xenon adaptive headlights.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval Conditional:

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

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years

Coolant Flush:

BMW Blue Coolant, typically every 4 years or 100,000 miles (refer to manual for specific interval).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Approx. 100,000 miles (long-life plugs)

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) synthetic oil, SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 liters (with filter)

Power Steering Fluid:

Pentosin CHF 11S or BMW ATF Dexron III (check specific recommendations)

Differential Fluid Front:

BMW SAF-XJ or SAF-XXL (75W-140 GL-5 specification)

Differential Fluid Rear:

BMW SAF-XJ or SAF-XXL (75W-140 GL-5 specification)

Transfer Case Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent

Cooling System:

Water pump failure (plastic impeller), radiator leaks, thermostat housing leaks, expansion tank cracking.

Suspension:

Front control arm bushings (tend to wear out), rear subframe bushings, ball joint wear.

Electrical:

CCFL Angel Eye headlight failures, VANOS solenoid issues, oil separator (PCV) system clogging.

Engine M54:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure leading to oil consumption.

Transmission:

Automatic transmission mechatronic sleeve leaks, clutch wear (manual).

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Heritage:

BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a German luxury and performance automotive manufacturer with a long history of engineering excellence and motorsport success.

E46 Generation Context:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution for the 3 Series, balancing sportiness with comfort and luxury. The 330xi variant introduced BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system to the 3 Series lineup, enhancing traction and stability.

Production Period:

2001-2005 (for 330i/xi models within the E46 lifecycle)

Manufacturing Location:

Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver 10Best (E46 generation 3 Series often featured)

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Variable (depends on specific components, generally good but some known issues).