🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

330xi

Year:

2002

Chassis Code:

E46

Body Style:

Sedan

Market Segment:

Compact Executive Car

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 330xi (E46) represented the pinnacle of the 3 Series lineup for its model year, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and the added traction of all-wheel drive.

Competitors:

Competed against vehicles like the Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) with 4MATIC, and Lexus IS300.

Distinctive Attributes:

Powerful inline-6 engine, balanced chassis, advanced xDrive all-wheel-drive system, premium interior appointments, sporty driving dynamics.

📋 Manual Details

Engine Coverage:

3.0L M54B30 inline-6

Transmission Coverage:

5-speed manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ), 5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19)

Drivetrain Coverage:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive System

Trim Coverage:

All trims for 330xi

Estimated Pages:

1500+

Type:

Workshop Repair Service Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF Download

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical (M54B30), fuel injection (MS43), ignition, cooling, exhaust, lubrication

Transmission Drivetrain:

Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, clutch, driveshafts, differentials, xDrive system operation and repair

Chassis Suspension:

Front and rear suspension (McPherson strut front, multi-link rear), steering system, wheel bearings, hubs

Brakes:

Front and rear disc brakes, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) components and operation

Electrical Electronics:

Wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting systems, power windows, mirrors, central locking, instrument cluster, battery, alternator, starter

Body Interior:

Body panels, doors, hoods, trunks, interior trim, seating, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system

Safety Features:

Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, advanced safety systems integration

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt replacement, general inspections

Repair:

Engine rebuild, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, brake caliper rebuild, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, fault code interpretation, electrical system diagnosis charts

Diagnostics:

OBD-II system, sensor testing, ECU (Engine Control Unit) communication, component testing with multimeter and oscilloscope

Depth:

Comprehensive: from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic flowcharts.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text content

Printability:

Printable pages

Image Resolution:

High-resolution diagrams and illustrations

Binding:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

M54B30

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder

Displacement:

2979 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Horsepower:

225 hp @ 5900 rpm

Torque:

214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic MS43)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic MS43

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-speed manual (Getrag GS5-39DZ)

Type:

5-speed automatic (ZF 5HP19)

AWD System:

xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (Variable Torque Distribution)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF II)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)

Transfer Case Fluid:

BMW Transfer Case Fluid G2 (P/N 83 22 0 303 141) or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length:

177.4 inches (4505 mm)

Width:

68.7 inches (1745 mm)

Height:

55.5 inches (1410 mm)

Wheelbase:

107.3 inches (2725 mm)

Front Track:

58.5 inches (1486 mm)

Rear Track:

59.1 inches (1501 mm)

Curb Weight:

3450 - 3550 lbs (1565 - 1610 kg) depending on transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

4430 lbs (2010 kg)

Towing Capacity:

Not Recommended

Standard Wheel Size:

17 x 7.5 inches

Standard Tire Size:

225/45R17

Bolt Pattern:

5x120 mm

Center Bore:

72.5 mm

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Impact:

4 Stars

Stability Control:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control)

Traction Control:

ASR (Automatic Stability Control and Traction)

Braking Assistance:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution)

Airbags:

Front airbags, front side airbags

Seat Belts:

Front 3-point seatbelts with pretensioners, rear 3-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Head Unit Options:

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

Audio System:

Various speaker configurations, optional Harman Kardon sound system.

Advanced Features:

DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) integrating ABS, traction control, and stability management.

Connectivity Options:

Optional Bluetooth integration (for phone calls), CD changer support.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

10,000 - 15,000 miles or annually (BMW Condition Based Service)

Engine Oil Filter Interval:

Same as oil change

Air Filter Interval:

30,000 - 45,000 miles or every 3-4 years

Cabin Filter Interval:

15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually

Spark Plug Interval:

100,000 miles (Platinum/Iridium recommended)

Coolant Flush Interval:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-50,000 miles

Brake Fluid Flush Interval:

Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)

Engine Oil Type:

Synthetic SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 meeting BMW LL-01 specification

Engine Oil Capacity:

6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Coolant (G48) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Power Steering Fluid:

ATF Dexron III or Pentosin CHF 11S (check specific vehicle application)

Common Issues Engine:

Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) solenoids, coolant expansion tank cracks, radiator failure, ignition coil failures.

Common Issues Suspension:

Front control arm bushings, sway bar links, rear shock mounts, strut mounts, wheel bearing premature wear.

Common Issues Electrical:

ABS/DSC sensor failures, fuel pump issues, alternator failure, window regulator failures, blower motor resistor failures.

Common Issues Drivetrain:

Driveshaft center support bearing failure, rear differential seal leaks, xDrive transfer case actuator issues.

Common Issues Cooling:

Plastic coolant expansion tank brittle failure, water pump impeller failure, radiator cracks, thermostat housing leaks.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Focus:

BMW is renowned for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos, emphasizing performance, engineering, and driver engagement across its model range.

E46 Generation:

The E46 generation (1998-2006) represented a significant evolution from the E36, featuring improved chassis dynamics, a more refined interior, and the introduction of advanced technologies like xDrive.

330Xi Introduction:

The 330xi variant was introduced to provide the performance and luxury of the 330i with enhanced all-weather capability, targeting markets where AWD is a significant consideration.

Production Years E46:

1998-2006 (Global), 2001-2006 (North America)

Manufacturing Locations:

Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, Austria, Russia, Thailand, China, India, Brazil, Mexico

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 2002:

Car and Driver 10Best (E46 3 Series)

Ward Auto World 2002:

Ward's 10 Best Engines (M54 engine)

Overall Reputation:

Highly regarded for driving dynamics, build quality, and performance.