BMW 330i xDrive (E90)

BMW 3 series 2008 3.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 330i xDrive has been produced from September, 2008 to January, 2012. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 272 horsepower on 6700 rpm and torque 320 Nm (Newton metres) on 2750 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). The engine meets the Euro 5 emissions standard. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 220 up to 370 thousand kilometres. It is important to remember that engine life is highly dependent on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
More engine specs 
Relatively reliable engine. Most of the problems are related to the fuel injection system,  ...  This BMW 3 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 330i xDrive has AWD (all wheel drive) (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears. BMW xDrive is a proactive all-wheel drive system without a center differential that engages before the vehicle becomes destabilized, unnoticed by the driver. Torque is distributed between the axles by an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The clutch is partially locked most of the time, distributing power to both axles in a 40/60 front/rear ratio, but the system is capable of sending 100% of the torque to either axle. At higher speeds or when parking, multi-plate clutch is disengaged and all power is transferred to the rear wheels. DSC system (Dynamic Stability Control) also brakes the wheels separately to regain traction and assist in cornering.
BMW 330i xDrive accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.4 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 250 km/h.

BMW 330i xDrive fuel consumption is 8 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (12.5 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 11 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 6.2 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 780 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 11 litres per 100 km, which is 38% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 3 series fuel consumption.

With the same engine there are also three other BMW 3 series versions - with rear wheel drive and manual gearbox (BMW 330i MT), and with rear wheel drive and automatic gearbox (BMW 330i AT), and with manual gearbox (BMW 330i xDrive MT 4x4) available:
  • BMW 330i MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds faster (in 6.1 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.8 litres per 100 km or 10 % - 7.2 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1.5 litres per 100 km or 14 % - 9.5 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330i AT manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.8 litres per 100 km or 10 % - 7.2 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1.1 litres per 100 km or 10 % - 9.9 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330i xDrive MT 4x4 manufacturer's fuel consumption is similar - 8.0 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1.5 litres per 100 km or 14 % - 9.5 litres per 100 km
BMW 3 series 3.0 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
BMW 3 series 2008

BMW 330i xDrive technical data

Model: BMW 330i xDrive
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2008. September ... 2012. January 
Engine: 2996 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 193 g/km
Power: 272 HP ON 6700 RPM Torque: 320 NM ON 2750 RPM
Gearbox: Automatic gearbox (6 gears) Drive type: All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Top speed: 250 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.4 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 8.0 (combined) 11.0 (urban) 6.2 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 11 l/100km (21.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres (16.6 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.53m (length) 1.82m (width) 1.42m (height)
Turning diameter: 11 meters
Ground clearance: 140 mm (approximate, with standard suspension, unladen vehicle)
Trunk capacity: 460 litres
Gross weight: 2115 kg

BMW 330i xDrive engine N53B30 OL

Engine reliability and common problems:

Relatively reliable engine. Most of the problems are related to the fuel injection system, spark plugs and coils, and the Vanos phase control system. Problems with the high-pressure fuel pump were common in early model years. In all other respects, the engine is considered to be of fair quality and reliability.
Overall, this engine can last around 220,000 to 370,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement 2996 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 85 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 88 mm
Compression ratio 12 : 1
Camshaft drive Timing chain

Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more.

More service info
Timing chain change interval 120,000 km (recommended)

Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur.

Fuel system Injection
BMW 330i xDrive oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info
Coolant capacity 8.4 litres (8.9 quarts)
Power 258 - 272 HP ON 6700 RPM
Torque 310 - 320 NM ON 2750 RPM
Start of production (year) 2006
Duration of production 7 years

Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 2009 onwards.

Engine also used on BMW 5 sērija BMW 6 sērija

Generally, the use of an engine in several models and its long production run is an indication of the quality of the engine and the success of its design.

All BMW 3 series sedan [2008 - 2012] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox Drive type
BMW 316i

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.6 Petrol 122 HP 5.9 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 316i 1.6 Petrol 122 HP 6.4 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 318i

Most fuel efficient petrol version

2.0 Petrol 143 HP 5.9 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 318i 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 6.4 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320i 2.0 Petrol 170 HP 6.1 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320i 2.0 Petrol 170 HP 6.5 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 318d

Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.0 Diesel 143 HP 4.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 318d 2.0 Diesel 143 HP 5.4 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel 177 HP 4.8 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel 177 HP 5.4 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320d xDrive 4x4 2.0 Diesel 177 HP 5.4 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 320d xDrive 4x4 2.0 Diesel 177 HP 5.9 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 325i 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 325i 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 7.1 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 325i xDrive 4x4 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 325i xDrive 4x4 2.5 Petrol 218 HP 7.9 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 330i 3.0 Petrol 272 HP 7.2 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330i 3.0 Petrol 272 HP 7.2 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330i xDrive 4x4 3.0 Petrol 272 HP 8.0 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 330i xDrive 4x4 3.0 Petrol 272 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 335i 3.0 Petrol 306 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 335i 3.0 Petrol 306 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 335i xDrive 4x4

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 5.5 seconds

3.0 Petrol 306 HP 9.7 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 335i xDrive 4x4 3.0 Petrol 306 HP 9.7 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 325d 3.0 Diesel 197 HP 5.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 325d 3.0 Diesel 197 HP 6.2 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330d 3.0 Diesel 245 HP 5.7 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330d 3.0 Diesel 245 HP 6.2 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330d xDrive 4x4 3.0 Diesel 245 HP 6.5 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 330d xDrive 4x4 3.0 Diesel 245 HP 6.8 l/100km Automatic (6) All wheel
BMW 335d

Most powerfull diesel version (286 HP)

3.0 Diesel 286 HP 6.7 l/100km Automatic (6) Rear wheel
BMW 3 series 2008 reviews
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