BMW 320i (E46)

BMW 3 series 1998 2.2 petrol description

Sedan BMW 320i has been produced from September, 2000 to September, 2001. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.2 litres, which produces power of 170 horsepower on 6100 rpm and torque 210 Nm (Newton metres) on 3500 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). Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs 
The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000  ...  This BMW 3 series 2.2 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 320i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 320i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 8.3 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 226 km/h.

BMW 320i fuel consumption is 8.9 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (11.2 km/l), city fuel economy - 12 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 6.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 700 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 900 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 9.4 litres per 100 km, which is 6% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 3 series fuel consumption.

With the same engine there is also BMW 3 series version with automatic gearbox (BMW 320i AT) available, which is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 1 seconds later (in 9.3 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 6 % - 9.4 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.9 litres per 100 km or 10 % - 10.3 litres per 100 km.
BMW 3 series 2.2 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
BMW 3 series 1998

BMW 320i technical data

Model: BMW 320i
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2000. September ... 2001. September 
Engine: 2171 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 213 g/km
Power: 170 HP ON 6100 RPM Torque: 210 NM ON 3500 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: 226 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.3 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 8.9 (combined) 12.0 (urban) 6.9 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 9.4 l/100km (25 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres (16.6 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.47m (length) 1.74m (width) 1.42m (height)
Turning diameter: 10 meters
Trunk capacity: 440 litres
Gross weight: 1890 kg

BMW 320i engine M54B22

Engine reliability and common problems:

The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000 km, but it does have several known weaknesses that owners should be aware of.

One of the most common complaints is increased oil consumption. The piston rings are relatively thin and tend to stick over time, which leads to oil burning as mileage rises. Oil loss can also be aggravated by problems in the crankcase ventilation system. The PCV valve often clogs or fails, sometimes as frequently as every 50,000–70,000 km, which can cause pressure buildup in the crankcase and push oil through various seals.

The engine is also quite sensitive to overheating. The cooling system components—particularly the thermostat and water pump—must be kept in good condition, because overheating can warp the aluminum cylinder head. Regular monitoring of the cooling system is essential for long-term reliability.

Wear in the VANOS variable valve timing system is another common issue. As the internal seals age, the system may lose efficiency, leading to rough idle, reduced power, and a characteristic rattling sound. The intake system can also cause trouble: the DISA valve inside the intake manifold may stick or fail, and in some cases the plastic manifold itself can develop cracks.

Oil leaks are not unusual either. Typical leak points include the valve cover gasket, the oil filter housing gasket, and sometimes the oil pan. Oil from the valve cover may even reach the spark plug wells if the gasket deteriorates. Electrical faults occasionally appear as well, most often involving the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.

The engine responds best to high-quality oil and regular maintenance. Oil changes every 7,000–10,000 km and careful attention to the cooling system help prevent many of the typical issues. Despite its flaws, the M54B22 remains a well-known and respected engine whose common problems are well documented and generally manageable.
Overall, this engine can last around 270,000 to 450,000 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 2171 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 80 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 72 mm
Compression ratio 10.7 : 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 250,000 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 320i oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info
Power 170 HP ON 6100 RPM
Torque 210 NM ON 3500 RPM
Start of production (year) 2000
Duration of production 7 years
Engine also used on BMW 5 sērija BMW Z4 BMW Z3

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 [1998 - 2001] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox Drive type
BMW 316i Jan 1999 — Sep 2001

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.9 Petrol 105 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 316i Jan 1999 — Sep 2001 1.9 Petrol 105 HP 9.0 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 318i 1.9 Petrol 118 HP 8.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 318i 1.9 Petrol 118 HP 9.2 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 320i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 2.0 Petrol 150 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320d

Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.0 Diesel 136 HP 5.7 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320d Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.0 Diesel 136 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.4 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 323i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 323i Apr 1998 — Sep 2000 2.5 Petrol 170 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325i Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.5 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325xi 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 325xi 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 328i Apr 1998 — Jun 2000 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 328i Apr 1998 — Jun 2000 2.8 Petrol 193 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330d Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 6.7 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330d Jan 2000 — Sep 2001 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Sep 2000 — Sep 2001 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 7.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Jan 2000 — Sep 2001 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 8.7 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 330i Jun 2000 — Sep 2001

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds

3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330i Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330xi 4x4 Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 330xi 4x4 Jun 2000 — Sep 2001 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 10.0 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 3 series 1998 reviews
Alfa Romeo Audi BMW Chevrolet Chrysler Citroen Cupra Dacia Dodge Fiat Ford Honda Hyundai Infiniti Isuzu Jaguar Jeep Kia Lada (VAZ) Land Rover Lexus Mazda Mercedes Mini Mitsubishi Moskvich Nissan Opel Peugeot Porsche Renault Rover SAAB Seat Skoda Smart Subaru Suzuki Tesla Toyota Volkswagen Volvo
Contact us: info@auto-abc.lv