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.

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. |
Most often compared to
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 |
