BMW 330xi (E46)

BMW 3 series 1998 3.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 330xi has been produced from June, 2000 to September, 2001. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 231 horsepower on 5900 rpm - this is the most powerfull BMW 3 sērija 1998 - 2001 version and torque 300 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, it has no turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 290 000 and 490 000 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 
This BMW 3 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 330xi has AWD (all wheel drive) (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles) and manual gearbox with 5 gears. 38% front and 62% rear torque distribution via planetary gears. ADB-X (Automatic Differential Brake) electronic traction control system provides differential locking functions.
BMW 330xi accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.6 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 247 km/h.

In combined cycle (city and motorway), the BMW 330xi fuel consumption is 9.6 litres per 100km (10.4 km/l), city fuel economy - 13 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 7.4 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 640 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 840 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 10.1 litres per 100 km, which is 5% 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 automatic gearbox (BMW 330xi AT 4x4) available:
  • BMW 330i MT manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.5 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 9.1 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is similar - 10.1 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330i AT is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 0.4 seconds later (in 7 seconds), but manufacturer's fuel consumption is similar - 9.6 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 0.7 litres per 100 km or 7 % - 10.8 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330xi AT 4x4 is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 0.8 seconds later (in 7.4 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 0.4 litres per 100 km or 4 % - 10.0 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 1.2 litres per 100 km or 12 % - 11.3 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 1998

BMW 330xi technical data

Model: BMW 330xi
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2000. June ... 2001. September 
Engine: 2979 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 229 g/km
Power: 231 HP ON 5900 RPM Torque: 300 NM ON 3500 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Top speed: 247 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.6 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 9.6 (combined) 13.0 (urban) 7.4 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 10.1 l/100km (23.3 MPG) by user reviews from various sources
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres (16.6 gallons)
Car dimensions: 4.47m (length) 1.74m (width) 1.43m (height)
Turning diameter: 10 meters
Trunk capacity: 440 litres
Gross weight: 2020 kg

BMW 330xi engine M54B30

Engine reliability:

Overall, this engine can last around 290,000 to 490,000 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 2979 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 84 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 89.6 mm
Compression ratio 10.2 : 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 330xi oil type 5W-30
Oil capacity 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info
Coolant capacity 8.4 litres (8.9 quarts)
Power 231 HP ON 5900 RPM
Torque 300 NM ON 3500 RPM
Start of production (year) 2000
Duration of production 7 years
Engine also used on BMW 5 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 sērija BMW X3 BMW Z4 and 2 other models

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
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