BMW 330i (E46)

BMW 3 series 2001 3.0 petrol description

Sedan BMW 330i has been produced from September, 2001 to March, 2005. 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 2001 - 2005 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, 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 290 up to 490 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 
This BMW 3 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.

BMW 330i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 330i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 7 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 247 km/h.

BMW 330i fuel consumption is 9.6 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (10.4 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 14 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 7 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 900 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 10.2 litres per 100 km, which is 6% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 3 series fuel consumption.

BMW 3 series safety

During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.

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 2001

BMW 330i technical data

Model: BMW 330i
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2001. September ... 2005. March 
Engine: 2979 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 230 g/km
Power: 231 HP ON 5900 RPM Torque: 300 NM ON 3500 RPM
Gearbox: Automatic gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Top speed: 247 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.0 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 9.6 (combined) 14.0 (urban) 7.0 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 10.2 l/100km (23.1 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
Seats: 5 seats
Trunk capacity: 440 litres
Gross weight: 1965 kg

BMW 330i 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 330i 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

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 2003 onwards.

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 [2001 - 2005] modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox Drive type
BMW 316i Mar 2002 — Jan 2005

Most fuel efficient petrol version

1.8 Petrol 116 HP 7.1 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 316i Mar 2002 — Jan 2005 1.8 Petrol 116 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 316i Sep 2001 — Mar 2002 1.9 Petrol 105 HP 7.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 316i Sep 2001 — Mar 2002 1.9 Petrol 105 HP 9.0 l/100km Automatic (4) Rear wheel
BMW 318i Sep 2001 — Jan 2005 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 7.2 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 318i Sep 2001 — Jan 2005 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 8.1 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 318d

Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption

2.0 Diesel 115 HP 5.6 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 318d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 2.0 Diesel 115 HP 6.8 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003

Most fuel efficient diesel version

2.0 Diesel 150 HP 5.5 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 5.8 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 320d 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 6.9 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320i 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 8.9 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 320i 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.4 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325i 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.0 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325i 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.5 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 325xi 4x4 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.9 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 325xi 4x4 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 330d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 6.7 l/100km Manual (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330d Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 8.0 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 7.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 2.9 Diesel 184 HP 8.7 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 330i Sep 2001 — Mar 2003

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 Mar 2003 — Mar 2005

Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds

3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.1 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330i 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330xi 4x4 Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (5) All wheel
BMW 330xi 4x4 Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.9 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 330xi 4x4 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 11.0 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 330d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 6.6 l/100km Manual (6) Rear wheel
BMW 330d Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 7.7 l/100km Automatic (5) Rear wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 7.6 l/100km Manual (6) All wheel
BMW 330xd 4x4 Mar 2003 — Mar 2005 3.0 Diesel 204 HP 8.7 l/100km Automatic (5) All wheel
BMW 3 series 2001 reviews
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