BMW 330xd (E46)

BMW 3 series 2001 2.9 diesel description

Sedan BMW 330xd has been produced from September, 2001 to March, 2003. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 2.9 litres, which produces power of 184 horsepower on 4000 rpm and torque 390 Nm (Newton metres) on 1750 revolutions per minute.

This 6-cylinder 24-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has Common Rail fuel system and Garrett GT2556V turbine. Engine versions compliant with Euro 2 and Euro 3 emission standards available. Approximate engine life expectancy (mileage until serious repairs are required) for this engine is between 360 000 and 600 000 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 2.9 engine oil type is 5W-40 and oil capacity is 6.75 litres.

BMW 330xd 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 330xd accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 224 km/h.

In combined cycle (city and motorway), the BMW 330xd fuel consumption is 7.6 litres per 100km (13.2 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 10 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 820 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, the real everyday fuel consumption of this BMW is in line with the figure specified by the manufacturer. 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.

With the same engine there are also three other BMW 3 series versions - with rear wheel drive and manual gearbox (BMW 330d MT), and with rear wheel drive and automatic gearbox (BMW 330d AT), and with automatic gearbox (BMW 330xd AT 4x4) available:
  • BMW 330d MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds faster (in 7.8 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 0.9 litres per 100 km or 12 % - 6.7 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 0.9 litres per 100 km or 12 % - 6.7 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330d AT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds faster (in 8.2 seconds), but less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 0.4 litres per 100 km or 5 % - 8.0 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 1.2 litres per 100 km or 16 % - 8.8 litres per 100 km
  • BMW 330xd AT 4x4 is more sluggish, reaching 100 km/h 0.3 seconds later (in 8.8 seconds), moreover, it is less economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is higher by 1.1 litres per 100 km or 14 % - 8.7 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is higher by 1.2 litres per 100 km or 16 % - 8.8 litres per 100 km
BMW 3 series 2.9 service information and maintenance intervals Oil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.
BMW 3 series 2001

BMW 330xd technical data

Model: BMW 330xd
Body style: Sedan
Production period: 2001. September ... 2003. March 
Engine: 2926 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders CO2 emissions: 202 g/km
Power: 184 HP ON 4000 RPM Torque: 390 NM ON 1750 RPM
Gearbox: Manual gearbox (5 gears) Drive type: All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4)
Top speed: 224 km/h Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds
Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.6 (combined) 10.0 (urban) 6.2 (highway)
Real fuel consumption: 7.6 l/100km (30.9 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: 2120 kg

BMW 330xd engine M57D30

Engine reliability:

Overall, this engine can last around 360,000 to 600,000 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 2926 cm3
Number of cylinders 6
Bore (cylinder diameter) 84 mm
Stroke length (piston move) 88 mm
Compression ratio 18 : 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 200,000 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 Common Rail

Common rail fuel injection provides more engine power, is quieter, more environmentally friendly and offers better fuel economy, but is more expensive to maintain and repair.

BMW 330xd oil type 5W-40
Oil capacity 6.75 litres (7.1 quarts) More service info
Power 184 - 193 HP ON 4000 RPM
Torque 390 - 410 NM ON 1750 RPM
Start of production (year) 1998
Duration of production 12 years
Engine also used on BMW 5 sērija BMW X5 BMW 7 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 [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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