BMW 330xd (E46)
BMW 3 series 2001 3.0 diesel description
Sedan BMW 330xd has been produced from March, 2003 to March, 2005. It has six-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 3.0 litres, which produces power of 204 horsepower on 4000 rpm and torque 410 Nm (Newton metres) on 1500 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 without turbocharger. The engine meets the Euro 3 emissions standard. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 310 000 to 520 000 kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more ...
This BMW 3 series 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-40 and oil capacity is 7.5 litres.
BMW 330xd has AWD (all wheel drive) (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles) and automatic 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 7.9 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 228 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this BMW 330xd in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 8.7 litres per 100km (11.5 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 720 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 900 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, the real everyday fuel consumption of this BMW is in line with, and sometimes even lower than, the manufacturer's stated combined consumption. 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 330d MT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.7 seconds faster (in 7.2 seconds), moreover, it is more economic with manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 2.1 litres per 100 km or 24 % - 6.6 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 1.9 litres per 100 km or 23 % - 6.5 litres per 100 km
- BMW 330d AT is more dynamic - it reaches 100 km/h 0.5 seconds faster (in 7.4 seconds), but manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 1 litres per 100 km or 11 % - 7.7 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is similar - 8.4 litres per 100 km
- BMW 330xd MT 4x4 manufacturer's fuel consumption is lower by 1.1 litres per 100 km or 13 % - 7.6 litres per 100 km, whereas users reported real fuel consumption is lower by 0.8 litres per 100 km or 10 % - 7.6 litres per 100 km
BMW 330xd technical data
| Model: | BMW 330xd | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Sedan | ||
| Production period: | 2003. March ... 2005. March | ||
| Engine: | 2993 cm3 Diesel, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 233 g/km |
| Power: | 204 HP ON 4000 RPM | Torque: | 410 NM ON 1500 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | All wheel drive (AWD, 4x4) |
| Maximum speed: | 228 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 7.9 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.7 (combined) 12.0 (urban) 6.9 (highway) | ||
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.2 l/100km (25.6 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: | 2160 kg | ||
BMW 330xd engine M57D30TU
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW M57 engine is regarded as one of the best German-built power units. Its inline-six layout is praised for reliability, and cars equipped with this engine are often more desirable on the used market. Despite delivering strong performance, the engine remains fuel-efficient and user-friendly.The Bosch Common Rail system with electromagnetic injectors is highly reliable and long-lasting, provided high-quality fuel and regular maintenance are ensured. At higher mileage, occasional issues may arise, such as leaks at the fuel rail pressure regulator or failure of the main pump, though in some cases, replacing the internal filter solves the problem. Failures are most often linked to poor fuel quality. For engines built before 2003, injectors are repairable—later versions usually require full replacement.
The turbocharger itself is robust and rarely fails. Most boost-related problems stem from cracked vacuum lines or a stuck pressure regulator. A faulty crankcase ventilation system can also cause oil to be forced through the turbo.
Timing chains in the first two engine generations are known to last over 500,000 km.
Other recurring issues include coolant leaks from plastic piping, thermostat failure, malfunctioning viscous fan clutch, worn-out crankshaft damper pulleys, or failure of the glow plug control module. Additionally, second-generation engines used a steel exhaust manifold, which was prone to cracking, while the first and third generations came with a more durable cast iron version.
Overall, this engine can last around 310,000 to 520,000 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 | 2993 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 84 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio | 16.5 : 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 | 300,000 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 | 7.5 litres (7.9 quarts) More service info |
| Coolant capacity | 10.2 litres (10.8 quarts) |
| Power | 204 - 272 HP ON 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 - 560 NM ON 1500 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2002 |
| Duration of production | 3 years |
| Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW X5 BMW X3 |
Most often compared to
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 |