BMW 330xi (E46)
BMW 3 series 2001 3.0 petrol description
Sedan BMW 330xi has been produced from March, 2003 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 330xi has AWD (all wheel drive) (power is automatically distributed between the wheel axles) and manual gearbox with 6 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.
BMW 330xi fuel consumption is 9.9 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (10.1 km/l), city fuel economy - 14 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 7.8 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 620 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 800 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.

BMW 330xi technical data
Model: | BMW 330xi | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Sedan | ||
Production period: | 2003. March ... 2005. March | ||
Engine: | 2979 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 240 g/km |
Power: | 231 HP ON 5900 RPM | Torque: | 300 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 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): | 9.9 (combined) 14.0 (urban) 7.8 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.8 l/100km (24 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: | 2040 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 |
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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 |
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. |
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 |