BMW 320Ci (E46)
BMW 3 series 1999 2.2 petrol description
Coupe BMW 320Ci has been produced from September, 2000 to March, 2003. It has six-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 2.2 litres, which produces power of 170 horsepower on 6100 rpm and torque 210 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 270 up to 450 thousand kilometres. Remember that engine life depends on regular maintenance and the quality of the materials used (oils, fuels, etc.).
More engine specs
The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000 ...
This BMW 3 series 2.2 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.
BMW 320Ci has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 5 gears.
BMW 320Ci accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 9.3 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 223 km/h.
BMW 320Ci fuel consumption is 9.4 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (10.6 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 13 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 7.3 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 660 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 860 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 10.2 litres per 100 km, which is 9% 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 320Ci technical data
| Model: | BMW 320Ci | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Coupe | ||
| Production period: | 2000. September ... 2003. March | ||
| Engine: | 2171 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 226 g/km |
| Power: | 170 HP ON 6100 RPM | Torque: | 210 NM ON 3500 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| Top speed: | 223 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.3 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.4 (combined) 13.0 (urban) 7.3 (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: | 4.49m (length) 1.76m (width) 1.37m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 410 litres | ||
| Gross weight: | 1925 kg | ||
BMW 320Ci engine M54B22
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW M54B22 is a 2.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six producing around 170 hp. It is generally regarded as a durable and well-balanced engine, typical of BMW’s classic straight-six lineup. When maintained properly it can easily exceed 300,000 km, but it does have several known weaknesses that owners should be aware of.One of the most common complaints is increased oil consumption. The piston rings are relatively thin and tend to stick over time, which leads to oil burning as mileage rises. Oil loss can also be aggravated by problems in the crankcase ventilation system. The PCV valve often clogs or fails, sometimes as frequently as every 50,000–70,000 km, which can cause pressure buildup in the crankcase and push oil through various seals.
The engine is also quite sensitive to overheating. The cooling system components—particularly the thermostat and water pump—must be kept in good condition, because overheating can warp the aluminum cylinder head. Regular monitoring of the cooling system is essential for long-term reliability.
Wear in the VANOS variable valve timing system is another common issue. As the internal seals age, the system may lose efficiency, leading to rough idle, reduced power, and a characteristic rattling sound. The intake system can also cause trouble: the DISA valve inside the intake manifold may stick or fail, and in some cases the plastic manifold itself can develop cracks.
Oil leaks are not unusual either. Typical leak points include the valve cover gasket, the oil filter housing gasket, and sometimes the oil pan. Oil from the valve cover may even reach the spark plug wells if the gasket deteriorates. Electrical faults occasionally appear as well, most often involving the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors.
The engine responds best to high-quality oil and regular maintenance. Oil changes every 7,000–10,000 km and careful attention to the cooling system help prevent many of the typical issues. Despite its flaws, the M54B22 remains a well-known and respected engine whose common problems are well documented and generally manageable.
Overall, this engine can last around 270,000 to 450,000 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 | 2171 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 80 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 72 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.7 : 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 320Ci oil type | 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) More service info |
| Coolant capacity | 8.4 litres (8.9 quarts) |
| Power | 170 HP ON 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 NM ON 3500 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2000 |
| Duration of production | 7 years |
| Engine also used on | BMW 5 sērija BMW Z4 BMW Z3 |
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 coupe [1999 - 2003] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BMW 316i
Jan 2001 — Dec 2003 Most fuel efficient version |
1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 7.1 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 316i Jan 2001 — Dec 2003 | 1.8 Petrol | 116 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 318Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 | 1.9 Petrol | 118 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 318Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2001 | 1.9 Petrol | 118 HP | 9.2 l/100km | Automatic (4) |
| BMW 318Ci Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 318Ci Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 323Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 323Ci Sep 1999 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 325Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 325Ci Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 328Ci Sep 1999 — Jun 2000 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 328Ci Sep 1999 — Jun 2000 | 2.8 Petrol | 193 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 330Ci
Jun 2000 — Mar 2003 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (5) |
|
BMW 330Ci
Jun 2000 — Mar 2003 Most powerfull version (231 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Automatic (5) |