BMW 330Ci (E46)
BMW 3 series 2003 3.0 petrol description
Coupe BMW 330Ci has been produced from March, 2003 to September, 2006. 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 2003 - 2006 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 without turbocharger. Engine versions compliant with Euro 3 and Euro 4 emission standards available. Average engine life expectancy (mileage before serious repairs are needed) is from 290 000 to 490 000 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 3.0 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 6.5 litres.
BMW 330Ci has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and manual gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 330Ci accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 6.5 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 250 km/h.
The fuel consumption of this BMW 330Ci in combined mode (combining urban and highway driving) is 9.1 litres per 100km (11 km/l), fuel consumption in city - 13 l/100km, highway fuel economy - 6.9 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 63 litres or 16.64 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 680 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 9.9 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 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.

BMW 330Ci technical data
Model: | BMW 330Ci | ||
---|---|---|---|
Body style: | Coupe | ||
Production period: | 2003. March ... 2006. September | ||
Engine: | 2979 cm3 Petrol, 6 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 218 g/km |
Power: | 231 HP ON 5900 RPM | Torque: | 300 NM ON 3500 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
Maximum speed: | 250 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.5 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.1 (combined) 13.0 (urban) 6.9 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 9.9 l/100km (23.8 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: | 1930 kg |
BMW 330Ci 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 330Ci 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 coupe [2003 - 2006] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
---|---|---|---|---|
BMW 318Ci
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 7.4 l/100km | Manual (5) |
BMW 318Ci | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 320Cd
Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 5.7 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 320Cd Sep 2003 — Sep 2005 | 2.0 Diesel | 150 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 320Ci | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) |
BMW 320Ci | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 325Ci | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
BMW 325Ci | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 330Ci
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 330Ci
Most powerfull petrol version (231 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 330Cd
Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Manual (6) |
BMW 330Cd
Mar 2003 — Sep 2005 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
3.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Automatic (5) |