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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) 330i (231 Hp)
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E46, facelift 2001)). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
330i (231 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The pinnacle of E46 petrol performance, offering exhilarating acceleration and a fantastic soundtrack from the M54B30 engine.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is high, especially when driven hard, but acceptable for a performance-oriented inline-six of its era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional driving dynamics and handling for its class
- • Wide range of smooth and powerful petrol and diesel engines
- • Premium interior quality and timeless design
- • Good fuel economy on diesel variants
- • Strong aftermarket support and community
Cons:
- • Prone to cooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank)
- • Potential for rear subframe cracks (especially pre-facelift, but still a concern)
- • Rust can be an issue on older models, particularly around wheel arches
- • Some interior plastics can degrade over time
- • Older infotainment and safety tech compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46, facelift 2001): 2001 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 330i (231 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l [9mm less] |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B30 More details about the engine M54B30 |
| Engine displacement: | 2979 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 12.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 6.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 209.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1930 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1700 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 730 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%): | 1800 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm [9mm less] |
| Width: | 1739 mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1415 mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1932 mm |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.5 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 325 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 320 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J x 17 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson |
| Rear suspension | Wishbone, Trailing arm |
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