Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330xi (231 Hp) Automatic
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) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E46)). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1595 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.4 s). The top speed reaches 242 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.
330xi (231 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Powerful and secure with AWD, but the automatic transmission slightly dulls the enthusiast appeal compared to the manual.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption than the RWD manual, typical for an AWD automatic setup.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging driving dynamics and precise handling
- • Timeless and elegant design
- • Strong and smooth inline-six petrol engines
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Good balance of sportiness and everyday usability
Cons:
- • Common cooling system component failures (water pump, expansion tank)
- • Potential for rear subframe cracks on early models
- • Window regulator failures are frequent
- • Rust can appear on rear wheel arches and sills
- • Maintenance costs can be higher than average for a car of its age
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46): 1999 - 2000).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E46) |
| Modification (Engine): | 330xi (231 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 2000 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| 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 [7mm 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 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 89.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.6 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 242 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.9 kg/Hp, 144.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1595 |
| Max. weight: | 2095 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 440 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4471 mm mm [7mm less] |
| Width: | 1739 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1434 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2725 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1471 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1483 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| 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 | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the BMW 3 Series?