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BMW 3 Series Touring (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)
Touring (E46, facelift 2001) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Touring (E46, facelift 2001)). With 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1500 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
330i (231 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Outstanding performance, a true driver's engine with exhilarating acceleration and a fantastic exhaust note, especially with the manual.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, but acceptable for its performance level; not for the economy-minded driver.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Engaging and balanced driving dynamics
- • Premium interior quality and timeless design
- • Wide range of capable and efficient engines (especially diesels)
- • Practical Touring body style with good cargo space
- • Strong aftermarket support and enthusiast community
Cons:
- • Potential for costly maintenance (cooling system, suspension bushes, subframe issues)
- • Firm ride may not appeal to all drivers
- • Older automatic transmissions can be less refined than modern units
- • Some engines have known common issues (e.g., M54 oil consumption, M47 swirl flaps)
- • Rust can be an issue on neglected examples
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E46, facelift 2001): 2001 - 2005).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 330i (231 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2003 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l [2mm 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: | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 12.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.5 kg/Hp, 154 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5 kg/Nm, 200 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1500 |
| Max. weight: | 2000 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 1345 l |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 435 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: | 4478 mm [2mm less] |
| Width: | 1739 mm [1mm less] |
| Height: | 1409 mm [1mm less] |
| 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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