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BMW 3 Series Touring (E46, facelift 2001) 330i (231 Hp) Steptronic
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 1535 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.2 s). The top speed reaches 243 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) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and powerful petrol engine, offering strong acceleration and a refined automatic driving experience.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption, typical for a large petrol automatic, especially in urban driving.
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(Sedan (E46): 2000 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Touring (E46, facelift 2001) |
| Modification (Engine): | 330i (231 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2001 |
| End of production: | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 231 Hp @ 5900 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 77.5 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 300 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M54B30 [Same engine] 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: | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 14.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 243 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 150.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.1 kg/Nm, 195.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.8 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1535 |
| Max. weight: | 2035 |
| 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 [7mm more] |
| Width: | 1739 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1409 mm [6mm 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 | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| 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 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW 3 Series rank in your book?