330i
The M54 straight-six, before turbocharging.
E46 European specification · M54B30 · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 231 PS · 228 hp · 170 kW
- Torque
- 300 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 6.5 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 6.19 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- M54 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 2,979 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Redline
- 6,500 rpm
- Gearbox
- 5-speed manual / 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 2000–2006
- Body
- Sedan
- Length
- 4,471 mm
- Width
- 1,739 mm
- Height
- 1,415 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,725 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,430 kg
- Fuel tank
- 63 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Know before you buy
- Cooling system: water pump, expansion tank and radiator
- Rear subframe mount cracking
- Window regulators and DISA valve wear
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
The other E46 straight-six.
The 330i is a useful companion to the M3: both belong to the E46 era, but the 330i uses the M54 rather than the M-specific S54. It shows how much character lives outside the M range.
A classic everyday six-cylinder saloon.
Old rubber, cooling components and records need close inspection.
M54 and S54 are different engine families despite the similar names.
M54 · Inline-six
A 2,979 cm³ naturally aspirated M54B30 inline-six with Double VANOS.
M54B25 engine pictured. This is an M54-family reference, not the 3.0-litre M54B30 specification in the 330i and 530i records.
One straight line of six cylinders.
The selected 330i uses the 3.0-litre M54B30. The photograph is a 2.5-litre M54B25 family reference, not its exact engine.
Timing on both camshafts.
Double VANOS varies intake and exhaust camshaft timing. This engine does not have Valvetronic.
Heat leaves through the coolant.
Coolant circulates through the block and head, carrying heat to the radiator. The thermostat helps control operating temperature.
The full specification.
Ownership and buying
- Buying tips
- Old rubber, cooling components and records need close inspection.
- Maintenance notes
- Match the engine code and VIN to the correct BMW service schedule. Ask for dated maintenance records and an independent inspection before buying.
Related cars
Photo credits
- e46-330i.webp — M 93 · Public domain · resized / WebP conversion · Original
- BMW 330i E46 (5967804586).jpg — nakhon100 · CC BY 2.0 · Original
- BMW 330i M-Sportpaket rear.jpg — M 93 · Public domain · Original