Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2005 330I.
The 2005 BMW 330I sits on the classic E46 chassis, powered by a robust inline‑six that requires 6.9 qt of oil—available in 15W‑40, 10W‑40 or 10W‑30 API SJ grades—while delivering EPA ratings of 17 / 25 / 20 mpg city/highway/combined under an automatic S5 transmission; in the broader 1999‑2011 reliability window, the 330I’s 2005 iteration falls neatly within a period that saw its highest and lowest complaint counts both at 121 in 2001, indicating a relatively steady, if not exceptional, durability profile for that generation.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 640 CCA battery, OE oil filter 11421741000. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11421741000 alt 11421719855 |
| Engine air filter | 13721744869 |
| Fuel filter | 13327512019 |
| Spark plug | 12129071003 alt 12120037607 |
| Battery | 61218381749 alt 61218381738 |
| Front wiper blades | 61612458347 alt 61617004901 |
| Thermostat | 11537509357 alt 11537509227 |
| Cabin air filter | 64319216590 alt 64318370409 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (S5) |
| Overall length | 176 in |
| Overall width | 68.5 in |
| Overall height | 55.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 107.5 in |
| Curb weight | 3285 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 58.3 / 58.7 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 50/50 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 25 / 20 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 91 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 11 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the 330I of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 5.60 sec | 14.30 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2003 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 5.80 sec | 14.30 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2003 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 6.10 sec | 14.42 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2002 | 330 330xi Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 5.70 sec | 14.40 sec | 225 hp | AWD |
| 2002 | 330 330Ci Coupe 3.0L I-6 | 5.80 sec | 14.40 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2002 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 6.10 sec | 14.70 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2002 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 6.40 sec | 14.90 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
| 2002 | 330 330i Sedan 3.0L I-6 | 7.30 sec | 15.60 sec | 225 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6.9 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | See stamp |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1 Pints |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | 15W-40 · API · 10W-40 · 10W-30 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6.9 qt |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | BMW MTF part number 83220309031 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.4 |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 302 ft-lbs |
| Engine Flywheel Bolts | AT: 89 ft-lbs, MT: 76 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 17 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 88 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Ignition Coil Primary Resistance | 0.8 ohms |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.58-1.69 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 94R |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 640 cca |
| Engine Compression | 146-159 PSI. |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| 1 | 4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 15 ft. lbs., Step 3: 70 | 4 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 29.5 ft. lbs. | 29.5 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90.0 ft. lbs. | 90 ft. lbs |
| 3 | 90.0 ft. lbs. | 90 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 70 | 15 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.
| Every 100,000 mi | Spark Plugs (replace) |
| At 120,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 5 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3… Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at…
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons… Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge…
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
6.9 qt of HIGH PERFORMANCE MINERAL OILS: ABOVE 5 degrees F: 15W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, -5 degreesF TO 68 degrees F: 10W-40 API SJ, SL OR SM, 5 degreesF TO 50 degrees F: 10W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 50 degrees F: 5W-30 API SJ, SL OR SM, BELOW 32 degrees F:, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.