Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2003 330I.
The 2003 BMW 330i sits on the E46 chassis and is equipped with the automatic S5 transmission, pairing the chassis with a drivetrain that requires a 7.0‑quart oil capacity and accepts 15W‑40, 10W‑40 or 10W‑30 viscosity grades meeting API SJ standards. Its EPA fuel‑economy ratings of 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and a combined 20 mpg reflect the balance of performance and efficiency typical of the generation. Within the broader 1999‑2011 complaint dataset, 2001 recorded both the highest and lowest complaint count at 121, placing the 2003 model squarely in a middle‑ground reliability segment that researchers view as representative rather than anomalous for the era.
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 | 12120037607 alt 12129071003 |
| Battery | 61216806755 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 | 18 / 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 7.0 qt of 15W-40 / 10W-40 / 10W-30 API SJ engine oil, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 88 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| 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 | 7.0 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 302 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 | 142-156 psi |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 10.5 |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.079; Rear: 0.079 in |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 | 15 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 |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the spark plugs every 100,000 mi.
| Every 100,000 mi | Oxygen Sensor (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 7 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.
7.0 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 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 18 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.