01 · Überblick
The long-distance master
With the M57 six-cylinder diesel, the 330d became the sensible alternative to the 330i from October 1999: initially 184 PS, and from the 2003 facelift as the M57TU with 204 PS and 410 Nm. Common-rail direct injection and a variable-geometry turbocharger made it a composed touring car with consumption figures around seven litres.
From 2003, the 330Cd brought the large diesel to the Coupé for the first time, and later to the Convertible — plus the four-wheel-drive version as the 330xd. Today, well-maintained 330d models are the most sought-after everyday E46s.
02 · Historie
Einordnung
- 1999 The 330d replaces the 320d as the top diesel in October — 184 PS from three litres.
- 2003 Facelift: M57TU with 204 PS; Coupé introduced for the first time as the 330Cd.
- 2005 Replaced by the E90 330d with 231 PS — the 330Cd Coupé continues until 2006.
03 · Karosserievarianten
Karosserievarianten
Sedan and Touring (330d/330xd)
The core body styles — the Touring as the classic high-mileage car.
Coupé and Convertible (330Cd)
Only from the facelift onward — rarer and sought-after today.
04 · Motoren
M57D30 / M57TUD30 geprüft
Inline six-cylinder diesel with common rail and a VTG turbocharger. Known for exceptional longevity; swirl flaps and the mass air flow sensor are the usual age-related weak points.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 2.926 cm³ |
| Leistung | 184 PS (135 kW) / 204 PS (150 kW) ab 2003 |
| Drehmoment | 390 Nm / 410 Nm |
| Bauart | R6 diesel, common rail, VTG turbo |
Wikipedia DE, BMW E46
05 · Technik
Technik
Why it's so sought-after
06 · Kaufberatung
Buying advice in brief
Check the swirl flaps (they can be swallowed into the engine), the turbo’s history and the rear axle mounts. The engine itself is virtually indestructible given a well-maintained oil history.
07 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
Audi A4 2.5 TDI
V6 diesel with 180 PS — less durable than the M57.
Mercedes C 320 CDI
Only reached the same level with the W203 facelift.
08 · Quellen