BMW 3 series, E46 (EU)
Transfer case fluid capacity & service interval
BMW 3 series, E46 (EU) transfer case fluid capacity is 0,16 liter. Service intervals follow a flexible on board maintenance system. The data covers 4 configurations.
The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.
| Type | Specifications |
|---|---|
| 330xd (2003-2006) |
|
| 325xi (2001-2005) |
|
| 330xi (2001-2005) |
|
| 330xd (2000-2003) |
|
Additional Notes
- The BMW 3 Series E46 (EU) transfer case fluid capacity is 0.16 liter across all four listed configurations, a notably small volume consistent with the compact transfer box units found in light all-wheel-drive passenger car platforms.
- A 0.16 liter fill is characteristic of a service-level fluid top-up or inspection fill rather than a full overhaul drain-and-refill, reflecting the sealed, low-volume nature of the transfer box in the E46 xi and xd all-wheel-drive variants.
- All four configurations share a flexible service interval governed by the on-board maintenance system, meaning fluid service timing is calculated dynamically rather than fixed to a set mileage or time schedule.
- The 325xi covers model years 2001-2005, while the 330xi shares the same production window, and both carry identical transfer box fluid capacity and interval specifications.
- The 330xd appears across two separate row entries: one spanning 2000-2003 and another covering 2003-2006, both specifying the same 0.16 liter capacity and flexible on-board maintenance system interval, indicating no change in transfer box fluid specification across the diesel variant's production run within the E46 generation.