Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Performance-oriented luxury car buyers
Key Rivals:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS250 AWD
Drivetrain:
BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system
Engine Technology:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 with Magnesium-Aluminum Engine Block
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and driver engagement
Powertrain:
Engine, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Drivetrain (xDrive AWD)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering, Brakes, Wheels & Tires, xDrive AWD System
Electrical:
ECU, Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Ignition, Power Accessories, Battery, Charging System, iDrive System (basic)
Body:
Body Panels, Doors, Windows, Seats, HVAC System, Exterior Trim
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake pad/rotor service
Repair:
Engine overhauls, transmission service, suspension component replacement, brake caliper repair, electrical diagnostics, component replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), common problems, diagnostic flowcharts, system checks
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools for various procedures
Level:
Comprehensive Professional Workshop Level
Diagnostic Capability:
In-depth diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component testing
Rebuild Information:
Detailed instructions for engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
Inline 6-cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 Valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Engine Block Material:
Magnesium-Aluminum Alloy
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Injection:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) with Bosch Motronic
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP-19Z)
Transfer Case:
BMW xDrive All-Wheel Drive System with Electronically Controlled Clutch
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (BMW Part No. 83 22 0 309 031)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-71141 (BMW Part No. 83 22 9 407 841) or equivalent Dexron III/VI
Manual Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 1.5 Liters
Automatic Transmission Capacity:
Approx. 7.0 - 7.5 Liters (with torque converter)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length Sedan:
181.4 inches (4608 mm)
Length Wagon:
180.4 inches (4582 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height Sedan:
56.1 inches (1425 mm)
Height Wagon:
55.7 inches (1415 mm)
Trunk Volume Sedan:
15.0 cu ft (425 L)
Cargo Volume Wagon Seats Up:
17.7 cu ft (500 L)
Cargo Volume Wagon Seats Down:
58.3 cu ft (1650 L)
Curb Weight Manual Sedan:
3660 lbs (1660 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic Sedan:
3680 lbs (1670 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic Wagon:
3815 lbs (1730 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Tire Size Front:
225/45R17
Tire Size Rear:
225/45R17
Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star (2006 Model)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star (2006 Model)
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (2006-2010 Models)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (TC)
Braking System:
4-wheel Ventilated Disc Brakes with ABS, Brake Assist
Drivetrain Safety:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction
Airbags:
Front Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Front Side Impact Airbags
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
System Name:
iDrive (CCC Generation)
Features:
Navigation, Radio, CD Player, Auxiliary Input (optional)
Display:
Central control display via iDrive rotary controller and buttons
Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Rain-sensing wipers, Automatic headlights
Features:
Bluetooth phone connectivity (optional), USB interface (later models)
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Indicator (VSI) system, typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the car.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage (as per BMW recommendations)
Engine Air Filter:
Check every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or at ~30,000 miles.
Cabin Microfilter:
Replace every 15,000-20,000 miles.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at ~100,000 miles (NGK or Bosch Platinum/Iridium plugs recommended).
Coolant Flush:
Initial fill is often long-life; drain/refill recommended every 4-5 years or as per VSI. Use BMW Blue Antifreeze.
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 Synthetic, BMW LL-01 or LL-04 approved (e.g., Castrol Syntec/Edge Professional).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (Pentosin CHF 11S or similar)
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks from valve cover gasket, eccentric shaft sensor seal, oil filter housing gasket; CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures leading to oil consumption and rough running.
Common Problems Cooling:
Plastic coolant expansion tank cracking, water pump failure (especially electric water pump in later N52 variants), thermostat housing leaks.
Common Problems Drivetrain:
XDrive transfer case fluid leaks or pump issues, driveshaft center support bearing wear.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, rear shock mounts.
Common Problems Electrical:
HVAC blower motor resistor failure, power window regulator issues, ABS/DSC sensor failures, headlight condensation.
Brand Focus:
Automotive engineering excellence, performance, and luxury.
Predecessor:
BMW 3 Series E46 (330xi)
Successor:
BMW 3 Series F30/F31 (328i xDrive, 335i xDrive)
Manufacturing Plants:
Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich)
Production Years Generation:
2005-2013 (E90/E91)
