Segment:
Compact Executive Car / Sport Sedan
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging driving experience
Powertrain Philosophy:
Inline-6 engines known for smooth power delivery and refinement
Engine Variants:
N52B25 (2.5L Inline-6)
Body Styles:
Sedan (E90), Wagon (E91), Coupe (E92), Convertible (E93)
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (typical for full factory service manual)
Type:
Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, engine management, fuel system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system, ignition system, transmission (manual & automatic)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering system, braking system (hydraulic, ABS, DSC), wheels & tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, infotainment, HVAC controls, power windows/locks/mirrors, starter & charging system, ECU/DME diagnostics
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, hoods, trunk, interior trim, seats, airbags, climate control system (HVAC)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, belt replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), pinpoint tests, wiring diagrams, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair/replacement, body panel repair
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, clearances, timing procedures, diagnostic parameters, wiring schematics
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and complex electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC, 24 Valves
Displacement:
2497 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower Hp:
215 hp @ 6500 RPM
Torque Lb Ft:
185 lb-ft @ 2750 RPM
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI), Valvetronic, VANOS
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 78.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:
6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE)
Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37DZ)
Type Optional:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP19)
Steptronic Functionality:
Allows manual gear selection via shifter or paddle shifters (on some models)
Fluid Specifications Manual
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MTF LT-3 (BMW part number 83 22 0 309 031)
Fluid Specifications Automatic
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF LifeguardFluid 6 (or equivalent spec like Shell LA2634, ATF6)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Front Offset Crash Test:
Good
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
Active front head restraints, pre-tensioners and force limiters for all seating positions
System Name:
iDrive (early generation, CCC or CIC depending on build date and options)
Features:
Radio, CD player, optional navigation, Bluetooth connectivity (often requires adapter for later phone compatibility)
Features Available:
Cruise control, optional adaptive headlamps, parking sensors (PDC)
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input (in glovebox or center console)
Usb Connectivity:
Optional, often through a specific adapter cable in the center console or glovebox
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years (regardless of mileage)
Engine Air Filter:
As per CBS, often around 30,000-40,000 miles
Cabin Microfilter:
As per CBS, often annually or every 15,000-20,000 miles
Spark Plugs:
Typically every 60,000-100,000 miles depending on plug type and CBS recommendations
Coolant Type:
BMW Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (blue, G48 specification)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Common Issue 1:
Oil filter housing gasket leaks (seepage common)
Common Issue 2:
Water pump failure (often plastic impeller breaks)
Common Issue 3:
Valve cover gasket leaks
Common Issue 4:
PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system issues, potentially leading to oil consumption or leaks
Common Issue 5:
Coolant expansion tank leaks or cracks
Brand Focus:
Performance, luxury, driving dynamics, engineering excellence
E90 Generation Introduction:
Introduced in 2005 (for the 2006 model year) as a replacement for the E46 3 Series
Design Language:
Marked a shift to sharper lines and a more modern aesthetic compared to the E46 generation
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing, Munich), and South Africa
Ward Auto 10 Best Engines:
The N52 engine family (including the 2.5L variant) was recognized in Ward's 10 Best Engines lists in prior years for its smooth power delivery and efficiency.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Overall reliability ratings for this generation of 3 Series vary, with some areas showing above-average reliability and others average to below-average, particularly concerning electrical components and certain powertrain elements. The manual is crucial for proactive maintenance.
