Model Code:
E90/E91 (Sedan/Wagon)
Chassis Code:
E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon)
Production Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Engine Code:
N51B30 (Valvetronic, US specific SULEV variant)
Drivetrain Code:
xi (xDrive all-wheel drive)
Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and discerning BMW owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS250 AWD, Infiniti G35x
Vehicle Highlights:
Balanced chassis, refined interior, powerful inline-6 engine, xDrive all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as the official BMW service documentation, enabling DIY repairs and informed maintenance.
Powertrain:
Engine (N51B30), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (transfer case, differentials, drive shafts)
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (e.g., GA6HP19Z), Manual Transmission (less common on xi models, but likely covered)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS, DSC)
Electrical:
Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Comfort Systems:
Climate Control (HVAC), Seats, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Locks
Safety:
Airbags, Seatbelts, Traction Control (DSC), Stability Control (DSC)
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Upholstery
Maintenance:
Routine Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine Component Replacement (pistons, valves, gaskets), Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Repair, Brake Component Service
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical system diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostics, component testing
Electrical System Repair:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Sensor Replacement, Module Programming (potentially)
Special Tools And Techniques:
Identification of BMW-specific tools and procedures for various repairs.
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork.
Engine Family:
N51/N52 (Naturally Aspirated Inline-6)
Engine Type:
Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Displacement:
2.996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended for optimal performance)
Emission Standard:
SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) in California and CARB states (N51 engine)
Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP19Z)
Type:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (less common on AWD models)
Automatic Features:
Sequential shift mode, Sport mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
AWD System:
BMW xDrive: Electronically controlled, full-time all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution.
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length:
181.4 inches (4608 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Front Track:
59.5 inches (1511 mm)
Rear Track:
60.3 inches (1532 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600-3750 lbs (1633-1701 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg)
Trunk Volume:
12.0 cu ft (337 L) for Sedan
Wagon Cargo Volume:
Approx. 20.0 cu ft (560 L) behind rear seats, expandable to 60.7 cu ft (1718 L) with rear seats folded for Wagon (E91)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Child safety rear door locks
Head Unit Options:
BMW Professional Radio, optional iDrive system with a central control knob and display.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio interface (later production years).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Headlight Options:
Standard Halogen, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) monitoring.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 5 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue Coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Cabin Air Filter:
Annually or every 15,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to specific transmission type (e.g., ATF LT-5 for GA6HP19Z). Manual: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Common Problems:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, PCV valve failure (often integrated), water pump failures (electric on later models, but common on early E9x), cooling system hose leaks, VANOS solenoids failure, starter motor issues, ignition coil failures, oil separator (OCP) issues.
X Drive Specific Issues:
Front differential seal leaks, transfer case actuator issues, potential driveshaft wear.
Interior Issues:
Climate control blower motor resistor failures, iDrive controller malfunctions, seat wear.
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
3 Series Legacy:
The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling and most iconic model, consistently setting benchmarks in the compact executive segment.
E90 Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2006 model year, the E90 generation marked a significant design and technological leap from the E46 generation.
328Xi Positioning:
The 328xi offered a balance of performance, comfort, and all-weather capability, targeting buyers seeking a premium compact sedan or wagon with an emphasis on handling and traction.
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly produced at BMW's plant in Munich, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E90 3 Series (including AWD variants) was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, praised for its driving dynamics and refinement.
Consumers Reports:
Generally received good to excellent ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in its early years, though specific model years and common issues noted above are important considerations.
Emission Certification:
SULEV certification for the N51 engine, meeting stringent emissions standards in certain US states.
