🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Variant:

328i

Model Year:

2008

Chassis Code:

E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon/Touring), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)

Engine Code:

N51B30 (SULEV - 328i), N52B30 (Standard - 328i)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon/Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics seeking detailed repair information.

Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.

Usp:

BMW's focus on driving dynamics, refined interiors, and advanced engineering.

Vehicle Highlights:

Balanced chassis, powerful inline-six engines, rear-wheel drive (optional xDrive AWD), sophisticated interior, and advanced technology for its era.

Manual Value Proposition:

Provides official, factory-level repair and maintenance data, crucial for accurate servicing and diagnostics of this complex vehicle.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

2008 BMW 328i (E90, E91, E92, E93 chassis)

Secondary Coverage:

Covers all major mechanical and electrical systems applicable to the 328i model variants.

Estimated Pages:

Extensive (Software format allows for vast content; typically equivalent to 1000+ printed pages)

Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (likely PDF or proprietary executable)

File Type:

Software (Likely PDF for easy access and searchability)

Quality:

High-resolution, clear diagrams and text. Searchable text functionality.

Binding:

N/A (Software Format)

Paper:

N/A (Software Format)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmission systems (removal, installation, overhaul).

Drivetrain:

Driveshafts, differentials, axles, wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering linkage.

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder, ABS, DSC), hydraulic lines, parking brake.

Steering:

Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, wheel alignment specifications.

Electrical:

Battery, alternator, starter motor, wiring diagrams, lighting systems, interior electronics, comfort systems.

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, locks, body hardware, exterior trim, interior trim, HVAC system.

Chassis:

Chassis components, mounting points, structural elements.

Diagnostics:

On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II), diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), fault finding procedures.

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, brake pad inspection.

Component Replacement:

Detailed instructions for replacing major components like alternators, water pumps, fuel pumps, starters, brake components, suspension parts.

Troubleshooting:

Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon issues.

Overhaul And Rebuild:

Comprehensive instructions for engine and transmission overhauls, including torque specifications and assembly sequences.

Electrical Diagnostics:

Step-by-step diagnostics for electrical faults, including the use of multimeters and wiring diagrams.

Alignment And Balancing:

Wheel alignment specifications and procedures, tire balancing.

Body And Interior Repairs:

Procedures for repairing body panels, replacing interior trim, and servicing body hardware.

Depth:

Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.

Diagnostic Capability:

Advanced diagnostic procedures, fault code interpretation, and guided troubleshooting.

Specification Detail:

Detailed torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and electrical values.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder

Engine Code N51:

N51B30 (Valvetronic, Double VANOS)

Engine Code N52:

N52B30 (Valvetronic, Double VANOS)

Displacement Liters:

3.0

Displacement Cc:

2996

Horsepower N51:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Horsepower N52:

230 hp @ 6500 rpm

Torque N51 Lb Ft:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Torque N52 Lb Ft:

200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Direct Injection (on some later N52 variants, but primarily port injection for 2008 328i)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended)

Emission Standard:

SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) for N51 engine in relevant states

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Manual Transmission

Transmission Type:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with manual shifting mode

Automatic Features:

Adaptive shift logic, Sport mode, available paddle shifters (depending on package).

Manual Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-3 or equivalent

Automatic Fluid:

BMW ATF LT-5 or equivalent

📐 Dimensions

Length In:

181.4 (Sedan)

Width In:

70.1 (Sedan)

Height In:

56.1 (Sedan)

Wheelbase In:

108.7

Trunk Volume Cu Ft:

15.0 (Sedan)

Curb Weight Lbs:

3472 (Sedan, Manual)

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Lbs:

4586

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Frontal Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Frontal Passenger:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Driver:

5 Stars

NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:

5 Stars

IIHS ீடு Head Restraints:

Good

Traction Control:

Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Braking Assist:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist

Airbags:

Front airbags, side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags).

Seatbelts:

Three-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

iDrive system (CCC or CIC depending on options), Navigation Professional, Bluetooth connectivity, optional Harman Kardon audio.

Driver Assistance Features:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (DTC), Cruise Control.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling, USB/Auxiliary audio input.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS). Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years or 30,000 miles (whichever comes first).

Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or 30,000-60,000 miles (typically long-life coolant).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Around 60,000 miles (depending on plug type).

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04), SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic recommended.

Engine Oil Capacity Quarts:

6.5 quarts (approx. 6.2 liters) with filter change.

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) or equivalent.

Common Issues Engine:

Valvetronic eccentric shaft sensor failure, oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket, vacuum pump leaks, potential for eccentric shaft wear (on earlier N52s), water pump failure.

Common Issues Electrical:

CIC/iDrive module failures, stepper motor failures in HVAC controls, ABS/DSC sensor failures.

Common Issues Suspension:

Front control arm bushings wear, rear shock mount failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, established 1916, known for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence.

E90 Generation:

Introduced in 2005, replacing the E46 generation. The E90 sedan and E91 Touring launched first, followed by the E92 Coupe (2006) and E93 Convertible (2007).

328I Positioning:

Positioned above the 325i, offering a more powerful iteration of BMW's 3.0L inline-six engine.

Manufacturing Locations:

Mainly Dingolfing, Germany; also Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA for certain variants.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Year Awards:

The 3 Series (E90 generation) received numerous accolades, including repeated inclusion on Car and Driver's '10Best' lists and various 'World Car of the Year' nominations.

Car And Driver 10Best:

The E90 3 Series was a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best award during its production run.