🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Year:

2010

Chassis Codes:

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

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

The BMW 3 Series is renowned as a benchmark in the premium compact executive car segment, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics. This manual caters to owners and technicians who demand the highest level of accuracy for maintaining and repairing this sophisticated vehicle.

Competitors:

Key competitors at the time included the Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Lexus IS. The 3 Series' focus on driver engagement and its premium build quality set it apart.

Vehicle Focus:

The 2010 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) represents a mature evolution of BMW's compact sports sedan/coupe platform, featuring advanced technologies and refined powertrains.

Manual Value Proposition:

This manual provides the in-depth technical knowledge and procedures required to service and repair the vehicle to factory specifications, ensuring optimal performance and longevity.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and diagnostic procedures for BMW 3 Series (2010 model year).

Engine Coverage:

All gasoline and diesel engines offered in the 2010 3 Series lineup.

Transmission Coverage:

Manual and Automatic transmissions, including Steptronic and xDrive AWD systems.

Electrical Coverage:

Complete electrical system diagrams, troubleshooting, and component testing.

Body Coverage:

Body repairs, panel replacement, interior trim, and HVAC system servicing.

Estimated Pages:

1000+

Type:

Workshop Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Digital (PDF)

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine mechanicals, fuel injection, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication, engine management (DME/ECU).

Drivetrain:

Transmission (manual/auto), clutch, differential, driveshafts, transfer case (xDrive).

Suspension Steering:

Front and rear suspension components, steering system, power steering, wheel alignment.

Brakes:

Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers), ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake.

Electrical Electronic:

Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, Body Control Module (BCM), infotainment, comfort electronics.

Climate Control:

HVAC system, air conditioning, heating, ventilation, climate control unit.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system, seatbelt pre-tensioners, DWA (Anti-theft alarm system).

Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, belt inspections/replacements.

Diagnostics Troubleshooting:

Fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems, wiring diagram analysis.

Repair Rebuild:

Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, brake caliper rebuild, suspension component replacement, body panel repair.

Component Replacement:

Detailed step-by-step instructions for replacing virtually all components.

Technical Specifications:

Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).

Depth:

Expert level, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY mechanics. Covers detailed diagnostics, component-level repair, and system overhauls.

📊 Manual Specifications

Quality:

High-resolution PDF, searchable text, hyperlinked table of contents for easy navigation.

Printability:

Designed for high-quality printing of individual sections or the entire manual.

Binding:

N/A (Digital Product)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Product)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Options:

Common engines include the N52 (3.0L naturally aspirated inline-6), N54 (3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-6), N55 (3.0L single-turbocharged inline-6), N51 (3.0L SULEV inline-6), and various N47/M47 diesel variants in some markets.

Horsepower Range:

170 hp (318i) to 320 hp (335is/335d) depending on specific engine and model.

Torque Range:

200 lb-ft (318i) to 425 lb-ft (335d) depending on specific engine and model.

Injection Type:

Direct Injection (for N53/N54/N55/N47) and Port Injection (for N52/N51).

Fuel Requirement:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher) for most gasoline engines. Diesel for diesel variants.

ECU Type:

Bosch Motronic or similar advanced engine control units.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (ZF/Getrag) for many models.

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP series).

AWD System:

Optional xDrive all-wheel-drive system available on many models, featuring a multi-plate clutch center differential.

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch for manual transmissions.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

E90/E91: 108.7 inches (2760 mm); E92/E93: 107.7 inches (2737 mm)

Length:

E90: 178.2 inches (4527 mm); E91: 179.5 inches (4559 mm); E92: 180.0 inches (4574 mm); E93: 180.3 inches (4580 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1781 mm)

Height:

E90: 56.1 inches (1425 mm); E91: 57.0 inches (1447 mm); E92: 55.7 inches (1416 mm); E93: 55.1 inches (1401 mm)

Trunk Capacity:

E90: 12.0 cu ft (340 L); E91: 17.7 cu ft (500 L) (rear seats up); E92: 10.4 cu ft (295 L); E93: 13.1 cu ft (370 L) (top up)

Curb Weight Range:

Approx. 3400 lbs (1542 kg) to 4000 lbs (1814 kg) depending on model and configuration.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rating:

Typically received 5-star ratings in NHTSA frontal and side crash tests for sedan and coupe variants.

IIHS Rating:

Awarded 'Top Safety Pick' by IIHS for many configurations.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with traction control, cornering brake control (CBC).

Braking Systems:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.

Airbags:

Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags (front and rear).

Seatbelts:

3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Anti Theft:

Factory alarm system (DWA), immobilizer.

💡 Technology Features

Idrive System:

Available iDrive infotainment system with various controller and display options (e.g., CIC Professional Navigation).

Audio Options:

Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Parking Aids:

Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear sensors, optional rearview camera.

Lighting:

Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights with LED angel eyes, automatic headlight activation.

Bluetooth:

Available Bluetooth hands-free connectivity and audio streaming.

Usb Aux:

Available USB/Auxiliary input for audio devices.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change:

Typically 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 2 years, as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, or earlier based on driving conditions.

Brake Fluid:

Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plugs:

Replace every 60,000 miles (100,000 km) for gasoline engines.

Engine Oil Type:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, viscosity grade typically 5W-30 or 0W-30 (check specific owner's manual or manual for exact approval).

Coolant Type:

BMW Engine Coolant/Antifreeze (G48 or similar blue/green ethylene glycol based), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Auto:

Specific ZF fluid (e.g., Lifeguard fluid 6), often considered 'lifetime' but recommended for change around 100,000 miles by some specialists.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

Specific gear oil, e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2 or equivalent.

Common Problems:

N54 engine: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failures, index 11 or higher fuel injectors, turbocharger wastegate rattle. N52 engine: Valve cover gasket leaks, eccentric shaft sensor failure. All models: Water pump and thermostat failures, rear main seal leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, ignition coil failures, VANOS solenoid issues, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, coolant expansion tank leaks.

Diesel Specific Issues:

DPF regeneration issues, glow plug failures, EGR valve problems on N47/M47 diesel engines.

Electrical Issues:

BCM (Body Control Module) issues, window regulator failures, door lock actuator failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Legacy:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for building driver-focused vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance.

E90 Generation:

The E90 generation, introduced in 2005 for the sedan, marked a significant redesign and technological advancement for the 3 Series. This 2010 model year is part of the facelifted E90 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse).

Body Styles:

Available as Sedan (E90), Touring/Wagon (E91), Coupe (E92), and Convertible (E93).

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich) and South Africa.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver 10Best:

The 3 Series has historically been a frequent recipient of Car and Driver's '10Best' award, including for this generation.

Ward 3Best Engines:

The N54 twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine was recognized by Ward's as one of the best engines.

Automotive Engineering:

The 3 Series is widely regarded as a benchmark in automotive engineering for its chassis dynamics, steering feel, and powertrain integration.