Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiast owners, independent repair shops, DIY mechanics
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS250 AWD, Infiniti G35x
Vehicle Highlights:
Renowned BMW driving dynamics, xDrive all-wheel-drive system, refined interior, potent inline-six engine
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners and technicians to perform comprehensive maintenance, diagnostics, and repairs, reducing reliance on dealership service, preserving vehicle value and performance.
Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Body Styles Covered:
Sedan (E90), Wagon/Touring (E91)
Trim Levels Covered:
325xi (AWD)
Estimated Pages:
Thousands (Comprehensive)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, Engine management, Fuel system, Ignition system, Exhaust system, Cooling system, Lubrication system, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain (including xDrive AWD system)
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), Steering system, Brake system (including ABS, DSC), Wheels & Tires, Driveline components (axles, differentials)
Electrical:
Battery, Starting & Charging system, Lighting (interior & exterior), Instrumentation & Warning indicators, Body Control Module (BCM), Comfort access systems, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Chassis Control Module (CCM), Infotainment systems, SRS (Airbag) system, HVAC controls, Wiper & Washer systems
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk/Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass & Seals, Interior trim, Seats, Roof systems (sunroof, convertible top)
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance (oil change, filters, spark plugs, brake fluid), Inspections, Lubrication, Adjustments
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine overhaul (rebuild), Transmission repair, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repairs, Electrical component diagnosis and replacement, Body component repair and alignment
Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical circuit diagrams, Component testing, Flow charts
Technical Data And Specifications:
Torque specifications, Lubricant types and capacities, Fluid specifications, Electrical specifications, Component dimensions and tolerances, Alignment specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82.0 mm x 78.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 Octane Recommended)
Ignition System:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition (Coil-on-Plug)
ECU Type:
Bosch Motronic (Specific variant may apply, e.g., ME9.2)
Valvetrain:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 Valves per Cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Type:
6-Speed Manual (GS6-37DZ for RWD, GS6X37DZ for AWD)
Type:
6-Speed Automatic (GA6HP-19Z)
Drivetrain:
xDrive All-Wheel Drive (Permanent, electronically controlled torque split)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF 6 (Dexron VI equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Differential Fluid Front:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 80W-90)
Differential Fluid Rear:
BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90)
Length:
Sedan (E90): 180.6 in (4587 mm)
Width:
Sedan (E90): 70.2 in (1783 mm)
Height:
Sedan (E90): 57.5 in (1461 mm)
Wheelbase:
Sedan (E90): 108.7 in (2760 mm)
Front Headroom:
Approx. 38.5 in (978 mm)
Rear Legroom:
Approx. 35.1 in (892 mm)
Trunk Volume:
Sedan (E90): Approx. 15.0 cu ft (425 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3615 - 3790 lbs (1640 - 1720 kg) depending on body style and options
Gvw:
Consult manual for specific GVWR
NHTSA Front Impact:
5 Stars
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, Side-impact airbags, Curtain airbags (front & rear where applicable)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Idrive Availability:
Available on most models, with various iterations (e.g., M-ASK, CCC)
Audio Options:
Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon audio system.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Lighting:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Oil Service Interval (Condition Based Service - CBS) typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed or per CBS.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000-100,000 miles (depending on type, e.g., long-life iridium)
Brake Fluid:
Flush and replace every 2 years.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant. Inspect regularly, replace at 60,000-100,000 miles or per CBS.
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) compliant synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Common Problems:
CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failure (oil leaks, rough idle), Water pump failure (electric pumps), Ignition coil failure, Oil pan gasket leaks, Valve cover gasket leaks, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, Power steering fluid leaks, ABS/DSC sensor issues, Suspension bushings wear.
Bmw Philosophy:
Ultimate Driving Machine
E90 Generation Introduction:
Launched in 2005 for the 2006 model year, replacing the E46 generation.
Product Cycle Updates:
Minor cosmetic and feature updates occurred throughout its lifecycle, leading to the LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich)
Ward 2006 10 Best Engines:
The N52 engine (used in 325xi) was recognized by Ward's AutoWorld's 10 Best Engines in 2006 for its smooth power delivery and efficiency.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Varied throughout the model run; early years generally rated average to below average, with improvements in later years. Specific reliability data can be found in consumer reports archives.
Emissions Standards:
Meets EPA and California LEV-II standards, depending on the specific market.
