Model Code:
E90 (Sedan), E91 (Touring), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)
Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Engine Codes:
N54B30 (Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6)
Segment:
Sport Sedan/Coupe/Convertible (Luxury Sport Compact)
Target Audience:
Enthusiast drivers, performance-oriented luxury car buyers.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4/S4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37, Cadillac ATS.
Engine Technology:
The N54 twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine was a significant technological advancement for BMW, offering potent power output and a broad torque curve.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive platform, and engaging driving experience, characteristic of BMW's 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos.
Engine And Drivetrain:
Engine mechanical (N54B30), twin-turbocharging system, fuel system (high-pressure direct injection), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, clutch, manual transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ), automatic transmission (ZF 6HP19), differentials, drive shafts, axles.
Chassis And Suspension:
Front suspension (double-wishbone), rear suspension (multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), brakes (ventilated discs, ABS, DSC), wheel and tire specifications.
Electrical And Electronics:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior), infotainment system (iDrive), climate control electronics, body control module (BCM), engine control unit (ECU), transmission control unit (TCU), instrument cluster, diagnostic connectors (OBD-II).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, mirrors, seats, interior trim, airbags, seat belts, HVAC system, body sealing.
Maintenance Tasks:
Scheduled maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements), fluid level checks and top-offs, brake pad and rotor replacement, spark plug replacement, belt inspection and replacement, battery testing, tire rotation and balancing.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, fault code interpretation (DTCs), system checks, component testing (using multimeter, oscilloscope, scan tools), pressure testing, leak detection.
Repair And Overhaul:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, turbocharger replacement, fuel injector service, transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, electrical component repair and replacement, body panel repair and replacement.
Technical Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, clearances and tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical schematics, diagnostic parameters.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic procedures and electrical schematics.
Engine Configuration:
3.0L (2979cc) Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6
Bore X Stroke:
84.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.2:1
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm (with overboost capability to 320 lb-ft)
Fuel Delivery:
High-pressure direct fuel injection (Piezo injectors), Twin-turbocharged (sequential twin-turbo system with smaller turbo for low-end response and larger turbo for top-end power).
Recommended Fuel:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane)
ECU:
MSD80 / MSD81 Engine Control Unit
Type:
6-speed manual transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Type:
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic (ZF 6HP19)
Automatic Features:
Adaptive shift logic, manual shifting mode (Steptronic), sport mode.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent specification like Castrol Syntrans FE 75W-80)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent specification like Pentosin ATF1)
Wheelbase:
E90 Sedan: 108.7 in (2760 mm); E92 Coupe: 107.4 in (2725 mm); E93 Convertible: 107.4 in (2725 mm)
Length:
E90 Sedan: ~181.8 in (4618 mm); E92 Coupe: ~181.7 in (4615 mm); E93 Convertible: ~181.2 in (4602 mm)
Width:
~70.2 in (1783 mm)
Height:
E90 Sedan: ~56.7 in (1441 mm); E92 Coupe: ~54.7 in (1391 mm); E93 Convertible: ~55.1 in (1400 mm)
Trunk Volume:
E90 Sedan: ~12.0 cu ft (339 L); E92 Coupe: ~15.1 cu ft (428 L); E93 Convertible: ~13.0 cu ft (368 L) (with roof up)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600-3900 lbs (1633-1769 kg), depending on body style and transmission.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17 (front), 255/40R17 (rear) (staggered fitment common)
NHTSA Rating:
Generally received good ratings, often 5-star for frontal and side crash tests (specific ratings may vary by model year and body style).
IIHS Rating:
Top Safety Pick awards for several years during its production run.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags (for sedan and coupe).
Seat Belts:
Pre-tensioning front seat belts, ISOFIX child seat anchors.
System Name:
BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC generation depending on year and options)
Features:
Navigation, radio (AM/FM/Satellite), CD player, auxiliary audio input, Bluetooth connectivity (often requiring an adapter or specific packages).
Electronic Aids:
ABS, DSC, DTC, Cruise Control. Optional features like Park Distance Control (PDC), Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard 3.5mm auxiliary audio input jack.
Engine Control Module:
Siemens MSV70 or MSD80/MSD81 Engine Control Unit (ECU) with advanced features like electronic throttle control and VANOS.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil quality, indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Around 60,000 miles for N54 engines (check manual for specific recommendation).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Longlife Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based) mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or a BMW approved equivalent.
Fuel System Issues:
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure is a well-documented issue on early N54 engines. Injector failure (especially on bank 1) is also common. Carbon buildup on intake valves due to direct injection.
Turbocharger Issues:
Wastegate rattle, turbocharger oil line leaks, and overall turbocharger longevity concerns, particularly with aggressive tuning.
Cooling System Issues:
Water pump and thermostat failure, plastic coolant expansion tank cracking.
Electrical Issues:
Coil pack failures, various sensor issues, common with many modern BMWs.
Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles with advanced engineering and luxurious appointments.
E90 Generation:
The 3 Series E90 generation, launched in 2006, represented a significant evolution in design, technology, and performance compared to its E46 predecessor.
335I Introduction:
The 335i was introduced as the flagship performance model of the E90 range, powered by the groundbreaking N54 engine.
Production Period:
2006-2010 for the 335i model within the E90/E91/E92/E93 generation.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich) and at BMW's plant in Rosslyn, South Africa.
