🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Model Generation:

E90/E91/E92/E93

Chassis Codes:

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

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The BMW 3 Series is a globally recognized luxury compact executive car, renowned for its sporty handling, sophisticated engineering, and premium interior. It consistently competes with rivals like Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4, offering a blend of performance and everyday usability.

Competitive Analysis:

During its E90/E91/E92/E93 generation, the 3 Series cemented its reputation as a benchmark for driving dynamics in its segment. This manual provides the critical technical information needed to maintain this premium vehicle's performance and longevity.

Key Features:

This manual is designed for professional technicians and experienced DIY enthusiasts, offering in-depth procedures and technical data that go beyond basic owner's manual information. Its PDF format ensures easy searching and accessibility.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds of pages (specific count varies by exact model/engine variant, but comprehensive)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

Full engine repair and overhaul, including diagnostics, disassembly, assembly, timing, lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, and exhaust systems for various petrol and diesel engines (e.g., N43, N52, N54, N55, M54, M57, N47).

Transmission:

Manual and automatic transmission diagnosis, repair, and overhaul, including fluid specifications, torque converter service, mechatronics unit repair (for automatics), and clutch replacement.

Drivetrain:

Front and rear axle, differential, driveshafts, CV joints, and wheel bearings.

Suspension:

Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, struts, springs, control arms, sway bars, bushings, wheel alignment specifications, and troubleshooting.

Brakes:

Brake system diagnosis, repair, and maintenance, including brake pads, rotors, calipers, hydraulic lines, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), parking brake, and bleeding procedures.

Steering:

Power steering system diagnosis, repair, fluid specifications, steering rack, tie rods, and power steering pump.

Electrical System:

Comprehensive electrical diagrams, fuse box locations and functions, battery service, alternator, starter motor, lighting systems (headlights, taillights, interior lights), power windows, central locking, wipers, and horn.

Bodywork:

Exterior and interior trim removal and installation, door mechanisms, hood and trunk operation, bumpers, mirrors, seats, and body panel repair procedures.

HVAC:

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system diagnosis, refrigerant handling, compressor, blower motor, heater core, evaporator, and climate control module service.

Comfort Systems:

Seats, interior trim, door panels, dashboard components, and sound system integration.

Safety Systems:

Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seat belt mechanisms, and safety restraint systems.

Diagnostics:

OBD-II (On-Board Diagnostics) troubleshooting, error code explanations, and diagnostic procedures for various electronic control units (ECUs).

Routine Maintenance:

Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flushes, coolant flushes, and tire rotations.

Component Replacement:

Step-by-step instructions for replacing major components like alternators, starters, water pumps, fuel pumps, ignition coils, sensors, headlights, taillights, and body panels.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Detailed troubleshooting flowcharts and diagnostic trees for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems.

Rebuilding Procedures:

Complete engine and transmission rebuilding procedures with torque specifications and clearances.

Wiring Diagrams:

Extensive and detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle systems, crucial for electrical troubleshooting and repair.

Special Tools:

Identification and usage instructions for specialized tools required for specific BMW repairs.

Timing Belt Chain Procedures:

Detailed procedures for timing chain inspection and replacement on applicable engines (e.g., N52, N54, N55, N43, N47).

Emission System Repair:

Coverage for catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems, and emissions control modules.

Wheel Alignment And Balancing:

Specifications for wheel alignment angles and procedures for tire balancing and replacement.

Lighting And Lamps:

Replacement of headlights, taillights, fog lights, and interior lighting, including any associated wiring and control modules.

Sensor Replacement:

Detailed guidance on replacing various sensors such as ABS sensors, crankshaft position sensors, camshaft position sensors, mass air flow sensors, and oxygen sensors.

Computer Module Diagnostics:

Information on diagnosing and potentially replacing ECUs, such as the Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), and Body Control Module (BCM).

Body Panel Alignment:

Guidelines for the adjustment and alignment of doors, hood, trunk, and fenders for proper fit and sealing.

Refrigerant Handling:

Guidelines for safe and compliant handling of R134a refrigerant for the HVAC system, including evacuation and recharging procedures.

Fuel System Service:

Procedures for fuel filter replacement, fuel pump testing, and injector cleaning/replacement.

Brake System Bleeding:

Detailed instructions for bleeding the brake system, including specific sequences for vehicles equipped with ABS/DSC.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive, covering everything from basic fluid checks and filter changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Print Quality:

High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Searchable Text:

Likely contains searchable text, allowing users to quickly find specific topics, part names, or procedures.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Variants Covered:

Covers a wide range of inline-4 and inline-6 petrol engines (e.g., 323i, 325i, 328i, 330i, 335i) and diesel engines (e.g., 320d, 323d, 325d, 330d, 335d). Specific engine codes like N43B18, N43B20, N52B25, N52B30, N54B30, N55B30, M57D30, N47D20 are typically detailed.

Performance Data:

Includes specifications for horsepower, torque, engine displacement (e.g., 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L), bore, stroke, compression ratios, and engine management system details for various engine configurations.

Fuel System:

Details on fuel injection systems (e.g., direct injection, port injection), fuel pressure, fuel pump specifications, injectors, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems.

Engine Management System:

Details on the Bosch Motronic or similar engine management systems, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and sensor data interpretation.

Cooling System:

Coverage of the engine cooling system, including radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, and coolant flow paths. Details on electric water pump replacement and bleeding procedures.

Lubrication System:

Information on the oil pump, oil pan, oil filter, oil passages, and lubrication requirements for engine components.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

Manual transmissions (e.g., Getrag GS6-37BZ, GS6-45BZ) with detailed repair and clutch replacement procedures.

Optional Transmission:

Automatic transmissions (e.g., ZF 6HP series) with detailed diagnostic, repair, and fluid service information.

Transmission Features:

Information on specific transmission variants including Steptronic (manual shifting modes) and xDrive all-wheel-drive systems.

📐 Dimensions

Exterior Dimensions:

General exterior dimensions are covered, including length, width, height, and wheelbase, which vary slightly by body style (E90, E91, E92, E93).

Interior Dimensions:

While not providing exact interior cubic feet, the manual details component locations within the cabin and dashboard, crucial for access during repairs.

Cargo Dimensions:

Information pertaining to the trunk and its components, and rear seat folding mechanisms for cargo expansion.

Weights:

Curb weight specifications for different models and engine configurations are typically found, aiding in jacking and lifting procedures.

🛡️ Safety Features

Safety Ratings:

The manual includes details on safety systems that contribute to high crash test ratings achieved by the 3 Series (e.g., front, side, and head airbags, ABS, DSC).

Active Safety Features:

Information on ABS, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS), and potentially Adaptive Headlights and Parking Assist systems.

Passive Safety Features:

Detailed procedures for airbag system service, seatbelt replacement, and structural component repair.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Details on the iDrive infotainment system (CIC or CCC depending on production date), including navigation, radio, CD player, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as associated repair and troubleshooting for modules and displays.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Information regarding systems like Cruise Control, Park Distance Control (PDC), rain sensors, and potentially adaptive cruise control if equipped.

Connectivity Features:

Guidance on Bluetooth integration, USB ports (if equipped), and diagnostic port (OBD-II) functionality for advanced connectivity and diagnostics.

🔧 Maintenance

Recommended Service Intervals:

The manual details BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) system, outlining typical intervals for oil changes (e.g., 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months), brake fluid (every 2 years), and other major services based on driving conditions.

Engine Oil Specification:

Specifies BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) compliant synthetic engine oils (e.g., SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40 depending on engine and climate).

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Specification:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Specifications:

Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) like Pentosin ATF1 or ZF LifeguardFluid 5/6 for automatic transmissions, and GL-4/GL-5 gear oil for manual transmissions and differentials.

Common Issues Covered:

Addresses common issues specific to this generation, such as water pump failure (especially electric pumps on later models), ignition coil issues, VANOS system problems, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil filter housings, power steering pump failures, and potential issues with the diesel particulate filter (DPF) on diesel models.

Engine Oil Capacity:

Specific oil capacities for various engine displacements (e.g., 6.5 liters for a 3.0L inline-6, 5.5 liters for a 2.0L inline-4).

Coolant Capacity:

Approximate coolant capacities, often around 8-9 liters.

Transmission Fluid Capacity:

Specific capacities for manual and automatic transmissions, often around 1.5-2.5 liters for manuals and 7-9 liters for automatics (pan removal).

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW has a long-standing reputation for performance, luxury, and engineering excellence dating back to the early 20th century. The 3 Series, introduced in 1975, is BMW's most successful model line, embodying the brand's core values.

Model Evolution To This Generation:

The E90 generation, spanning 2006-2010, represented a significant evolution from the E46 predecessor, introducing more advanced technology, refined styling, and a wider array of engine options. It was also the first 3 Series to offer a wagon body style (E91) and a hardtop convertible (E93) in this iteration.

Production Years And Locations:

The E90/E91/E92/E93 models were produced from 2005 to 2013 (with minor variations in market introduction dates), with main production facilities in Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing) and also in South Africa and China.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Recognitions:

The BMW 3 Series consistently received accolades throughout its E90 generation, including multiple 'Car of the Year' awards and 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' for its efficient and powerful powertrains.

Safety And Reliability Ratings:

The model generally achieved strong safety ratings from organizations like NHTSA and IIHS. Reliability ratings vary by specific engine and component, with this manual providing the necessary data to address common wear items.

Certifications:

While the manual itself isn't certified, it adheres to industry-standard documentation practices for automotive service and repair.