Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan
Target Audience:
Owners seeking detailed DIY repair and maintenance information, independent repair shops.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35
Vehicle Philosophy:
Sporty driving dynamics, luxury appointments, refined engineering.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level diagnostic and repair procedures, saving time and money compared to dealership service.
Engine:
Engine mechanical (N52B30), cooling system, lubrication system, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control (DME)
Transmission:
Manual Transmission (GS6-37BZ), Automatic Transmission (GA6HP-19Z), clutch, driveshaft, differential
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, brake pads, rotors, calipers, parking brake
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, bushings, steering system
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, power accessories, charging system, starter, battery, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams
Bodywork:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, bumpers, interior trim, glass, sunroof
Climate Control:
HVAC system, air conditioning, heater core, blower motor, control units
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belt pretensioners, central locking, alarm system
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures for all major systems
Repair:
Component removal and installation, system repairs, calibration procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, diagnostic values, fluid capacities
Technical Data:
Wiring diagrams, component locations, diagnostic flowcharts, service bulletins (where applicable)
Engine Management:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), sensor testing, actuator testing, DME programming/coding (basic aspects).
Chassis Control:
ABS and DSC system diagnostics, hydraulic unit repair, sensor calibration.
Body And Interior:
Door panel removal, seat adjustment mechanisms, dashboard disassembly, headliner repair.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex repairs and diagnostics.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed color-coded wiring diagrams for all major electrical systems.
Diagnostic Tools:
Procedures often reference BMW's DIS (Diagnostic Information System) or ISTA (Integrated Service Technical Application) tools for advanced diagnostics.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.996 liters (3.0L)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing)
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME9.2)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane recommended)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Oil Type Spec:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04)
Oil Capacity With Filter:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Front Crashworthiness:
Good
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking Assist:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with front belt tensioners and force limiters
Head Unit:
iDrive infotainment system (optional, base system may be simpler radio)
Display Size:
Up to 7-inch color display (for iDrive)
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration.
Automatic Climate Control:
Standard dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Engine Air Filter:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace as needed (CBS).
Cabin Microfilter:
Inspect at 30,000 miles, replace as needed (CBS).
Spark Plugs:
Replace at 60,000 miles for standard plugs; longer for iridium plugs (refer to manual for exact type).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts)
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent
Common Problems:
Valve cover gasket leaks (oil seepage), water pump failure (plastic impeller), VANOS solenoids failure, oil filter housing gasket leaks, ignition coil failure, CCV system issues.
Brake Wear:
Front brake pads and rotors can wear relatively quickly due to performance-oriented braking system.
