Positioning:
The BMW 325i (E90/E91/E92/E93) represented a significant evolution in the 3 Series line, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and driving dynamics, appealing to a discerning buyer seeking a premium sport sedan/coupe/convertible.
Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35.
Features:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, engaging handling, refined interior, and the smooth power delivery of its naturally aspirated inline-six engine.
Engine:
Complete engine overhaul, fuel injection, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (DME), emissions control.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, clutch replacement, torque converter, gear shifting mechanisms, transmission fluid service.
Drivetrain:
Front suspension, rear suspension, steering system, differential, driveshafts, wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system diagnostics, ABS, DSC, brake pad and rotor replacement, brake fluid service, parking brake.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, wiring diagrams, starter, alternator, battery, lighting system, instrument cluster, infotainment, comfort systems.
Body:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim, convertible roof mechanisms (if applicable).
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, oil change, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major mechanical and electrical components.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical circuit testing.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, tolerances, diagnostic values, fluid capacities, wiring diagrams.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for professional mechanics and advanced DIY enthusiasts.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 Cylinder
Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2497 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
82 mm x 78.5 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valvetrain:
Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic
Horsepower:
215 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
185 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane Recommended)
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)
Rear Differential:
Open differential (standard), optional M Sport package may include limited-slip differential.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (check manual for specific part number)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-5 (or latest approved equivalent, e.g., Shell LA2634, Pentosin ATF1) - requires specific fill procedure.
Wheelbase:
E90 Sedan: 108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length:
E90 Sedan: 178.0 inches (4521 mm)
Width:
E90 Sedan: 68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
E90 Sedan: 56.0 inches (1424 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3472 lbs (1575 kg) for Sedan with manual transmission
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
N/A (Varies by model and configuration)
Trunk Volume:
E90 Sedan: 12.0 cu ft (339 liters)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (2006 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (for models meeting specific criteria)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear, depending on body style).
Seatbelts:
Pretensioning and force-limiting front seatbelts, three-point rear seatbelts.
Infotainment System:
iDrive infotainment system (various iterations depending on year and options), with options for navigation, premium audio (e.g., Harman Kardon), and Bluetooth connectivity.
Driver Assistance Features:
Available features include Park Distance Control (PDC), Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Rain Sensing Wipers, Cruise Control.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling, optional USB/Auxiliary input for audio.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically based on Condition Based Service (CBS) monitoring. Approximately 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 30,000 miles, replace as needed based on condition.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Replace annually or every 15,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles or 2-3 years. Use BMW Blue Coolant (G48).
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or compatible equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW PSF-1 (Pentosin CHF 11S) or equivalent.
Common Problems:
Oil pan gasket leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, CCV (Crankcase Ventilation) system failures, electric water pump failure (on later N52 variants), cooling system hoses, ignition coil failures, VANOS solenoid issues, starter motor failure.
Common Problems Detail:
The N52 engine, while generally robust, is prone to oil leaks due to aging gaskets. The CCV system can become clogged, leading to increased crankcase pressure and oil consumption/leaks.
Heritage:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused vehicles with exceptional engineering and performance, particularly within its 3 Series line, which has been a benchmark for sport sedans for decades.
Previous Generation:
E46 (1999-2005)
Next Generation:
F30 (2012-2019)
Production Years:
2005-2013 (for the E90/E91/E92/E93 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Munich, Dingolfing, Regensburg), South Africa.
Award Examples:
Car and Driver's 10Best Trucks and Cars (for the 3 Series line generally), Ward's 10 Best Engines (for the inline-6 engine family).
Owner Satisfaction Ratings:
Generally high owner satisfaction for driving dynamics, but can be moderate for reliability due to specific known issues.
