Market Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Brand Identity:
BMW's reputation for sporty handling, premium interiors, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37, Cadillac CTS.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for balanced chassis, responsive steering, and engaging driving experience ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').
Engine Performance:
Smooth and powerful naturally aspirated inline-six engine.
Interior Quality:
Premium materials, ergonomic design, driver-focused cockpit.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics to perform complex repairs and maintenance, saving significant costs compared to dealership service.
Diagnostic Tool:
Essential for accurate diagnosis of electronic and mechanical issues prevalent in modern BMWs.
Covered Years:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Covered Body Styles:
Sedan (E90), Wagon (E91), Coupe (E92), Convertible (E93)
Covered Regions:
Primarily North America, with general applicability to global markets
Estimated Page Count:
1000+
Manual Type:
Factory-Authorized Service and Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine (N52B30), cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system, ignition system, lubrication system, engine management (DME) diagnostics and repair.
Transmission:
Manual transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ), Automatic transmission (ZF 6HP19Z), clutch, driveline, transfer case (xDrive models if applicable).
Chassis & Suspension:
Front and rear suspension (MacPherson struts, multi-link), steering system (hydraulic power steering), wheel bearings, braking system (ABS, DSC, EBD), parking brake.
Electrical System:
12V battery, alternator, starter motor, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, Body Control Module (BCM), comfort electronics.
Body & Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, mirrors, seats, airbags, HVAC system, interior trim, sound deadening.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting procedures, wiring schematics for diagnostic systems.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin), spark plug replacement, brake fluid flush, coolant flush, drive belt inspection/replacement.
Component Repair & Replacement:
Engine component rebuilds (e.g., cylinder head, pistons), transmission overhaul, brake caliper replacement, suspension component replacement, alternator/starter replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for common issues, electrical system fault finding.
Specifications & Tolerances:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, valve lash adjustments (if applicable), wheel alignment specifications.
Special Tools:
Identification and use of BMW-specific special tools required for certain procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2996 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Valve Train:
DOHC, 24 Valves, Double VANOS, Valvetronic
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SEFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ Octane Recommended)
ECU Model:
Bosch Motronic MED17.2 (or similar)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
Oil Capacity:
6.5 Liters (6.9 US Quarts)
Recommended Oil Viscosity:
SAE 0W-30 Synthetic
Oil Filter Part Number Example:
BMW 11 42 7 541 827 (or equivalent)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP19Z) with Steptronic
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), optional xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 6 (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent GL-4/GL-5 specification)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (Driver), 5-Star (Passenger)
NHTSA Side Impact:
5-Star (Front), 5-Star (Rear)
IIHS Front Small Overlap:
Good (for 2007+ models, may vary for earlier)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Lighting:
Optional Adaptive Xenon Headlights with Auto-Leveling.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
I Drive System:
BMW iDrive (CCC or CIC depending on production date), featuring navigation, radio, CD player, and optional Bluetooth/USB integration.
Display:
Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Usb:
Optional USB/Auxiliary input for audio devices.
Climate Control:
Automatic dual-zone climate control.
Seats:
Power-adjustable front seats with memory for driver's seat, optional heated and ventilated seats.
Oil Service:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system typically indicates oil service every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, whichever comes first. Check CBS indicator.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000-50,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 100,000 miles for the N52 engine (consult manual for exact spec).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), pre-diluted or mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent hydraulic fluid.
Windshield Washer Fluid:
BMW Windshield Washer Fluid (or a quality automotive washer fluid with de-icer).
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Common on N52 engines, leading to oil consumption and potential ignition coil issues.
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Another common source of oil leaks.
Water Pump Failure:
Electric water pumps can fail, leading to overheating. Early models had mechanical pumps.
Pcv Valve Failure:
Can cause rough idling, oil leaks, and increased oil consumption.
Ccv System Clogging:
Crankcase Ventilation system can get clogged, leading to pressure issues.
ABS Dsc Module Failure:
Common electronic failure point, often requiring module repair or replacement.
Fuel Pump Failure:
Can lead to intermittent starting issues or complete failure to start.
Window Regulator Failure:
Motorized window mechanisms can fail.
Thermostat Failure:
Can cause engine to run too cold or too hot.
Legacy:
BMW has a long-standing reputation for engineering performance vehicles, dating back to the early 20th century. The 3 Series is its most iconic and best-selling line.
E90 Introduction:
The E90 generation 3 Series debuted in 2005 for the 2006 model year, replacing the E46 generation. It introduced significant advancements in technology, chassis design, and engine options.
330I Positioning:
The 330i served as the mid-range performance model within the E90 lineup, offering a strong balance of power, refinement, and handling characteristics, sitting above the 328i and below the M3.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also Regensburg, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.