Years Covered:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Chassis Code:
E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)
Segment:
Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible
Key Competitors:
Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS350
Powertrain:
Twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline-six engine (N54) delivering strong torque and performance, xDrive All-Wheel Drive system for enhanced traction and stability
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned BMW handling and ride balance, sport-tuned suspension, responsive steering
Luxury Appointments:
Premium interior materials, advanced technology features for its era, comfortable seating
Powertrain:
Engine (N54 Twin-Turbo Inline-6), Transmission (ZF 6HP19TU Automatic), Drivetrain (xDrive AWD System)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front MacPherson Strut, Rear Multi-link), Steering (Hydraulic Power Steering), Brakes (Front/Rear Ventilated Discs, ABS, DSC, Dynamic Brake Control)
Electrical:
Engine Management, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC Controls, Power Accessories, Body Electronics (CAS, FRM, DME, TCU, etc.)
Body:
Exterior Panels, Interior Trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Sunroof
Maintenance:
Scheduled Service Intervals, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plug Replacement, Fluid Checks and Changes
Repair:
Engine Component Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Drivetrain Component Replacement, Suspension and Steering Component Repair, Brake System Repair, Electrical System Troubleshooting and Repair, Body Panel Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Component Testing, Wiring Diagrams, Special Tool Usage
Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, torque specifications, diagnostic procedures, component removal and installation, wiring diagrams, special tool requirements
Engine Type:
3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6
Horsepower:
300 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
300 lb-ft @ 1400-5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Direct Injection (High-Pressure Fuel Pump, Piezo Injectors)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System:
Water-cooled with electric auxiliary water pump
Emissions Control:
Catalytic Converters, Secondary Air Injection System, PCV System
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Optional, typically for RWD models, less common on xi)
Transmission Type:
6-speed ZF 6HP19TU Steptronic Automatic
Automatic Features:
Sequential Shift Mode, Sport Mode, Lock-up Torque Converter
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW Approved ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent based on manual)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 107.4 inches (E90/E91), 108.7 inches (E92/E93)
Length:
Approx. 179.7 inches (E90), 183.0 inches (E91), 181.8 inches (E92), 180.5 inches (E93)
Width:
Approx. 70.2 inches
Height:
Approx. 56.0 inches (E90), 57.3 inches (E91), 55.7 inches (E92), 55.5 inches (E93)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3700-3900 lbs (depending on body style and options)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, consult specific vehicle VIN
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 15.0 cu ft (E90), 17.7 cu ft (E91), 12.0 cu ft (E92), 12.4 cu ft (E93, convertible top up)
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for applicable E90/E92 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Good (for applicable E90/E92 models)
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD)
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags for E90/E91/E92)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Idrive System:
BMW iDrive (CCC generation for most of these years), featuring a central display, controller knob, and navigation (optional).
Audio Options:
Standard CD player, optional Logic7 premium sound system, satellite radio preparation.
Parking Assist:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Active Cruise Control (ACC) on some later models.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity with phone book access (may require specific adapter or updated module).
Usb Aux:
Auxiliary audio input jack standard, USB integration typically added with iDrive upgrades or later production runs.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically indicated by Condition Based Service (CBS) system, around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approximately 60,000 miles (refer to manual for exact interval based on VIN and usage)
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years
Coolant Flush:
Every 4 years or 100,000 miles (initial fill)
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (with filter change)
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid or Pentosin CHF 11 S
High Pressure Fuel Pump:
Early N54 engines were prone to high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, often resulting in rough running, stalling, and specific DTCs.
Turbocharger Wastegate Rattle:
Common issue with the wastegate actuators on the twin turbos, causing a rattling noise on deceleration. Often addressed by replacing the turbo assembly or specific actuators.
Ignition Coils And Spark Plugs:
These components can fail prematurely, leading to misfires and rough running. Regular replacement is often recommended.
Water Pump And Thermostat:
Electric water pumps and thermostats can fail, leading to overheating issues and specific cooling system fault codes.
Valve Cover Gasket:
Can leak oil, requiring replacement to prevent oil from entering intake system or causing fire hazards.
Heritage:
BMW's long-standing reputation for producing driver-focused, sporty luxury vehicles.
Generation:
Fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
Introduction Of N54:
The N54 twin-turbocharged engine debuted in this generation, significantly enhancing performance and becoming a hallmark of the 335 models.
Production Start Year:
2005 (for E90 sedan, 335xi model introduced for 2006)
Production End Year:
2011 (for E90/E91), 2013 (for E92/E93, replaced by F30/F32 generation)
Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
The N54 engine received multiple 'Ward's 10 Best Engines' awards for its power, efficiency, and refinement.
Performance Awards:
The 335xi models were frequently praised by automotive journalists for their blend of performance, luxury, and all-weather capability.
