🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

335i

Model Generation:

E90/E91/E92/E93

Model Year:

2008

Chassis Codes:

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

👋 Introduction

Market Position:

The 2008 BMW 335i represented the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the 3 Series lineup, targeting enthusiasts and drivers seeking a blend of sporting dynamics and sophisticated comfort. This service manual is essential for owners and independent repair shops aiming to maintain or repair this high-performance vehicle.

Competitive Analysis:

Competed directly with luxury sport sedans and coupes from Mercedes-Benz (C-Class), Audi (A4/S4), and Infiniti (G37/G35). The 335i's twin-turbocharged engine was a significant differentiator, offering superior power output compared to many naturally aspirated competitors in its class.

Key Features:

Twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive biased chassis, available xDrive all-wheel drive, advanced electronics for stability and performance control, luxurious interior appointments, and a broad range of customization options.

Chassis Dynamics:

The E90 chassis is renowned for its balanced weight distribution and sophisticated multi-link suspension system, contributing to exceptional handling characteristics.

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas:

All major mechanical and electrical systems, bodywork, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair for the 2008 BMW 335i.

Page Count:

Estimated 2000+ pages (typical for comprehensive software manuals)

Manual Type:

Official Service and Repair Manual Software

Language:

English

Format:

Software (downloadable, likely PDF or proprietary application)

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered:

Engine (N54 twin-turbo inline-6), Engine Management (DME), Fuel System (high-pressure direct injection), Ignition System, Cooling System, Exhaust System, Transmission (automatic and manual options), Drivetrain (rear-wheel drive, xDrive available on some variants), Brakes (ABS, DSC, EBD), Steering System, Suspension (front and rear), Electrical System (including wiring diagrams, ECU locations, module functions), Body and Chassis, Climate Control, Interior Systems, Safety Systems (airbags, seatbelts), Infotainment System.

Body Control Modules:

Detailed information on Body Control Modules (BCM), General Module (GM), and other electronic control units governing various vehicle functions.

Emission Control:

Detailed diagnosis and repair procedures for the emissions control system, including catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and the evaporative emission (EVAP) system.

Procedures Included:

Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), diagnostic procedures, troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, component removal and installation, system testing and calibration, torque specifications for all fasteners, electrical troubleshooting using wiring diagrams, body repair procedures, emissions system diagnostics.

Troubleshooting Guides:

Extensive troubleshooting guides for common electrical and mechanical faults, including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their probable causes and remedies.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on using BMW's proprietary diagnostic software (e.g., ISTA/D) and common OBD-II diagnostic tools for fault code reading and parameter monitoring.

Technical Depth:

Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls. Includes detailed diagnostic flowcharts, component-level testing, and specifications required for professional-level repair and diagnosis.

Torque Specifications:

Precise torque specifications for engine components, suspension mounting points, wheel lug nuts, and other critical fasteners.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

Digital Software (likely searchable PDF or dedicated application with interactive diagrams)

Searchability:

High (digital format allows for text search and keyword indexing for quick access to information).

Compatibility:

Compatible with most modern operating systems (Windows, macOS) and can be accessed on tablets and smartphones depending on the format.

Print Quality:

N/A (Digital Format) - Expected high-resolution graphics and text for clarity.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine:

N54B30

Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5800-6000 rpm

Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1300-5000 rpm

Fuel System:

High-pressure direct injection (Bosch system) with twin turbochargers (sequential turbocharging: smaller turbo for low-end response, larger turbo for high-end power).

Turbocharger System:

Sequential twin-turbo system. Turbocharger 1 (smaller) for low engine speeds, Turbocharger 2 (larger) for high engine speeds.

Engine Type:

3.0L (2979 cc) Twin-Turbocharged Inline 6-Cylinder

Valvetrain:

Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS variable valve timing.

Bore X Stroke:

84.0 mm x 89.6 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.2:1

Engine Management:

Bosch DME (Digital Motor Electronics) system

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-37BZ)

Optional Transmission:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP19TU)

Transmission Features:

The manual transmission offers a crisp, direct shift feel. The Steptronic automatic allows for manual shifting via the gear lever or paddle shifters (if equipped) and features adaptive shift logic.

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2760 mm)

Length:

Sedan: 181.3 inches (4605 mm), Coupe: 180.0 inches (4574 mm), Convertible: 180.0 inches (4574 mm)

Width:

Sedan/Wagon: 70.2 inches (1783 mm), Coupe/Convertible: 71.5 inches (1816 mm)

Height:

Sedan: 56.7 inches (1441 mm), Wagon: 57.3 inches (1455 mm), Coupe: 54.3 inches (1380 mm), Convertible: 55.7 inches (1415 mm)

Curb Weight:

Approx. 3570 - 3850 lbs (1620 - 1745 kg) depending on body style and transmission

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:

Varies by model, consult specific vehicle data plate.

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Crash Rating:

5-Star (for applicable models/configurations)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Yes (for applicable models/configurations)

Active Features:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, Cornering Brake Control (CBC).

Passive Features:

Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (air curtains), active head restraints (front), seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

iDrive infotainment system with central display. Available features include navigation, satellite radio, CD player, auxiliary input, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Audio System:

Standard HiFi audio system or optional Logic 7 premium sound system with more speakers and higher output.

Driver Assistance:

Park Distance Control (PDC), Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Rain Sensor and Automatic Headlight Control.

Connectivity:

BMW Assist with Bluetooth hands-free calling and USB audio interface (optional).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually. Check CBS indicator for specific needs.

Brake Fluid Flush:

Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles for the original spark plugs (check specific CBS recommendations).

Cabin Air Filter:

Typically every 15,000-30,000 miles or annually, depending on driving conditions. Often included in CBS service.

Engine Oil Spec:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-30.

Coolant Spec:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 formulation), mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Brake Fluid Spec:

DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) or a compatible specification meeting BMW requirements.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

BMW ATF 6 (Dexron VI compatible) or equivalent approved fluid for ZF 6HP19TU transmission.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic manual transmission fluid meeting API GL-4 or GL-5 specifications (check specific BMW fluid recommendation).

Differential Fluid:

SAE 75W-90 synthetic rear differential fluid (for RWD models). xDrive models have separate transfer case and differential fluid requirements.

Known Issues:

High-pressure fuel pump failure (N54), fuel injector issues, turbocharger wastegate rattle/failure, oil leaks from valve cover gasket and oil filter housing, ignition coil failures, water pump and thermostat failures (often electric components), carbon buildup on intake valves (due to direct injection).

Carbon Buildup:

Direct injection engines like the N54 are prone to carbon deposit buildup on intake valves, requiring walnut blasting or chemical cleaning at specific intervals to maintain performance and efficiency.

Vacuum Lines:

Cracked or leaking vacuum lines can affect boost pressure and engine performance, leading to diagnostic codes.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage:

BMW, Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long-standing reputation for building premium vehicles with a focus on driving dynamics ('The Ultimate Driving Machine'). This heritage of engineering excellence is deeply ingrained in all its models, including the 3 Series.

Model Evolution:

The 3 Series has been BMW's compact executive car since 1975. The E90 generation (introduced in 2005) marked a significant redesign with more advanced technology and a larger footprint. The 335i variant, launched for the 2007 model year, brought the potent twin-turbocharged N54 engine to the mainstream 3 Series lineup, offering unprecedented performance in its class.

Engine Introduction:

The introduction of the N54 twin-turbocharged engine in the 2007 335i marked a significant performance upgrade, making it one of the most powerful 3 Series models of its era.

Production Period:

The E90 generation was produced from 2005 to 2013 (for sedan/wagon) and 2006-2013 (for coupe/convertible). The 335i model was available throughout this period.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions:

The N54 engine was a Ward's 10 Best Engines winner multiple times during its production run, lauded for its blend of power and efficiency.