Market Position:
The 2010 BMW 335i (E90/E92/E93 generation) represents a high-performance luxury sports sedan/coupe/convertible, positioned as a direct competitor to vehicles like the Audi A4/S4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and Infiniti G37. It offers a blend of dynamic driving characteristics, premium interior, and advanced technology.
Competitive Analysis:
The 335i of this era was renowned for its powerful twin-turbocharged engine, which offered supercar-like acceleration at a more accessible price point. Its chassis tuning emphasized a balance between sportiness and comfort, appealing to enthusiasts who also required daily usability. The availability of both RWD and xDrive variants expanded its appeal.
Key Features:
Powerful N54/N55 twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine, sophisticated handling, premium interior materials, available xDrive all-wheel drive, iDrive infotainment system, wide range of customization options.
Engine:
N54/N55 Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6 Engine: Fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, engine management (DME), turbocharger system, exhaust system, emissions control, complete engine mechanicals (disassembly/assembly).
Transmission:
Automatic (GA6HP19Z/GA6HP26Z) and Manual (GS6-37BZ/GS6-53DZ) Transmissions: Service, repair, fluid specifications, torque converter, clutch assembly, mechatronics, diagnostics.
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Driveshafts, differentials, CV joints, axle shafts, transfer case (for xDrive).
Suspension:
Front and Rear Suspension: Struts, shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, sway bars, wheel bearings, steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion).
Brakes:
Brake System: Hydraulic system, ABS, DSC, traction control, brake calipers, rotors, pads, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures, parking brake.
Electrical System:
12V Electrical System: Battery, alternator, starter motor, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams for all major systems, lighting, power windows, mirrors, seats, comfort features.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Seats, Dashboard, Trim Panels: Removal, installation, repair, adjustment, convertible top mechanisms (for E93).
Climate Control:
HVAC System: Air conditioning compressor, refrigerant, blower motor, heater core, climate control modules, diagnostic procedures.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, Seatbelt Pre-tensioners, SRS Control Unit: Diagnostics and repair procedures.
Infotainment:
iDrive System, Navigation, Audio System, Bluetooth Connectivity: Basic diagnostics and component identification.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, spark plugs), fluid checks and top-offs, brake pad/rotor replacement, battery service.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic fault codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, electrical system diagnosis, engine performance issues, transmission shift quality problems.
Repair:
Engine component replacement (injectors, coils, sensors), transmission service/rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement.
Diagnostics:
Use of diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA, INPA), reading live data, actuator tests, component coding, module programming overview.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of BMW-specific tools for various repair and maintenance procedures.
Depth:
Comprehensive. Covers everything from basic fluid changes and filter replacements to in-depth engine and transmission overhauls, electrical system diagnostics, and bodywork repairs.
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (GS6-37BZ/GS6-53DZ)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic (GA6HP19Z/GA6HP26Z) with paddle shifters
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated dual-mass flywheel clutch (manual transmission).
Automatic Features:
Adaptive transmission control, sport mode, manual shifting mode via selector lever or paddle shifters.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-3 or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-5 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1).
Length:
E90 Sedan: 181.8 in (4618 mm), E92 Coupe: 182.0 in (4623 mm), E93 Convertible: 182.4 in (4633 mm)
Width:
E90 Sedan: 71.5 in (1816 mm), E92/E93: 71.5 in (1816 mm)
Height:
E90 Sedan: 56.7 in (1441 mm), E92 Coupe: 55.9 in (1420 mm), E93 Convertible: 56.0 in (1422 mm)
Wheelbase:
E90/E92/E93: 108.7 in (2760 mm)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3600-3800 lbs (1633-1724 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4600-4800 lbs (2087-2177 kg)
Trunk Capacity Sedan Coupe:
Approx. 12.0 - 15.0 cu ft (340 - 425 liters)
Trunk Capacity Convertible:
Approx. 9.0 - 13.0 cu ft (255 - 368 liters) with roof retracted
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Headlight Rating:
Good
Active Safety:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Cornering Brake Control (CBC).
Passive Safety:
Front airbags, side airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for Sedan), seatbelt pretensioners, active front head restraints (on some models).
Infotainment System:
BMW iDrive system with a high-resolution central display, hard drive storage, and advanced navigation capabilities (Professional Navigation System).
Audio System:
Standard 10-speaker HiFi audio system, optional Logic7 surround sound system.
Driver Assistance Features:
Optional: Adaptive Headlights, Park Distance Control (PDC), Backup Camera, Head-Up Display (HUD).
Connectivity Features:
Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, USB audio interface, optional satellite radio, BMW Assist with telematics.
Oil Change Interval:
Condition Based Service (CBS) system, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 20,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
N54: 45,000 miles. N55: 60,000 miles (though often recommended sooner).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
First change at 5 years or 100,000 miles, then every 2-3 years or 30,000-50,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue Coolant).
Engine Oil Specification:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 Liters)
Coolant Specification:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent (BMW P/N 81229407769).
Hpfp:
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure, particularly on N54 engines, leading to misfires and stalling. Upgrade to revised part is common.
Injectors:
Fuel injector issues (leakage, clogging), especially on early N54 models, causing rough idle and performance problems. Recall or service campaign often applies.
Turbos:
Wastegate rattle (N54), turbocharger seal failures leading to oil consumption or boost leaks.
Vacuum Leaks:
Vacuum lines, PCV valve, and intake manifold gaskets can degrade, causing vacuum leaks and rough running.
Oil Pan Gasket:
Oil pan gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.
Water Pump Thermostat:
Electric water pump and thermostat failures can lead to severe overheating.
Brand Heritage:
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) has a long-standing reputation for producing sporty and luxurious vehicles, particularly known for its 'Ultimate Driving Machine' philosophy and inline-6 engines.
Model Evolution:
The 3 Series is BMW's core model, evolving through multiple generations. The E90 generation (2006-2011) replaced the E46 and introduced significant technological advancements, including direct injection and the option of the powerful N54 twin-turbo engine, which debuted in the 335i, marking a performance benchmark for the 3 Series.
Production Years:
2006-2011 (E90 Sedan, E91 Wagon, E92 Coupe, E93 Convertible). The 335i variant was introduced for the 2007 model year.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily Dingolfing, Germany; also assembled in other BMW facilities globally.