Engine Variant:
325i / 325xi
Model Years:
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Chassis Code:
E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon/Touring), E92 (Coupe), E93 (Convertible)
Segment:
Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon/Coupe/Convertible
Brand Perception:
Known for sporty handling, premium interior, and advanced engineering.
Key Competitors:
Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37
Performance Focus:
Rear-wheel drive biased platform with available xDrive all-wheel drive, balanced chassis, engaging driving dynamics.
Premium Appointments:
High-quality interior materials, advanced technology features for its era, refined ride quality.
Benefit To Owner:
Empowers owners to perform maintenance, diagnose issues, and undertake repairs confidently, saving time and money.
Benefit To Mechanic:
Provides essential technical data, diagnostic procedures, and repair sequences for efficient and accurate servicing.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, engine control systems (DME), transmission (manual and automatic), driveline (including xDrive AWD system)
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system (including ABS, DSC, and brake force distribution), wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, lighting, instrument cluster, HVAC controls, infotainment, driver assistance systems, power accessories, starter and charging system, CAN bus communication
Body:
Body structure, exterior panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, airbags, body sealing
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes (oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid), filter replacements, spark plug replacement, inspections
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair/replacement, brake component replacement, suspension overhaul, steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, body panel repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretations (DTCs), diagnostic procedures for all major systems, wiring diagrams, component testing
Technical Data:
Torque specifications, component tolerances, alignment specifications, diagnostic connector pinouts, technical service bulletins (TSBs)
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic to advanced repair and diagnostic procedures, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers
Configuration:
3.0L Inline 6-Cylinder
Displacement:
2996 cc (183 cu in)
Bore X Stroke:
85.0 mm x 88.0 mm (3.35 in x 3.46 in)
Compression Ratio:
10.7:1
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque:
220 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Induction:
Naturally Aspirated, Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
ECU:
Bosch Motronic MED17.2 (or similar)
Variable Valve Timing:
VANOS (Double VANOS) and VALVETRONIC
Transmission Type:
6-speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37BZ)
Transmission Type:
6-speed Automatic (ZF 6HP19)
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) standard, xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD) optional on 325xi models
Manual Transmission Fluid:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
ATF LT-3 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin ATF1)
Rear Differential Oil:
SAF-XJ or equivalent (for RWD models)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length:
Approx. 178.2 - 181.3 inches (4527 - 4606 mm) depending on body style
Width:
Approx. 70.1 - 71.5 inches (1780 - 1816 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.7 - 57.6 inches (1415 - 1463 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3400 - 3700 lbs (1542 - 1678 kg) depending on configuration
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Varies by model, typically around 4500-4700 lbs
Towing Capacity:
Not typically recommended or specified for this chassis in North America.
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for applicable years/body styles)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for applicable years/body styles)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T) / Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (HPS)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren)
System Name:
iDrive (First/Second Generation)
Features:
Central control knob, LCD screen, optional navigation system, CD player, HD Radio. Later models may feature updated iDrive with improved interface.
Optional Systems:
Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Park Distance Control (PDC), Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights.
Optional Features:
Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio adapter (retrofit often required for full functionality)
Variable Valve Lift:
VALVETRONIC system for throttle-less intake air control, improving efficiency and responsiveness.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000 - 15,000 miles (15,000 - 25,000 km) or 12-24 months, as indicated by Condition Based Service (CBS) system.
Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 30,000 miles, replace as needed based on inspection or condition.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Replace annually or every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, depending on environment.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs, depending on specific plug type and driving conditions.
Engine Oil Type:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) compliant synthetic oil, SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 recommended.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.4 quarts (7.0 liters)
Common Problem 1:
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks: Characteristic of inline-6 engines, prone to aging and cracking, leading to oil leaks.
Common Problem 2:
Water Pump Failure: Plastic impeller can fail, leading to coolant leaks and overheating. Electric water pumps with integrated controllers are used.
Common Problem 3:
PCV System Issues: Crankcase ventilation system components can clog or fail, leading to rough idle, oil consumption, or vacuum leaks.
Common Problem 4:
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks: Similar to valve cover gaskets, the oil pan gasket can degrade and leak oil.
Common Problem 5:
Suspension Components: Bushings, control arms, and struts can wear over time, affecting ride and handling.
Marque Focus:
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is renowned for its engineering prowess, performance-oriented vehicles, and luxury market presence.
Predecessor:
BMW E46 3 Series
Generation:
E90/E91/E92/E93 (Fifth Generation 3 Series)
Introduction Year:
2005 (for E90 sedan, model year 2006)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (Dingolfing, Munich, Regensburg), Austria (Graz - Magna Steyr), South Africa, China (for local market)
Production Span Covered:
2005 - 2013 (with this manual specifically covering 2006-2010 models)
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The 3 Series (E90 generation) was a consistent recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, lauded for its driving dynamics.
Motor Trend Car Of The Year:
While the 3 Series itself may not have won the main award, its platform and engineering were highly praised in comparisons.
