🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

325i

Model Generation:

E90/E91/E92/E93 (Fifth Generation)

Model Years Covered:

2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010

Chassis Codes:

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

👋 Introduction

Market Segment:

Premium Compact Executive Sedan/Coupe/Convertible

Target Audience:

Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, independent repair shops, BMW owners seeking to maintain or repair their vehicle.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35/G37

Driving Dynamics:

Renowned for BMW's signature 'Ultimate Driving Machine' experience, balanced chassis, precise steering, and engaging handling.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information, enabling owners to perform extensive maintenance and repairs, saving on labor costs. Essential for accurate troubleshooting and component replacement.

📋 Manual Details

Systems Covered:

Engine Mechanical, Engine Performance, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Ignition System, Electrical System, Starting System, Charging System, Transmission (Manual & Automatic), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, ABS, DSC, Body Structure, Interior and Exterior Trim, Climate Control, Audio Systems, Safety Systems (Airbags, Seatbelts), Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Specifications and Procedures, Maintenance Schedules, Torque Specifications, Troubleshooting Guides, Component Removal and Installation.

Estimated Page Count:

1000+

Manual Type:

Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

Downloadable PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

N52B30 (3.0L Inline-6 Naturally Aspirated)

Drivetrain Systems:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and xDrive (All-Wheel Drive) configurations

Chassis Systems:

Front strut suspension, Rear multi-link suspension, Hydraulic power steering, Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, belt inspections and replacements, general inspections.

Repair Procedures:

Engine component removal/installation (cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, etc.), transmission overhauls, brake caliper and rotor replacement, suspension component replacement (shocks, control arms), steering rack replacement, electrical component diagnosis and replacement, body panel repair, interior trim disassembly/reassembly.

Diagnostic Procedures:

OBD-II diagnostics, reading and clearing DTCs, sensor testing, actuator testing, fuel pressure testing, compression testing, vacuum leak testing, electrical circuit testing.

Depth Of Coverage:

Comprehensive. Covers from basic maintenance and scheduled service to complex diagnostic and repair procedures, including full engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed wiring diagrams and component locations.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format Details:

PDF format allows for easy searching, printing of specific sections or the entire manual, and digital viewing on various devices. High resolution for clear diagrams and text.

Print Quality:

Printable. Designed to be printed on standard letter or A4 paper. Clear black and white line drawings and diagrams. Color pages may exist for certain sections like wiring diagrams or paint codes.

Binding Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type For Printed:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code:

N52B30

Engine Type:

Naturally Aspirated, Inline-6 Cylinder, DOHC (Double Overhead Camshaft), 24 Valves

Displacement:

2996 cc (3.0 Liters)

Bore X Stroke:

85.0 mm x 88.0 mm

Compression Ratio:

10.7:1

Horsepower Peak:

255 hp @ 6600 rpm

Torque Peak:

220 lb-ft (295 Nm) @ 2750 rpm

Fuel Delivery:

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (SMPI)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition with Coil-on-Plug (COP) system

Coolant Type:

BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent G48 ethylene glycol-based)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Std:

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

Transmission Type Opt:

6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC)

Automatic Features:

Sport mode, Manual shifting via selector lever or paddle shifters (optional).

Manual Transmission Fluid:

BMW MTF LT-2 (or equivalent Pentosin MTF-2/MTF-LT-3)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

BMW ATF 6 (or equivalent Pentosin ATF1 / Esso JWS 3309)

📐 Dimensions

Sedan Length:

181.8 inches (E90)

Coupe Length:

181.8 inches (E92)

Wagon Length:

184.3 inches (E91)

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5 x 120 mm

Wheel Offset Front:

ET 34

Wheel Offset Rear:

ET 37

Sedan Trunk Volume:

12.0 cubic feet

Wagon Cargo Volume:

17.7 cubic feet (seats up), 50.5 cubic feet (seats down)

Curb Weight Sedan Manual:

3461 lbs

Curb Weight Sedan Automatic:

3527 lbs

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Front Impact:

5-Star Driver, 5-Star Passenger

IIHS Side Impact:

Good

IIHS Roof Strength:

Good

Active Safety Systems:

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

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags, Side-impact airbags, Head-protection airbags (curtain airbags for Sedan/Wagon/Coupe), Active head restraints (front), Seatbelt pretensioners.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive System (various iterations depending on model year and options, often with a 6.5-inch or 7-inch display).

Audio Options:

Standard HiFi audio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.

Navigation:

Optional Professional Navigation system with DVD-based maps.

Driver Assistance Features:

Park Distance Control (PDC), Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Rain-sensing wipers, Cruise Control.

Connectivity Options:

Bluetooth hands-free calling (often with optional advanced features like phone book transfer), USB audio interface (later models).

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Variable Service Interval (VSI) system typically indicating every 7,500 to 15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions. Refer to manual for precise conditions.

Brake Fluid Change:

Every 2 years (BMW recommends).

Spark Plug Replacement:

Typically around 60,000 miles for N52 engines (check manual for specific interval).

Engine Coolant Flush:

Every 2-4 years or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Engine Oil Type:

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

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approximately 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) with filter change.

Power Steering Fluid:

BMW Power Steering Fluid (CHF 11S or equivalent Pentosin CHF 202).

Differential Fluid:

BMW Hypoid Gear Oil G2 (SAE 75W-90, API GL-5) for RWD models. Check manual for xDrive specific requirements.

Common Issues Engine:

Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, PCV valve failure (can lead to oil consumption/sealing issues), water pump failure (often plastic impeller), VANOS solenoid issues, spark plug/ignition coil failures, oil separator issues.

Common Issues Chassis:

Front suspension control arm bushings wear, rear subframe mounting points crack (rare but serious), power steering hose leaks, radiator support cracking (plastic components).

Common Issues Electrical:

HVAC blower motor resistor failure, iDrive system glitches, headlight condensation, door lock actuator failure.

📚 Vehicle History

Bmw Philosophy:

BMW, known as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, has a long history rooted in aircraft engines, motorcycles, and eventually, performance-oriented automobiles. The brand emphasizes driving pleasure, engineering excellence, and innovative technology.

3 Series Lineage:

The 3 Series is BMW's core model, tracing its origins back to the 1970s. It has consistently set benchmarks for sport sedan dynamics and luxury. The E90 generation represented a significant redesign from the E46, featuring more modern styling, advanced technology, and the introduction of the N52 engine.

Production Period:

2006-2010 (for this specific generation and model variant)

Manufacturing Plants:

Primary production at BMW's Dingolfing plant, Germany, with some assembly also occurring in other global locations.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Car And Driver Award:

Car and Driver's 10Best list multiple times for the 3 Series range during this era, recognizing its outstanding handling and performance.

Jd Power Reliability:

Mixed reliability ratings over the years, with some specific issues noted in owner surveys, though generally considered well-engineered. Manual provides insights into common preventative measures.

Emissions Standards:

Certified to meet relevant emissions standards for the model years in North America (e.g., EPA, CARB) and international markets.