Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI), Distributed Intake Port Injection
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48)
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual (Getrag GS6-37DZ)
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Steptronic Automatic (ZF 6HP19)
Features
Drivetrain:
Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
Automatic Modes:
Sport Mode, Manual Shift Mode (Steptronic)
Fluid Specifications
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent (e.g., Pentosin MTF2)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
BMW ATF LT-3 or ZF Lifeguardfluid 6
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
180.6 inches (Sedan)
Width:
70.1 inches
Height:
56.7 inches (Sedan)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches
Interior
Front Headroom:
38.7 inches
Rear Legroom:
34.6 inches
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
12.0 cubic feet (Sedan)
Weights
Curb Weight:
3505 lbs (Sedan, Manual)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
4600 lbs
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17-inch Alloy
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Center Bore:
72.6 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Crash Test:
5-Star (Driver and Passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
4-Wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal Airbags, Side Airbags, Head Protection System (HPS)
Seat Belts:
Pretensioners, Load Limiters, Active Head Restraints (Front)
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
iDrive (CCC - Car Communication Computer)
Display:
6.5-inch or 8.8-inch LCD display
Control Interface:
Rotary knob with buttons, optional voice control
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC)
Connectivity
Bluetooth Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface
Lighting
Headlights:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Oil Service Interval (Condition Based Service - CBS), typically 10,000-15,000 miles or annually.
Air Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 30,000 - 45,000 miles or as indicated by CBS.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Approximately every 15,000 - 30,000 miles or annually.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles for original equipment (e.g., NGK LZR9N11).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic (BMW Longlife-01 specification)
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts)
Coolant Capacity:
8.0 liters (8.5 US quarts)
Known Issues
Common Problems Engine:
Oil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket), PCV valve failure, VANOS solenoid issues, Water pump failure (electric water pump in later N52 variants).
Common Problems Cooling System:
Thermostat failure, coolant leaks from hoses and expansion tank.
Common Problems Electrical:
Window regulator failures, HVAC blower motor resistor failure, CCV system issues causing vacuum leaks.
Common Problems Suspension:
Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Brand Focus:
BMW is renowned for producing sporty and luxurious vehicles with a strong emphasis on driving dynamics.
Model Evolution
Predecessor:
BMW 3 Series E46
Successor:
BMW 3 Series F30
Production
Production Start Year:
2005
Production End Year:
2013 (for E90 generation)
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich), South Africa, China, India, Mexico
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Auto World Engine Award:
The N52 engine received multiple Ward's 10 Best Engines awards during its tenure, praised for its smooth power delivery, efficiency, and technology.
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated well for performance and handling, with some variability in reliability depending on the specific model year and components.