Segment:
High-performance luxury sports sedan/coupe/convertible
Competitors:
Audi RS4/RS5, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Lexus IS-F, Porsche 911 (entry-level)
Engine Highlight:
Naturally aspirated, high-revving V8 S65 engine derived from Formula 1 technology.
Transmission Highlight:
Available with the innovative 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) for rapid gear changes.
Chassis Dynamics:
Renowned M chassis tuning, advanced suspension systems, and precise steering for exceptional handling.
Utility:
Essential for owners seeking to maintain, diagnose, and repair their high-performance M3, ensuring longevity and optimal performance.
Covered Years:
2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
Estimated Page Count:
Thousands (comprehensive, multi-volume equivalent)
Type:
Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
Downloadable Digital Format (likely PDF)
Engine:
S65 V8 Engine (naturally aspirated, high-revving, M-specific)
Transmission:
7-Speed M-DCT Dual Clutch Transmission, 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Drivetrain:
Rear Wheel Drive (RWD), M Differential
Suspension:
Adaptive M Suspension, front double-wishbone, rear multi-link
Brakes:
High-performance M braking system (ventilated discs, multi-piston calipers), ABS, DSC
Electrical:
Comprehensive electrical schematics, DME, CAS, comfort systems, iDrive
Bodywork:
Exterior and interior body panels, structural components, aerodynamics
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, brake fluid flush
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretations, component testing
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhaul, suspension component replacement, electrical system repairs
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specific BMW/M specialty tools for complex procedures
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque values for all fasteners across various systems
Alignment Specifications:
Front and rear wheel alignment data
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including complex electronic diagnostics and system calibrations.
Engine Code:
S65B40/S65B44 (4.0L/4.4L for special editions)
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V8
Displacement:
3,999 cc (4.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
92.0 mm x 75.2 mm
Compression Ratio:
12.0:1
Horsepower:
414 hp @ 8,300 rpm
Torque:
295 lb-ft @ 3,900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Electronic Fuel Injection (SFI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)
Oil Type:
BMW recommends synthetic engine oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-04 specifications (e.g., Castrol Edge Professional).
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 8.5 Liters (8.9 US Quarts) with filter change
Type Standard:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Type Optional:
7-Speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) with Drivelogic
M Dct Features:
Launch Control, Electronic Clutch Control, various shift characteristics selectable via Drivelogic.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
BMW recommends specific synthetic gear oils, consult manual for exact part numbers and specs.
M Dct Fluid:
Proprietary M-DCT fluid, specific BMW part numbers required.
Wheelbase:
E90: 112.4 inches (2856 mm); E92/E93: 108.7 inches (2761 mm)
Length:
E90: 187.1 inches (4753 mm); E92: 181.2 inches (4602 mm); E93: 182.0 inches (4624 mm)
Width:
E90: 71.5 inches (1816 mm); E92/E93: 72.2 inches (1833 mm)
Height:
E90: 56.7 inches (1440 mm); E92: 54.4 inches (1382 mm); E93: 55.0 inches (1398 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,700 - 4,100 lbs (1678 - 1860 kg) depending on body style and transmission.
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 120 mm
Standard Wheel Size:
18 or 19 inch alloy wheels
Standard Tire Size:
Front: 245/40R18, Rear: 265/40R18 (19-inch options available)
NHTSA Rating:
Varies by model year and specific test, generally excellent for its class.
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode (MDM)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (curtain airbags in sedans/coupes).
System Name:
iDrive infotainment system (CCC or CIC generation depending on model year)
Features:
Navigation, radio, CD/DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary input.
Adaptive Suspension:
Electronic Damper Control (EDC) allowing adjustment of suspension stiffness.
Performance Modes:
M Drive allows customization of engine response, steering feel, and DSC settings.
Bluetooth:
Standard for phone calls, optional for audio streaming on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, condition-based service system (CBS) typically suggests around 10,000-15,000 miles or annually, but driving style impacts this.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Recommended every 60,000 miles for the S65 engine.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Recommended every 2 years.
Coolant Flush:
Typically every 3-4 years or as indicated by the CBS.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48) mixed with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW specifies Pentosin CHF 11S (or equivalent).
Rod Bearings:
One of the most widely discussed potential issues, especially for early models or aggressively driven cars. The S65 engine uses tri-metal bearings that can wear prematurely. Inspection and potential replacement with upgraded bearings are common preventative measures.
Throttle Actuators:
Individual electronic throttle bodies can fail, leading to 'limp mode' or loss of power. Replacement is typically required.
Dct Software:
Early M-DCT software could be jerky. BMW released updates to improve smoothness.
Idrive Controller:
Some early iDrive systems experienced controller failures or screen issues.
