🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 3 Series 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Premium compact executive sedan/sports activity vehicle. Reputation: Renowned for driving dynamics, performance, and luxury. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50. Key Features Handling: Often praised for its engaging handling and 'Ultimate Driving Machine' ethos. Powertrain: Known for smooth and powerful inline-four and inline-six gasoline and diesel engines. Technology: Incorporates advanced infotainment, safety, and driver-assistance technologies. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Service and Repair Manual Language: English Format: Digital (likely PDF, but not explicitly stated; assumed for sales description) 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Comprehensive coverage including general data, maintenance schedules, and service procedures. Transmission: Detailed coverage of transmission systems and related service procedures. Suspension Steering Brakes: In-depth information on suspension, steering, and braking systems. Body: Covers bodywork, repair procedures, and general body-related information. Body Equipment: Detailed information on body equipment and its maintenance/repair. Electrical System: Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system. Equipment Accessories: Information pertaining to various equipment and accessories installed in the vehicle. Electrical Wiring Diagrams: Includes dedicated section for electrical wiring diagrams for troubleshooting and repair. On Board Diagnostics: Covers OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) procedures and information for troubleshooting engine and emissions-related faults. Procedures Included Maintenance: Detailed coverage of BMW scheduled maintenance tasks, including intervals and procedures. Repair: Provides step-by-step repair procedures for all major vehicle systems. Troubleshooting: Includes diagnostic procedures and troubleshooting guides, particularly with the OBD section. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering general maintenance to advanced repair procedures for all covered systems. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: Digital Document (PDF assumed) Searchable: Likely searchable due to digital format, enhancing usability. Printable: Assumed printable for workshop use. Print Quality Image Resolution: High resolution (typical for official BMW documentation). Diagrams Illustrations: Clear and detailed diagrams, schematics, and illustrations. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital Format) Paper Type Paper Quality: N/A (Digital Format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Inline 4-cylinder and Inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo Gasoline & Diesel engines. Displacement Range: Typically 2.0L (B48/N20) and 3.0L (B58/N55) depending on generation and model variant. Performance Horsepower Range: Varies significantly by model, e.g., 320i (180-255 hp), 330i (248-255 hp), M340i (382 hp), 330d (258 hp). Torque Range: Varies significantly by model, e.g., 330i (295 lb-ft), M340i (369 lb-ft), 330d (425 lb-ft). Fuel System Injection Type: Direct injection (High-Precision Injection). Turbocharging: TwinPower Turbo technology. Engine Codes Examples Gasoline 4Cyl: N20, B48 Gasoline 6Cyl: N55, B58 Diesel 4Cyl: B47 Diesel 6Cyl: B57 🔧 Transmission Standard Transmission Type: 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (ZF 8HP series) is prevalent. Optional Transmission Type: 6-speed manual transmission (historically available on some models, less common in later generations). Features Drivetrain Options: Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive (all-wheel drive) available. Shift Logic: Adaptive shift logic and manual shifting via Steptronic or paddle shifters. Fluid Specs Automatic Transmission Fluid: Specific ZF LifeguardFluid 8 (e.g., Shell M-1375.4, ATF 342-0) required. Critical to use correct fluid for transmission longevity. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Body Styles: Sedan (F30/G20), Sports Activity Coupe/Gran Coupé (F36/G26), Touring (F31/G21), Convertible (E93/F33 - discontinued in G2x generation). Weights Curb Weight Range: Approximately 3,300 - 3,800 lbs (1,500 - 1,725 kg) depending on body style, engine, and drivetrain. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Rating: Typically earns 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA in the US. IIHS Rating: Often receives 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' designations from IIHS. Active Features Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (DTC). Braking Systems: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA). Driver Assistance Examples: Available: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) with pedestrian detection, Parking Assistant. Passive Features Airbags: Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for front and rear passengers). Body Structure: High-strength steel and advanced chassis design for occupant protection. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment System Name: iDrive infotainment system. Features Examples: Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (later models), premium audio options (Harman Kardon, Bowers & Wilkins). Driver Assistance Adas Suite: Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) including ACC, LDW, BSD, FCW, automatic emergency braking, parking assist. Connectivity Bmw Connecteddrive: Services include remote services, concierge, real-time traffic information, OTA updates (on newer models). 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months via Condition Based Service (CBS), but can vary. Manual will specify exact interval based on model year and engine. Brake Fluid Interval: Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage. Spark Plug Interval: Varies by engine, typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs. Coolant Interval: BMW recommends a lifetime coolant, but flushing and replacing every 5-10 years is good practice. Fluid Specifications Engine Oil Viscosity: Commonly BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved oils, with viscosity grades...
8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission (ZF 8HP series) is prevalent.
Optional
Transmission Type:
6-speed manual transmission (historically available on some models, less common in later generations).
Features
Drivetrain Options:
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) and xDrive (all-wheel drive) available.
Shift Logic:
Adaptive shift logic and manual shifting via Steptronic or paddle shifters.
Fluid Specs
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Specific ZF LifeguardFluid 8 (e.g., Shell M-1375.4, ATF 342-0) required. Critical to use correct fluid for transmission longevity.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Body Styles:
Sedan (F30/G20), Sports Activity Coupe/Gran Coupé (F36/G26), Touring (F31/G21), Convertible (E93/F33 - discontinued in G2x generation).
Weights
Curb Weight Range:
Approximately 3,300 - 3,800 lbs (1,500 - 1,725 kg) depending on body style, engine, and drivetrain.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Rating:
Typically earns 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA in the US.
IIHS Rating:
Often receives 'Top Safety Pick' or 'Top Safety Pick+' designations from IIHS.
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control (DTC).
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA).
Driver Assistance Examples:
Available: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Frontal Collision Warning (FCW) with pedestrian detection, Parking Assistant.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection system (curtain airbags for front and rear passengers).
Body Structure:
High-strength steel and advanced chassis design for occupant protection.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System Name:
iDrive infotainment system.
Features Examples:
Navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto (later models), premium audio options (Harman Kardon, Bowers & Wilkins).
Driver Assistance
Adas Suite:
Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) including ACC, LDW, BSD, FCW, automatic emergency braking, parking assist.
Connectivity
Bmw Connecteddrive:
Services include remote services, concierge, real-time traffic information, OTA updates (on newer models).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months via Condition Based Service (CBS), but can vary. Manual will specify exact interval based on model year and engine.
Brake Fluid Interval:
Recommended every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Interval:
Varies by engine, typically 60,000 - 100,000 miles for iridium spark plugs.
Coolant Interval:
BMW recommends a lifetime coolant, but flushing and replacing every 5-10 years is good practice.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) approved oils, with viscosity grades like 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-20 depending on engine and climate. Manual is crucial here.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue or Pink antifreeze coolant (G48 or G48 HL) diluted with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) or DOT 4 Plus.
Known Issues
Common Engine Issues:
PCV valve issues (older models), VANOS solenoid failures, oil filter housing gasket leaks, turbocharger issues (less common but possible).
Common Transmission Issues:
Mechatronic unit failure in automatic transmissions (less common in later ZF 8HP), clutch wear (manuals).
Common Suspension Issues:
Worn control arm bushings, shock absorber failure, strut mount wear.
Common Electrical Issues:
Water pump failures (electric), thermostat failures, various sensor faults, battery drain issues (especially with aftermarket accessories).
Common Body Issues:
Rust (especially on older models in certain climates), door seal degradation, sunroof drain clogging.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Ethos:
BMW's long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, performance, and luxury motoring.
Model Evolution
Generations Overview:
The 3 Series has evolved through numerous generations (e.g., E21, E30, E36, E46, E90/E91/E92/E93, F30/F31/F34/F35, G20/G21/G28/G26), each progressively incorporating more advanced technology and performance enhancements.
E46 Era:
Considered a benchmark for driving dynamics and build quality in its era (1998-2006).
F30 Generation:
Introduced turbocharged engines across the range and a more comfort-oriented bias, while still retaining sporty characteristics (2011-2019).
G20 Generation:
Current generation, known for enhanced technology, improved interior refinement, and a return to sharper driving dynamics (from 2019 onwards).
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Munich, Dingolfing), with some production in other global facilities.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Auto Ten Best Engines:
Many BMW engines used in the 3 Series have frequently been recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The 3 Series itself has been a perennial winner of Car and Driver's 10Best list for decades, highlighting its consistent excellence.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Complies with all relevant safety and emissions standards for global markets (e.g., FMVSS in the US, ECE regulations in Europe).