🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 325xi Year: 2005 Generation Chassis Code: E90 Generation Designation: Fifth Generation Codes Engine Code: N52B25 Model Specific Codes: 325xi (All-Wheel Drive) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon Usp: Sporty handling, premium interior, advanced technology (for its time), and xDrive all-wheel-drive capability. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS300. Key Features Powertrain: Smooth inline-six engine, responsive automatic transmission, and intelligent xDrive AWD system. Driving Dynamics: Renowned BMW handling characteristics, balanced chassis, and communicative steering. Interior Quality: Premium materials, driver-focused cockpit, and ergonomic design. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Scope: Complete official factory service repair Page Count Estimated Pages: Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as complete) Manual Type Type: Factory Service Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: Downloadable PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine: Detailed repair, diagnosis, and overhaul of N52B25 engine components including lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, and engine management. Transmission: Repair and maintenance for the Steptronic automatic transmission, including fluid changes, valve body diagnostics, and torque converter procedures. Drivetrain: Comprehensive coverage of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, including transfer case, differentials, drive shafts, and associated electronic controls. Suspension Steering: Front and rear suspension components, steering system (including power steering), alignment procedures, and wheel bearing replacement. Brakes: Hydraulic brake system, ABS, DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), brake pad/rotor replacement, caliper servicing, and bleeding procedures. Electrical Electronics: Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and all electronic control units (ECUs). Body Chassis: Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repairs, and corrosion prevention. HVAC: Climate control system, air conditioning refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor service, and cabin air filter replacement. Safety Restraint System: Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seat belt mechanisms, and SRS module servicing. Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance tasks, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, and brake fluid changes. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues, fault code interpretation, and step-by-step troubleshooting guides. Repair: Detailed instructions for component removal, installation, overhaul, and adjustment for virtually every system. Diagnostics: System-specific diagnostic trees, use of diagnostic tools (e.g., ISTA/D), and interpreting sensor data. Wiring Diagrams: Full electrical schematic diagrams for all vehicle systems, color-coded and broken down by subsystem. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced electronic system diagnostics. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding For Print: Not applicable for PDF download, but printable for professional binding. Paper Type Recommended Paper: Not applicable for PDF download, but printable on standard copy paper. Searchability Text Search: Likely searchable text within the PDF for quick information retrieval. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Type: Naturally Aspirated Inline 6-Cylinder Engine Family: N52 Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2497 cc) Bore X Stroke: 82 mm x 78.5 mm Compression Ratio: 10.7:1 Valve Train: Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, Double VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic (variable valve lift). Performance Horsepower: 215 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 214 lb-ft @ 2750-4250 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with multi-point injection. Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91+ octane recommended) Emission Control: Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Secondary Air Injection System. 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission Optional Type: 6-speed Manual Transmission (Less common in 325xi) Features All Wheel Drive: xDrive Permanent All-Wheel Drive with Electronic Torque Distribution. Transmission Fluid: Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is critical. Consult manual for exact type (e.g., Esso LT 71141 or equivalent). 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 176.9 inches (4493 mm) Width: 68.5 inches (1740 mm) Height: 56.7 inches (1440 mm) Wheelbase: 108.7 inches (2760 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approximately 3571 lbs (1620 kg) Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Consult specific vehicle sticker or manual. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Impact: 5-Star (for driver and passenger) IIHS Side Impact: Good (for models equipped with side airbags) Active Features Stability Control: Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC). Braking: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist. Passive Features Airbags: Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available head protection airbags (curtain airbags). Seat Belts: 3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters. Child Seat Anchors: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit: BMW Professional Radio or optional iDrive infotainment system with navigation and CD player. Connectivity: Available Bluetooth for hands-free calling, optional aux input. Driver Assistance Parking Assistance: Optional rear parking sensors (PDC - Park Distance Control). Cruise Control: Standard cruise control. Lighting Headlights: Standard Halogen or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, determined by Condition Based...
Renowned BMW handling characteristics, balanced chassis, and communicative steering.
Interior Quality:
Premium materials, driver-focused cockpit, and ergonomic design.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Coverage Scope:
Complete official factory service repair
Page Count
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (specific count not provided, but described as complete)
Manual Type
Type:
Factory Service Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English
Format
Format:
Downloadable PDF
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine:
Detailed repair, diagnosis, and overhaul of N52B25 engine components including lubrication, cooling, fuel delivery, ignition, emissions, and engine management.
Transmission:
Repair and maintenance for the Steptronic automatic transmission, including fluid changes, valve body diagnostics, and torque converter procedures.
Drivetrain:
Comprehensive coverage of the xDrive all-wheel-drive system, including transfer case, differentials, drive shafts, and associated electronic controls.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, steering system (including power steering), alignment procedures, and wheel bearing replacement.
Extensive coverage of the vehicle's electrical system, including wiring diagrams, fuse box layouts, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, and all electronic control units (ECUs).
Body Chassis:
Body panel removal and installation, interior trim, glass replacement, structural repairs, and corrosion prevention.
HVAC:
Climate control system, air conditioning refrigerant handling, heater core replacement, blower motor service, and cabin air filter replacement.
Safety Restraint System:
Airbag system diagnosis and replacement, seat belt mechanisms, and SRS module servicing.
Catalytic Converter, Oxygen Sensors, Secondary Air Injection System.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission
Optional
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Less common in 325xi)
Features
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive Permanent All-Wheel Drive with Electronic Torque Distribution.
Transmission Fluid:
Specific ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid) is critical. Consult manual for exact type (e.g., Esso LT 71141 or equivalent).
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
176.9 inches (4493 mm)
Width:
68.5 inches (1740 mm)
Height:
56.7 inches (1440 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Consult specific vehicle sticker or manual.
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star (for driver and passenger)
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models equipped with side airbags)
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Dynamic Traction Control (DTC).
Braking:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist.
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, available head protection airbags (curtain airbags).
Seat Belts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pretensioners and force limiters.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit:
BMW Professional Radio or optional iDrive infotainment system with navigation and CD player.
Connectivity:
Available Bluetooth for hands-free calling, optional aux input.
Driver Assistance
Parking Assistance:
Optional rear parking sensors (PDC - Park Distance Control).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Lighting
Headlights:
Standard Halogen or optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, determined by Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Manual will detail specific recommendations.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual, typically around 60,000-100,000 miles for iridium plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change around 100,000 miles, then every 40,000-50,000 miles. Manual will specify BMW coolant type.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or LL-04 specification (check manual for exact requirements).
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 type) or equivalent.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (or CHF 11S for certain models, confirm with manual).
Known Issues
Cooling System:
Water pump failure, thermostat housing leaks, expansion tank cracks. N52 engines are known for plastic component degradation.
Valvetronic Actuator:
Potential failure of the eccentric shaft sensor and actuator, leading to rough idle or stalling.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket leaks are common due to age and material degradation.
X Drive System:
Transfer case fluid leaks or actuator issues can occur. Regular inspection is recommended.
Power Steering Pump:
Can develop leaks or noise, requiring replacement. Use of correct fluid is paramount.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, engineering, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
E46 To E90 Transition:
The E90 generation marked a significant redesign from the E46, featuring new engines (N52), chassis, and technology.
Production
Production Years For E90:
2005-2011
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Ten Best Engines:
The N52 engine family (which includes the 3.0L variant often found in 330i) was frequently recognized on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for its refinement and efficiency, implying the 2.5L shares many positive engineering traits.
Ratings
Consumer Reports:
Generally rated well for performance and handling, with some caveats regarding reliability and repair costs common to premium European brands.
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