BMW MTF LT-2 or equivalent. Capacity: Approx. 1.6 quarts (1.5 L).
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
BMW ATF LT-5 (P/N 8322 0 024 358) or equivalent. Capacity: Varies by procedure.
Power Steering Fluid:
Pentosin CHF 11S or equivalent. BMW Part Number: 81229407767.
Coolant:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), ethylene glycol-based. Mixture: 50/50 with distilled water. Capacity: Approx. 9.5 quarts (9.0 L).
Known Issues
Oil Pan Gasket Leaks:
Common for age, often requires replacement. Procedure involves lifting the engine or removing subframe.
Valve Cover Gasket Leaks:
Frequent issue, particularly on older models. Replacement procedure can be involved.
Crankshaft Position Sensor:
Can fail and cause starting issues or stalling. Located at the rear of the engine block.
Water Pump:
Often made of plastic and can fail. Recommended to replace along with thermostat as preventative maintenance.
ABS/Dsc Module:
Can fail, leading to warning lights and loss of ABS/DSC. Repair or replacement may be necessary.
HVAC Blower Motor Resistor:
Common failure causing the blower to work only on high speed or not at all.
Pcv Valve (Ccv System):
The system can clog, leading to increased crankcase pressure and oil leaks/consumption. Replacement of the valve and hoses is often required.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Legacy:
BMW's reputation for building driver-focused luxury vehicles with strong engineering.
Model Evolution
E90 Introduction:
The E90 generation (launched in 2005 for the 2006 model year) marked a significant redesign over the E46, introducing new technologies and powertrains.
330Xi Positioning:
The 330xi represented the all-wheel-drive variant of the potent 330i, offering enhanced traction without significantly compromising the driving experience.
Production
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced in Germany (Dingolfing, Munich), with some assembly in other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward 10Best:
The BMW 3 Series frequently appeared on Ward's 10 Best Engines list for its excellent inline-6 powerplants during this era.
Car And Driver 10Best:
The E90 3 Series was a consistent winner of Car and Driver's 10Best awards in its class.
Ratings
Safety Awards:
Received high safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA for its generation.
Certifications
Emission Standards:
Meets or exceeds prevailing emissions standards for its model years.