🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: BMW Model: 328xi Model Code: E90/E91 (Sedan/Wagon) Chassis Code: E90 (Sedan), E91 (Wagon) Generation: E90/E91 Production Years Covered: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Codes Engine Code: N51B30 (Valvetronic, US specific SULEV variant) Drivetrain Code: xi (xDrive all-wheel drive) 👋 Introduction Market Position Segment: Compact Executive Sedan/Wagon Target Audience: Enthusiasts, independent repair shops, and discerning BMW owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs. Competitive Analysis Key Competitors: Audi A4 Quattro, Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4MATIC, Lexus IS250 AWD, Infiniti G35x Key Features Vehicle Highlights: Balanced chassis, refined interior, powerful inline-6 engine, xDrive all-wheel drive for enhanced traction. Manual Value Proposition: Provides the same level of detail and accuracy as the official BMW service documentation, enabling DIY repairs and informed maintenance. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Coverage Continents: North America (US Market focus due to SULEV engine) Body Styles: Sedan (E90), Wagon/Sports Wagon (E91) Page Count Estimated Pages: 1000+ Manual Type Type: Factory Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English Format Format: PDF Download 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Powertrain: Engine (N51B30), Fuel System, Ignition System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System Drivetrain: xDrive All-Wheel Drive System (transfer case, differentials, drive shafts) Transmission: Automatic Transmission (e.g., GA6HP19Z), Manual Transmission (less common on xi models, but likely covered) Chassis: Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Braking System (including ABS, DSC) Electrical: Engine Control Unit (ECU), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting, Power Accessories, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) Comfort Systems: Climate Control (HVAC), Seats, Doors, Windows, Sunroof, Locks Safety Systems Safety: Airbags, Seatbelts, Traction Control (DSC), Stability Control (DSC) Bodywork Body And Interior: Body Panels, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Upholstery Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine Service, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Fluid Checks and Changes Repair And Overhaul: Engine Component Replacement (pistons, valves, gaskets), Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Repair, Brake Component Service Diagnostics And Troubleshooting: Symptom-based troubleshooting, Electrical system diagnostics, OBD-II diagnostics, component testing Electrical System Repair: Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Sensor Replacement, Module Programming (potentially) Special Tools And Techniques: Identification of BMW-specific tools and procedures for various repairs. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission overhauls, including electrical diagnostics and bodywork. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Type: PDF Print Quality Print Readability: High Resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or the entire manual. Binding Type Binding Method: N/A (Digital PDF - Print at your discretion) Paper Type Paper Recommendation: Standard printer paper for home printing. ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: N51/N52 (Naturally Aspirated Inline-6) Engine Type: Inline-6 Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated Displacement: 2.996 cc (3.0 Liters) Bore X Stroke: 85.0 mm x 88.0 mm Compression Ratio: 12.0:1 Valvetrain: Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), 4 valves per cylinder, VANOS (Variable Valve Timing), Valvetronic Performance Horsepower: 230 hp @ 6500 rpm Torque: 200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 AKI or higher recommended for optimal performance) Emission Standard: SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) in California and CARB states (N51 engine) 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 6-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GA6HP19Z) Optional Type: 6-Speed Manual Transmission (less common on AWD models) Features Automatic Features: Sequential shift mode, Sport mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC) AWD System: BMW xDrive: Electronically controlled, full-time all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Wheelbase: 108.7 inches (2760 mm) Length: 181.4 inches (4608 mm) Width: 70.1 inches (1781 mm) Height: 57.0 inches (1448 mm) Front Track: 59.5 inches (1511 mm) Rear Track: 60.3 inches (1532 mm) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 3600-3750 lbs (1633-1701 kg) depending on options Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg) Cargo Trunk Volume: 12.0 cu ft (337 L) for Sedan Wagon Cargo Volume: Approx. 20.0 cu ft (560 L) behind rear seats, expandable to 60.7 cu ft (1718 L) with rear seats folded for Wagon (E91) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings NHTSA Front Crash Test: 5-Star (for driver and front passenger) IIHS Side Impact Test: Good IIHS Roof Strength: Good Active Features Traction Control: Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) Braking System: Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist Passive Features Airbags: Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags) Seatbelts: Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters Child Safety: LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Child safety rear door locks 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Head Unit Options: BMW Professional Radio, optional iDrive system with a central control knob and display. Connectivity: Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio interface (later production years). Driver Assistance Cruise Control: Standard cruise control, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models. Parking Assistance: Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC). Lighting Headlight Options: Standard Halogen, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Variable, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on Condition...
6-Speed Manual Transmission (less common on AWD models)
Features
Automatic Features:
Sequential shift mode, Sport mode, Adaptive Shift Control (ASC)
AWD System:
BMW xDrive: Electronically controlled, full-time all-wheel drive with variable torque distribution.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Length:
181.4 inches (4608 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height:
57.0 inches (1448 mm)
Front Track:
59.5 inches (1511 mm)
Rear Track:
60.3 inches (1532 mm)
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3600-3750 lbs (1633-1701 kg) depending on options
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4740 lbs (2150 kg)
Cargo
Trunk Volume:
12.0 cu ft (337 L) for Sedan
Wagon Cargo Volume:
Approx. 20.0 cu ft (560 L) behind rear seats, expandable to 60.7 cu ft (1718 L) with rear seats folded for Wagon (E91)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Front Crash Test:
5-Star (for driver and front passenger)
IIHS Side Impact Test:
Good
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good
Active Features
Traction Control:
Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Braking System:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection airbags (curtain airbags)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters
Child Safety:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, Child safety rear door locks
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Head Unit Options:
BMW Professional Radio, optional iDrive system with a central control knob and display.
Connectivity:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free interface, USB audio interface (later production years).
Driver Assistance
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) on some models.
Parking Assistance:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC).
Lighting
Headlight Options:
Standard Halogen, optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable, typically 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, based on Condition Based Service (CBS) monitoring.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Flush:
Initial change at 5 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles thereafter (BMW Blue Coolant).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000-100,000 miles, depending on spark plug type (e.g., iridium).
Cabin Air Filter:
Annually or every 15,000 miles.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 Synthetic Oil meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-04 specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 6.5 US quarts (6.2 Liters) with filter change.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to specific transmission type (e.g., ATF LT-5 for GA6HP19Z). Manual: Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF).
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or similar ethylene glycol-based, silicate-free)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance brake fluid.
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Valve cover gasket leaks, oil pan gasket leaks, PCV valve failure (often integrated), water pump failures (electric on later models, but common on early E9x), cooling system hose leaks, VANOS solenoids failure, starter motor issues, ignition coil failures, oil separator (OCP) issues.
X Drive Specific Issues:
Front differential seal leaks, transfer case actuator issues, potential driveshaft wear.
Interior Issues:
Climate control blower motor resistor failures, iDrive controller malfunctions, seat wear.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Philosophy:
Sheer Driving Pleasure, focus on performance, handling, and driver engagement.
Model Evolution
3 Series Legacy:
The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling and most iconic model, consistently setting benchmarks in the compact executive segment.
E90 Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2006 model year, the E90 generation marked a significant design and technological leap from the E46 generation.
328Xi Positioning:
The 328xi offered a balance of performance, comfort, and all-weather capability, targeting buyers seeking a premium compact sedan or wagon with an emphasis on handling and traction.
Production
Manufacturing Location:
Mainly produced at BMW's plant in Munich, Germany, and Rosslyn, South Africa.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Car And Driver 10 Best:
The E90 3 Series (including AWD variants) was a perennial recipient of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during its production run, praised for its driving dynamics and refinement.
Ratings
Consumers Reports:
Generally received good to excellent ratings for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in its early years, though specific model years and common issues noted above are important considerations.
Certifications
Emission Certification:
SULEV certification for the N51 engine, meeting stringent emissions standards in certain US states.