Front suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), rear suspension (multi-link, subframe), shock absorbers, springs, sway bars, power steering system (hydraulic rack and pinion), wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods, alignment procedures, troubleshooting.
Electrical Body:
Lighting system (headlights, taillights, interior), power windows, power locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, central locking system, keyless entry, alarm system.
Climate Control:
HVAC system, refrigerant charging, blower motor, A/C compressor, heater core, climate control module, diagnosis, and repair.
Interior Trim:
Dashboard removal, door panel removal, seat removal, headliner, center console, trim pieces, airbag system safety precautions.
Engine overhaul, transmission overhaul, clutch replacement, brake system repairs, suspension component replacement, driveshaft and axle repairs, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon problems across all vehicle systems, including wiring diagrams and component testing.
Component Replacement:
Detailed instructions for replacing components such as alternators, starters, fuel pumps, radiators, water pumps, A/C compressors, sensors, ECUs, and more.
Specifications:
Torque specifications for all fasteners, fluid capacities, electrical system specifications, diagnostic data, and performance parameters.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic preventative maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical troubleshooting and wiring diagrams.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
File Type:
Digital Software (e.g., PDF, EXE, HTML-based)
Searchability:
Likely searchable text content for quick information retrieval.
Interactivity:
May include clickable links to diagrams, tables of contents, and cross-references.
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution digital content, allowing for clear printing of diagrams and text.
Catalytic Converter, Secondary Air Injection System, EVAP Emission Control System.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
6-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS6-17BG)
Optional
Type:
6-speed Automatic Transmission with Steptronic (ZF GA6HP19Z)
Features
Automatic Features:
Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC), electronic shift lever, manual shifting mode (Steptronic), sport mode.
Fluid Specifications
Automatic Fluid:
BMW Longlife-01 Approved ATF (e.g., Pentosin ATF1 or equivalent)
Manual Fluid:
BMW MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length Sedan:
181.9 inches (4620 mm)
Width:
70.1 inches (1781 mm)
Height Sedan:
56.7 inches (1441 mm)
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches (2760 mm)
Cargo
Trunk Volume Sedan:
12.0 cubic feet (340 liters)
Weights
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Curb Weight Automatic:
Approx. 3649 lbs (1655 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 4630 lbs (2100 kg)
Wheels Tires
Standard Wheel Size:
17 x 8.0 inches
Standard Tire Size:
225/45R17
Bolt Pattern:
5x120 mm
Center Bore:
72.6 mm
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
4-Star
NHTSA Rollover:
4-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) including Traction Control System (TCS), Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X).
Braking Control:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC).
All Wheel Drive:
xDrive Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System
Passive Features
Airbags:
Front airbags (driver and passenger), front side-impact airbags, front and rear head protection system (side curtain airbags).
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seat belts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, active front head restraints.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
System:
iDrive System (CCC or CIC depending on specific build date/options)
Features:
Optional navigation system, satellite radio, CD player, aux input, Bluetooth connectivity (phone and audio streaming).
Display:
Central LCD display integrated into the dashboard.
Driver Assistance
Features:
Park Distance Control (PDC), Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlight control.
Connectivity
Features:
Optional BMW Assist (telematics service with emergency call function), Bluetooth hands-free interface.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Variable Service Interval Indicator (VSI) based on driving conditions, typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months.
Air Filter Replacement:
Check every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Often tied to VSI.
Cabin Filter Replacement:
Check every 30,000 miles, replace as needed. Often tied to VSI.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Long-life spark plugs (e.g., NGK SILZKFR6A11), typically recommended for replacement around 60,000-100,000 miles depending on VSI.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years, regardless of mileage.
Coolant Replacement:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48), typically recommended at 100,000 miles or 5 years, then every 2 years thereafter.
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil:
BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) approved synthetic oil, typically 0W-30 or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.5 US quarts (6.2 liters) with filter change for N52B30 engine.
Power Steering Fluid:
BMW Power Steering Fluid (G002000 or equivalent Pentosin CHF 11S).
Known Issues
Oil Filter Housing Gasket:
Common leak point, requires replacement of gasket/seal.
Valvetronic Actuator Motor:
Can fail, leading to rough idle or check engine light. Often requires replacement.
Water Pump:
Electric water pump can fail, leading to overheating. Early models had mechanical pumps.
Pcv Valve And Breather Hose:
Can clog or crack, leading to vacuum leaks and rough running.
Thermostat:
Can fail, causing temperature regulation issues.
ABS Dsc Wheel Speed Sensors:
Can fail, triggering ABS/DSC warning lights.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Legacy:
BMW AG, a German automotive manufacturer, has a long-standing reputation for producing vehicles with exceptional driving dynamics, performance, and engineering excellence since its founding in 1916.
Model Evolution
Generation:
Part of the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93), which debuted in 2005.
Introduction Of AWD:
The 'xi' designation signifies BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which became widely available across the 3 Series lineup starting with this generation.
Production
Production Years:
E90 Sedan: 2005-2011; E91 Wagon: 2005-2012.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily produced at BMW's plants in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing, Munich), with potential assembly in other global locations.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward'S 10 Best Engines:
The N52 engine (3.0L inline-6) was a multiple-time recipient of Ward's 10 Best Engines award, recognized for its smooth power delivery, efficiency, and technology.