22.9 cu ft (649 Liters) / 58.3 cu ft (1650 Liters) with rear seats folded
Weights
Curb Weight Sedan:
Approx. 3571 lbs (1620 kg)
Curb Weight Wagon:
Approx. 3770 lbs (1710 kg)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x120
Tire Size Standard:
225/45R17
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Side Impact:
Good (for models with side airbags)
Active Features
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
Traction Control:
Automatic Stability Control and Traction (ASC+T)
Antilock Brakes:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Passive Features
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain (optional/standard depending on body style and trim), Knee Airbags (driver).
Seat Belts:
Pretensioning front seat belts, LATCH child seat anchors.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
I Drive System:
Available iDrive infotainment system for navigation, audio, and climate control (CCC or CIC depending on year/options).
Audio Options:
Standard BMW Professional Radio, optional Harman Kardon surround sound system.
Driver Assistance
Parking Sensors:
Park Distance Control (PDC) front and rear.
Headlights:
Optional Xenon Adaptive Headlights with cornering function.
Connectivity
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity.
Usb Aux:
Optional USB/Auxiliary input for audio devices.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months, depending on driving conditions and oil used (as per Condition Based Service - CBS).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (BMW recommends).
Coolant Flush:
First service at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Typically around 60,000 miles (depending on specific spark plug type and condition).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-30 or 0W-40 Synthetic, meeting BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-01 FE specifications.
Engine Oil Capacity:
6.9 US quarts (6.5 Liters) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 ethylene glycol based).
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 Low Viscosity (LV) Synthetic.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
MTF LT-2 or equivalent.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
ATF LT-71141 or approved equivalent for 6HP19/21 transmissions.
Known Issues
Oil Leaks:
Common valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and front/rear main seal leaks.
Cooling System:
Plastic water pump failure, coolant expansion tank leaks, thermostat housing leaks.
Eccentric Shaft Sensor:
Failure can lead to rough running and misfires.
Ccv System:
Crankcase Ventilation system failure can lead to oil consumption and seal leaks.
Power Steering Pump:
Occasional leaks or noise from the pump.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Bmw Legacy:
Known for performance, luxury, and driver-focused engineering dating back to the early 20th century.
Model Evolution
3 Series Lineage:
The E90 generation marked a significant step in BMW's compact executive segment, introducing new technologies and refined styling.
Xi Designation:
Introduced to denote BMW's intelligent all-wheel-drive system, enhancing traction and stability.
Production
Production Years:
E90/E91/E92/E93: 2005-2013 (with 325xi variant primarily from 2006-2010).
Manufacturing Locations:
Germany (primarily Dingolfing and Munich plants)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Ward Best Engines:
BMW's inline-6 engines, including the N52, have historically received recognition for their smoothness and performance from publications like Ward's AutoWorld.
Ratings
Car And Driver 10Best:
BMW 3 Series (various generations) frequently appeared on Car and Driver's 10Best lists during this era, highlighting its automotive excellence.
Certifications
Safety Certifications:
Compliant with US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).