Car Model History

Fifth generation · E90/E91/E92/E93 · 2006–2011

2006BMW 3 Series

Split across four bodies — E90 sedan, E91 Touring, E92 coupe, E93 retractable-hardtop convertible. The 335i made the 3 Series the first to be sold with a turbocharged petrol engine; the V8 E90/E92 M3 arrived for 2008.

Fifth generation · E90/E91/E92/E93

2006 BMW 325i E90 sedan, front three-quarter view

Photo: “2006 BMW 325i.jpg” by DestinationFearFan / Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.

Quick facts

Engines
5offered2.5L M54/M56 DOHC inline-six (E46 325Ci) → 3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six (E46 M3)
Top output
333hp3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six (E46 M3)

Body stylesE90 four-door sedan · E91 five-door Sports Wagon · E46 two-door coupe · E46 two-door convertible

Start here

What do you need to know?

This page covers the whole 2006 BMW 3 Series model year. Choose your task first; exact trims and engines are separated where the factory offered different versions.

Complete, source-verified lineup

Find your exact 2006 3 Series

Start with a family, body style, or engine. Every card opens the facts and maintenance information for that factory version.

12factory configurations
Verified complete for the U.S.-marketHow this lineup was verified

We checked this U.S.-market lineup against period sources for BMW's complete 2006 U.S. factory E46-to-E90/E91 transition roster by body, drivetrain, and engine application. Every version shown below has its own detail page.

Verified 2026-09-01 from BMW — 2006 U.S. factory service-manual E46/E90/E91 body, drivetrain, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror), BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications.

12versions shown
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible

BMW 325Ci Convertible M54

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe

BMW 325Ci Coupe M54

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe

BMW 325Ci Coupe M56 SULEV

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe
Engine
2.5-liter M56 SULEV DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft)
Gearbox
5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible

BMW 330Ci Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 convertible
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe

BMW 330Ci Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 coupe
Engine
3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance convertible

BMW M3 Convertible

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance convertible
Engine
3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed SMG II automated manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance coupe

BMW M3 Coupe

Body
Two-door rear-wheel-drive E46 performance coupe
Engine
3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed SMG II automated manual
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E90 sedan

BMW 325i E90 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E90 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door all-wheel-drive E90 sedan

BMW 325xi E90 Sedan

Body
Four-door all-wheel-drive E90 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Five-door all-wheel-drive E91 Sports Wagon

BMW 325xi E91 Sports Wagon

Body
Five-door all-wheel-drive E91 Sports Wagon
Engine
3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E90 sedan

BMW 330i E90 Sedan

Body
Four-door rear-wheel-drive E90 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version
Four-door all-wheel-drive E90 sedan

BMW 330xi E90 Sedan

Body
Four-door all-wheel-drive E90 sedan
Engine
3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft)
Gearbox
6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic
Built
Regular production
Open exact version

The 2006 model year

Overview

BMW's 2006 U.S. 3 Series was a twelve-application, two-generation transition. The new E90 sedan arrived as rear- and all-wheel-drive 325 and 330 models, joined by the all-wheel-drive E91 325xi Sports Wagon. E46 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles continued, as did the M3 Coupe and Convertible; only the 325Ci Coupe is separately cataloged with M54 and M56 SULEV engines.

Specifications

Engines
  • 2.5L M54/M56 DOHC inline-six (E46 325Ci)184 hp
  • 3.0L M54 DOHC inline-six (E46 330Ci)225 hp
  • 3.0L N52 DOHC inline-six (E90/E91 325)215 hp
  • 3.0L N52 DOHC inline-six (E90 330)255 hp
  • 3.2L S54 DOHC inline-six (E46 M3)333 hp
Body styles
E90 four-door sedan, E91 five-door Sports Wagon, E46 two-door coupe, E46 two-door convertible

Year over year

What changed

  • The E90 sedan and E91 Sports Wagon launched with N52 engines while E46 two-door bodies continued.
  • The rear-drive E46 sedan and wagon ended; the 325xi E91 Sports Wagon was the sole new-generation wagon application.
  • The source's Canadian 323i is excluded from this U.S. roster, and the coming E92/E93 two-door generation is not backdated.

Worth knowing

Notable

  • Twelve exact U.S. applications preserve the genuine E46/E90/E91 overlap.
  • First U.S. model year for E90 sedans and the E91 325xi Sports Wagon; final U.S. year for E46 two-door bodies and M3.

Living with it

Reliability & ownership notes

  • Verify E46 versus E90/E91 before ordering: the chassis, electronics, body, suspension, and M54/M56/N52 engine families are not interchangeable fitment shortcuts.
  • On the E46 325Ci Coupe, confirm M54 versus M56 SULEV by VIN; on new-generation cars, confirm rear-drive versus xi all-wheel drive.

Maintenance & service parts

Keep your 2006 3 Series on the road

Start with the service interval, then match the engine or exact version you own. Order links appear only when a catalog-backed part number is available, and every listing still needs a fitment check.

Service desk

What this car needs & when

Use this as a service-planning checklist for 2006 BMW 3 Series. Start with the interval, confirm which engine or configuration you have, then use an exact ordering reference when one is verified.

Service topics
8
Factory intervals
5
Fitment-scoped
8
Exact references
2

Before orderingIdentify your engine, options and build date.Part numbers and sizes can change within one model year. Shopping links appear only for catalog-backed references; still verify the listing against your vehicle before ordering.

  • Engine oil and filter

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 12 months · Maximum time for low-mileage vehicles; follow an earlier CBS request.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · CBS Engine Oil Service; Low Mileage Annual Engine Oil Service · checked

  • Engine air-intake filter

    Exact reference available

    Replace at every fourth engine-oil service.

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · CBS Engine Oil Service — every fourth engine-oil change · checked

    3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2231

    K&N 33-2231

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) · M3 Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW M3 replacement air-filter catalog · 2006 BMW M3 3.2L S54 gasoline — 33-2231 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) — K&N 33-2231

    K&N 33-2231

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.2-liter S54 DOHC inline-six (333 hp / 262 lb-ft) · M3 Coupe · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW M3 replacement air-filter catalog · 2006 BMW M3 3.2L S54 gasoline — 33-2231 · checked

    Verified ordering references

  • Microfilter

    Fitment must be confirmed

    Replace when CBS calls for Microfilter Service.

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · CBS Microfilter Service · checked

  • Brake fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 24 months · From vehicle production date.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Supplemental Service Items — Every Two Years · checked

  • Automatic-transmission fluid

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · automatic · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 100,000 mi / 160,000 km · Published automatic-transmission service interval.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Supplemental Service Items — Every 100,000 Miles / Automatic Transmission Service · checked

  • Spark plugs

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 100,000 mi / 160,000 km · Published replacement interval.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Supplemental Service Items — Every 100,000 Miles / Spark Plug Service · checked

  • Front and rear oxygen sensors

    Sourced interval available

    Applies to: 2006 · N52 3.0L inline-six · 325i sedan (E90) · United States · Exact 2006 325i sedan record; xi, wagon, E46 coupe/convertible, and other engines/configurations are not claimed.

    Published interval: 120,000 mi / 192,000 km · Published replacement interval.

    Source: BMW — 2006 325i sedan (E90/N52) CBS schedule, preserved by Operation CHARM · Supplemental Service Items — Every 120,000 Miles / Oxygen-Lambda Sensor Service · checked

  • Engine oil filter — catalog fitment

    Exact reference available

    Applies to: 2006 · United States

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325Ci Convertible M54 · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 2.5-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325Ci Coupe M54 · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    2.5-liter M56 SULEV DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 2.5-liter M56 SULEV DOHC inline-six (184 hp / 175 lb-ft) · 325Ci Coupe M56 SULEV · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330Ci Convertible · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7007

    K&N HP-7007

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter M54 DOHC inline-six (225 hp / 214 lb-ft) · 330Ci Coupe · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E46 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E46 M52/M54/M56/S54 gasoline — HP-7007 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7014

    K&N HP-7014

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) · 325i E90 Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E90 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E90 N52 gasoline — HP-7014 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7014

    K&N HP-7014

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) · 325xi E90 Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E90 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E90 N52 gasoline — HP-7014 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7014

    K&N HP-7014

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (215 hp / 185 lb-ft) · 325xi E91 Sports Wagon · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E90 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E90 N52 gasoline — HP-7014 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7014

    K&N HP-7014

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft) · 330i E90 Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E90 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E90 N52 gasoline — HP-7014 · checked

    Verified ordering references

    3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft) — K&N HP-7014

    K&N HP-7014

    Manufacturer-catalog replacement-part fitment only; it does not establish a BMW service interval. Confirm the VIN, production date, engine, and installed filter dimensions before ordering.

    Applies to: 2006 · 3.0-liter N52 DOHC inline-six (255 hp / 220 lb-ft) · 330xi E90 Sedan · United States · Exact model-year and engine-family catalog scope; verify VIN and production date before ordering.

    Source: K&N — BMW E90 325i/330i replacement oil-filter catalog · 2006 BMW E90 N52 gasoline — HP-7014 · checked

    Verified ordering references

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Famous variants this year

Sources

  1. BMW — 2006 U.S. factory service-manual E46/E90/E91 body, drivetrain, and engine roster (Operation CHARM mirror)
  2. BMW of North America — U.S. M3 generation history and specifications

Other Fifth generation years

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