BMW 3 Series (E90)

BMW 3-Series (E90)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	2005–present
Assembly	Leipzig, Germany Munich, Germany Jakarta, Indonesia Regensburg, Germany Pretoria, South Africa Cairo, Egypt Kaliningrad, Russia Shenyang, China HarbourFront, Singapore Madurai, India
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car
Body style	2-door coupe (BMW E92) 2-door convertible (BMW E93) 4-door sedan (BMW E90) 4-door station wagon (BMW E91)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Related	BMW M3 BMW X3
Powertrain
Engine	1.6L I4; 2.0L I4; 2.5L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6; 4.0L V8; 2.0L Diesel I4; 3.0L Diesel I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo Diesel I6
Transmission	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length	Wagon: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) Convertible: 4,587 mm (180.6 in) 2007-2010 Coupe: 181.1 in (4,600 mm) 2011- Coupe: Template:Auto in Sedan: 4,526 mm (178.2 in)
Width	Wagon: 1,816 mm (71.5 in) Convertible & Coupe: 1,783 mm (70.2 in)
Height	2009- Wagon: 55.8 in (1,417 mm) 2006-08 Wagon: 1,455 mm (57.3 in) Convertible: 1,384 mm (54.5 in) 328i Coupe: 1,374 mm (54.1 in) 328xi Coupe: 1,394 mm (54.9 in) 335i Coupe: 1,377 mm (54.2 in) i Sedan: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) xi Sedan: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW E46

The BMW E90 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars. The car is also available as a station wagon/estate (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). A high performance BMW M3 version of the E90, E92, and E93 is also available. It is the successor to the E46 model, and was launched in March 2005. The E90 is slated to be replaced in 2012 when a new 3 Series body is introduced.

In 2002, Head of Production Norbert Reithofer and Development Chief Burkhard Goeschel halved the standard BMW time it took to reach full production of the E90 from six months to three. First marketed in March 2005, it had quickly become BMW Group's best selling automobile worldwide by the end of the year with 229,900 vehicles delivered.

E46 comparison

The E90 sedan is 49 mm (1.9 in) longer, 78 mm (3.1 in) wider and 9 mm (0.4 in) taller than its predecessor (E46). The wheelbase is longer by 35 mm (1.4 in). In previous 3 Series models, space for passengers and luggage were common criticisms; however, BMW made significant improvements to the poor leg and headroom in those previous models. BMW's brochure even highlights, 'Now long legs can be enjoyed even by the people who have them'. Large amounts of aluminium were used in the body work and suspension in an attempt to keep the weight close to previous models; however, the E90 weighs between 50 lb (23 kg) and 300 lb (140 kg) more than comparable older models. The N54B30 engine is all aluminum, while the N51 and N52 engines largely consist of magnesium with an outer shell of aluminum and even aluminum bolts to prevent corrosion from dissimilar metals. The piston sleeves in each are steel and have copper coating.

The E90 also introduced run-flat tires to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run-flats are not equipped with a spare tire. While these theoretically improve performance and handling, run-flats cost much more to replace and give a harsher ride.

Body styles and models

Sedan (E90)

2009 BMW 335i sedan (US)

The sedan (saloon) model of the 3 series was the first model sold of the 5th generation BMW 3 series. Debuting in the US in 2006, the E90 came in two trims, the 325i/x and 330i/x models. Later, the US E90 received an engine boost with the debuts of the 2007 328i/x and 335i/x models.

BMW released an M3 variant of the E90 sedan for the 2008 model year. The M3 features the same V8 Engine as the Coupe. It separated itself from the standard E90 by utilizing the E92 coupe's front fascia.

Touring (E91)

The Sports Wagon (Touring) model of the 3-Series is available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD. This model features a large Panoramic roof, which stretches far enough for passengers in the rear to enjoy.

Coupe (E92)

2008 BMW M3 Coupé (E92)

The two-door iteration of the 3-Series became available in August 2006 and premiered as a 2007 model. It is the second BMW coupe offered with BMW xDrive, BMW's moniker for all-wheel-drive, after the 325ix of the late '80s and early '90s. The coupe's body is its own design and no longer derived from the sedan with two less doors like its predecessors, being longer and narrower than the E90 counterpart.

All E92s come standard with Xenon HID headlights and retractable arms that extend from the B-pillar to hand the seat belt to the driver and/or passenger when the key fob is in the ignition and the door is closed. The E92 is available in the 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d and 330xd trims (availability of certain models depends on region).

The M3 high-performance variant of the coupe debuted in 2007 at the Geneva Auto Show. It features an S65B40 V8 engine for the first time in a 3-series.

In March 2010, the coupe will receive a refresh for the 2011 model year. The updates focuses on modifications to the front and rear bumpers, wider kidney grille, new colors, new leather and trim color options, LED Corona headlights ("Angel Eyes"), and LED taillights. The 335i's N54 twin-turbo inline-6 will be replaced by the N55 dual-scroll turbo inline 6 engine. The 335is will join the line-up in the US market only which uses a modified version of the N54 engine to increase output and is available in coupe form only.

The BMW M3 GTS is high-performance variant of M3 debuted in November 2009. It features a modified 4.4 M3 V8 engine with 450 bhp. In addition to engine upgrade it has improved brakes with 6 pot front brake calipers, new sports suspension, light weight body and adjustable rear spoiler.

Convertible (E93)

BMW E93 M-Sport

The 3 Series convertible, for the first time, is available with a 3-piece folding aluminum hardtop roof. The new convertible is also the center of many new technological advancements for BMW as well as the recipient of many existing safety and performance technologies that have been improved upon for the new model. The new 3 Series convertible improves upon BMW's "Comfort Access" option, by allowing the user to completely raise and lower the folding roof by simply pressing and holding the respective buttons on the key fob.

The M3 high performance variant of the convertible debuted in 2008. It, along with the coupe and sedan version, features a V8 engine in the 3-series for the first time.

In March 2010, the convertible will receive a refresh for the 2011 model year. The updates focuses on modifications to the front and rear bumpers, wider kidney grille, new colors, new leather and trim color options, LED Corona headlights ("Angel Eyes"), and LED taillights. The 335i's N54 twin-turbo inline 6 will be replaced by the N55 dual-scroll turbo inline 6 engine.

Specifications

Production Period

Sedan (E90):	March 2005 to September 2008
Sedan Refresh (E90 LCI):	from September 2008
Touring/Wagon (E91):	September 2005 to September 2008
Touring/Wagon Refresh (E91 LCI):	from September 2008
Coupe (E92):	September 2006 to March 2010
Coupe Refresh (E92 LCI):	from March 2010
Convertible (E93):	March 2007 to March 2010
Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI):	from March 2010
M3 Sedan (E90):	March 2008 to September 2008
M3 Sedan Refresh (E90 LCI):	from September 2008
M3 Coupe (E92):	September 2007 to March 2010
M3 Coupe Refresh (E92 LCI):	from March 2010
M3 Convertible (E93):	May 2008 to March 2010
M3 Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI):	from March 2010
M3 GTS (E92):	from Jan 2010

Engines

Version	Local	Production	Engine	Power	Torque
Petrol engines
316i	EUR	2007-2009	1.6 L I4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp)	160 N⋅m (118 lb⋅ft)
318i	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L I4	129 PS (95 kW; 127 bhp)	180 N⋅m (133 lb⋅ft)
318i	EUR	2007-	2.0 L I4 N43B20	143 PS (105 kW; 141 bhp)	190 N⋅m (140 lb⋅ft)
320i	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L I4	150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp)	200 N⋅m (148 lb⋅ft)
320i	EUR	2007+	2.0 L I4	170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp)	210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft)
320si	EUR	2006	2.0 L I4	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft)
323i	CA	2005–2007	2.5 L I6	175 bhp (130 kW; 177 PS)	170 lb⋅ft (230 N⋅m)
323i	CA	2007+	2.5 L I6	200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS)	180 lb⋅ft (244 N⋅m)
325i	EUR	2005–2007	2.5 L I6	218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp)	250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft)
325i	EUR	2007+	3.0 L I6	215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS)	199 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m)
325i	US, CA	2006	3.0 L I6	215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS)	185 lb⋅ft (251 N⋅m)
328i	US, CA	2007+	3.0 L I6	230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS)	199 lb⋅ft (270 N⋅m)
330i	US, CA	2006	3.0 L I6	254 bhp (189 kW; 258 PS)	221 lb⋅ft (300 N⋅m)
330i	EUR	2005–2007	3.0 L I6	258 PS (190 kW; 254 bhp)	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
330i	EUR	2007+	3.0 L I6	272 PS (200 kW; 268 bhp)	320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
335i	US, CA, EUR	2007–2010	3.0 L twin-turbo I6	306 PS (225 kW; 302 bhp)	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
335i	US, CA, EUR	2010+	3.0 L dual-scroll I6	306 PS (225 kW; 302 bhp)	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
335is	US, CA	2010+	3.0 L twin-turbo I6	320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS)	370 lb⋅ft (502 N⋅m)
M3	US, CA, EUR	2007+	4.0 L V8	420 PS (309 kW; 414 bhp)	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
M3 GTS	US, CA, EUR	2010+	4.4 L V8	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp)	435 N⋅m (321 lb⋅ft)
Diesel engines
Version	Local	Production	Engine	Power	Torque
316d	EUR	2009+	2.0 L	116 PS (85 kW; 114 bhp)	260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft)
318d	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L	122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp)	280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
318d	EUR	2007-	2.0 L	143 PS (105 kW; 141 bhp)	300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
320d	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L	163 PS (120 kW; 161 bhp)	350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft)
320d	EUR	2007-	2.0 L	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft)
320d EfficientDynamics Edition	EUR	2010-	2.0 L	163 PS (120 kW; 161 bhp)	360 N⋅m (266 lb⋅ft)
325d	EUR	2006-	3.0 L	197 PS (145 kW; 194 bhp)	400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft)
330d	EUR	2005–2008	3.0 L	231 PS (170 kW; 228 bhp)	500 N⋅m (369 lb⋅ft)
330d	EUR	2008-	3.0 L	245 PS (180 kW; 242 bhp)	520 N⋅m (384 lb⋅ft)
335d	US, CA	2009+	3.0 L	265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS)	425 lb⋅ft (576 N⋅m)
335d	EUR	2006-	3.0 L	286 PS (210 kW; 282 bhp)	580 N⋅m (428 lb⋅ft)

On the Canada-spec 2007 323i an I6 engine block heater is not available—though one can be retrofitted—for the E90, making extremely cold weather starts problematic.

Safety

Euro NCAP scores

Adult Occupant:
Child Occupant:
Pedestrian:

The Euro NCAP noted the poor pedestrian protection awarding 4 points out of 36, reporting the 3-series was "very disappointing" in this measure.

IIHS

The IIHS gives the 3-series a "Good" overall rating in both the frontal and side impact crash tests. The 3-series received "Good" marks in all six of the frontal crash test categories. And "Good" marks in six of the nine categories in the side impact test. The IIHS also gave the 3-series the Top Safety Pick award. The convertible is rated "Marginal" in side impacts, making the 3-series convertible the lowest rated vehicle currently sold in its class in IIHS tests.

2008 sedan NHTSA scores

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

Facelift (2008—)

Sedan (E90) since 9/2008

Sedan (E90) since 9/2008

Touring (E91) since 9/2008

Touring (E91) since 9/2008

In September 2008 sedan and Touring were updated. Compared to typically subtle BMW facelifts the change to the E90 and E91 were relatively extensive.

The front and rear bumper, the wing mirrors, the headlamps and the tail lamps which return to the classic BMW L-shape as well as bonnet ("hood") and boot lid ("trunk lid") were changed. The rear track on some models were increased by 24 mm (0.9 in). The BMW kidney grilles were re-arranged with a wider appearance. In the interior high-quality materials and trim are used, also some control elements were changed. The front seats were equipped with crash activated head restraints.

There were also technical changes to the optional navigation system "Professional", that provided with an internal non-removable disk and high-speed keys (now supplied by Harman Becker instead of Siemens VDO). In addition to the new updated iDrive, internet access (special equipment) was also introduced.

Only the 330d engine was changed. It was changed to the new BMW N57 all-aluminium diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, and will develop 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp).

The E90 M3 only received the new rear design and iDrive system from the E90 2009 model year facelift.

Special edition

Andy Priaulx's BMW 320si WTCC.

The 320si is a special homologation version, built in order to qualify the car for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). It was released in 2006 and limited to 2,600 units. The 320si uses a modified 4 cylinder engine (N45) different from the standard 320i (N46). Modifications include an increased redline to 7,300 rpm, a shortened stroke (by 2 mm), an increased bore (by 1 mm) and a higher compression ratio (11.0:1). The engine is mostly hand built and does not have Valvetronic, decreasing the number of moving parts. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 8.1 seconds and acceleration in fourth gear from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) takes 7.7 seconds compared with a standard 320i which achieves them in 9.0 and 9.1 seconds respectively. Fourth gear acceleration is comparable to that of the 325i which achieves the 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) sprint in 7.5 seconds.

The BMW 320si is used by Team RAC and Airwaves BMW in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Colin Turkington won the 2009 BTCC Drivers championship using the BMW 320si.

Production

Units sold according to BMW's annual reports.

Year	Total	Sedan	Touring	Coupé	Cabriolet	Note
2005	256,981	229,232	27,049	-	-	Sedan and Touring models launced (March and September respectively).
2006	508,479	336,232	105,483	22,105	-	Coupé introduced in September.
2007	555,219
2008	474,208
2009	397,103

Awards

• In April 2006, the E90 was awarded the World Car of the Year title by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists. The car was praised for its balance between performance and practicality, as well as between style and seriousness. The jury also praised the new diesel engines and the all wheel drive variants.
• Car and Driver magazine listed the E90 3-series on their Ten Best list for the 16th time in 24 years of the list's publication.
• The E90 was named "Best New Sports Sedan" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

Gallery

• 
  E90 M3 Sedan Front
• 
  E91 Touring Front
• 
  E91 Touring Rear
• 
  E92 Coupe Front
• 
  E92 M3 Coupe Front
• 
  E93 Cabriolet Side
• 
  E93 Cabriolet Rear
• 
  WTCC BMW 320si

External links

• Official BMW 3 Series
• BMW 3-series at Curlie