BMW 3 Series (E90)

BMW 3-Series (E90)
Production	BMW, Avtotor and Brilliance
Assembly	Leipzig, Germany Munich, Germany Toluca, Mexico, Jakarta, Indonesia Regensburg, Germany Pretoria, South Africa 6th of October City, Egypt Kaliningrad, Russia Shenyang, China Chennai, India Selangor, Malaysia
Predecessor	BMW E46
Class	Compact executive car
Body styles	2-door coupe (BMW E92) 2-door convertible (BMW E93) 4-door saloon (BMW E90) 5-door touring (BMW E91)
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / all-wheel drive
Engines	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
Transmissions	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase	2,761 mm (108.7 in)
Length	Touring: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) Convertible: 4,587 mm (180.6 in) 2007-2010 Coupe: 181.1 in (4,600 mm) 2011- Coupe: 181.9 in (4620 mm) saloon: 4,526 mm (178.2 in)
Width	Touring: 1,816 mm (71.5 in) Convertible & Coupe: 1,783 mm (70.2 in)
Height	2009- Touring: 55.8 in (1,417 mm) 2006-08 Touring: 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 saloon: 1,420 mm (55.9 in) xi saloon: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Related	BMW M3 BMW X3

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 touring (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 started an initiative to halve the time it took to reach full production of the next generation 3-series from six months to three. First marketed in March 2005, the car quickly became BMW Group's best selling automobile worldwide, and by the end of the year 229,900 vehicles had been delivered. It is by far the best-selling entry-level luxury car in Canada and the United States.

E46 comparison

The E90 saloon 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 with cast iron liners, 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 sometimes cost more to replace and can give a harsher ride.

Body styles and models

Saloon (E90)

2009 BMW 335i saloon (US)

The saloon (sedan) model 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/xi and 330i/xi models. Later, the 3 Series lineup received an engine boost with the debuts of the 2007 328i/xi and 335i/xi models, the 335i/xi receiving the new 3.0L twin-turbo inline-6 engine.

The Canadian 3 Series followed the US very closely, and also had an additional trim in the entry-level 323i RWD sedan, which takes over from the 2005 BMW 320i (E46) and its 168 hp 2.2-litre inline six, which was in turn preceded by the 1999 BMW 318i 138 hp (103 kW) inline four. With an MSRP of $35,200 for the 2006 model year, the 323i is priced the same as the BMW 128i, making them the least-expensive vehicles in the BMW Canadian lineup. As the base model in 3 Series lineup in Canada, the 323i does not have available or optional; Xenon headlamps, fog lights, automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, navigation, premium audio, and Dakota leather upholstery. The 323i also only has a six-speaker audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels. The 2006-7 model year 323i did not have an engine block heater is not available—though one can be retrofitted—without this ignition in extremely cold weather are problematic. The 323i received fog lamps for 2008, automatic climate control for 2009, and 17-inch alloy wheels for 2010. Amenities like a glass sunroof, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and USB input are options on the 323i that are standard on the more expensive 3 Series trims. Facing heavy competition from the more-recently refreshed Audi A4 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW Canada released the 2011 BMW 323i Luxury Edition with an MSRP of $37,650, including $3,500 of upgrades including automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, electric front seats, Bluetooth and USB compatibility, and an electric glass sunroof.

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

Touring (E91)

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

Coupé (E92)

2008 BMW M3 Coupé (E92)

2006–2010 BMW 335i (E92) coupe

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 coupé's body is its own design and no longer derived from the saloon with two less doors like its predecessors, being longer and narrower than the E90 counterpart. The coupé also features frameless doors like its E46 predecessor.

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 a V8 engine for the first time in a 3-series, the S65B40, which is derived from the BMW S85 V10 that powers the E60 M5.

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 twin-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 both coupe and convertible forms only.

The BMW M3 GTS is high-performance variant of M3 coupe and it debuted in November 2009. It features a modified 4.4 M3 V8 engine with 450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS). 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, roof retracted

BMW 325i (E93), roof unretracted

The 3 Series convertible (also known as the coupé cabriolet), 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.

Other manufacturers have since produced retractable hardtop convertibles in the compact executive (entry-level luxury) car segment, such as the Lexus IS C and Infiniti G37 convertible, to compete with the 3 Series. Although the 3 Series is the most expensive, it has been considered by reviewers to be better engineered that its rivals, considering passenger/trunk space and driving dynamics (particularly weight and chassis rigidity).

The M3 high performance variant of the convertible debuted in 2008, sharing the same powertrain as the M3 saloon (which also debuted for 2008) and coupe (released in 2007).

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 twin-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 both coupe and convertible forms only.

 

Specifications

Production period

Saloon (E90):	March 2005 to September 2008
Saloon Refresh (E90 LCI):	from September 2008
Touring (E91):	September 2005 to September 2008
Touring 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 saloon (E90):	March 2008 to September 2008
M3 saloon 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 N42B20	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	2005–2006	2.5 L I6 N52B25	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	230 N·m (170 lb·ft)
323i	CA	2007+	2.5 L I6	203 PS (149 kW; 200 bhp)	244 N·m (180 lb·ft)
325i	US, CA	2001–2005	2.5 L I6	192 PS (141 kW; 189 bhp)	251 N·m (185 lb·ft)
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	218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp)	270 N·m (199 lb·ft)
325i	US, CA	2006	3.0  L I6	218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp)	251 N·m (185 lb·ft)
328i	US, CA	2007+	3.0 L I6	233 PS (171 kW; 230 bhp)	270 N·m (199 lb·ft)
330i	US, CA	2006	3.0 L I6	258 PS (190 kW; 254 bhp)	300 N·m (221 lb·ft)
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 N54	304 PS (224 kW; 300 bhp)	407 N·m (300 lb·ft)
335i	US, CA, EUR	2011+	3.0 L turbo I6 N55	304 PS (224 kW; 300 bhp)	407 N·m (300 lb·ft)
335is	US, CA	2010+	3.0 L twin-turbo I6 N54	324 PS (238 kW; 320 bhp)	502 N·m (370 lb·ft)
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 S65	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	2007–2010	2.0 L	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)
320d	EUR	2010-	2.0 L	184 PS (135 kW; 181 bhp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)
320d EfficientDynamics Edition	EUR	2010-	2.0 L	163 PS (120 kW; 161 bhp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)
325d	EUR	2006–2010	3.0 L	197 PS (145 kW; 194 bhp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)
325d	EUR	2010-	3.0 L	204 PS (150 kW; 201 bhp)	430 N·m (317 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	269 PS (198 kW; 265 bhp)	576 N·m (425 lb·ft)
335d	EUR	2006-	3.0 L	286 PS (210 kW; 282 bhp)	580 N·m (428 lb·ft)

N54 fuel pump failures

In both the US and Canadian markets, the N54 engine has been plagued by a very large number of High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failures, leading to many BMW NA vehicle Lemon Law "buy backs" and reduced customer goodwill. On some engines the HPFP has failed more than four times within the first few years of service.

BMW has instituted a 10-year, 120,000-mile (190,000 km) warranty on the part, but only for 2007, 2008 and 2009 model year vehicles with the N54 engine. Other model years, to include 2009 models, continue to report HPFP failures. As of late 2009, the low pressure fuel sensor has become suspected of causing some premature failures of the HPFP by engine tuners such as AMS and CP-E. BMW has engineered a newer HPFP model which has not resolved the issue. The new HPFP part number is: 13-51-7-594-943 and it replaces 13-51-7-592-881. BMW's failure to solve the HPFP problem has led to serious safety concerns over dangerous sudden losses of power at highway speeds. Reports of drivers being stranded are not uncommon and some have accused BMW of actively concealing the problem rather than addressing it. On the 26th of October, 2010, BMW announced a recall of vehicles with the pump in question from manufacturing years 2007-2010.

Mid-generation refresh

E90/E91 facelift (2009—)

saloon (E90) since 9/2008

Touring (E91) since 9/2008

saloon (E90) since 9/2008

Touring (E91) since 9/2008

In September 2008, the saloon and Touring were updated and released as 2009 models. Compared to typically subtle BMW minor model updates, 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 was 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.

The 320d engine power output was increased from 177 to 184 bhp (137 kW; 187 PS). The 330d engine was replaced with 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.

For the 2011 model year, the saloon received the 3.0 L turbo I6 N55, replacing the 3.0 L twin-turbo I6 N54. While the N55's performance is largely similar to the N54 albeit with less tuning potential, the N55 also has reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

E92/E93 facelift (2011—)

Convertible (E93) since 03/2010

Convertible (E93) since 03/2010

The mid-generational refresh of the Coupé and Convertible were released in March 2010 for the 2011 model year.

The exterior changes include the front nose which been smoothed and appears lower and wider, due to larger apertures for the trademark kidney grille and bigger bi-xenon headlamps. In place of the trio of lower air intakes is a squared-off, full-width opening with outboard fog lamps and a pair of horizontal chrome blades. The rear has new LED taillights and a more sculpted bumper. There are also new rocker panels and side mirrors.

The trim levels include the 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and the 335is. For the 335i, the N54 twin-turbo I6 will be replaced with the similarly powerful but more efficient N55 (single) TwinPower turbo with Valvetronic. The new 335is trim will have a higher-performance version of the N54 twin-turbo and will have an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

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. BMW WTCC works driver Andy Priaulx won two of his three consecutive World Championships in the 320si E90 as well as four other drivers achieving over 35 wins in the championship since the cars release.

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	saloon	Touring	Coupé	Cabriolet	Note
2005	256,981	229,932	27,049	-	-	Saloon launched in March, Touring introduced in September.
2006	463,820	336,232	105,483	22,105	-	Coupé introduced in September.
2007	555,135	310,194	102,399	89,572	52,970	Coupé Cabriolet launched in March.
2008	474,208	246,231	93,191	79,248	55,538
2009	397,103	219,850	84,601	54,852	37,800
Total	2,147,247	1,341,739	412,723	245,777	146,308

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.
• It was Japan's Import Car of the Year for 2005-06.
• The British motoring magazine What Car? awarded it "Car of the Year 2006".
• What Car? also awarded it 2010 Compact Executive Car of the Year.
• However in the 2006 European Car of the Year contest, the E90 was just edeged out by the top three, Renault Clio (Winner), Volkswagen Passat (2nd Place) and the Alfa Romeo 159 (3rd Place).