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BMW 3 Series (E90)
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 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, 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 tyres to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run-flats are not equipped with a spare tyre. While these theoretically improve performance and handling, run-flats cost much more to replace and give a harsher ride.

Body Styles & Models

Saloon (E90)

The 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.

Coupé (E92)

The two-door coupé model of the 3-Series became available in August 2006. It is the second BMW coupé offered with xDrive, after the 325 ix of the late '80s and early '90s. The coupé's body is now its own design and no longer derived from the sedan minus two doors unlike its predecessors, being longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart. The E92 is installed exclusively in the BMW Werk Regensburg.

All E92s also come standard with Xenon HID headlights and "retractable seatbelt helpers" that extend from the B pillar to hand you the seatbelt when the key fob is in the ignition and the door is closed. The E92 comes with 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d and 330xd models (availability of certain models depends on region; diesels not available to the US market).

The M3 high-performance variant of the coupé debuted in 2007. It features an S65B40 V8 engine for the first time for the public.

The BMW M3 GTS is high-performance variant of M3 debuted in November 2009. It features an 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.

Cabriolet (E93)

For the first time, the 3 Series convertible is no longer available with a folding soft top, the traditional fabric has been replaced with a 3 piece folding metal hardtop roof. The new Coupé-cabriolet 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 BMWs "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 E93 are installed exclusively in the work Regensburg. The M3 High Performance variant of the Cabriolet debuted in 2008. It featured a V8 Engine for the first time.

Specifications

Production Period

* Saloon (E90): March 2005 to September 2008

* Saloon (E90 LCI): from September 2008

* Touring (E91): September 2005 to September 2008

* Touring (E91 LCI): from September 2008

* Coupé (E92): from September 2006

* Cabriolet (E93): from March 2007

* M3 Saloon (E90): March 2008 to September 2008

* M3 Saloon (E90 LCI):from September 2008

* M3 Coupé (E92): from September 2007

* M3 Cabriolet (E93):from May 2008

* M3 GTS (E92): from Jan 2010

Engines

Version Local Production Engine Power Torque

Petrol engines
316i EUR 2007- 1.6 L I4 120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS)
318i EUR 2005-2007 2.0 L I4 127 bhp (95 kW; 129 PS)
318i EUR 2007- 2.0 L I4 N43B20 141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS) 140 lb·ft (190 N·m)
320i EUR 2005-2007 2.0 L I4 148 bhp (110 kW; 150 PS) 148 lb·ft (201 N·m)
320i EUR 2007+ 2.0 L I4 168 bhp (125 kW; 170 PS) 155 lb·ft (210 N·m)
320si EUR 2006 2.0 L I4 171 bhp (128 kW; 173 PS)
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 215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS) 185 lb·ft (251 N·m)
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 255 bhp (190 kW; 259 PS) 221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
330i EUR 2005-2007 3.0 L I6 255 bhp (190 kW; 259 PS) 221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
330i EUR 2007+ 3.0 L I6 268 bhp (200 kW; 272 PS) 236 lb·ft (320 N·m)
335i US, CA, EUR 2007+ 3.0 L twin-turbo I6 302 bhp (225 kW; 306 PS) 295 lb·ft (400 N·m)
M3 US, CA, EUR 2007+ 4.0 L V8 420 bhp (313 kW; 426 PS) 295 lb·ft (400 N·m)
M3 GTS US, CA, EUR 2010+ 4.4 L V8 450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS) 320 lb·ft (434 N·m)

Diesel engines
Version Local Production Engine Power Torque
316d EUR 2009+ 2.0 L 114 bhp (85 kW; 116 PS) 192 lb·ft (260 N·m)
318d EUR 2005-2007 2.0 L 120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS)
318d EUR 2007- 2.0 L 141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS) 221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
320d EUR 2005-2007 2.0 L 161 bhp (120 kW; 163 PS) 258 lb·ft (350 N·m)
320d EUR 2007- 2.0 L 175 bhp (130 kW; 177 PS) 258 lb·ft (350 N·m)
320d EfficientDynamics Edition EUR 2010- 2.0 L 161 bhp (120 kW; 163 PS) 265 lb·ft (359 N·m)
325d EUR 2006- 3.0 L 194 bhp (145 kW; 197 PS) 295 lb·ft (400 N·m)
330d EUR 2005-2008 3.0 L 228 bhp (170 kW; 231 PS) 367 lb·ft (498 N·m)
330d EUR 2008- 3.0 L 242 bhp (180 kW; 245 PS) 384 lb·ft (521 N·m)
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 282 bhp (210 kW; 286 PS) 428 lb·ft (580 N·m)

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.

Facelift 2008-

In September 2008 Saloon 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") 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

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.

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.