BMW 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93) Model Range

(E90/E91/E92/E93)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	December 2004 – October 2012
Designer	Joji Nagashima (saloon) Marc Michael Markefka (Coupé, Convertible) Christoph Nordmann (wagon)
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Body style	4-door Saloon (E90) 5-door wagon (E91) 2-door coupé (E92) 2-door convertible (E93)
Layout	FR layout F4 layout (Xi and Xd models)
Related	BMW M3 BMW X3
Powertrain
Engine	Gasoline 1.6L I4 2.0L I4 2.5L I6 3.0L I6 3.0L TT I6 4.0L V8 Diesel 2.0L I4 3.0L I6 3.0L TT I6
Chronology
Predecessor	BMW 3 Series (E46)
Successor	BMW 3 Series (F30)

 

The BMW E90 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars, and was produced from 2004 to 2013. The model range consisted of the 4-door sedan (E90 model code), estate (E91 model code, marketed as "Touring"), coupé (E92 model code) and coupé cabriolet (E93) body styles. Due to the separate model codes for each body style, the term "E9X" is sometimes used to describe this generation (E90/E91/E92/E93) of the 3 Series.

The range was introduced in 2004 with the sedan and estate body styles. The coupe was introduced in 2006 and the cabriolet was introduced in 2007. TheBMW F30 sedans and F31 wagons replaced the E90/E91 models in 2012. However, the E92 and E93 body styles remained in production until 2013, when they were replaced by the BMW F32 (coupe) and F33 (cabriolet) models.

The BMW E90 series was the best-selling luxury car in Canada and the United States. The 2006 E90 marked the 15th consecutive year that the 3-series was named Car and Driver's 10Best.

In 2006, the 335i became the first 3 Series model to be sold with a turbocharged petrol engine. The E90 was also saw the introduction of run-flat tyres to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run-flats are not equipped with a spare tyre.

The M3 version of the E90/E92/E93 was powered by the BMW S65 v8 engine. It was released in 2007 and was produced in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles.

The E90 has broad appeal being BMW's highest selling model, and being the highest selling luxury car in the US and Canada,with numerous body style and engine choices it is a very flexible car that offers a wide range of performance levels including even the M3 which is based on the E90. To accommodate such a wide variety of roles the E90 is equipped with a fully independent suspension including aluminium MacPherson struts in the front, and steel 5-link Multi-link suspension in the back Front brakes have much more stopping power than rear brakes, and one feature of the E90's suspension is to allow very large, high performance front brakes. Also, the use of steel designed to provide high strength for casting applications allowed BMW to greatly reduce the weight and cost of the rear suspension, in addition, the rear axle can be completely pre-assembled and adjusted with the brake system and suspension.

Body styles and models

 Saloon (E90)

The saloon model was the first model sold of the 5th generation BMW 3 series. Debuting in the US in 2005 as a 2006 model, 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.

With the introduction of the pre face-lifted 2006 E90 body style we see an evolution to a more modern car with sharp lines, edgy corners, and a contemporary interior. The new 3 series has proved not to be as controversial as redesigns of the 2002 E65 7 Series, and 2004 E60 5 Series, possibly due to the fact that it is BMW’s top selling model. Most of the round corners, and traditional interior of the (E46) is replaced with sharp edges. This is evident in a sharp line running across the dashboard, a long crease spanning the length of the car running through the door handles, and sharp edges in the bumpers, and side skirts. The turn signal lamps are now housed in the same unit as the head lamp. The top of the kidney grills has two flat pieces of chrome attached to the hood. Side view mirrors are no longer tinted blue and have changed to an oval shape. The arch of the roofline is not quite as symmetrical as the (E46) and is slightly flat on top. The rear end (trunk boot, rear bumper, tail lamps) has taken on the controversial shape of a “bangle butt”. Tail lamps are now red, and no longer have amber turn signals; side markers and front turn signal lamps are now clear and not amber. Mid-range (330i/335i) models have chrome inserts in the kidney grills, a chrome strip outlining the side windows, 1-inch-larger wheels on sport models, and "angel eye" bi-xenon HID projector headlamps; base models (325i/328i) lack these minor exterior upgrades.

The interior has sharp lines running across a boxy dashboard. A wide rectangular piece of trim runs across the dashboard which encloses the A/C vents. Push button ignition with a key fob has replaced the traditional turn-key ignition. The center consol contains a swooping piece of trim with ash tray inserts that runs from the arm rest to the dashboard. Radio/climate control is intergraded into a more boxy frame. Optional I-drive is now housed flush in the top of dashboard. Two somewhat flimsy pop-out cup holders protrude out of the passenger side of the dashboard. The door panels have a-symmetrical lines; the door trim has moved to below the leather-stitched arm rests that swoop downward. Window/Lock buttons have moved from the center consol to the doors for front occupants. Aluminum Door handles have taken on a twisted and contemporary shape. Cruise control buttons have been moved from the steering wheel face to a stalk behind it.

The Canadian 3 Series followed the US very closely, and also had an additional trim in the entry-level 323i RWD saloon,which takes over from the 1997 BMW 320i (E36) and its 168 hp 2.2-litre inline six, which was in turn preceded by the 1997 BMW 318i 138 hp (103 kW) inline four.Its 2.5L inline-6 engine produced 174 hp for the 2006 model year and then 200 hp for 2007 onwards.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 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.

Touring (E91)

The E91 station wagon is known as the 3 Series Touring or Sports Wagon. It features an optional panoramic sunroof, which stretches far enough for passengers in the rear to enjoy. Unladen weight of 328i is 3527 lbs (as stated in 3 Series SportWagon Brochure).

Unlike the alternative body styles, there was no high-performance M3 variant of the E91. Trim levels otherwise followed the E90 sedan closely. These included the next highest-performance trim, the 335i, with its turbocharged petrol I6 engine. Other powertrains used a range of petrol and diesel I6 and I4 engines, paired with RWD and/or xDrive AWD. Markets such as the United States and Canada, however, offered but a small subset of their already limited E90 trims. In these two markets, only the 325xi with AWD was available prior to 2007,^[ and only the 328i in RWD and xDrive AWD forms was offered from 2007 onwards.

 Coupé (E92)

The coupé's body is its own design and no longer derived from the saloon with two fewer doors like its predecessors. Almost every exterior design cue is different from the sedan counterpart. Head lamps are shaped more narrow, kidney grills are more round, and the tail lamps are much wider. The roofline is much lower, including the trunk and rear end appears to be “squished” down sitting next to an E90 Sedan. Bumpers and side skirts are unique. The hood is slightly longer; so are the doors. The shape of the driver and passenger windows are shorter and wider; rear occupants are treated to a much smaller side window. Also the rear windshield appears shorter and has less visibility. Most wheel designs are different from the sedan and the coupe. Selections include 17” for the base models, 18” with a sports package, and optional 19” wheels. The interior shares the same dashboard, center consol, and front bucket seats as the sedan. A small metallic strip outlines the steering wheel. Metallic materials of the door handle, steering wheel trim, radio knob bezzels, A/C vents, and automatic transmission shift knobs are chrome in the coupé as opposed to aluminum in the sedan. The door panels are much longer, it seats two passengers in the rear instead of the three-person bench, and also includes a rear center consol tray. A "Creamy" Beige leather interior with a much lighter tone is offered in the coupe instead of the standard Beige color as seen in the sedan. The coupé also features frameless doors like its E46 predecessor. There are also 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. Compared to the E90 saloon, an E92 is generally $3000 USD more expensive; E92s also have more features such as standard Xenon HID headlights.

Convertible (E93)

When first offered, the 3 Series convertible was the only retractable hardtop alongside the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class (a 2-seater roadster) in that price category, with the 3 Series being the only one with a 2+2 seating configuration.^[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 BMW 3 Series.Although the BMW 3 Series convertible is considerably more expensive than its direct rivals, it has been considered by reviewers to be better engineered, in regards to passenger/trunk space (even with the roof open) and driving dynamics (particularly weight and chassis rigidity).

 models by years

 320si (2006-)

It is a limited (2600 units) version of 3 Series Saloon built to qualify the homologation requirement for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).

 M3 (2007-)

It is a version of 3 Series Coupé with:

• 4.0-litre V8 engine (S65B40) rated 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp)@8300rpm and 400 N·m (295 lb·ft)@3900rpm

M3 Saloon (2007-)

It is a version of 3 Series Saloon with:

• 4.0-litre V8 engine rated 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp)@8300rpm and 400 N·m (295 lb·ft)@3900rpm

 M3 Convertible (2008-)

The  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). Its closest competitor at the time was the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG cabriolet.

 M3 Edition Models (2009-)

They are limited versions of M3 Coupé. All models include:

• black engine compartment lid
• side gills and dual tailpipes on the exhaust system in dark eloxy-plated chrome

E90/E91 facelift (2009—2011)

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, and lose two flat inserts attached to the hood; taking on a classic rounded shape. Two new creases run down the middle of the hood. The inner portion of the tail lamps have taken on a less boxy shape. Head lamps were slightly tweaked with LED turn signals and a small "eyebrow" added. 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 new navigation was first released on September 2008 with F01/F02 7-Series. CIC stands for Car Infotainment Computer and is made by a company named Becker, and they use a new operating system called QNX operating system. The CIC system changed the iDrive experience, replacing the display, computer and the controller. The new display is of a higher resolution, and is usually more responsive than the original CCC system. BMW also choose to integrate Internet access into the new system. The maps on the CIC-based systems are installed on an internal 2.5" 80GB Hard Drive. This Hard drive can also store up to 8GB of music files for playback. For easing the uploading of music files to the car, they chose to integrate a USB port in the glove box. After the year 2009 all LCI production CIC-based iDrive systems will support DVD video. This is only available when the vehicle is in the "Park" position. DVD audio will continue to play if one decides to begin driving.

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).

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

 Saloon (2010-)

Early Saloon models include 318i, 320i, 325i, 325i xDrive, 330i, 330i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, 316d, 318d, 320d, 320d xDrive, 325d, 330d, 330d xDrive, 335d. 320d EfficientDynamics Edition was added later in 2010.

 Touring (2010-)

Early Touring models include 318i, 320i, 325i, 325i xDrive, 330i, 330i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, 316d, 318d, 320d, 320d xDrive, 325d, 330d, 330d xDrive, 335d. 320d Touring EfficientDynamics Edition was added in spring 2011.

 Coupé, Convertible (2010—2013)

The updates focus on modifications to the front and rear bumpers, headlight design, wider kidney grille, new colors, new leather and trim color options, LED Corona running lights ("Angel Eyes"), and LED taillights. The 335i's N54 twin-turbo inline 6 was replaced by the N55 twin-scroll single turbo inline 6 engine as in all 3 series models.

 Jeff Koons' BMW Art Car (2010)

It is a version of BMW M3 GT2 designed by Jeff Koons.

The vehicle was unveiled at 17th BMW Art Car event in Centre Pompidou, Paris.

 M3 GTS (2010-)

It is a version of M3 Coupé with 4.4-litre V8 engine rated 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp), optional 7-speed M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic, rear axle subframe bolted firmly in position, features adjustment threads on the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes, six pistons front and four pistons rear fixed calipers, 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke design.

 2011 BMW 335is (2010-)

It is a version of BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible for North American market. It included N54 engine with increased power to 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque (370 lb-ft of torque with overboost), optional 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control.

 M3 Pickup (2011)

It is a version of M3 with pickup truck body, used as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH. It included load bed with aluminium sheeting, a trailer tow hitch. The maximum load capacity is 450 kilograms.

2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe (2011)

It is a limited (20 units) version of M3 Coupe for the US market. It included BMW Individual Frozen Black body colour, Black Extended Novillo Leather with unique red-contrast stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls; 19-inch M3 GTS black wheels with high-performance summer tires, red brake calipers, gloss black exterior trim elements (kidney grills, side-gill elements, exhaust pipe tips).

 M3 CRT (2011)

BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) is a limited (67 units) version of M3 Sedan with:

• 4.4-litre V8 engine rated 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp)
• body consisting entirely of CFRP in the passenger cell area
• a bonnet made from two CFRP mouldings encasing an aramid honeycomb structure

 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition (2011)

It is a limited (40 units) version of M3 Coupé for the US market, commemorating 40th anniversary of BMW M. It included:

• BMW Individual Frozen Silver Metallic body colour
• Black hood intakes
• Dark Chrome exterior trim (Kidney Grills, M side gill elements, Exhaust tips)
• Black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels
• Extended Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver accents

 M3 DTM concept (2011)

It is a concept race car based on M3 Coupé.

The vehicle was unveiled in BMW Welt in Munich.

BMW ALPINA B3 GT3 (2012-)

It is a limited (99 units) version of BMW Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo Coupé with increased engine power to 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp) and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft), ZF 6-speed Sport-Automatic transmission (6HP19TÜ) with SWITCH-TRONIC, a titanium rear silencer with double 115 mm tailpipes from Akrapovic, Alpina GT3 CLASSIC 19-inch lightweight alloy wheels.

 M3 DTM (2012-)

It is a race car version of M3 Coupé for DTM tournament, based on the design of M3 DTM concept. It included BMW P66 engine rated 480 PS (353 kW; 473 bhp) and 500 N·m (369 lb·ft), sequential 6-speed sports gearbox, 4-plate ZF Sachs carbon-fibre clutch, double wishbone axle with pushrods and adjustable shock absorbers with six settings; H&R coil springs, 18" x 12" front and 18" x 13" rear forged aluminium rims.

 M3 DTM Champion Edition (2013-)

It is a limited (54 units) version of M3 Coupé commemorating Bruno Spengler's winning driver's title and BMW Team Schnitzer finished in top spot in the team standings within 2012 DTM tournament. The design was inspired by Spengler's race car.

 Motorsports

Jeff Koons' BMW Art Car entered 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2010, with Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) driving the no. 79 BMW Art Car. Duing the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the Art Car failed to complete the race