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 atouring (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.

In 2002, 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.

In 2009, the saloon underwent an extensive mid-cycle facelift. In 2011, the coupe and convertible were facelifed as well. Facelifted 3-series are commonly referred to as "LCI" (Lifecycle Impulse) models.

Overview

   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.

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 wheelbaseis 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 aluminium with cast-iron liners, while the N51 and N52 engines largely consist of aluminium with an outer shell of magnesium and even aluminium bolts to prevent corrosion from dissimilar metals. The cylinder sleeves in N54 are steel and have copper coating, while N52 have Alusil aluminium sleeves.

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)

Pre-facelift BMW 325i (E90), US

Pre-facelift BMW 320i (E90), Australia

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 7 Series, and 2004 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. Cruse 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. 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.

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)

Pre-facelift BMW 328i (E91), US

The Sports Touring model of the 3-Series is available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD. This model features an optional panoramic sunroof, which stretches far enough for passengers in the rear to enjoy.

Coupé (E92)

Pre-facelift BMW 325i (E92), Australia

Pre-facelift BMW 335i (E92), Australia

The two-door iteration of the 3-Series became available in August 2006 as a 2007 model, being released one year after the saloon. It is the second BMW coupe offered with BMW xDrive, BMW's moniker for all-wheel-drive, after the 325ix of the late 1980s and early 1990s. 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 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.

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.

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)

Pre-facelift BMW 325i (E93) with roof retracted, Germany

Pre-facelift BMW 335i (E93) with roof unretracted, US

The 3 Series convertible is also known as the coupé cabriolet on BMW's website. It is the first model in BMW's lineup with a 3-piece folding aluminum hardtop roof, as previous and existing convertibles were soft-tops. The new convertible is also the centre 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 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).

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 along with the E92 coupe received a refresh (BMW internally called "LCI" or Life Cycle Impulse) for the 2011 model year. 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. Like its coupe sibling, the convertible also received a higher-performance 335is trim, sharing the modified version of the twin turbo N54 engine with increased output, and the options of the 6-speed manual or DCT double clutch transmission options. The 335is convertible has foglamps which the 335is coupe lacks in favor of a larger air intake dam.

Engines

Version	Local	Production	Engine	Power	Torque	Acceleration 0–100 km/h
Petrol engines
316i	EUR	2007–2009	1.6 L I4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp)	160 N·m (118 lb·ft)	10.8 s
318i	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L I4	129 PS (95 kW; 127 bhp)	180 N·m (133 lb·ft)	10.0 s
318i	EUR	2007–	2.0 L I4 N43 B20U0	143 PS (105 kW; 141 bhp)	190 N·m (140 lb·ft)	9.1 s
320i	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L I4	150 PS (110 kW; 148 bhp)	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)	9.0 s
320i	EUR	2007+	2.0 L I4	170 PS (125 kW; 168 bhp)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	8.2 s
320si	EUR	2006	2.0 L I4	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	8.1 s
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	204 PS (150 kW; 201 bhp)	250 N·m (184 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, US, CA	2005–2007	2.5 L I6	218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp)	250 N·m (184 lb·ft)	7.0 s
325i	EUR	2007+	3.0 L I6	218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp)	270 N·m (199 lb·ft)	6.7 s
328i	US, CA	2007+	3.0 L I6	231 PS (170 kW; 228 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)	6.3 s
330i	EUR	2007+	3.0 L I6	272 PS (200 kW; 268 bhp)	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	6.1 s
335i	US, CA, EUR	2007–2010	3.0 L twin-turbo I6 N54	306 PS (225 kW; 302 bhp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	5.6 s
335is	US, CA	2010+	3.0 L twin-turbo I6 N54	326 PS (240 kW; 322 bhp)	450 N·m (332 lb·ft)	5.4 s (DCT)
M3	US, CA, EUR	2007+	4.0 L V8 S65	420 PS (309 kW; 414 bhp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	4.6 s (DCT)
M3 GTS	US, CA, EUR	2010+	4.4 L V8 S65	450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp)	435 N·m (321 lb·ft)	4.4 s
Diesel engines
Version	Local	Production	Engine	Power	Torque	Acceleration 0–100 km/h
316d	EUR	2009+	2.0 L I4	116 PS (85 kW; 114 bhp)	260 N·m (192 lb·ft)	10.9 s
318d	EUR	2005–2007	2.0 L I4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 bhp)	280 N·m (207 lb·ft)	10.6 s
318d	EUR	2007–	2.0 L I4	143 PS (105 kW; 141 bhp)	300 N·m (221 lb·ft)	9.3 s
320d	EUR	2005–2007 M47 I4	2.0 L I4	163 PS (120 kW; 161 bhp)	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)	8.3 s
320d	EUR	2007–2010 N47 I4	2.0 L I4	177 PS (130 kW; 175 bhp)	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)	7.9 s
320d	EUR	2010–	2.0 L I4	184 PS (135 kW; 181 bhp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)	7.5 s - 7.9 s
320d EfficientDynamics	EUR	2010–	2.0 L I4	163 PS (120 kW; 161 bhp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)	8.2 s
325d	EUR	2006–2010	3.0 L I6	197 PS (145 kW; 194 bhp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	7.4 s
325d	EUR	2010–	3.0 L I6	204 PS (150 kW; 201 bhp)	430 N·m (317 lb·ft)	7.0 s
330d	EUR	2005–2008	3.0 L I6	231 PS (170 kW; 228 bhp)	500 N·m (369 lb·ft)	6.7 s
330d	EUR	2008–	3.0 L I6	245 PS (180 kW; 242 bhp)	520 N·m (384 lb·ft)	6.1 s
335d BluePerformance	US, CA	2009+	3.0 L I6	269 PS (198 kW; 265 bhp)	576 N·m (425 lb·ft)	6.4 s
335d	EUR	2006–	3.0 L I6	286 PS (210 kW; 282 bhp)	580 N·m (428 lb·ft)	6.0 s

Mid-generation refresh

   

E90/E91 facelift (2009—2011)

saloon (E90) since 9/2008

saloon (E90) since 9/2008

Touring (E91) 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, 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 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.

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 (95% of maximum torque is available 100 RPM sooner), the N55 has reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

The E90 was replaced by the all-new F30 in February 2012 for the 2012 model year. The standard engine for the 328i was now the N20 turbo I4 that was borrowed from the Z4. The 335i's engine remained the N55 turbo I6. The E91 touring is scheduled to be redesigned for the 2013 model year along with the E92/E93s.

E92/E93 facelift (2011—2012)

2011 BMW 328xi Coupe ((E92) Facelift

   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 have 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, gray plastic blades. The rear has new LED taillights. 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 was replaced by the similarly powerful but more efficient N55 (single) TwinPower turbo with Valvetronic. The new 335is trim has a higher-performance version of the N54 twin-turbo (320 hp vs. 300 hp) and an optional 7-speed dual-clutch automated manual.

The E92/E93 is slated to be redesigned for the 2013 model year following its E90 sedan stablemate that was redesigned for 2012.

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 a few teams in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Colin Turkington won the 2009 BTCC Drivers championship using the BMW 320si.

sourse: wikipedia.org