Fifth Generation of BMW 3 Series

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), coup? (E92) and coup? 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.
In 2009, the sedan underwent an extensive mid-cycle facelift. In 2011, the coupe and convertible were focalized as well. Face lifted 3-series are commonly referred to as “LCI” (Lifecycle Impulse) models.
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 aluminum 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 [edit] 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 years 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 utilizing the E92 coupe’s front fascia.
Touring (E91)
2007-2008 BMW 328i (E91) 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.
Coup? (E92)
2008 BMW M3 (E92)
2006-2009 BMW 323i (E92)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 coup?’s body is its own design and no longer derived from the saloon with two fewer doors like its predecessors, being longer and narrower than the E90 counterpart, seating two passengers in the rear instead of the three-person bench. The coup? 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)
BMW E93 M-Sport, roof retracted
BMW 325i (E93), roof unrestricted the 3 Series convertible is also known as the coup? 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 center of much new technological advancement 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 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 power train 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 fog lamps which the 335is coupe lacks in favor of a larger air intake dam.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.[19] 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 October 26, 2010, BMW announced a recall of vehicles with the pump in question from manufacturing years 2007-2010. [20]
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.
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,[22] and “Good” marks in six of the nine categories in the side impact test.[23] The IIHS also gave the 3-series the Top Safety Pick award. The convertible is rated “Marginal” inside impacts, [24] making the 3-series convertible the lowest rated vehicle currently sold in its class in IIHS tests.
Touring (E91) since 9/2008In 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 drive, 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-aluminum diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, and will develop 245 PSThe 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 03/2010The mid-generational refresh of the Coup? 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) Twin Power 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).[29] 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.