BMW 3 Series (E90)

BMW 3-Series (E90/E91/E92/E93)
Overview
Manufacturer	BMW
Production	December 2004 – October 2012
Assembly	Leipzig, Germany Munich, Germany Toluca, Mexico Jakarta, Indonesia Regensburg, Germany Pretoria, South Africa 6th of October City, Egypt[1] Kaliningrad, Russia[2] Shenyang, China[3] Chennai, India[4] (CKD) Selangor, Malaysia[5][6]
Designer	Joji Nagashima (saloon)[7] Marc Michael Markefka (Coupé, Convertible)[8] 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. The BMW 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.^[9][10]

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.

Overview

The E90 had broad appeal, and was BMW's highest selling model of the time and the highest selling luxury car in the US and Canada.^[10][11][12] It has multiple body styles and engine choices that offers a wide range of performance levels, including an M3 version. To accommodate this 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.^[13] The E90's suspension was designed to accommodate very large, high performance front brakes with much more stopping power than rear. 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.

Saloon (E90)

E90 sedan
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (109 in)
Length	4,520 mm (178 in)[14][15]
Width	1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,420 mm (56 in)

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.

The pre facelifted 2006 E90 body style had sharp lines, edgy corners, and a different 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 indicator lamps are now housed in the same unit as the head lamp. The top of the kidney grilles have two flat pieces of chrome attached to the bonnet. 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 (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 (only for North American market); side repeaters and front indicator lamps are now clear and not amber. Mid-range (330i/335i) models have chrome inserts in the kidney grilles, a chrome strip outlining the side windows, 1-inch-larger wheels on sport models, and (Corona Rings) "angel eye" bi-xenon HID projector head lamps; 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 air con vents. Push button ignition with a key fob has replaced the traditional turn-key ignition. The centre console contains a swooping piece of trim with ash tray inserts that run from the arm rest to the dashboard. Radio/climate control is integrated 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 console to the doors for front occupants. Aluminium 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 323i RWD sedan,^[16] 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.^[17] Its 2.5L inline-6 engine produced 174 hp for the 2006 model year and then 200 hp for 2007 onwards.^[18] 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 lamps, automatic climate control, power-adjustable seats, satellite 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.^[19][20][21] 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.^[22][23]

Wagon (E91)

E91 wagon
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (109 in)
Length	4,520 mm (178 in)
Width	1,820 mm (72 in)
Height	1,420 mm (56 in)

The E91 wagon body style 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 (1600 kg 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 saloon closely. These included the next highest-performance trim, the 335i, with its turbocharged petrol I-6 engine. Other powertrains used a range of petrol and diesel I-6 and I-4 engines, paired with RWD and/or xDrive AWD.^[24] 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,^[25] and only the 328i in RWD and xDrive AWD forms was offered from 2007 onwards.^[26]

Coupé (E92)

E92 coupe
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (109 in)
Length	2007–2010: 4,580 mm (180 in) 2011–2013: 4,610 mm (181 in)
Width	1,782 mm (70 in)
Height	1,395 mm (55 in)

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 coupé offered with BMW xDrive, BMW's moniker for all-wheel-drive, after the 325ix of the late 1980s and early 1990s (although the E46 model was available with xDrive for sedan and wagon models). The E92 is available in the 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 320d, 320xd, 325d, 330d, 330xd, 335d, M3, and M3 GTS. In addition, you can choose different trims and options for each of those models (availability of certain models depends on the 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 saloon counterpart. Head lamps are shaped more narrow, kidney grilles are more round, and the tail lamps are much wider. The roofline is much lower, including the boot and rear-end appears to be pushed down when parked next to an E90 saloon. Bumpers and side skirts are unique. The bonnet is slightly longer as 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 windscreen appears shorter and has less visibility. Most wheel designs are different from the saloon and the coupé. Selections include 17” for the base models, 18” with a sports package, and optional 19” wheels.

The interior shares the same dashboard, center console, and front bucket seats as the saloon. A small metallic strip outlines the steering wheel. Metallic materials of the door handle, steering wheel trim, radio knob bezels, air con vents, and automatic transmission shift levers are chrome in the coupé as opposed to aluminium in the saloon. The door panels are much longer, it seats two passengers in the rear instead of the three-person bench, and also includes a rear centre console tray. A "Creamy" Beige leather interior with a much lighter tone is offered in the coupé instead of the standard Beige color as seen in the saloon. 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 £2000.00 GBP more expensive; E92s also have more standard features than E90, such as Xenon HID head lamps.

Convertible (E93)

E93 convertible
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,760 mm (109 in)
Length	4,612 mm (182 in)
Width	1,782 mm (70 in)
Height	1,384 mm (54 in)

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 aluminium hard-top roof, as previous (E46 3 Series) and existing convertibles (E63 6 Series, E85 Z4) 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 E93 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. Overall visibility is up 38 percent, thanks to the side windows which are 30 percent larger, compared to the E46 3 Series Cabriolet.^[27]

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.^[28] Other manufacturers have since produced retractable hardtop convertibles in the compact executive (luxury) car segment, such as the Lexus IS C and Infiniti G37 convertible, to compete with the BMW 3 Series.^[29] 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/boot space (even with the roof down) and driving dynamics (particularly weight and chassis rigidity). ^{[30][31][32][33]}

Engines

Petrol

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (s)
316i	2006-2013	N45B16	85 kW (114 hp)	150 N·m (111 lb·ft)	11.0
316i	2007-2013	N43B16	90 kW (121 hp)	160 N·m (118 lb·ft)	10.8
318i	2005–2007	N46B20	95 kW (127 hp)	180 N·m (133 lb·ft)	10.0
318i	2007-2013	N46B20	105 kW (141 hp)	190 N·m (140 lb·ft)	9.1
320i	2005–2007	N46B20	110 kW (148 hp)	200 N·m (148 lb·ft)	9.0 s
320i	2007-2013	N43B20O0	125 kW (168 hp)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	8.2 s
320si	2005-2007	N45B20S	127 kW (170 hp)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	8.1 s
323i	2005–2007	N52B25	130 kW (174 hp)	230 N·m (170 lb·ft)
323i	2007-2013	N52B25	149 kW (200 hp)	244 N·m (180 lb·ft)
325i	2005–2007	N52B25O1	160 kW (215 hp)	250 N·m (184 lb·ft)	7.0 s
325i	2007-2013	N53B30U0	160 kW (215 hp)	270 N·m (199 lb·ft)	6.7
328i	2007-2013	N52B30	172 kW (231 hp)	271 N·m (200 lb·ft)
330i	2005-2007	N52B30O0	190 kW (255 hp)	300 N·m (221 lb·ft)
330i	2007-2013	N53B30O0	200 kW (268 hp)	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	6.1
335i	2006–2009	N54B30O0	225 kW (302 hp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	5.6
335i	2009-2013	N55B30	225 kW (302 hp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	5.6
335is	2010-2013	N54B30	236 kW (316 hp)	450 N·m (332 lb·ft)	4.8 (DCT)
M3	2006-2013	S65B40	309 kW (414 hp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	4.6 (DCT)
M3 GTS	2010-2011	S65B44	331 kW (444 hp)	440 N·m (325 lb·ft)	4.4 (DCT)

Diesel

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (seconds)
316d	2009–2011	N47D20	85 kW (114 hp)	260 N·m (192 lb·ft)	10.9
318d	2005–2007	M47TU2D20	90 kW (121 hp)	280 N·m (207 lb·ft)	10.6
318d	2007–2011	N47D20	105 kW (141 hp)	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	9.1
320d	2005–2009	M47TU2D20	120 kW (161 hp)	340 N·m (251 lb·ft)	8.3
320d	2009–2013	N47D20	130 kW (174 hp)	350 N·m (258 lb·ft)	7.9
320d	2010–2012	N47D20	135 kW (181 hp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)	7.6
320d EfficientDynamics	2010–2013	N47D20	120 kW (161 hp)	380 N·m (280 lb·ft)	8.0
325d	2006–2009	M57TU2D30	145 kW (194 hp)	400 N·m (295 lb·ft)	7.4
325d	2010–2012	N57D30U0	150 kW (201 hp)	430 N·m (317 lb·ft)	7.0
330d	2005–2008	M57TU2D30	170 kW (228 hp)	500 N·m (369 lb·ft)	6.7
330d	2008–2012	N57D30O0	180 kW (241 hp)	520 N·m (384 lb·ft)	6.1
335d	2006–2013	M57TU2D30	210 kW (282 hp)	580 N·m (428 lb·ft)	6.0

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.^[34] 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. BMW's failure to solve the HPFP problem has led to serious safety concerns over dangerous sudden losses of power at highway speeds.^[34] Reports of drivers being stranded are not uncommon and some have accused BMW of actively concealing the problem rather than addressing it.^[34] On 26 October 2010, BMW announced a recall of vehicles with the pump in question from manufacturing years 2007–2010.^[35]

The current recall along with the replacement of the HPFP includes a recalibration in the ECU to prime the HPFP with the LPFP prior to the HPFP starting. The current part number for the HPFP for the recall is the same as that found in the BMW 1M.

Initial release

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).^[36] 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.

M3 (2007–2013)

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
• double-arm spring strut front axle are made of aluminium
• five-arm rear axle also made of aluminium
• Variable M Limited-Slip Differential
• optional MDrive preset
• Electronic Damper Control with three selectable programs
• lightweight long-fibre thermoplastic carriers beneath the bumpers front and rear
• bi-xenon dual headlights with corona rings as a daytime light function
• larger air intake scoops
• flared wheel arches
• rear panel with diffuser
• 18-inch light-alloy rims in BMW M design
• roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic
• choice of 8 body colours, including four standard colours, four new M metallic colours
• BMW M design dual round instruments
• optional Control Display in the middle of the dashboard
• upper side of the centre console unholstered in black leather on all interior and equipment variants
• iDrive control system with MDrive menu level and optional MDrive button
• rear seat bench made up of two individual seats with lightweight through-loading (optional removable ski-bag)
• cloth and leather seat upholstery (optional all-leather upholstery in four different colours)
• optional upholstery on the lower section of the instrument panel, the cover on the glove compartment, and the side panels on the centre console
• optional four exclusive trim strips extending across the entire dashboard from one side to the other beneath the Control Display and instrument cluster
• optional satellite navigation systems, mobile BMW Online internet portal, BMW Assist telematics service, BMW TeleServices for wireless communication of service data to the driver’s BMW Service Partner
• optional BMW Individual High-End audio system developed by BMW M GmbH^[37]

M3 Saloon (2007–2011)

It is a version of 3 Series Sedan with:

• 4.0-litre V8 engine rated 420 PS (309 kW; 414 hp)@8300rpm and 400 N·m (295 lb·ft)@3900rpm
• six-speed manual gearbox with integrated, temperature-controlled oil cooling, two-disc clutch
• MDrive serving to set and retrieve the driver's specific configuration of the engine control map, the suspension and DSC set-up, as well as the Servotronic control map as an additional option
• All-new chassis and suspension with specific, weight-optimised components as well as BMW M axle kinematics
• forged aluminium track control arms
• compound high-performance brake system
• optional EDC Electronic Damper Control with three selectable control maps
• aluminium engine compartment lid with powerdome
• front end with large air intakes
• widely flared wheel arches
• "Gills" in the front side panels, M-specific side-sills even more widely flared towards the rear of the car
• discreet spoiler lip reducing lift forces on the rear axle
• dual tailpipes characteristic of BMW M
• front-end design matching the Coupé
• six airbags, three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and central safety electronics for appropriate control and management of the car's restraint systems all featured as standard
• bi-xenon dual headlights
• optional Adaptive Headlights
• five seats
• BMW Individual High End Audio System with 9-channel amplifier and 16 high-performance loudspeakers as an option
• model-specific paintwork and equipment variants^[38]

M3 Convertible (2008–)

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 coupé (released in 2007). Its closest competitor at the time was the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG cabriolet.^[39]

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
• caps on the BMW M exterior mirrors in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour
• seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams, vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the leg rest
• entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the “M3“ model designation
• 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design in black or classic rim colour
• lowering body height by 10mm

Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue models include Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic, Monte Carlo Blue Metallic body colours respectively.

The surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models, which include interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams.

Alpine White and Black models feature seats with bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the leg rest. On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.

The armrests and door closing handles at the inside of the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and blue contrasting seams respectively.

The vehicle went on sale in July 2009.^[40]

Gearboxes

Beginning with 2008, 7-speed M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic is available for BMW M3 Coupé, BMW M3 Saloon, and BMW M3 Convertible.^[41]

Safety

Euro NCAP scores^[42]

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.

IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (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,^[43] and "Good" marks in six of the nine categories in the side impact test.^[44] The IIHS also gave the 3-series the Top Safety Pick award. The convertible is rated "Marginal" in side impacts,^[45] making the 3-series convertible the lowest rated vehicle currently sold in its class in IIHS tests.^[46]

2008 sedan NHTSA scores^[47]

Frontal Driver:
Frontal Passenger:
Side Rear Driver:
Side Rear Passenger:
Rollover:

Production

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.^[48]

First marketed in March 2005, the car quickly became BMW Group's best-selling motorcar worldwide, and by the end of the year 229.900 vehicles had been delivered.^[12]

Production period

• Saloon (E90): December 2004 – April 2009
• Touring (E91): September 2005 – September 2008
• Coupé (E92): June 2006 – March 2010
• Convertible (E93): December 2006 – March 2010
• M3 Saloon (E90): January 2008 – September 2008
• M3 Coupé (E92): September 2007 – March 2010
• M3 Convertible (E93): March 2008 – March 2010

Awards

• In April 2006, the E90 was awarded the World Car of the Year title. 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.^[49]
• 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 Saloon" 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. From 2006 to 2011, they also awarded it Compact Executive of the Year.
• However, in the 2006 European Car of the Year awards, the E90 was pushed into fourth place by the Renault Clio (first), Volkswagen Passat (second) and the Alfa Romeo 159 (third).

E90/E91 facelift (2008—2011)

In September 2008, the Saloon and Estate 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 head lamps and the tail lamps which return to the classic BMW L-shape as well as bonnet and boot 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 bonnet; taking on a classic rounded shape. Two new creases run down the middle of the bonnet. 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 satellite 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 sat nav was first released in 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. 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 chose 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 compartment. 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 (Automatic) or Neutral (Manual). 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).^[50]

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

Production period

• Saloon Refresh (E90 LCI): September 2008 – October 2011
• Estate Refresh (E91 LCI): from September 2008 - January 2012
• M3 Saloon Refresh (E90 LCI): September 2008 – October 2011

2010 Model Year update (2010–2012)

Changes include:^[51]

• All engines comply with EU5 emission standard.
• New Estate models include 316d.
• New Saloon models include 320d EfficientDynamics Edition.
• For the 335i, the N54 twin turbo engine was replaced by N55 twin-scroll turbocharged engine with Valvetronic.
• 318d, 320d, 325d and 330d all received power increases.
• Sport, Lifestyle and Exclusive Edition were introduced for Saloon and Estate body vehicles.
• Expanded BMW ConnectedDrive features.
• EU6 emission compliance via optional BluePerformance emission control for 320d/330d Saloon, 320d Estate

Sport Editions include:

• M Sports Suspension
• 18-inch light-alloy wheels in exclusive Dark Chrome star-spoke design
• M Aerodynamics Package
• Window shaft covers in BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome
• exhaust tailpipes in Black Chrome
• body colours ranges include Blue Water Metallic
• sports seats
• M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons
• sports gear lever
• pedal supports made of stainless steel
• BMW Individual roof lining in Anthracite

Lifestyle Edition include:

• Platinum Bronze body colour
• trim bar on the front air dam in Silver
• window shaft covers on all engine variants in chrome
• 17-inch light-alloy wheels
• Exclusive seat upholstery (centre section in Layer cloth with outer seat elements in Fluid cloth), or seat in Anthracite, or a two-coloured seat with centre section in Ivory White and outer elements in Oyster
• When ordered by the customer, Fluid cloth also comes on the door panels
• interior trim in High-Gloss Platinum Bronze

Exclusive Edition includes:

• trim bar on the front air dam in Silver
• window shaft covers in chrome
• 17-inch light-alloy wheels
• Deep Sea Blue Metallic body colour
• roof railing in Satin-Gloss Aluminium on the BMW 3 Series Touring
• Dakota leather seats in Oyster colour
• leather sports steering wheel from BMW 3 Series Coupé and Convertible
• interior trim in Bamboo, Anthracite Grain

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 with different-sized tyres front and rear, race-oriented front air dam and rear wing, BMW kidney grille and the gills at the side finished in dark eloxy-plated chrome, classic bucket seats, interior trim in carbon, M steering wheel in alcantara, door and side panels at the rear in alcantara, six-point seat belts, a fire extinguisher, an emergency-off switch.

Market launch began in spring 2010.^[52][53]

German model went on sale in July 2010.^[54]

335is (2011–2013)

The 335is is a performance version of the BMW 335i coupé and convertible made exclusively for the North American market. A total of just under 7,000 were produced. The 335is was designed to fill what BMW perceived as an "enthusiast" niche between the regular 335i and the M3. It includes a specially tuned version of the N54 engine with increased power to 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, and an overboost function raising torque to 370 lb-ft for up to 7 seconds.

The 335is also has a stiffer engine mount and an upgraded cooling system, with a heavy-duty radiator fan and two heat exchangers, one an engine oil cooler, the other a secondary coolant radiator. To accommodate these heat exchangers, which are located ahead of each front wheel, the 335is was given a more aggressive front fascia with larger air openings, similar to the M3. Fog lights were removed from the coupé version to allow for the openings, although they remain on the convertible version because BMW felt it was less likely to see track duty.

In addition, the 335is is equipped with a revised, high-flow exhaust system, with the twin exhaust pipes finished in matte black, and a rear bumper that incorporates a diffuser-style piece. It comes with either a 7-speed double clutch transmission (DCT) with launch control or a 6-speed manual transmission controlled by an "M" stick with shorter throws. The manual transmission has a heavy-duty clutch with more holding power than the regular 335i. The 335is also has a thicker, "M" steering wheel, "M" steel pedals, standard sport seats, textured aluminum trim, black kidney grills, and either 18" or 19" BMW 313 "M" split-five spoke wheels.^[55][56]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 New York International Auto Show.^[57][58][59]

M3 Pickup (2011)

It is a one-off version of an 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.

The vehicle was unveiled on 1 April 2011.^[60][61]

BMW 325d Touring / paramedic vehicle (2011)

It is a version of BMW 325d Touring with Alpine White non-metallic body colour with paramedic stickers (individual), Black Dakota leather with blue contrast interior upholstery.

Unmasked official vehicle version includes tyre inflation pressures shown above front and rear wheel arches, additional LED strobe lights (blue) in tailgate on left and right provide more visible warning when vehicle is parked with tailgate open and signal system switched on, equipment carrier for transmitting/receiving equipment and control units in load compartment, main radio switch, radio loudspeakers, separate interference suppression for radio equipment, additional 12V socket in centre console, rear, higher-capacity battery and alternator, protective film on B-pillars, additional holder for hand-held radio on centre console, passenger side, front and rear rubber floor mats, additional fuse-holder for emergency vehicle equipment, steel load compartment partition grille, Ex-works preparation for radio equipment AEG Teledux 9 / 4m band, Hella RTK 7 LED special signal system, LED front strobe, fire-service matrix, LED rear signal, work light, front strobe light in BMW kidney grille.

The vehicle was unveiled in 11th RETTmobil 2011.^[62]

M3 CRT (2011)

BMW M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) is a limited (67 units) version of M3 Saloon 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, CFRP bucket seats, rear spoiler, air-channelling element integrated into its front apron; M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic, Satellite Navigation system Professional, BMW Individual High End audio system, a light, exterior mirror and luggage area package; an alarm system, Park Distance Control with sensors at the front and rear of the car, rigid rear axle subframe and coilover suspension with individually adjustable dampers, 6-piston fixed-calliper brakes with 378 x 32 millimetres front and 380 x 28 millimetres rear brake discs, Stahlflex brake lines, model-specific comfort brake pads, Dynamic Stability Control with ABS and M Dynamic Mode (MDM), 245/35R19 front and 265/35R19 rear tyres, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design, Frozen Polar Silver metallic body colour, Melbourne Red metallic applications, door sill strips, door panels and trim strips in aluminium grain structure; Alcantara-covered M steering wheel with M Drive button, Sakhir Orange and Black bi-colour covers for front and individual rear seats^[63][64]

M3 DTM concept (2011)

It is a concept race car based on M3 Coupé.

The vehicle was unveiled in BMW Welt in Munich.^[65]

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 wheels.^[66]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Geneva Motor Show.^[67]

Production

Production for the BMW M3 Series Saloon ended in October 2011.^[68]

All 67 units of the BMW M3 CRT had been sold before the model’s official market launch.^[69]

In 2013-07-05, BMW M GmbH announced the end of M3 Coupe production, followed by end of M3 Convertible production in September 2013. At the end of M3 Coupe production run, production of the BMW M3 Coupe was 40,092 units since 2007, while production of M3 Sedan reached was 9,674 units, with convertibles reaching almost 16,000.^[70]

BMW M3, 3 Series Sedan, Coupe and Convertible were produced at BMW plant in Regensburg. BMW M3's V8 engine was supplied by the BMW engine factory in Munich.

Production period

• Coupé Refresh (E92 LCI): from March 2010
• Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI): from March 2010
• M3 Coupé Refresh (E92 LCI): from March 2010 – November 2012
• M3 Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI): from March 2010 – July 2013
• M3 GTS (E92): April 2010 – December 2011
• M3 CRT (E90): June 2011 – October 2011

Motorsports

Jeff Koons' BMW Art Car entered the 2010 24 Hours of Le Mans race, with Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) driving the no. 79 BMW Art Car.^[71][72] During the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, the Art Car failed to complete the race.^[73]

Awards

• In April 2011, the E90 335d saloon won the 2011 Diesel Car of the Year award, an honour bestowed by The Diesel Driver magazine's readers, receiving 29,6% of the vote.

• The British motoring magazine What Car? awarded the BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Auto the Overall Winner Green Car of the Year 2012. The clean diesel BMW 320d has a UK combined fuel economy of 56 mpg and low emissions of just 110g/km of CO₂.^[74]

Marketing

BMW M3 GT2 Art Car Jeff Koons, a 1:18 scale model car based on M3 GT2 and designed by American artist Jeff Koons, had gone on sale since the beginning of December 2011 from selected BMW dealerships and on the Internet at www.bmw-shop.com, with new limited edition available approximately by the end of January 2012.^[75][76]

Successor

The E90 sedan was replaced by the all-new F30 in February 2012 for the 2012 model year. The E91 estate has been redesigned for the 2013 model year (now designated F31)

The E92/E93's redesign is slated to debut in Spring of 2013 as 2014 models, at which time BMW will re-designate these as a BMW 4 Series.

Production

Units sold according to BMW's annual reports.^[77]

Year	Total	sedan	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	Convertible 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

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to BMW 3 Series.

• Official BMW 3 Series
• BMW 3-series at DMOZ

« previous — BMW road car timeline, 1980s–present
Type	Series	1980s										1990s										2000s										2010s
		0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6
Compact	1 Series																												E82 / E88
																										E81 / E87							F20 / F21
	2 Series																																			F22 / F23
																																				F45
																																					F46
	3 Series Compact															E36/5						E46/5
Compact executive	3 Series	E21				E30							E36								E46						E90 / E91 / E92 / E93							F30 / F31 / F35
	4 Series																																		F32 / F33
																																				F36
Executive	5 Series	E12	E28							E34							E39								E60 / E61							F10 / F11
Luxury	6 Series	E24																								E63 / E64							F12 / F13
																																		F06
	7 Series	E23							E32							E38							E65 / E66 / E67 / E68							F01 / F02 / F03 / F04							G11 / G12
GT	8 Series										E31
Roadster	Z Series									E30 (Z1)							E36/7 & E36/8 (Z3)							E85 / E86 (Z4)							E89 (Z4)
M	1 Series M																																E82 M
	M2																																					F87
	M3						E30 M3							E36 M3								E46 M3							E90/92/93 M3							F80
	M4																																			F82 / F83
	M5						E28 M5				E34 M5										E39 M5						E60/61 M5						F10 M5
	M6				E24 M635CSi/M6																						E63/64 M6							F06/12/13 M6
	M Roadster																			E36/7 (Z3) M								E85 (Z4) M
	M Coupé																			E36/8 M Coupé								E86 M Coupé
Sports car		E26 (M1)																				E52 (Z8)
SUV	X1																														E84							F48
	X3																								E83							F25
	X4																																			F26
	X5																				E53							E70							F15
	X6																													E71 / E72						F16
PAV	3 GT																																		F34
	5 GT																														F07
i	i3																																		I01
	i8																																			I12