Instead of the previously utilized cloth roof, the E93 convertible was the first BMW model to use a retractable hardtop (folding metal roof). One of the earliest retractable hardtops in its price range was the E93. The “Comfort Access” option enables the key fob to be used to raise and lower the roof. The side windows of the E93 are 30% bigger than those of its E46 convertible predecessor, increasing visibility by 38%.
Reviewers have commended the BMW 3 Series convertible’s passenger/boot room (even with the roof down), driving dynamics, weight, and chassis rigidity despite the fact that it was frequently more expensive than direct competitors.
In This Article...
The folding roof’s inventive design on the BMW E93
One of BMW’s most popular cabriolets ever made was the E93. Customers looking for a stylish car that was also useful and enjoyable to drive found it appealing.
By switching the traditional fabric soft top of the fourth generation 3 series cabriolet (E46) for a hard top folding roof mechanism in the fifth generation 3 series, BMW made a huge leap of faith (E93).
The ingenious design of this new three-piece hard top convertible roof allows it to fold in 30 seconds. The E93 also had comfort access, which let the driver to use the key fob to raise or lower the folding roof.
The BMW E93 has more interior space than many other cabriolets thanks to the extremely small folding roof. In addition to having plenty of headroom, the front and back seats provide plenty of leg room.
The BMW E93 has a sleek, precisely curved roofline that makes it appear like a coupe when the roof is up. The roof’s aesthetics are undisturbed by any lumps or evident joints; it has a lovely pattern that enhances the car’s appeal.
The fact that a hard top folding roof is far quieter than most soft tops is a significant advantage. For those who wanted to drive a cabriolet but didn’t want to deal with strong winds and loud traffic, this was a particularly alluring feature.
The sun reflected upholstery of the BMW E93 was another intriguing element. Compared to leather, it enables the seats to stay up to 20 degrees cooler in direct sunshine. When the top is down on a hot day, the car is much more comfortable.
Passion for Performance & Design
Learn how James Paick won the CSF Bimmer Challenge while driving his E92 BMW M3, and how he developed a passion for racing.
The fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series, often known as the E90 or E9X, was built from 2004 until 2013. BMW E90 (sedan), BMW E91 (wagon, or Touring), BMW E92 (coupe), and BMW E93 are among the chassis codes that are featured (convertible). BMW 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335is, 335d, and M3 are among the models.
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Which Model of the BMW E92 3 Series Should I Buy?
For the 2007 model year, the BMW E46 coupe and convertible were replaced by the E92 and E93 3 Series. Compared to prior iterations, the design was significantly different from the sedan and wasn’t just a 3 Series sedan with two doors removed. It had a new back end and a totally revised front end. The engines and interior of the coupe and convertible were identical to those of the sedan. These cars are still available for a very low cost 13 years after their debut.
What distinguishes a BMW E90 from an E92?
Later in this article, we’ll return to this subject. Prior to getting into the details of the 2007–2013 328i’s specifications, it’s critical to establish some fundamentals. The E90 and E92 belong to the same 3-series generation. E90 stands for the sedan, and E92 for the coupe. Since they both have the same BMW N52 engine, the engine specifications will not change.
The E90 and E92 designations, however, indicate that the cars actually rest on separate chassis. Specifications like the 328i’s weight, length, ground clearance, etc. differ between the coupe and sedan versions. As a result, we’ll try our best to detail the precise specifications for the E90 and E92 328i. Despite having various chassis, they are really rather similar.
*Where information is applicable to both the E90 and E92, we’ll refer to it in this article as the E9x. Since both 328i models employ the exact same engine, for instance, under the following heading.
BMW E92 is from what year?
The fourth generation BMW M3 E92 sports coupe was introduced by BMW M in the fall of 2007. The high-performance car was introduced twice again in 2008 and offered in three body types: the E92 Coupe, the E93 Convertible, and, for the first time since the E36, the E90 Sedan. The vehicles, like their forerunners, broke ground in terms of technology and driving dynamics. But one novel element in particular grabbed attention: the BMW M3’s eight-cylinder engine, a first for the model.
BMW E90: What Does It Mean?
We’ll give you a quick crash course in the E90-gen 3er before we get into the intricacies so you can catch up before you invest any money. Beginning in 2006 and lasting until 2012, the E90-generation BMW 3 Series received a mid-cycle refresh (LCI) in 2009.
Although it is referred to as the E90-generation, that chassis code actually has a few different iterations. Standard designations for vehicles include “E90” for sedans, “E91” for five-door wagons, “E92” for two-door coupes, and “E93” for two-door convertibles. The same is true for M3 cars, as this generation of BMW has no M-specific chassis codes.
A BMW E93 costs how much?
BMW debuted the E90 BMW M3 convertible with a manual transmission for the 2008 model year. E93 was the name given to E90 convertibles, and the…
BMW debuted the E90 BMW M3 convertible with a manual transmission for the 2008 model year. The E93 convertibles from the E90 series used a 4.0L naturally aspirated V8 engine. This engine had a 6 gear manual transmission to send 414 horsepower to the rear wheels. The E93 BMW M3 was manufactured till 2013. Future M3 models would only be sedans because BMW updated their model lineup in 2014 by adding the 4 Series, which is made up of 2 door cars based on the 3 Series (coupe, convertible, and fastback). The BMW M4 was released in 2015 as the E93 M3 Convertible’s successor.
A: On June 23, 2022, a 2011 BMW M3 Convertible sold for the highest price of $42,250.
A 2008 BMW M3 Convertible sold for $17,200 on August 25, 2020, according to sales records.
When did BMW start producing the E92 M3?
Launched in 2007, the final naturally aspirated BMW M3 had a bigger V8 engine that was unexpectedly lighter than the six-pot that it replaced.
The M3 may be distinguished from the other E92 BMW vehicles by a hump on the hood, vents on the fenders, and lowered suspension. It was designed to serve as a grand tourer, a sports car, and a weapon on the racetrack.
With a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-cylinder engine, the E92 M3 was introduced in 2007. The purists who were still pining for the original, 1986 E30 M3 reacted to it with mixed emotions. However, the engine’s displacement and cylinder count have since been boosted. The E92 was a heavier automobile than the E46 M3, the final one with a normally aspirated six-cylinder engine. But since it had more torque at lower revs, that wasn’t really a problem.
The car’s interior was created to provide adequate comfort and enjoyment while driving. The leather-upholstered sport bucket seats appeared upscale and attractive. The infotainment system was combined with a vintage BMW instrument cluster, a high dashboard infotainment display, and the i-Drive controller in the center console. There was some space for people in the back seats.
The E92 M3 was able to run faster, turn faster, and drift better thanks to technological advancements. The car’s improved performance over the type it replaced was made possible by new suspension, a typical limited-slip differential, and several electronics.
What distinguishes the BMW E90 from the F30?
The N-series engines were utilized throughout the whole E90. Although the induction varies per model, they are all 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engines. The 328i was the last model in the US of the 3-series to have a naturally aspirated engine. All F30s have turbocharged engines, some with 2.0L inline-4 and some with 3.0L inline-6 cylinders.
The N52 found in the 325i and 328i E90 will be the most dependable engine installed in the E90 and F30 in both variants. Despite its displacement, it is naturally aspirated and produces a rather low amount of power. Though it’s not outdated, it may be directly linked to the M50-based series of engines that BMW started using in the middle of the 1980s. The induction system on the higher output variants received a variable-length intake manifold, while the cylinder head used variable valve lift and variable valve timing.
The most tuner-friendly engine in the group is the N54 found in the pre-LCI 335i and the 335is E90. Iron cylinder liners and dual turbochargers provide it strength in stock condition, enabling it to handle a substantial boost pressure increase without requiring significant changes. Tuners may extract 500 horsepower from them by adding certain common bolt-on components. The N55 is an extremely similar engine, although it only has one turbocharger rather than two. The N55 engine is more dependable due to its updated design and less mechanical complexity from the N54 advancement. It can generate the same amount of power, too, but the N54 still outperforms it in terms of pure tuneability. Wastegate rattles, malfunctioning high-pressure fuel pumps, and fuel injector problems are frequent problems with the N54. Due to their direct fuel injection, the N54 and N55 will both experience carbon buildup in the intake system.
Although the N20/26 that powers the F30 328i is a superb automobile, it isn’t the most dependable BMW ever produced. The N20/26 is a torquey four-cylinder thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, even without their problems. In conjunction with that turbocharger, the direct fuel injection produces a performance that is both fuel-efficient and powerful enough to propel you into your seat. However, some of its problems are quite serious. The timing chain assembly is the biggest unspoken issue. BMW inserted plastic guides that are known to start cracking after 60,000 kilometers. The fractured guides can result in a catastrophic failure when coupled with a stretched chain. They also experience the N54/55’s fuel system problems and leaks in the oil filter housing gasket. Any N20/26 purchase must come with a set of service records.
A variety of transmissions sit in front of these engines. The F30’s ZF 8HP transmission is undoubtedly the best one on the market. It shifts quickly, has minimal issues, and is capable of handling the added power from a N54 with bolt-ons. The ZF six-speed manual in the 335i is your best option if you need to row on your own. Although not excessively so, it can handle more power than stock and gives the driver a lot of feedback. Traffic isn’t the end of the world, and the clutch pedal isn’t too heavy either. Nowadays, the older 6HP automatic found in E90s is a very antiquated gearbox. It functions as intended and performs best in a stock car.