In many ways, the E9x era is exceptional. The latest 3 series to offer a coupe is this one. The 4 series mark is applied to the latest generation coupes. The E9x is the final model in the 3 series to have an inline 6 engine with naturally aspirated fuel. In addition, it is the first model in the 3 series to offer an inline 6 engine with two turbochargers and direct injection. The last two things complement one another. With the release of the E9x, BMW entered a whole new era. The vehicle that started it all was the 335i powered by the N54. a switch to turbocharged engines from normally aspirated ones.
BMW’s E9x, however, also adheres to tradition in a lot of other ways. The E9x has hydraulic steering, unlike the most recent BMW models. An essential component of the 3 series’ advantage over the competition was its hydraulic steering. Hydraulic steering by BMW has a long history of offering good feedback and encouraging driver involvement. However, as hydraulic steering is used by every E9x chassis 3 series, we won’t go any farther with this. However, a lot of aficionados concur that the E9x steering is more engaging and dynamic than the more recent generation 3 series.
The E90 generation is a fantastic driver’s car overall. Excellent all-around chassis with excellent handling. Additionally, xDrive and manual transmissions were available for each model. A special combination of engines is also available to appease certain aficionados. The S65 V8 engine of the M3 has a wonderful sound and runs at high revs. The final BMW naturally aspirated inline 6 engine is found in the 325i, 328i, and 330i, powered by the N52. The 335i powered by the N54 will undoubtedly delight aficionados of horsepower and tuning.
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Why One Of The Most Reliable BMW Cars Is The E90 328i
Significant aesthetic and technical improvements were made to the fifth generation 3 Series to improve its performance and design over the fourth version. For instance, the E90 series had a larger interior and a wheelbase that was greater than that of its forerunner. It also had wider tracks.
Due to its 6-cylinder engine, which was regarded as the largest 6-cylinder available in the regular (non-M-car) sports-sedan (and coupe and convertible) range during the model’s peak in the mid-’90s, the 328i is almost as renowned as the legendary M3 at the table of iconic BMW 3 Series, if not in performance per se, then certainly in popularity. The Bimmer’s N52B30 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-6 with 228 horsepower, was used to power the E90x. With the exception of the AWD 328xi variant, the engines were connected to either manual or automatic transmissions that sent power to the rear wheels.
You see, the 2.5-liter, six-cylinder 325i was the E90 base model and was capable of producing 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The base model 325i of the E90x was replaced in 2008 by the 328i, which featured a larger 2.8-liter 6-cylinder engine with 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, there was the top-tier 330i, which according to BimmerLife is one of BMW’s most potent naturally aspirated 6-cylinders ever and produces 268 horsepower.
The 335i with a turbocharger followed. Even if we act as though the M3 doesn’t exist, the E90 335i still has a turbocharged 6-cylinder engine that produces 302 horsepower. Yes, there were undoubtedly more potent E90s and BMWs, as evidenced by the 400-hp V8 M3. But as the E90 328 shows, more power isn’t always better when it comes to dependability. This is why.
Recall that we claimed the 325i and 328i were powered by BMW’s N52 engine, which was used in the non-turbocharged E90s. According to BimmerLife, this mill is among the most potent ones the Bimmer has ever produced. Compare that to the N54 twin-turbo straight-six engine in the BMW 335i, which BMW Tuning claims is noticeably less reliable while producing 298 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
Although, according to BMW Tuning, the number of afflicted engines is relatively limited, the performance-oriented M3’s engine is known to have rod-bearing failure, which, if left unchecked, might result in engine failure. These factors make the apparently less powerful BMW E90 328 more reliable than the others.
Additionally, they handle well while being roomier and more comfortable than the previous E46. In fact, the F30 3-Series, the E90 328’s replacement, was unable to match the E90 328’s drivability and premium inside materials. Surprisingly, the E90 3 Series is still very contemporary, including standard traction and stability control in addition to accessible satellite navigation.
Even the most dependable E90 BMW models occasionally have engine problems.
The E90 3 Series is likely your best option for a trustworthy secondhand BMW today. especially the N52 BMW inline-6 engine found in the non-turbocharged 325i, 328i, and 330i cars. BMWs are not exempt from maintenance or dependability difficulties, though. The same holds true for E90 vehicles equipped with the N52.
The most dependable BMW is the E90 3-Series.
The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.
Better Than We Recall, the E90 3 Series — C&D Retro Review
The E90 BMW 3 Series was first viewed as the start of the brand’s slide from its perch atop the Ultimate Driving Machine. Compared to the E46 3 Series it replaced, it was bigger, heavier, more electrical, and more sophisticated. Fans were therefore understandably a little dubious of it. Customers adored it because it was so successful, but fans yearned for the simpler, more straightforward 3ers of old. That is, at least, what is said about the E90 nowadays. However, the E90 was still a fantastic driver’s car when it was new, as this 2009 Car and Driver review demonstrates.
I adore Car and Driver’s comparison tests from the past. They provide us a peek into the minds of automobiles that, while well-known to us today, were brand-new at the time. As a result, C&D was examining the E90 with new eyes, whereas today’s BMW aficionados reflect on the E90.
The E90 3 Series did indeed make its debut in 2006, but in 2009 it received an LCI update that significantly changed its engines and improved its appearance. C&D was incredibly impressed after that LCI.
The E90 BMW 328i is pitted against the Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD, and Infiniti G37 in this comparison. Only the Audi had less power than the 3er, making it one of the least powerful vehicles in the test. The 328i was outperformed by the Infiniti in terms of performance and, although being much more expensive, lacked features that both the Infiniti and Acura possessed.
Even though the E90 BMW 328i had a number of drawbacks on paper, it nonetheless triumphed. Although not by much over the Infiniti, it still prevailed. So how did it succeed? BMW has a history of dominating comparison testing thanks to its precision handling and alluring yet modest styling. It is the finest overall car to drive in the test thanks to its smooth inline-six engine, superb manual transmission, crisp steering, and comfortable ride.
Therefore, enthusiasts should consider comparison studies like this to keep in mind that the E90 was actually a very nice automobile when they look back on it as sort of the beginning of the end for the E90.
Which Should You Purchase?
In all honesty, and I don’t mean to sound unsure, they’re all excellent. The BMW 3 Series E9x series as a whole is excellent. The E90 had a superbly balanced chassis, all models continued to include BMW’s excellent hydraulic steering, and manual gearboxes were available on all of them.
Really, all you have to do is decide whatever model and values you want. The post-LCI BMW 335i is virtually unbeatable if power and performance are your top priorities.
Nico’s Choice: If it were up to me, I’d propose looking into post-LCI BMW 328i Coupes with manual transmissions. It is the final 3 Series with a normally aspirated engine and the final 3 Series coupe (switched to 4 Series Coupe with F3x-generation). Thus, a car with a manual transmission is not only unique to drive, but also easy to use, dependable, and, when equipped with a M Sport package, exceptionally attractive.
The BMW E90 is swift.
The time it takes a car to reach 60 mph is a crucial factor for many automobile buyers, especially those who enjoy speed. The BMW 3 Series 335i E90 sedan is a good option if you’re interested in buying a used car but don’t want to spend a lot of money on a new one.
From 2007 until 2013, the 335i sedan was offered for sale. It has a 2,979cc inline six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 298 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque between 1,200 and 5,000 rpm. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 5.4 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. It takes less than 25 seconds to travel one kilometer.
However, how does a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds compare to the 335i E90’s closest competitors, the 2013 model in particular? Let’s look more closely.
How dependable is the BMW E90 320i?
We can fairly conclude that the E90 3-series is a trustworthy automobile because most BMW enthusiasts regard it as one of the company’s most dependable models ever. A BMW E90 3-series from the years 2006–2011 without a turbocharger is perhaps a good choice.
Finding a used BMW with a known service history and one that has been maintained on time is crucial if you plan to purchase one. A well-kept E90 will provide a generally smooth ride with few to no unpleasant surprises.
Is E90 superior to E46?
Finally, we’re getting to the genuine comparison of the two vehicles. The purpose of the aforementioned was to set up the remaining subjects. We will compare the E46 and E90 in general terms. However, there are numerous models and engines to choose from, as seen above. As a result, not every model will necessarily be covered by the generalizations. As an illustration, the E46 330i ZHP performs better than the E90 325i.
Nevertheless, the E90 excels in terms of performance overall. In comparison to the E46, the E90 has higher power, torque, and faster acceleration. The E90 transmissions also shift more smoothly and a little quicker. True performance aficionados, though, might prefer the manual transmissions. Although manuals are a declining breed, the E90 and E46 both have a wide selection of them.
Additionally, the E90 has a wide range of engine options. For the US market, BMW’s E46 is equipped with just straight-6 naturally aspirated engines. That may or may not be a good thing. especially considering how well regarded BMW’s inline-6 engines are. The E90s, however, come with a 4.0L V8 for the M3 and normally aspirated inline 6, single and twin turbo inline 6, and inline 6 engines. The E46 generation cannot compare to the power and performance of the N54, N55, and S65.
What does E90 on a BMW 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.