Consider that you have an F30. The sixth generation 3 Series sedan, which was built between 2011 and 2019, is identified by the internal model code F30 of BMW. This model code sets it apart from 3 Series cars from previous BMW generations, such as the E90, E46, and E36, as well as from 3 Series cars from the same generation with other body styles, such as the F31 Touring or the F34 Gran Turismo. While all 3 Series models of a particular generation share many features, including engine choices, BMW utilizes this internal model identifier to distinguish between different body types.
You may also see the acronym LCI on your car’s series and model.
It stands for Life Cycle Impulse and is a facelifted model that BMW typically introduces three to four years into a model’s production run (for example, E92 LCI or F30 LCI). During this refresh, head units, electronics, and body style are frequently updated.
You might also want to find out more about the head unit upgrade choices for various Series to give your own car a facelift.
It is simple to determine your vehicle’s E series (internal model code) using the series, year, and body type. Understanding the E series is essential if you want to enhance your car or replace a few components. Let’s say you want to replace your headlights. As you can see below, even within the same series, they can vary greatly, so in order to ensure that we acquire the correct part for our BMW, we need to know exactly what model it is.
For the retrofits, the situation is the same. Let’s say you wish to replace your car’s power trunk release with one from BimmerTech. The body design of your car will have the biggest impact on this product’s compatibility.
In This Article...
a simple starting point tutorial that is quick and straightforward…
Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code.
I’m a new BMW owner. I believe the 2006 BMW 330i I own is an E90. Am I right in assuming that this designation is for a model? What an E91, 92, etc. is. I apologize for the poor question.
Thanks for the inquiry. I recently purchased the same 2006 BMW 330i and had the same inquiry.
I feel sorry for the moron who posts on this site for the first time, especially now that google is a real thing.
Should I repost the Picard-Palm or do you want to? (In my 21 years as a computer nerd, this is the oldest thread revival I’ve ever seen.)
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. BMW 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335is, 335d, and M3 are among the models.
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Introduction
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.
E90 versus 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.
What series of BMW is an E90?
The model codes E90 (saloon), E91 (estate, marketed as “Touring”), E92 (coupe), and E93 (executive vehicle) represent the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series series of small executive cars. The model, which BMW produced until October 2013, was first debuted in December 2004 and is frequently referred to as the E90 or E9x.
Run-flat tires were first made available for the 3 Series with the E9x. Run-flat tire models are not provided with spare tires. The first 3 Series vehicle with a turbocharged gasoline engine was the E92 335i. The iDrive operating system, which includes navigation, infotainment, and necessary vehicle functions, was also a first for the 3 Series.
Only the E90/E92/E93 M3 version of the M3 is equipped with a V8 engine. It was released in 2007 and comes in saloon, coupe, and convertible body types. It is powered by a BMW S65 naturally aspirated V8 engine.
The E90/E91 saloons and estates were phased out in February 2012 after the debut of the F30/F31 3 Series. The F32/F33 4 Series variants took their place as the E92/E93 coupes and convertibles were only produced until the 2013 model year.
Describe BMW LCI E90.
LCI stands for Life Cycle Impulse, and is typically used to detect cars that have undergone a mid-cycle facelift before you get hammered by the inevitable posts. Yours would be an LCI model because that generally happened for the e9x series starting in 2009.
LCI stands for “Life Cycle Impulse,” or “mid-cycle refresh/facelift,” in BMW jargon. And the LCI you own debuted with the 2009 model year.
What has changed: Sharper taillights, an aggressiver hood with “ripples” coming off the roundel, and smaller kidney grills that no longer resemble “huge fat nostrils” or blend into the hood. In my opinion, a really nice facelift. Different side mirrors and headlamps.
Although there were undoubtedly more adjustments, I honestly don’t know what else was altered.
Consider it from the standpoint of marketing. Why not use Facelift instead of LCI (Life Cycle Impulse)? Facelifts lead the general public to believe in only minor improvements, whereas LCI leads the public to assume there is more to the change—which, in many situations, there is
What model BMW is E92?
One year after the saloon, the coupe body style of the fifth generation 3 Series went on sale in August 2006 (as a 2007 model year). The 316i, 318i, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 320d, 320xd, 325d, 330d, 330xd, 335d, M3, and M3 GTS are all variations of the E92. For the sixth generation (F32/F33/F36) onward, these body styles switched to being marketed as the 4 Series; this would be the last model to contain the coupe and convertible as a component of the 3 Series.
When compared to earlier models, the coupe and sedan differ significantly. The coupe’s L-shaped taillights, more steeply angled headlights, and narrower side windows are among the differences. In addition to having longer side panels and a rear center console tray, the coupe has a two-passenger bench in place of the three-passenger bench.
Like its E46 predecessor, the coupe also has frameless doors. When the door is closed and the key fob is in the ignition, retractable arms that extend from the B-pillar can be used to hand the seat belt to the driver or passenger.
BMW E90 dependability
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.
How old is the BMW E92?
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.
Is 330i A E90?
A model of the E90 BMW 3 Series was the 330i. The 330i was first made available for the 2005 model year and came in sedan (E90), station wagon, and
A model of the E90 BMW 3 Series was the 330i. The 330i was first made available for the 2005 model year and came in sedan (E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E90) body types. The N52B30 engine from BMW powered these vehicles. This 3.0L inline six produced 255 horsepower and was in service until 2008, when a technical update led to the installation of a more potent N52B30, which produced 268 horsepower. Although an all-wheel drive model known as the 330xi was also offered, these engines drove the rear wheels via manual or automatic gearboxes. The E90 330i’s production ceased in 2013, however the model series would live on in the F30 generation of the BMW 3 Series.
A 2006 BMW 330i Sedan sold for $18,350 on November 12th, 2021, was the highest selling ever.
A 2006 BMW 330i sold on October 24 for $2,750, the lowest price ever recorded in sales history.
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.