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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In This Article...
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.
Buyers’ Guide for the BMW E90 3-Series (2022): All the Information You Need
The BMW E90 3-Series is the company’s fifth generation of what is perhaps its most known model. The E90, which debuted in 2005, succeeded the wildly popular E46 3-Series and introduced a number of upgrades. Even the newest E46 is at least 15 years old, but it is still regarded by many as one of the best drivers’ vehicles that BMW has ever produced. As a result, the more recent E90 has seen significant growth on the secondhand car market.
We’ve created a buyers’ guide to help you choose which version to buy and what to watch out for in light of the rise in demand for it. Here is all the information you require for the BMW E90 3-Series.
Guide to the BMW E90 & E92 328i
The last BMW 3-series cars to use natural aspiration are the E90 and E92 328i variants. For some people, this makes the 328i a very desired vehicle. The E90 328i is a fantastic automobile to own and drive due to a variety of additional characteristics, though. The E90 and E92 328i weigh about 3,350 pounds and have 230 horsepower, resulting in a 0-60 time of 6.1 seconds. We’ll break down the complete list of specifications for the 2007–2013 BMW 328i in this article. Additionally, we cover a number of FAQs, engine issues, reliability, performance, tuning, and more.
What distinguishes the BMW E90 from the 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.
The BMW E90: A good car?
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.
Is the E90 equivalent to the 328i?
BMW 328i – E90 (2007 to 2013) The 328i was a model of the E90 BMW 3 Series that was introduced for the 2007 model year. The 328i was available in the E90 sedan, E91 station wagon, E92 coupe, and E93 convertible body types.
BMW E90: What does LCI stand for?
The phrase LCI is among the most perplexing acronyms that many BMW owners struggle with. What does it imply specifically that your BMW is an LCI model?
The letters LCI in the BMW logo stand for Life Cycle Impulse. Company’s a name that BMW came up with to describe the mid-cycle tweaks that it delivers some models. An LCI is not simply a cosmetic “facelift” to the car, unlike what a lot of people in the BMW community believe. An LCI might also come with updated paint, wheels, and interior color options in addition to new drivetrains and powertrains. BMW doesn’t utilize a standard template for an LCI; each one is unique depending on the model. BMW LCIs don’t have a defined schedule either, but they often appear three to four years into a model’s life cycle.
The LCI plays a crucial role in BMW’s production and design processes. It enables BMW to upgrade the vehicle’s look and interior as well as include any new technology that might not have been accessible during the model’s first manufacture. Most significantly, it gives BMW the chance to “correct” any problematic design features that could have escaped detection during the original engineering of the car. The Life Cycle Impulse helps BMW maintain the competitiveness of its vehicles by removing the rough edges of model runs.
There have been many significant LCIs throughout the years, but the BMW E60 5 series (2004-2010) that underwent aesthetic surgery in 2008 was, in our judgment, the most frequent Life Cycle Impulse recipient. BMW purists attacked the E60’s contentious design, which was introduced in 2004 and was criticized for its unconventional and ugly exterior style. The LCI improved the look of the vehicle and gave it a more commanding and aerodynamic stance, which helped to ease the tension.
The interior of the E60 was also given a much-needed revamp, which included a spectacular overhaul of the unattractive door panels.
Other upgrades included new six speed automatic transmissions with electronic gear selections, upgraded six cylinder engines, and more exterior and interior color options.
The BMW E60 LCI is a good illustration of why certain models require life cycle impulses. Before newer generations are introduced to take their place, they aid in maintaining BMWs as modern and competitive vehicles.
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.
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.