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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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.
2005–2008 BMW 3 Series (E90)
The BMW 3 Series, whose production began in 1975, was the German manufacturer’s best-selling vehicle throughout its entire lifespan.
The E90, the fifth generation of the BMW 3 series, has a classic look. Four body types were produced for the E90: sedan (E90), coupe (E92), convertible (E91), and break (E91).
Xenon headlights, automatic climate control, a parking sensor, power-adjustable seats, satellite navigation, a glass sunroof, heated front seats, Bluetooth, and a USB audio input were all available as options. Additionally, other extras were offered, including the Premium Package with leather seats, an auto-dimming mirror, automatic folding outside mirrors, and BMW Assist with Bluetooth.
Headlight washers, heated front seats, and folding rear seats with a ski bag were all included with the Cold Weather Package. Additional amenities such as separate seats, steering wheels, sports suspension, keyless entry, and electronic damping control were also offered with the Sports Package and Technology Package.
Run-flat tires were an option for the 3 series, although they did not come with a spare tire. Joji Nagashima created the sedan and the tourer, while Michael Markefka created the coupe and the convertible.
The facelift version, which had both mechanical and design modifications, was introduced in September 2008. Along with the wing mirrors, headlights, taillights, trunk lid, and bigger kidney grilles, the front and rear bumpers received an upgrade.
The AWD versions, previously known as “Xi” AWD before the facelift, are now known as “xDrive” vehicles. The “Professional navigation system” was upgraded, the display’s resolution was raised, and the interior received minor upgrades.
Coupe (E92)
One year after the saloon, the two-door version of the 3-Series was debuted in August 2006 as a 2007 model. Following the 325ix from the late 1980s and early 1990s, it is the second BMW coupe with all-wheel drive available. BMW xDrive is BMW’s designation for the system. The 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d, and 330xd trims are available for the E92.
Unlike its predecessors, the coupe’s body is entirely original and not based on the saloon with two less doors. Nearly all outward design elements are unique from their sedan counterparts. The kidney grills are more rounded, the headlamps are narrower, and the taillamps are significantly bigger. When compared to an E90 Sedan, the roofline is substantially lower, and the trunk and rear end seem to be “squished” down. Side skirts and bumpers are distinctive. Both the hood and the doors are a little bit longer. The driver and passenger windows have a shorter and wider design, but the rear passengers only get a considerably smaller side window. Additionally, the rear windshield appears to be smaller and offers less sight. The majority of wheel styles vary between the sedan and the coupe. For the base models, options include 17″ wheels, 18″ wheels with a sports package, and optional 19″ wheels. The front bucket seats, center console, and dashboard are all carried over from the sedan’s interior. The steering wheel is surrounded by a thin metallic strip. In the coupe as opposed to the sedan, metallic components such as door handles, steering wheel trim, radio knob bezzels, A/C vents, and automatic gearbox shift knobs are made of chrome. It has much longer door panels, a rear center console tray, and a two-passenger bench in place of the three-person bench. Instead of the normal Beige hue seen in the sedan, a “Creamy” Beige leather inside with a slightly lighter tone is featured in the coupe. 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. An E92 costs about $3000 USD more than an E90 saloon, but it also has more equipment, like standard Xenon HID headlights.
In 2007, the coupe’s high-performance M3 model made its premiere at the Geneva Auto Show. For the first time in a 3-series, it has a V8 engine, the S65B40, derived from the BMW S85 V10 that powers the E60 M5.
In November 2009, the BMW M3 GTS, a high-performance version of the M3 coupe, made its premiere. It has a 450 horsepower upgraded 4.4 M3 V8 engine. It also includes updated sports suspension, a light body, adjustable rear spoiler, and enhanced brakes with six-pot front brake calipers.
The Evolution Of The E90 Chassis
2005 until 2013 saw the manufacture of the BMW E90. Over the course of its eight-year production, it would go on to sell the most units for BMW and win numerous awards, including the prestigious title of “World Car of the Year,” making it the first BMW to do so.
The fifth generation of the 3-Series included a number of body styles, each with a different model name, even though they are together referred to as the E90 or E9x series. The E90 represented the sedan, the E91 the wagon or “Touring” type, the E92 the coupe, and the E93 the convertible.
A BMW 335i is it an E90?
A model of the E90 BMW 3 Series was the 335i. The 335i was first introduced for the 2007 model year and came in sedan (E90), coupe (E92), and convertible body styles.
A model of the E90 BMW 3 Series was the 335i. The 335i was first made available for the 2007 model year and came in sedan (E90), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93) body types. BMW’s N54 3.0L twin-turbo inline six engine, which produced 268 horsepower at first, powered this series of vehicles, but starting in 2010, BMW switched to the N55 3.0L turbocharged inline six engine, which produced 302 horsepower. Both manual and automatic transmissions with rear-wheel drive were offered for the 335i. The 335xi, an all-wheel drive variation, was also offered for sale. The E90 335i’s production ceased in 2013, although the model line lived on as a part of the F30 BMW 3 Series.
A: On June 5th, 2021, a 2013 BMW 335i Convertible sold for $32,500.
A 2009 BMW 335 Convertible sold for $5,500 on January 8, 2019, according to sales records.
Is a BMW 328i from 2007 an E90?
BMW 328i – E90 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.
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.
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.
Which motor powers the E90 328i?
An outstanding Inline-six engine known as the N53 by BMW powers the E90 BMW 328i. With the E90 3 Series, this 3.0 liter Inline-six naturally aspirated engine made its premiere. It produced 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque in the standard 328i, and this combination was connected to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission. The BMW 328i received the N51 engine in select regions of the United States instead of the N53 3.0-liter straight-six, which is known for being one of the most dependable BMW engines of all time and a major improvement over the N52 engine it replaced.
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.