Monday, February 22, 2010

BMW 3 Series (E90)

From Wikipedia,

BMW 3-Series (E90)
2007 3 Series
ManufacturerBMW
Production2005–present
AssemblyLeipzig, Germany
Munich, Germany
Jakarta, Indonesia
Regensburg, Germany
Pretoria, South Africa
Cairo, Egypt
Kaliningrad, Russia
Shenyang, China
Kulim, Malaysia, Madurai, India
PredecessorBMW E46
ClassCompact executive car
Body style(s)2-door coupe (BMW E92)
2-door convertible (BMW E93)
4-door sedan (BMW E90)
4-door station wagon (BMW E91)
LayoutFront engine, rear-wheel drive /all-wheel drive
Engine(s)1.6L I4; 2.0L I4; 2.5L I6; 3.0L I6; 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6; 4.0L V8; 2.0L Diesel I4; 3.0L Diesel I6; 3.0LTwin-Turbo Diesel I6
Transmission(s)6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
Wheelbase2,761 mm (108.7 in)
LengthWagon: 4,526 mm (178.2 in)
Convertible: 4,587 mm (180.6 in)
Coupe: 181.1 in (4,600 mm)
Sedan: 4,526 mm (178.2 in)
WidthWagon: 1,816 mm (71.5 in)
Convertible & Coupe: 1,783 mm (70.2 in)
Height2009- Wagon: 55.8 in (1,417 mm)
2006-08 Wagon: 1,455 mm (57.3 in)
Convertible: 1,384 mm (54.5 in)
328i Coupe: 1,374 mm (54.1 in)
328xi Coupe: 1,394 mm (54.9 in)
335i Coupe: 1,377 mm (54.2 in)
i Sedan: 1,420 mm (55.9 in)
xi Sedan: 1,425 mm (56.1 in)
Fuel capacity63 L (17 US gal; 14 imp gal)
RelatedBMW M3
BMW X3

The BMW E90 series is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executivecars. The car is also available as a station wagon/estate (designated as E91), coupé (E92) and coupé cabriolet (E93). A high performance BMW M3 version of the E90, E92, and E93 is also available. It is the successor to the E46 model, and was launched in March 2005. The E90 is slated to be replaced in 2012 when a new 3 Series body is introduced.

In 2002, Head of Production Norbert Reithofer and Development Chief Burkhard Goeschel halved the standard BMW time it took to reach full production of the E90 from six months to three.[1] First marketed in March 2005, it had quickly become BMW Group's best selling automobile worldwide by the end of the year with 229,900 vehicles delivered.[2]

Contents

[hide]

[edit]E46 comparison

The E90 sedan is 49 mm (1.9 in) longer, 78 mm (3.1 in) wider and 9 mm (0.4 in) taller than its predecessor (E46). The wheelbase is longer by 35 mm (1.4 in). In previous 3 Series models, space for passengers and luggage were common criticisms; however, BMW made significant improvements to the poor leg and headroom in those previous models. BMW's brochure even highlights, 'Now long legs can be enjoyed even by the people who have them'. Large amounts of aluminium were used in the body work and suspension in an attempt to keep the weight close to previous models; however, the E90 weighs between 50 lb (23 kg) and 300 lb (140 kg) more than comparable older models. The N54B30 engine is all aluminum, while the N51 and N52 engines largely consist of magnesium with an outer shell of aluminum and even aluminum bolts to prevent corrosion from dissimilar metals. The piston sleeves in each are steel and have copper coating.

The E90 also introduced run-flat tires to the 3 Series range. Consequently, cars with run-flats are not equipped with a spare tire. While these theoretically improve performance and handling, run-flats cost much more to replace and give a harsher ride.

[edit]Body styles and models

[edit]Sedan (E90)

2009 BMW 335i sedan (US)

The sedan (saloon) model of the 3 series was the first model sold of the 5th generation BMW 3 series. Debuting in the US in 2006, the E90 came in two trims, the 325i/x and 330i/x models. Later, the US E90 received an engine boost with the debuts of the 2007 328i/x and 335i/x models.

BMW released an M3 variant of the E90 sedan for the 2008 model year. The M3 features the same V8Engine as the Coupe. It separated itself from the standard E90 by utilizing the E92 coupe's front fascia.

[edit]Touring (E91)

The Sports Wagon (Touring) model of the 3-Series is available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD. This model features a large Panoramic roof, which stretches far enough for passengers in the rear to enjoy.

[edit]Coupe (E92)

2008 BMW M3 Coupé (E92)

The two-door iteration of the 3-Series became available in August 2006 and premiered as a 2007 model. It is the second BMW coupe offered with BMW xDrive, BMW's moniker for all-wheel-drive, after the 325ix of the late '80s and early '90s. The coupe's body is its own design and no longer derived from the sedan with two less doors like its predecessors, being longer and narrower than the E90 counterpart.

All E92s come standard with Xenon HID headlights and retractable arms that extend from the B-pillar to hand the seat belt to the driver and/or passenger when the key fob is in the ignition and the door is closed. The E92 is available in the 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335is, 335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d and 330xd trims (availability of certain models depends on region).

The M3 high-performance variant of the coupe debuted in 2007 at the Geneva Auto Show. It features anS65B40 V8 engine for the first time in a 3-series.

In March 2010, the coupe will receive a refresh for the 2011 model year. The updates focuses on modifications to the front and rear bumpers, wider kidney grille, new colors, new leather and trim color options, LED Corona headlights ("Angel Eyes"), and LED taillights. The 335i's N54 twin-turbo inline 6 will be replaced by the N55 dual-scroll turbo inline 6 engine. The 335is will join the line-up in the US market only which uses a modified version of the N54 engine to increase output and is available in coupe form only.

The BMW M3 GTS is high-performance variant of M3 debuted in November 2009. It features a modified 4.4 M3 V8 engine with 450 bhp. In addition to engine upgrade it has improved brakes with 6 pot front brake calipers, new sports suspension, light weight body and adjustable rear spoiler.

[edit]Convertible (E93)

BMW E93 M-Sport

The 3 Series convertible, for the first time, is available with a 3-piece folding aluminum hardtop roof. The new convertible is also the center of many new technological advancements for BMW as well as the recipient of many existing safety and performance technologies that have been improved upon for the new model. The new 3 Series convertible improves upon BMW's "Comfort Access" option, by allowing the user to completely raise and lower the folding roof by simply pressing and holding the respective buttons on the key fob.

The M3 high performance variant of the convertible debuted in 2008. It, along with the coupe and sedan version, features a V8 engine in the 3-series for the first time.

In March 2010, the convertible will receive a refresh for the 2011 model year. The updates focuses on modifications to the front and rear bumpers, wider kidney grille, new colors, new leather and trim color options, LED Corona headlights ("Angel Eyes"), and LED taillights. The 335i's N54 twin-turbo inline 6 will be replaced by the N55 dual-scroll turbo inline 6 engine.

[edit]Specifications

[edit]Production Period

  • Sedan (E90):
March 2005 to September 2008
  • Sedan Refresh (E90 LCI):
from September 2008
  • Touring/Wagon (E91):
September 2005 to September 2008
  • Touring/Wagon Refresh (E91 LCI):
from September 2008
  • Coupe (E92):
September 2006 to March 2010
  • Coupe Refresh (E92 LCI):
from March 2010
  • Convertible (E93):
March 2007 to March 2010
  • Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI):
from March 2010
  • M3 Sedan (E90):
March 2008 to September 2008
  • M3 Sedan Refresh (E90 LCI):
from September 2008
  • M3 Coupe (E92):
September 2007 to March 2010
  • M3 Coupe Refresh (E92 LCI):
from March 2010
  • M3 Convertible (E93):
May 2008 to March 2010
  • M3 Convertible Refresh (E93 LCI):
from March 2010
  • M3 GTS (E92):
from Jan 2010

[edit]Engines

VersionLocalProductionEnginePowerTorque
Petrol engines
316iEUR2007-1.6 L I4120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS)
318iEUR2005-20072.0 L I4127 bhp (95 kW; 129 PS)
318iEUR2007-2.0 L I4 N43B20141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS)140 lb·ft (190 N·m)
320iEUR2005-20072.0 L I4148 bhp (110 kW; 150 PS)148 lb·ft (201 N·m)
320iEUR2007+2.0 L I4168 bhp (125 kW; 170 PS)155 lb·ft (210 N·m)
320siEUR20062.0 L I4171 bhp (128 kW; 173 PS)
323iCA2005-20072.5 L I6175 bhp (130 kW; 177 PS)170 lb·ft (230 N·m)
323iCA2007+2.5 L I6200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS)180 lb·ft (244 N·m)
325iEUR2005-20072.5 L I6215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS)185 lb·ft (251 N·m)
325iEUR2007+3.0 L I6215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS)199 lb·ft (270 N·m)
325iUS, CA20063.0 L I6215 bhp (160 kW; 218 PS)185 lb·ft (251 N·m)
328iUS, CA2007+3.0 L I6230 bhp (172 kW; 233 PS)199 lb·ft (270 N·m)
330iUS, CA20063.0 L I6254 bhp (189 kW; 258 PS)221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
330iEUR2005-20073.0 L I6254 bhp (189 kW; 258 PS)221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
330iEUR2007+3.0 L I6268 bhp (200 kW; 272 PS)236 lb·ft (320 N·m)
335iUS, CA, EUR2007-20103.0 L twin-turbo I6300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS)300 lb·ft (407 N·m)
335iUS, CA, EUR2010+3.0 L dual-scroll I6300 bhp (224 kW; 304 PS)300 lb·ft (407 N·m)
335isUS2010+3.0 L twin-turbo I6320 bhp (239 kW; 324 PS)370 lb·ft (502 N·m)
M3US, CA, EUR2007+4.0 L V8420 bhp (313 kW; 426 PS)295 lb·ft (400 N·m)
M3 GTSUS, CA, EUR2010+4.4 L V8450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS)320 lb·ft (434 N·m)
Diesel engines
VersionLocalProductionEnginePowerTorque
316dEUR2009+2.0 L114 bhp (85 kW; 116 PS)192 lb·ft (260 N·m)
318dEUR2005-20072.0 L120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS)
318dEUR2007-2.0 L141 bhp (105 kW; 143 PS)221 lb·ft (300 N·m)
320dEUR2005-20072.0 L161 bhp (120 kW; 163 PS)258 lb·ft (350 N·m)
320dEUR2007-2.0 L175 bhp (130 kW; 177 PS)258 lb·ft (350 N·m)
320d EfficientDynamics EditionEUR2010-2.0 L161 bhp (120 kW; 163 PS)265 lb·ft (359 N·m)
325dEUR2006-3.0 L194 bhp (145 kW; 197 PS)295 lb·ft (400 N·m)
330dEUR2005-20083.0 L228 bhp (170 kW; 231 PS)367 lb·ft (498 N·m)
330dEUR2008-3.0 L242 bhp (180 kW; 245 PS)384 lb·ft (521 N·m)
335dUS, CA2009+3.0 L265 bhp (198 kW; 269 PS)425 lb·ft (576 N·m)
335dEUR2006-3.0 L282 bhp (210 kW; 286 PS)428 lb·ft (580 N·m)

On the Canada-spec 2007 323i an I6 engine block heater is not available—though one can be retrofitted—for the E90, making extremely cold weather starts problematic.

[edit]Safety

Euro NCAP scores[3]
Adult Occupant:5/5 stars
Child Occupant:4/5 stars
Pedestrian:1/4 stars

The Euro NCAP noted the poor pedestrian protection awarding 4 points out of 36, reporting the 3-series was "very disappointing" in this measure.

[edit]IIHS

The IIHS gives the 3-series a "Good" overall rating in both the frontal and side impact crash tests. The 3-series received "Good" marks in all six of the frontal crash test categories.[4] And "Good" marks in six of the nine categories in the side impact test.[5] The IIHS also gave the 3-series the Top Safety Pick award. The convertible is rated "Marginal" in side impacts,[6] making the 3-series convertible the lowest rated vehicle currently sold in its class in IIHS tests.[7]

2008 sedan NHTSA scores[8]
Frontal Driver:4/5 stars
Frontal Passenger:4/5 stars
Side Driver:5/5 stars
Side Rear Passenger:5/5 stars
Rollover:4/5 stars

[edit]Facelift (2008—)

Sedan (E90) since 9/2008
Sedan (E90) since 9/2008
Touring (E91) since 9/2008
Touring (E91) since 9/2008

In September 2008 sedan and Touring were updated. Compared to typically subtle BMW facelifts the change to the E90 and E91 were relatively extensive.

The front and rear bumper, the wing mirrors, the headlamps and the tail lamps which return to the classic BMW L-shape as well as bonnet ("hood") and boot lid ("trunk lid") were changed. The rear track on some models were increased by 24 mm (0.9 in). The BMW kidney grilles were re-arranged with a wider appearance. In the interior high-quality materials and trim are used, also some control elements were changed. The front seats were equipped with crash activated head restraints.

There were also technical changes to the optional navigation system "Professional", that provided with an internal non-removable disk and high-speed keys (now supplied by Harman Becker instead of Siemens VDO). In addition to the new updated iDrive, internet access (special equipment) was also introduced.

Only the 330d engine was changed. It was changed to the new BMW N57 all-aluminium diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, and will develop 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp).[9]

The E90 M3 only received the new rear design and iDrive system from the E90 2009 model year facelift.

[edit]Special edition

Andy Priaulx's BMW 320si WTCC.

The 320si is a special homologation version, built in order to qualify the car for the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC).[10] It was released in 2006 and limited to 2,600 units. The 320si uses a modified 4 cylinder engine (N45) different from the standard 320i (N46). Modifications include an increased redline to 7,300 rpm, a shortened stroke (by 2 mm), an increased bore (by 1 mm) and a higher compression ratio (11.0:1). The engine is mostly hand built and does not have Valvetronic, decreasing the number of moving parts. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 8.1 seconds and acceleration in fourth gear from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 120 km/h (75 mph) takes 7.7 seconds compared with a standard 320i which achieves them in 9.0 and 9.1 seconds respectively. Fourth gear acceleration is comparable to that of the 325i which achieves the 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) sprint in 7.5 seconds.

The BMW 320si is used by Team RAC and Airwaves BMW in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Colin Turkington won the 2009 BTCC Drivers championship using the BMW 320si.

[edit]Awards

  • In April 2006, the E90 was awarded the World Car of the Year title by a jury of 46 international automotive journalists. The car was praised for its balance between performance and practicality, as well as between style and seriousness. The jury also praised the new diesel engines and the all wheel drive variants.[11]
  • Car and Driver magazine listed the E90 3-series on their Ten Best list for the 16th time in 24 years of the list's publication.
  • The E90 was named "Best New Sports Sedan" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards.

[edit]Gallery

E90 M3 Sedan Front

E91 Touring Front

E91 Touring Rear

E92 Coupe Front

E92 M3 Coupe Front

E93 Cabriolet Side

E93 Cabriolet Rear

WTCC BMW 320si

[edit]References

  1. ^ A Role Model For The Team Player BusinessWeek - October 16, 2006
  2. ^ BMW Group, annual report 2005 (accessed 11 Oct 06)
  3. ^ "For safer cars | BMW 3 Series". Euro NCAP. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  4. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: BMW 3 series". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  5. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: BMW 3 series". Iihs.org. 2008-11-25. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  6. ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=810
  7. ^ http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=100
  8. ^ "Safercar.gov". Safercar.gov. Retrieved 2009-04-12.
  9. ^ Face lifted 2009 BMW 3-Series full details and photos
  10. ^ "World Touring Car homologation special". Retrieved 2007-03-15.
  11. ^ "BMW 3-Series declared World Car of the Year". World Car of the Year Awards. 2006-04-13. Retrieved 2006-10-11.

[edit]External links

Search Wikimedia CommonsWikimedia Commons has media related to: BMW 3 Series
Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)