As a BMW, the 50th anniversary of the 3 Series celebrates, BMWblog Explore the history of the model and its contribution to the success of the car manufacturer. We have already looked at the first four generations – the E21, the E30, the E36 and the E46. The E30 and the E46 are among the four due to the sales success and the Halo effect of their M3 models, which have become popular collectors.
Nevertheless, today we will check the 3 series of the fifth generation that the E90 (or the E9X) refers to. It was produced from 2005 to 2013 and was available in limousines (E90), Coupé (E92), Cabrio (E93) and Estate (E91). However, the 3 Series compact was replaced by the 1 series (E87).
Nevertheless, the E90, like its predecessor, was a commercial hit with 3 million deliveries. In fact, it was the best -selling luxury car in America and Canada at some point. Numerous prizes were also won, including World Car of the Year 2006 (before Mazda MX-5 and the Porsche Cayman). What car? Car of the year 2006 and Japan ImportAuto of the year 2005-06.
E90: performance, design and technology
The E90 is based on the success of the E46 with upgrades to drive train, drive train, safety systems and chassis. The external design was also contemporary, while the interior was lifted and more spacious (relieved by a longer wheelbase). In addition, the E90 was the first 3 Series that IDRIVE received, although the software initially received a lot of criticism of its user interface and complexity.
With regard to the technical data, the area began with the 316i, which produced 121 hp and 120 pound foot torque. In the meantime, the six-cylinder 330i delivered 268 hp and 236 pound foot torque with a time of 0 to 60 km / h of 6.3 seconds. Not to mention that the 335i, the first Turbo 3 series (N54/N55), and an output of 302 hp and 295 pound foot torque and a time of 0 to 60 miles per hour of 5.8 seconds.
In addition, the diesel variants of the E90 were very popular with enthusiasts. In fact, the 282-hp-335d even won the 2011 diesel car of the year, ahead of the Volkswagen Golf TDI and the Jetta sports car TDI.
E90 M3: award -winning V8
The E90 M3 in Coupé, convertible and limousine variants-War the first and only V8 M3 made with mass production. The S65 engine provided 414 hp and 295 pound foot torque, with the power supply being sent to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The M3 manual could reach 0-60 miles per hour in 4.8 seconds and the DCT M3 in 4.6 seconds.
The special edition models included the M3 GTS (Coupé) and the M3 CRT (limousine)-Beide had more power (444 hp) and weighed less than the standard M3 coupé/the standard sedan. The M3 GTS also attracted the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 48 seconds.
Interestingly, many BMW enthusiasts were initially skeptical about a V8 drive M3, but the S65 won the international engine of the year five times, and the E90 M3-like like the standard 3-Serer War. So far, the production run has been limited to 65,000 units, including 135 units of the M3 GTS and 67 units of the M3 CRT, which is impressive, but still significantly less than the 85,000 units of the E46 M3.
So, said everything and done, what conclusion can be drawn via the E9X platform? Does it match the legacy of the E30 and the E46? In our opinion yes. The E90 is indeed an underestimated jewel, especially the M3 sedan and some standard models such as 330i and 320d. They were pleasant to drive, technologically progressive, quite comfortable and exceptionally beautiful.
