The BMW E90 automobile platform is the fifth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of entry-level luxury/compact executive cars. 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 platform, and was launched in March 2005.
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. 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.
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. 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 150 lb (68 kg) more than comparable older models. The N54B30 engine is made of aluminum, while the N51 and N52 engines largely consist of magnesium. The piston sleeves are steel and have copper coating.
The E90 also introduced run-flat tires to the 3 Series range (previously run flats were only available on the E46 M3). Consequently, cars with run-flats are not equipped with a spare tire.
Body styles and models
Sedan (E90)
The sedan (saloon) model of the 3 series was the first model sold of the 5th generation BMW 3 series. Debuting in 2006, the E90 came in two trims in the US, the 325i and 330i 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 model of the E90 sedan for the 2008 model year. The M3 features a more powerful engine and aggressive M styling. The E90 M3 also separated itself from the standard E90 by utilizing the E92 coupe's front headlights and kidney grill design.
BMW updated the E90 sedan for the 2009 model year with minor changes comprising of new kidney grilles, a new front bumper, new headlamps, new wing mirrors, new tail lamps which return to the classic BMW L-shape, a larger boot lid, and updated iDrive with a web browser. Certain models have their rear track increased by 24mm. The 330d gets the new BMW N57 all-aluminum diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger, and will develop 245PS. The E90 M3 only received the new rear design and iDrive system from the E90 2009 model year facelift.
Touring (E91)
The Sports Wagon (Touring) model of the 3-Series is available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD. BMW updated the E91 touring for the 2009 model year with the same changes as the E90 (see Sedan section above).
Coupé (E92)
The two-door coupé model of the 3-Series became available in August 2006. It is also the first BMW coupé offered with xDrive. All E92s also come standard with Xenon HID headlights and "retractable seatbelt helpers" that extend from the B pillar to hand you the seatbelt when the key fob is in the ignition and the door is closed. The coupé is longer and narrower than its E90 counterpart. The E92 comes with 320i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 320d, 325d, 330d, 335d and 330xd models (availability of certain models depends on region; diesels not available to the US market until 2008). The 335i Coupe will be the first non-M BMW to get the M DCT transmission.
BMW released an M3 model of the E92 coupe for the 2008 model year. Along with the same powerful engine and similar aggressive M styling found in its E90 counterpart, the E92 M3 has a black carbon fiber roof.
Cabriolet (E93)
For the first time for BMW, the popular 3 Series convertible is no longer available with a folding soft top. Instead, the traditional fabric has been replaced with a 3 piece, folding metal hardtop roof. The new Coupé-cabriolet 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 BMWs "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.
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