As BMW marks the fiftieth anniversary of the three Sequence, BMWBLOG is exploring the mannequin’s storied historical past and its contribution to the automaker’s success. We’ve already seemed on the first 4 generations—the E21, the E30, the E36, and the E46. The E30 and the E46 stand out among the many 4 due to the gross sales success and the halo impact of their M3 fashions, which have develop into widespread collectors’ automobiles.
That mentioned, right this moment we’ll evaluate the fifth-generation 3 Sequence, designated the E90 (or the E9X). It was produced from 2005 to 2013 and was accessible in sedan (E90), coupe (E92), convertible (E93) and property (E91) physique types. The three Sequence Compact, nevertheless, was changed by the 1 Sequence (E87).
Nonetheless, like its predecessor, the E90 was a business hit, with 3 million deliveries. The truth is, at one level, it was the best-selling luxurious automotive in each America and Canada. Plus, it received quite a few awards, together with World Automobile of the Yr 2006 (forward of the Mazda MX-5 and the Porsche Cayman), WhatCar? Automobile of the Yr 2006, and Japan’s Import Automobile of the Yr 2005-06.
E90: Efficiency, Design and Expertise
The E90 constructed on the E46’s success with upgrades to the powertrain, drivetrain, security methods and chassis. The outside design was additionally extra up to date, whereas the inside was extra upmarket and spacious (facilitated by an extended wheelbase). Moreover, the E90 was the primary 3 Sequence to obtain iDrive, although the software program initially bought a whole lot of criticism for its person interface and complexity.
So far as specs are involved, the vary began with the 316i that produced 121 horsepower and 120 pound-feet of torque. In the meantime, the six-cylinder 330i delivered 268 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 6.3 seconds. To not point out, the 335i, which was the primary turbocharged 3 Sequence (N54/N55) and had an output of 302 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, together with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.8 seconds.
In addition to, the E90’s diesel variants had been additionally fairly widespread amongst lovers. Certainly, the 282-horsepower 335d even received the 2011 Diesel Automobile of the Yr title, forward of the Volkswagen Golf TDI and the Jetta Sportwagen TDI.
E90 M3: Award-Profitable V8
The E90 M3 – accessible in coupe, convertible and sedan variants — has been the primary and solely mass-produced V8 M3. Its S65 engine delivered 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, with the ability despatched to the rear wheels through a 6-speed guide or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The guide M3 may attain 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and the DCT M3 in 4.6 seconds.
Particular-edition fashions included the M3 GTS (coupe) and the M3 CRT (sedan)—each had extra energy (444 horsepower) and weighed lower than the usual M3 coupe/sedan. The M3 GTS additionally lapped the Nurburgring in 7 minutes and 48 seconds.
Apparently, many BMW lovers had been initially skeptical a couple of V8-powered M3, however the S65 received the Worldwide Engine of the Yr award 5 instances, and the E90 M3—very like the usual 3 Sequence—was finally well-received by the press. As but, manufacturing run was restricted to 65,000 models, together with 135 models of the M3 GTS and 67 models of the M3 CRT, which is spectacular however nonetheless considerably lower than the 85,000 models of the E46 M3.
So, all mentioned and performed, what conclusion might be drawn concerning the E9X platform? Does it match the heritage of the E30 and the E46? In our opinion, sure. The E90 is certainly an underrated gem, notably the M3 Sedan and a few commonplace fashions, such because the 330i and the 320d. They had been gratifying to drive, technologically superior, pretty snug and exceptionally beautiful.
