Ever since the E90-generation BMW 3 Series made its debut, enthusiasts have been pining for its predecessor, the E46-generation 3 Series. It’s not that the E90 was, or still is, bad, it’s just that the E46 was so good, so legendary that it set a high-water mark for BMW that’s yet to be reached since.
However, because of the almost deification of the E46, E90 3 Series’ have actually become a bit forgotten, therefor a bit cheap on the used market. Which now makes it the perfect time to buy.
If you’re in the market for a used 3 Series, we’d highly suggest taking a look at anything from the E90 generation. If you do, use this Buyer’s Guide to figure out which one suites you best and which specific car to buy. (We’re going to exclude the M3 in this article and do a separate buyer’s guide on that, as it warrants an article of its own)
Introduction
Before we get into specifics, we’ll give you a quick crash course on the E90-gen 3er so you can get all caught up before putting any money down. The E90-generation BMW 3 Series began in 2006 and ran all the way until 2012, with a mid-cycle refresh (LCI) in 2009.
While it’s called the E90-generation, there are actually a few variations of that chassis code. The standard ‘E90’ signifies a sedan, while ‘E91’ is a five-door wagon, ‘E92’ is a two-door coupe and ‘E93’ is a two-door convertible. Same goes for M3 models, as there’s no M-specific chassis codes for this generation of BMW.
Available Models
In North America, there were a few models offered, which changed after the facelift (LCI). For pre-LCI cars, you can choose from either a 325i or 330i (both came in ‘xi’ all-wheel drive spec, as well) from 2006-2007. Those both had 3.0 liter naturally-aspirated inline-six engines, with 215 hp and 255 hp, respectively. In 2007, models were upgraded to the 328i and 335i models, which also came with 3.0 liter inline-sixes, however the 335i used an N54 twin-turbocharged engine. The former came with 230 hp and the latter with 300 hp.
In 2009 came the LCI facelift and that brought substantial styling change to the 3 Series. It came with a better looking, sportier front end and nicer taillights. The BMW 335i also received an engine update, going from the old twin-turbo N54 to a single twin-scroll turbocharged N55 engine.
However, it also gained a new model; the BMW 335is, which was only available as a Coupe and came with a slick-shifting dual-clutch gearbox (or a six-speed manual).
One really special car available in North America was the E90 BMW 335d. It was only available as a sedan and it packed a 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine with 265 hp and a whopping 425 lb-ft of torque. Finding one of those for sale nowadays is tricky but they’re very cool.
What to Avoid?
Honestly, as awesome as the BMW 335i is (either version), it might not be worth the headache. While some owners have experience nothing but sweet, sweet motoring, there are horror stories across forums of their HPFPs (High Pressure Fuel Pump) failing. While in warranty, that was just annoying.
Now that the car is out of warranty? It’s very expensive to replace. If you absolutely must have a 335i (or 335is), try and find a low-mileage one that’s had its HPFP replaced. There are also injector and turbocharger issues to worry about but those are far less common than HPFP issues.
While I personally don’t have anything against automatics per se, the six-speed auto available in any E9x just isn’t anywhere near being up to par with modern autos. So if you’re even semi-used to the brilliant ZF eight-speed in almost any modern rear-wheel drive-based car, the old six-speed ‘box in the E90 will feel ancient by comparison. So we’d recommend a manual gearbox simply because it feels just like a modern ‘box.
Aside from those two, all other versions of E90 3 Series are pretty reliable and enjoyable. There’s not really a bad one in the bunch.
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, not to sound indecisive but they’re all really good. The entire E9x-range of BMW 3 Series is great. The E90 was a wonderfully balanced chassis, all models still had BMW’s superb hydraulic steering and all of them came with manual gearbox options.
You really just need to choose which model you prefer and what you value. If you value power and performance above all else, the post-LCI BMW 335i is damn-near unbeatable.
Nico’s Choice: Personally, if it were my suggestion, I’d look at post-LCI BMW 328i Coupes with manual gearboxes. It’s the last naturally-aspirated 3 Series and also the last 3 Series coupe ever (switched to 4 Series Coupe with F3x-generation). So that with a manual gearbox is not only a special driving car but it’s also simple, reliable and, with an M Sport package, superb looking.
“There’s not really a bad one in the bunch.”
Hey! Have you forgotten the abysmal N47 diesel available across the whole E9x range?
Was it even sold in North America?
I owned a 320d e91 from 2008 to 2011. I sold it with 135.000km. The timing chain was fine, everything worked flawless. The DPF was annoying because the engine had noticeably reduced power and response when it clogged up. On a fast Autobahn drive you could feel when it was cleaned and burned free. After that the engine felt like new.
E90 was 2006 World Car of the Year. Within a year BMW made it redundant with turbo 335i, compact sedan with 300 hp., basically a $50k supercar, no one could compete. Was working @ a dealership when it arrived, asked tech. after a road test what it was like? He grinned from ear to ear & said, “It’s a beast!”. And of course that’s without even hearing history’s sole M3 V8 (4/5ths of brilliant M5 V10). Drove a 335d in a blizzard, so much torque it just plowed through everything, even without snow tires (reverse of M3 performance rubber, couldn’t get it up a wet parking ramp!).
I also enjoyed two, a E91 320d and a E92 325i E92. The N53, which americans didn’t get is a gem. Very fast, smooth like butter and very good fuel economy being a 3.0 sports car that has been driven spirited most of the time (8.0l/100km).
If you have to get an automatic, get yourself the Alpina transmission flash. I had a X1 35i with the 6 speed auto; that flash and a Dinan tune made a world of difference with that car.
It’s just plain better to skip the 6HP automatic altogether I’m getting manual are the DCT and the 335is.
I love my 2011 328x drive M edition. Nothing like a naturally aspirated in-line 6.
With 6MT and HID upgrade in M Sport, it is a real winner.
Arguably the best 3 Series. While it was less fun to drive than the E46, everything else about the E90 was just better. For its time, it was the perfect balance of sport/luxury – something that was lacking in the F3X but found its way back into the G2X.
I would note the Lemans Blue Coupe at the top of this article is a 335is.
The turbo Motors are not bad if they have been maintained. They are well-known and analyzed by now and can be tuned up if you really want to. High Pressure Fuel Pump was mostly cured by the time of the LCI and in fact is continued in the N55 engine.
The 335is Coupe is special as it had the same N54 as the 1M but also could have the DCT which was witheld from the 1M. No other BMW had this engine. There are many other refinements also not available on the standard 335i.
I have the engine in my 1M. It’s great, but the high fuel pressure pump died on me at 25K miles.
I think the 4 door E90 sedan was a much better car than the 4 door E46 sedan. Having driven both extensively I can honestly say the E90 is far better in every possible way. Looks is subjective but imo the E46 sedan looks better. But as a machine the E90 was brilliant..
When people talk E46 they instinctively think of the coupe. The E92 was the real replacement for the E46 couper and I again I think the E46 coupe looks stunning but then as a car you would want to own and live with daily the E92 is better.