BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 325d (197 Hp) Steptronic


Overall Rating

8.5 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW 3 Series:

The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Sedan (E90) Overview:

BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E90)). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1510 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.735 s). The top speed reaches 233 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

325d (197 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong diesel power with the convenience of an automatic, providing robust acceleration for daily driving.

Fuel Economy

Expected to offer good fuel economy, though specific data is not provided for this automatic variant.

Best Use Case: Highway / Mixed

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Engaging driving dynamics and precise steering
  • • Premium interior quality and solid build
  • • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (petrol and diesel)
  • • Strong safety ratings (5-star Euro NCAP)
  • • Timeless and elegant design

Cons:

  • • Potentially high maintenance costs, especially for certain engines (e.g., N54 HPFP issues)
  • • Firm ride on sport suspension can be uncomfortable on rough roads
  • • Rear seat space can be tight for adult passengers on longer journeys
  • • Some early models had known reliability concerns with specific components
  • • Infotainment system (iDrive) can be less intuitive in early versions

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (E90): 2005 - 2007).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:3 Series
Generation:Sedan (E90)
Modification (Engine):325d (197 Hp) Steptronic
Start of production:2006
End of production:2008
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:197 Hp @ 3750 rpm.
Power per litre:65.8 Hp/l
Torque:400 Nm @ 1300-3250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M57D30TU2 [Same engine] More details about the engine M57D30TU2
Engine displacement:2993
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Diesel Commonrail
Engine aspiration:Turbocharger, Intercooler
Engine oil capacity:7.5 l
Coolant:8.2 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:84 mm mm
Piston Stroke:90 mm mm
Compression ratio:17:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Diesel
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:7.47.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:7.47.6 sec
Maximum speed:233 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.7 kg/Hp, 130.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.8 kg/Nm, 264.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1510
Max. weight:2055
Max load:545
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Fuel tank capacity:61 l
Size:
Length:4520 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1820 mm mm [3mm more]
Height:1420 mm mm [1mm less]
Wheelbase:2760 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1510 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Tires size225/45 R17
Wheel rims size17
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension

Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the BMW 3 Series rank in your book?