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BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90 LCI, facelift 2008) 325i (218 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 LCI, facelift 2008) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (E90 LCI, facelift 2008)). With 270 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~9.8 l/100km). With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 250 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.
325i (218 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Smooth and responsive naturally aspirated inline-six petrol engine, delivering satisfying performance.
Fuel Economy
Decent fuel economy for a six-cylinder petrol, though not as frugal as its diesel counterparts.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional driving dynamics and handling
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (especially diesels)
- • High-quality interior materials and build
- • Timeless and elegant design
Cons:
- • Some petrol engines (N43/N53/N54) can have reliability issues (e.g., injectors, HPFP)
- • Ride can be firm on M Sport suspension and larger wheels
- • Rear passenger space is adequate but not class-leading
- • Maintenance costs can be higher than competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Touring (E91 LCI, facelift 2008): 2008 - 2012).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (E90 LCI, facelift 2008) |
| Modification (Engine): | 325i (218 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2009 |
| End of production: | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 218 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 72.8 Hp/l [4mm more] |
| Torque: | 270 Nm @ 2400-4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N53B30A More details about the engine N53B30A |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.2 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 12:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 5.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.6 kg/Hp, 152.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1950 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 460 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 745 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4531 mm mm [4mm more] |
| Width: | 1817 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1421 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2760 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Width including mirrors: | 1989 mm |
| Front track: | 1506 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1535 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 144 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.0 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/55 R16 91W |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
What’s the best feature of the BMW 3 Series? Tell us in the comments!