BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 330xi (258 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 300 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1670 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.9 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.

330xi (258 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Strong performance with xDrive, though the automatic transmission and AWD add weight, slightly impacting acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Higher fuel consumption due to the combination of a powerful engine, automatic gearbox, and xDrive.

Best Use Case: All-weather / Comfortable Cruising

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(Compact (E46, facelift 2001): 2004 - 2005).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:3 Series
Generation:Sedan (E90)
Modification (Engine):330xi (258 Hp) Steptronic
Start of production:2005
End of production:October, 2007
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:258 Hp @ 6600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:86.1 Hp/l [258mm more]
Torque:300 Nm @ 2500-4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:N52B30A More details about the engine N52B30A
Engine displacement:2996
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:6.5 l
Coolant:8.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:85 mm mm
Piston Stroke:88 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:7.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):10.1 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):14.6 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):7.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10.1 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.9 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:6.5 kg/Hp, 154.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.6 kg/Nm, 179.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1670
Max. weight:2115
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:445
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:460 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1800 kg
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Permitted towbar download:75 kg
Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%):1800 kg
Size:
Length:4520 mm mm [258mm more]
Width:1817 mm mm [66mm more]
Height:1421 mm mm [13mm more]
Wheelbase:2760 mm mm [35mm more]
Width including mirrors:2013 mm
Front track:1500 mm
Rear (Back) track:1513 mm
Front overhang:755 mm
Rear overhang:1005 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.8 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears6
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeSteptronic
Front brakesVentilated discs, 330x24 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 336x22 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8J x 17; 8J x 18
Front suspensionSpring Strut, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

Your first impression of the BMW 3 Series in one word? Go!