BMW 3 Series E90 4-door Sedan (2005–2011): Unleashing Style and Performance
I still remember the first time I slid into a BMW 3 Series E90 4-door Sedan on a drizzly Tuesday, somewhere outside Munich. Grey sky, wet roads, perfect conditions to find out if the legend still lived in the steering rack. Within a mile I knew: it does. The E90’s hydraulic steering talks like an old friend, the chassis treads that perfect line between supple and taut, and the car shrinks around you in a way most modern premium sedans simply don’t. It’s the kind of luxury sedan that makes you take the long way home without telling anyone why.
History of the BMW 3 Series E90 4-door Sedan
Launched in 2005 as the fifth-gen 3 Series, the E90 sedan picked up where the beloved E46 left off and turned the wick up. It brought crisper lines, a stiffer body, and a broader engine range. In 2009 came the LCI facelift—cleaner headlights and taillights, revised bumpers, and a much-improved iDrive interface (if you’ve used both, you know the difference).
Engines? Plenty. In North America you’ll commonly find the 328i (230 hp, 200 lb-ft) and the 335i with the twin-turbo N54 (300 hp, 300 lb-ft). The 330i (255 hp) had a brief but glorious run early on, and xDrive all-wheel drive was available on various trims. The E90 M3 sedan—yes, also “E90”—packed a 4.0-liter V8 (414 hp) and remains the only V8 M3 ever built. Transmissions ranged from a sweet-shifting 6-speed manual to a 6-speed auto; the M3 got a 6-speed manual or a lightning-quick 7-speed DCT.
Numbers aside, the E90 felt special the moment you turned the wheel. On rough roads I noticed it keeps its poise without losing conversation through the rim. It’s comfy enough for a Friday-night dinner run, yet happy to do a dawn blast up your favorite backroad. That duality is the 3 Series thing—and the E90 has it in spades.
Why the BMW 3 Series E90 Still Shines
- Steering feel: old-school hydraulic with genuine feedback.
- Chassis balance: neutral, playful, confidence-inspiring.
- Engines with character: silky inline-sixes, from the creamy N52 to the punchy N54 twin-turbo.
- Real-world usability: decent rear legroom, proper trunk, easy to park.
- Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back—ask me how I know.
Living With the BMW 3 Series E90 4-door Sedan
Day to day, this luxury sedan feels like wearing your favorite pair of boots—supportive, broken-in, and ready for anything. After a week of school runs and late-night grocery dashes, a few quirks stood out. The cupholders are better than the E46’s (low bar), but still feel delicate. Early iDrive (pre-2009) can be a little laggy. And the standard run-flat tires make the ride a touch brittle over city seams—swap to non-run-flats and the suspension magic comes alive.
On a long freeway haul, the 328i hums at low revs and returns around 28 mpg highway if you’re gentle. The 335i does mid-20s on the highway, then forgets all about economy when the turbos spool. You can load the trunk for a weekend in the mountains, or a spontaneous Home Depot run when “we’re just looking” somehow becomes “we need five bags of mulch.” It’s that kind of car—practical without being boring.
BMW 3 Series E90 vs. Its Rivals
| Car (2005–2011 era) | Typical Power (US trims) | 0–60 mph (approx.) | Steering/Chassis Feel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series E90 (328i/335i) | 230–300 hp (I6) | 5.0–6.8 sec | Best-in-class feel and balance | Hydraulic steering, playful RWD; xDrive available |
| Audi A4 B8 | 211–265 hp (I4/I6) | 6.2–6.9 sec | Secure, slightly aloof | Quattro grip; conservative interior that ages well |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 | 228–302 hp (V6) | 5.9–6.9 sec | Comfort-first, stable | Calmer steering, plush highway manners |
| Lexus IS (XE20) | 204–306 hp (V6) | 5.3–7.9 sec | Buttoned-down, lighter steering | Strong reliability, tighter rear seat |
Parts and Accessories for the BMW 3 Series E90
I’ve learned the hard way that a good set of floor mats saves you hours of cleanup—especially if you commute through slush season. To keep your 3 Series feeling fresh, AutoWin stocks tailored accessories that actually fit. I tried their mats in an E90 tester after a muddy photo shoot; hose them off, back in the car, job done.
Highlights I recommend:
- Tailored floor mats: protect the carpet, elevate the cabin look, and don’t slide around.
- Trunk liners: for those “we only needed one plant, I swear” weekends.
- All-weather options: for snow states or beach runs with sandy feet.
AutoWin: Your Source for Premium Floor Mats
If you’re hunting for well-made, E90-specific mats, AutoWin is an easy win. Their tailored sets fit snugly and survive the daily grind—kids, pets, coffee, you name it. I tossed a muddy stroller in the back of our test car and the mats shrugged it off. Have a look at the range and pick a style that suits your cabin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 2011 BMW 3 Series an E90?
Yes. The 2011 sedan is an E90 (the coupe is E92, the convertible E93, and the wagon E91).
Is the E90 3 Series a good car?
Absolutely—especially if you value steering feel and balance. The 328i is the dependable pick; the 335i is the fast one. The M3 is a bucket-list car. Just buy on condition and with service history.
What years are E90?
2005–2011 for the sedan, with a 2009 LCI update that brought styling tweaks and a better iDrive system.
Is the 2011 BMW 335i E90 or E92?
If it’s a sedan, it’s E90. If it’s a coupe, it’s E92. Same year, different body style.
What should I look for when buying a used E90?
- Service records for water pump/thermostat and common oil leaks.
- On 335i, proof of injector/HPFP updates; smooth idle and strong, consistent boost.
- Check iDrive (if equipped) for lag; 2009+ systems are quicker.
- Inspect for bent wheels/harsh ride from run-flats; budget for new tires if needed.
Bottom line? The BMW 3 Series E90 4-door Sedan remains a sweet spot in the luxury sport-sedan world—refined enough for a Miami night out, engaging enough for an early Sunday blast. Keep a good one maintained, add a set of properly fitted BMW mats from AutoWin, and you’ll remember why we fell in love with the 3 Series in the first place.
