Review: BMW E91 3-Series Touring (2006-12)

Review: BMW E91.I 3-Series Touring (2006-08)

Overview

Released in February 2006, the BMW E91 Mk.1 (E91.I) 3-Series Touring was a compact executive wagon. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive 3-Series Touring range initially consisted of the 323i, with the 320i and 335i following in January 2008. In June 2007, the 323i underwent a minor update with the slight power and fuel economy gains for the 2.5-litre engine.

Compared to the E46 3-Series Touring , the E91 3-Series Touring was 42 mm longer (at 4520 mm), 78 mm wider (1817 mm), 9 mm taller (1418 mm) and had a 35 mm longer wheelbase (2760mm). The E91 3-Series bodyshell was also stiffer, partly due to a new joint and crossbar design for the vehicle’s load-bearing structure. The E91 3-Series Touring had double wishbone front suspension and independent, five-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners and load limiting front seatbelts.

The 3-Series was also fitted with two-stage Brake Force Display tail-lights, while the stability control system for the six-cylinder models included dry-braking of the brake discs on wet roads, Brake Standby (pre-aligning the brake linings), a Start-Off Assistant to prevent rolling back on hills and anti-dive control when applying the brakes slowly.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2005 E90 320d sedan received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.65 out of 37. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver and a slight risk of lower leg injury for the front passenger. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious abdomen injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the 320i included 16-inch steel wheels with runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with CD player and MP3-compatibility, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, a multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, roof rails, cargo cover, 12 volt power outlet, separately opening tailgate window and immobiliser.

Beyond this, the 320i Executive and 323i added 16-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, ‘Dakota’ leather seats, power adjustable front seats and front fog lights.

The range-topping 335i was further distinguished by its 17-inch wheels, ten speaker stereo with six-disc CD player, satellite navigation, steering wheel gearshift paddles, directional bi-xenon headlights, voice recognition, front parking sensors, power adjustable front seat lumbar support and driver’s seat memory settings.

3-Series Touring M Sport package

The 3-Series Touring was also available with an optional M Sport package which included 17-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels with ‘M Sport’ suspension, contoured sports seats, an ‘M Sport’ steering wheel, anthracite headlining, brushed aluminium interior trim, Satin Chrome window and mirror frame finishes and an ‘M Sport’ aerodynamics package including front and rear air dams and side sill covers.

June 2007: 3-Series Touring update

In June 2007, standard features were extended to include a power adjustable driver’s seat, proximity key with keyless start (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ system) and an adjustable front armrest.

Review: BMW E91.II 3-Series Touring (2008-10)

Overview

Released in November 2008, the E91 Mk.II (E91.II) 3-Series Touring range had improved equipment levels, a revised range and styling. As part of the update, the 320i Executive became the entry-level model, with the ‘standard’ 320i discontinued. In November 2009, the range was expanded with the introduction of the 320d (solely available as an ‘Executive’ edition).

Visually, the E91.II 3-Series Touring could be identified by its revised head- and tail-lights, larger grille and new bonnet, bumpers and side skirts. Where fitted, the bi-xenon headlights also incorporated LED indicators and the iDrive system had programmable ‘favourite’ buttons.

Safety equipment

Compared to its E91.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E91.II 3-Series Touring was improved with the introduction of active front seat head restraints.

Features

Furthermore, standard features now included a USB stereo input, on-board computer with 80GB hard drive, interior lights (footwells and door handles) and exterior courtesy lights.

Furthermore, the 335i was fitted with BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system which had an 8.8-inch colour monitor 3D relief maps, a DVD drive, an integrated 80GB hard drive and a new iDrive controller.

EfficientDynamics

From November 2009, the 335i was fitted with electric power steering and Brake Energy Regeneration which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting.

Review: BMW E91.III 3-Series Touring (2010-12)

Overview

Released in May 2010, changes for the E91 Mk.III (E91.III) 3-Series Touring range were minor. The ‘Executive’ variants were discontinued and all 320d, 320i and 323i models were offered as ‘Lifestyle’ variants. Furthermore, the previously twin-turbocharged 335i was fitted with a single twin-scroll turbocharger and solely available as an ‘M Sport’ variant.

Features

The Lifestyle models featured 17-inch light alloy wheels, door sill inserts and a ‘Chrome Line’ exterior package, including a chrome-finished decorative bar in the lower front bumper. In contrast, the 335i M Sport had ‘M’ light-alloy wheels with sports suspension, contoured sports seats, an ‘M’ leather steering wheel and ‘M’ aerodynamic package.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E90 3-Series