BMW M3 E90 LCI, facelift 2008 4.0 V8 (420 Hp) M DCT


Overall Rating

8.4 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 5.0 / 5
Value 4.0 / 5
Performance 4.9 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW M3:

The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M GmbH. M3 models have been produced for every generation of 3 Series since the E30 M3 was introduced in 1986.
The initial model was available in a coupé body style, with a convertible body style made available soon after. M3 saloons were offered initially during the E36 and E90 generations. Since 2014, the coupé and convertible models have been rebranded as the 4 Series range, making the high-performance variant the M4. Variants of the 3 Series since then have seen the M3 produced as a saloon, until 2020, when the M3 was produced as an estate for the first time, alongside the saloon variant....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E90 LCI, facelift 2008 Overview:

BMW M3 (E90 LCI, facelift 2008). With 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1625 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.7 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.

4.0 V8 (420 Hp) M DCT Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The standard 4.0L V8 delivers exhilarating performance with 420 Hp and a high 8300 rpm redline. The M DCT transmission provides rapid, seamless gear changes, contributing to a quick 0-100 km/h time of 4.7 seconds.

Fuel Economy

With a combined fuel consumption of 11.2 l/100 km, it's slightly more efficient than the CRT, but still a thirsty engine. Regular spirited driving will see figures climb significantly.

Best Use Case: Performance Driving / Daily Driver (Enthusiast)

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic high-revving naturally aspirated S65 V8 engine sound and character
  • • Exceptional handling and steering precision for a sports sedan
  • • Timeless design and strong M car presence
  • • Available with a highly engaging manual transmission
  • • Strong performance for its era, especially the CRT variant

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption and running costs (maintenance, tires, brakes)
  • • Known S65 engine issues (e.g., rod bearings, throttle actuators) can be costly
  • • Firm ride quality may not appeal to all drivers for daily commuting
  • • Rear seat legroom is adequate but not generous for a sedan
  • • Hydraulic steering, while praised, can feel heavy at low speeds

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E90: March, 2008 - August, 2008).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:M3
Generation:E90 LCI, facelift 2008
Modification (Engine):4.0 V8 (420 Hp) M DCT
Start of production:March, 2010
End of production:November, 2011
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Engine systems:Start & Stop System
Power:420 Hp @ 8300 rpm.
Power per litre:105 Hp/l
Torque:400 Nm @ 3900 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:S65B40A [Same engine] More details about the engine S65B40A
Engine displacement:3999
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:Double-VANOS
Engine oil capacity:8.8 l
Coolant:11.6 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:75.2 mm mm
Compression ratio:12:1
Maximum engine speed:8400 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):11.2 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):15.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8.5 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.2 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.7 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.7 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:3.9 kg/Hp, 258.5 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.1 kg/Nm, 246.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 200 km/h:15.3 sec
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.5 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1625
Max. weight:2150
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:525
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Fuel tank capacity:63 l
Size:
Length:4580 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1817 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1447 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2761 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2005 mm
Front track:1540 mm
Rear (Back) track:1539 mm
Front overhang:805 mm
Rear overhang:1014 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.7 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeM DCT
Front brakesVentilated discs, 360x30 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 350x24 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 245/40 R18; 245/35 R19
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19
Front suspensionSpring Strut, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

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