BMW M3 4-door E90 (2007–2013): The high-rev hero that still does the school run
The first time I wound an E90 up past 8,000 rpm, I laughed. Not a polite chuckle—an undignified, windows-down cackle. The BMW M3 4-door E90 is that sort of car: a luxury sports sedan that can carry colleagues to lunch, then make them rethink life choices on the way back. Built from 2007 to 2013, it blends everyday usability with a naturally aspirated V8 that begs—no, demands—to be wrung out. If you’ve ever wanted a true driver’s car with proper back seats, this is your sweet spot.
Why the BMW M3 4-door E90 still matters
We talk a lot about “last of the line” cars. This one earns the cliché. The E90 sedan carried the only V8 ever fitted to an M3, coded S65—a jewel-box 4.0-liter that revs to 8,400 rpm and makes 414 hp and 295 lb-ft. No turbos, no artificial soundtrack, just throttle, gears, and lungs. The four-door body adds genuine practicality, and on a damp B-road the chassis feels alive in that classic M way: light on its toes, always communicating, rarely intimidating. Compared with the E92 coupe, the E90’s shorter rear doors make it feel slightly stiffer over bad surfaces, which I noticed straight away when I tried it on rough roads on winter tires. Still composed. Still special.
S65 V8, manual or M-DCT: pick your poison
Specs are one thing; the way it delivers is the story. Nail the throttle and the E90 M3 lunges forward with an angry, metallic wail that starts cultured and ends racing team. With the 6-speed manual, 0–60 mph is in the mid 4s if you’ve had your coffee; the 7-speed M-DCT dual-clutch (the famous “M-DCT” you could also get in the coupe) trims that to the low 4s and fires off rapid shifts that feel telepathic when you’re on it. I prefer the manual’s involvement, but in traffic the DCT is an easy win.
Quick performance stats
- Engine: 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 (S65)
- Output: 414 hp, 295 lb-ft
- Redline: 8,400 rpm (the needle practically sprints there)
- 0–60 mph: approx. 4.1–4.5 seconds (spec- and driver-dependent)
- EPA economy: around 14/20 mpg city/highway, 16 combined—plan accordingly
- Weight distribution: close to 50:50, which you feel in every transition
Living with the BMW M3 4-door E90
As a daily, it’s surprisingly civilized. The steering has weight and texture—rare these days—and the ride on standard dampers is firm but agreeable. Think “running shoes” rather than slippers. The back seat is adult-friendly; I’ve carted two lanky friends to dinner without complaints, and the trunk swallows weekend luggage with room to spare for an impulsive wine stop. Cabin noise? Quiet enough to hear your kids arguing in the back about who touched whose juice box, but the V8 hum sits there like a bassline.
Quirks? Early iDrive can be a bit of a mood, and the Bluetooth pairing menu feels like it’s from a different century. Also, do your homework on maintenance: a few owners I’ve spoken with flagged rod-bearing replacements and throttle actuator issues as “things you plan for,” not catastrophes—worth budgeting for on a used example.
The best interior accessory I’ve added
I’ve learned the hard way that family, weather, and white sneakers will do bad things to carpets. If you own a BMW M3 4-door E90, a good set of mats is non-negotiable. The premium sets from AutoWin fit properly and feel upmarket—exactly the kind of upgrade that makes the cabin look “new-car” again.
BMW M3 4-door E90 highlights
- High-revving V8 character you can’t buy new today
- Four doors and a usable trunk: ski weekends or airport runs are easy
- Choice of engaging 6-speed manual or rapid-fire 7-speed M-DCT
- Steering and chassis balance that still feel benchmark
- Real-deal heritage: part of the legendary M3 lineage
BMW M3 4-door E90 vs the rivals
I’ve had back-to-back runs with the period rivals. Here’s how the E90 stacks up in broad strokes:
| Model | Engine | Power | 0–60 mph | Transmissions | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M3 4-door E90 (2007–2013) | 4.0L NA V8 | 414 hp | ~4.1–4.5 s | 6MT / 7-speed M-DCT | High-rev precision, balanced chassis, everyday usable |
| Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (W204) | 6.2L NA V8 | 451–481 hp | ~4.0–4.3 s | 7-speed auto | Thundering torque, muscle-car attitude, louder than your neighbor prefers |
| Audi RS4 (B7) | 4.2L NA V8 | 420 hp | ~4.6–4.7 s | 6MT | Quattro grip, classic cabin, slightly more aloof steering |
Ownership notes and market reality
Is the BMW E90 M3 a good car? Absolutely—one of the finest sports sedans ever made. But buy with your eyes open. Service history matters. A pre-purchase inspection by someone who knows these cars is worth its weight in rod bearings. As for price, it varies wildly by condition, mileage, and spec; well-kept examples hold strong money because enthusiasts know what they’re looking at. It’s a sought-after modern classic now, and it drives like one.
Dress the part: mats that match the mission
Inside, small upgrades make a big difference day to day. The plush Alcantara-style and color-matched options from AutoWin elevate the cabin while protecting it from muddy boots and post-soccer chaos. They fit cleanly in the M3 4-door E90 and look OEM—just nicer.
Final lap: why the BMW M3 4-door E90 still wins
There are faster luxury sedans today, and thriftier ones, and techier ones. But the BMW M3 4-door E90 has a soul. It’s the rare premium sports sedan that can be hero and housemate in the same week: track session on Saturday, family brunch on Sunday. If you own one—or you’re hunting for a clean example—treat it well, keep the revs up when the road allows, and keep the cabin tidy with quality BMW mats from AutoWin. You’ll get why some of us are still laughing after all these years.
BMW M3 4-door E90 FAQs
Did BMW make a 4-door M3?
Yes. The E90 generation (launched in 2007) brought back the 4-door M3 sedan alongside the coupe, delivering full M performance with real-world practicality.
How much horsepower does a 2013 E90 M3 have?
The 2013 BMW E90 M3 packs 414 hp and 295 lb-ft from its 4.0-liter, high-revving V8.
Is the E90 M3 a good car?
It’s one of the greats: precise handling, a spine-tingling V8, and everyday usability. Just budget for proper maintenance and known wear items.
How much is a 2007 BMW M3 worth?
Values vary widely with condition, mileage, service history, and market trends. Well-kept examples command strong prices thanks to rising enthusiast demand.
What transmission is best—manual or M-DCT?
The 6-speed manual is more involving; the 7-speed M-DCT is quicker and easier in traffic. I’ve enjoyed both—choose the flavor that fits your life.
