2008 BMW 3 Series Touring (E91 LCI, facelift 2008) Dimensions, Size & Specs

Production
Model Year:2008
Production Years:2008 - 2012 discontinued in 2012
1418 mm55.8 in4.7 ft
L: 4527 mm178.2 in14.9 ft | W: 1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Length
4527 mm178.2 in14.9 ft
Width
1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height
1418 mm55.8 in4.7 ft
Trunk Capacity
450 - 460 liter15.9 - 16.2 cu ft
Technical Details

Exterior Dimensions

Precise measurements of the 2008 BMW 3 Series Touring, engineered for optimal performance and comfort

Dimensions
Length:4527 mm178.2 in14.9 ft
Width:1817 mm71.5 in6.0 ft
Width (Folded Mirrors):1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Width (Opened Mirrors):1989 mm78.3 in6.5 ft
Height:1418 mm55.8 in4.7 ft
Ground Clearance:140 - 141 mm5.5 - 5.6 in0.5 - 0.5 ft
Trunk Capacity:450 - 460 liter15.9 - 16.2 cu ft
Trunk Capacity (Max):1375 - 1385 liter48.6 - 48.9 cu ft
Weight Specifications
Curb Weight:1430 - 1735 kg3153 - 3825 lbs
Maximal permitted Weight:1970 - 2270 kg4343 - 5004 lbs
Roof Load:75 kg165 lbs
Tire Specifications
Rims Sizes:7 J x 16, 7J x 16, 8J x 17, 8.5J x 17, 8.5J x 18, 8J x 18
Tire Sizes:205/55 R16 91H (W:205 | H:55 | D:16)
205/55 R16 91W (W:205 | H:55 | D:16)
205/55 R16 91V (W:205 | H:55 | D:16)
225/45 R17 91Y (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
225/45 R 17Y (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
205/55 R16 (W:205 | H:55 | D:16)
225/45 R17 91W (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
225/45 R17 (W:225 | H:45 | D:17)
255/40 R17 (W:255 | H:40 | D:17)
255/35 R18 (W:255 | H:35 | D:18)
225/40 R18 (W:225 | H:40 | D:18)
225/50 R16 (W:225 | H:50 | D:16)
Useful Information

About 2008 BMW 3 Series Touring

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E91 LCI), produced from 2008 to 2012, represents the facelifted generation of BMW's iconic station wagon line, blending sporty driving dynamics with versatile cargo space. This facelift (LCI) update refined the exterior and interior styling and improved various features without altering the platform, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts who need extra utility in a luxury compact executive car.

Measuring 4527 mm (178.1 inches) in length and 1817 mm (71.5 inches) in width (1989 mm or 78.3 inches with mirrors opened or folded), the E91 Touring fits comfortably into the mid-size station wagon category. Standing 1418 mm (55.8 inches) tall, it offers a low and sleek profile aiding agile handling. The ride height or ground clearance is around 140-141 mm (5.5 inches), suitable for most urban driving conditions.

The vehicle’s curb weight ranges between 1430 and 1735 kg (3153 to 3826 lbs) depending on engines and equipment, with a maximum permissible weight between 1970 and 2270 kg (4344 to 5004 lbs). This weight balance helps maintain the dynamic BMW driving experience while accommodating a variety of powertrains.

One of the highlights of the E91 Touring is its spacious cargo capacity. The luggage compartment offers between 450 and 460 liters (approximately 15.9 to 16.2 cubic feet) of cargo space with rear seats upright—adequate for daily groceries or luggage. Folding down the rear seats expands the space impressively to between 1375 and 1385 liters (48.6 to 48.9 cubic feet), ideal for larger loads or bulky sports equipment.

Practical features include a roof load limit of 75 kg (165 lbs), enabling rooftop carriers or sports racks without compromising safety. The car rides on a variety of rim sizes from 16 to 18 inches and supports multiple tire options like 205/55 R16 to 255/35 R18, enhancing both ride comfort and sporty handling characteristics.

Overall, the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI combines classic BMW driving pleasure with family-friendly versatility and a robust build, making it a durable and appealing station wagon for drivers seeking both performance and practicality in the premium segment.

Exceptional Features

2008 BMW 3 Series Touring Highlights

Discover the standout features that make the 2008 BMW 3 Series Touring a leader in its class

Engine Options

The 2008 BMW 3 Series Touring (E91 LCI) offers a range of efficient and powerful engines, including inline-4 and inline-6 petrol and diesel engines, with options like the 318i, 320d, and 330i.

Facelift Design Improvements

The 2008 facelift introduced updated exterior styling with revised front and rear bumpers, new headlights with corona rings, redesigned tail lights, and an enhanced kidney grille for a modernized appearance.

Spacious Touring Body Style

As a Touring variant, it provides expansive cargo space and practical interior flexibility, perfect for families or those requiring extra luggage room while maintaining sporty driving dynamics.

Advanced Safety Features

Includes multiple airbags, stability control (DSC), ABS, and optional features like adaptive headlights and parking sensors to enhance occupant safety and driver assistance.

High-Quality Interior and Technology

Features premium materials, ergonomically designed seats, optional navigation system, iDrive controller (depending on trim), and efficient climate control for comfortable and connected driving experience.
Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Have a question? Please check our knowledgebase first.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI (produced from 2008 to 2012) measures 4527 mm (178.2 inches) in length. Its width with folded or opened mirrors is 1989 mm (78.3 inches), while the body width without mirrors is 1817 mm (71.5 inches). These dimensions provide a balanced footprint that combines manageability with ample interior space, making it suitable for both urban and highway driving.

The height of the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI stands at 1418 mm (55.8 inches), providing a sleek yet practical profile typical of station wagons. Its ride height, or ground clearance, ranges between 140 - 141 mm (5.5 - 5.6 inches), which supports good road handling dynamics while still offering enough clearance to manage common road obstacles and mild rough terrain without compromising stability.

The curb weight of the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI varies between 1430 kg and 1735 kg (3153 - 3825 lbs), depending on engine type, trim, and options. Its maximum permissible weight ranges from 1970 kg to 2270 kg (4344 - 5002 lbs). These weights reflect the balance between performance, safety, and fuel efficiency for the mid-sized touring wagon, and show its capability to carry passengers and cargo effectively.

When the rear seats are in place, the luggage capacity of the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI is between 450 and 460 liters (15.9 - 16.2 cubic feet), which offers generous space for groceries, luggage, or sports equipment. Folding down the rear seats expands this capacity dramatically to between 1375 and 1385 liters (48.5 - 48.9 cubic feet), making it ideal for transporting larger items such as furniture, bicycles, or multiple suitcases for longer trips.

Yes, the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI fits comfortably into a standard single-car garage. With a length of 4527 mm (178.2 inches) and a width of 1989 mm (78.3 inches) including mirrors, the dimensions fall well within typical garage sizes, which usually start at about 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide by 4.8 meters (16 feet) deep. The height of 1418 mm (55.8 inches) is also well below standard garage door heights, ensuring easy parking without clearance issues.

Compared to the pre-facelift E91, the 2008 facelifted E91 LCI maintained very similar exterior dimensions, with a length around 4527 mm (178.2 inches) and width about 1817 mm (71.5 inches), as well as a comparable height near 1418 mm (55.8 inches). The facelift mainly introduced styling updates and technology enhancements rather than dimensional changes, leaving the vehicle’s footprint largely unchanged to preserve interior space and driving dynamics.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI stands competitively sized within the compact executive wagon segment. It is slightly longer and wider than some competitors such as the Audi A4 Avant and Mercedes C-Class Estate of the same generation, offering a balanced combination of interior room and maneuverability. Its luggage capacity ranging up to approximately 1385 liters with seats folded places it among the more practical options in its class, appealing to buyers seeking both luxury and utility.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI offered a wide range of tire and rim options catering to performance and aesthetic preferences. Rim sizes include 7J x 16, 7J x 16, 7J x 16 (repeated indicating multiple options), 7J x 17, 8.5J x 17 (two sizes specified), and 8J x 18. Corresponding tire sizes ranged from 205/55 R16 to 225/40 R18 and included performance-oriented options such as 225/45 R17 91Y and 255/35 R18. These sizes allowed tailoring of ride comfort, handling, and appearance.

The BMW 3 Series Touring E91 LCI has a roof load capacity of 75 kg (165 lbs). This means that when installing roof racks or carrying rooftop cargo like luggage boxes, bicycles, or sports equipment, the total weight should not exceed this limit to maintain driving safety and structural integrity. Staying within this weight ensures the vehicle's handling remains stable without undue stress on the roof frame.

The 2008 facelift (LCI) of the BMW 3 Series Touring E91 brought several styling and technology updates. Exterior improvements included revised front and rear bumpers, updated headlights and taillights with LED elements, and some refinement on grille design. Inside, upgraded materials and new technology options were introduced, such as enhanced iDrive systems and improved driver assistance features. Mechanically, modernized engines and transmission tuning improved efficiency and performance, maintaining the 3 Series' reputation for dynamic driving and practicality.

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