2005 BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The width of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) ranges from 1817 mm to 1820 mm (about 71.5 to 71.7 inches) without mirrors. When the mirrors are extended or opened, the overall width increases to approximately 2013 mm (79.3 inches). This dimension is essential to consider for parking and garage space, as the mirrors add nearly 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) to the car's width, influencing clearance in tight spaces. The car's width provides a stable stance on the road and contributes to its agile handling.

The height of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) varies slightly across the 2005 to 2008 models, measuring between 1418 mm and 1440 mm (approximately 55.8 to 56.7 inches). Factors such as suspension settings, tire choices, and trim variations can account for this small difference. The relatively low height enhances the car's aerodynamic efficiency and sporty profile, while still providing practical interior headroom and convenient roof access for luggage.

The curb weight of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) spans from 1435 kg to 1735 kg (roughly 3162 to 3826 lbs), depending on the engine, drivetrain, and equipment levels fitted to the vehicle. A lighter model tends to offer more responsive acceleration and better fuel economy, whereas heavier versions, often better equipped with larger engines or all-wheel drive, may provide enhanced performance and stability at the cost of higher fuel consumption. This balance allows buyers to select a model that matches their priorities in driving dynamics and efficiency.

The maximum allowable weight or gross vehicle weight (GVW) for the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) ranges between 1970 kg and 2240 kg (approximately 4344 to 4938 lbs), depending on the specific model and configuration. This includes the weight of the vehicle itself plus passengers, cargo, and optional equipment. Understanding the maximum weight is important to ensure safe driving conditions and avoid overloading, which could impact braking, handling, and suspension life.

The rear cargo space of the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) provides between 450 to 460 liters (15.9 to 16.2 cubic feet) of luggage capacity with the rear seats in their upright position, offering a practical amount of space for everyday use like groceries or smaller suitcases. When the rear seats are folded down, this capacity extends significantly to between 1375 to 1385 liters (48.5 to 48.9 cubic feet), allowing for much larger loads such as sports equipment or large boxes. The flexible cargo space emphasizes the touring model's utility and versatility.

Yes, the BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) can fit comfortably into a standard residential garage. The car's length of approximately 4520 to 4526 mm (178.0 to 178.2 inches), width of 1817 to 1820 mm (71.5 to 71.7 inches) excluding mirrors, and height of around 1418 to 1440 mm (55.8 to 56.7 inches) fall within common garage size limits. However, with mirrors extended, the width increases to about 2013 mm (79.3 inches), so folding mirrors or being cautious when entering may be necessary to avoid contact with garage walls. Overall, the E91 Touring’s dimensions are garage-friendly for most homes.

Compared to its predecessor, the BMW 3 Series Touring E46 (produced until 2004), the E91 Touring introduced in 2005 is slightly larger in length and width, enhancing interior space and cargo capacity. The E91 measures around 4520-4526 mm in length versus the E46 Touring's approximately 4500 mm, and is wider by about 20 mm. This growth improves cabin comfort and luggage volume, with the E91 offering around 450-460 liters of cargo space with seats up, which is an improvement over the E46. The E91's more modern chassis and aerodynamic design also contribute to improved driving dynamics and fuel efficiency.

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) holds its own against contemporaries like the Audi A4 Avant (B7) and Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate (W204) in terms of size and practicality. Dimensionally, it falls within a similar length range (about 4.5 meters), though slight differences in width and height exist. The E91 offers competitive luggage capacity, ranging between 450 and 460 liters with seats up, comparable to its rivals. Additionally, BMW’s focus on sporty handling distinguishes the E91, making it a favorite for drivers seeking a blend of utility and dynamic performance typical in compact luxury station wagons of the mid-2000s.

The BMW 3 Series Touring (E91) supports a variety of rim sizes, including 16, 17, and 18-inch options with different widths, such as 7J x 16, 8J x 17, 8.5J x 17, and 8J x 18. Tire sizes range from 205/55 R16 through 225/40 R18 with varied profile and width depending on the setup. Larger rims and lower-profile tires generally improve handling precision and road feedback but may slightly compromise ride comfort. Conversely, smaller rims with higher profile tires offer a smoother ride, beneficial for long touring drives or rougher roads. Owners can choose configurations based on their driving preferences and seasonal needs.