2009 BMW M3 (E90 LCI, facelift 2008) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the BMW M3 (E90 LCI, facelift 2008) ranges from 1580 kg to 1625 kg (about 3483 to 3583 pounds). The maximum allowable weight (gross vehicle weight rating) is between 1970 kg and 2150 kg (4344 to 4740 pounds). A relatively light curb weight for a high-performance sedan helps deliver sharp acceleration, agile handling, and responsive braking. The maximum weight accounts for passengers and cargo, ensuring the car can maintain performance integrity and safety even when fully loaded.

The BMW M3 (E90 LCI) sedan provides a luggage capacity of 450 liters (approximately 15.9 cubic feet). This trunk space is quite practical for a sports sedan, sufficient for several medium-sized suitcases, grocery shopping, or travel gear. While not as large as in some non-performance family sedans, it balances sportiness and practicality well, making it suitable for daily commuting as well as longer road trips.

Yes, the BMW M3 (E90 LCI) fits comfortably in a standard residential garage. The vehicle's width with mirrors folded is 1817 mm (71.5 inches), and the height ranges from 1416 mm to 1447 mm (55.7 to 56.9 inches), which is compatible with typical garage door and ceiling heights. The width with mirrors opened is about 2005 mm (78.9 inches), so care should be taken when parking or maneuvering mirrors fully extended, but standard garages are designed to accommodate vehicles of this size.

The BMW M3 (E90 LCI) offers a variety of rim sizes: 8.5J x 18 inches, 8.5J x 19 inches, 9J x 19 inches, 9.5J x 18 inches, 9.5J x 19 inches, and 10J x 19 inches, allowing for a mix of performance and aesthetic preferences. Tire sizes include 245/40 R18, 245/35 R19, 265/40 R18, and 265/35 R19. The availability of these sizes provides flexibility in balancing grip, ride comfort, and visual appeal while maintaining the car's dynamic character.

Compared to its predecessor, the BMW M3 E90 LCI (facelifted 2008 model) is slightly larger and more refined. The preceding E90 M3 (produced 2007-2008) also had similar length and width dimensions but lacked some aerodynamic improvements and subtle dimensional changes introduced in the facelift. The E90 LCI model often features a slightly increased length (up to 4614 mm versus around 4580 mm in the pre-LCI), minor width consistency, and slightly improved height-range depending on suspension setup. These refinements contribute to a more planted and aggressive stance without compromising drivability.

The BMW M3 E90 LCI has a variable height between 1416 mm and 1447 mm (55.7 to 56.9 inches). A lower height helps lower the center of gravity, improving cornering stability and sporty handling characteristics. This height range also strikes a balance in maintaining an acceptable cabin headroom for both front and rear passengers. Despite its performance focus, the sedan maintains enough interior space to ensure driver and passenger comfort, especially important during extended drives.

With mirrors opened, the BMW M3 E90 LCI measures 2005 mm wide (approximately 78.9 inches). This width should be carefully considered in tight parking spaces or narrow streets. While typical garages and parking spots accommodate this size, some tighter urban spots might require careful mirror management or folding the mirrors in to avoid scraping or damage. The mirror width is common among performance sedans and does not generally pose a major obstacle but requires mindful parking practices.

The BMW M3 E90 LCI sedan is competitive among sports sedans of its era. Typically measuring around 4.58 to 4.61 meters in length (180.3 to 181.5 inches) and weighing between 1580 kg and 1625 kg (3483 to 3583 pounds), it is slightly lighter and more compact than some rivals like the Audi RS4 or Mercedes C63 AMG of the same generation, which can be heavier and bulkier. This weight and size balance helps deliver agile handling, faster acceleration, and better fuel efficiency relative to its competitors, while maintaining a spacious, comfortable four-door sedan design.

The BMW M3 E90 LCI supports a maximum roof load of 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). This capability allows for attaching roof racks, cargo boxes, or sporting equipment such as bikes or skis. However, since the M3 is a performance-oriented sedan with sporty suspension tuning, carrying heavy rooftop loads may affect handling and ride quality. It's advisable to keep roof loads light and properly secured to maintain safety and driving dynamics.