BMW E90 E91 LCI Sedan & Wagon Wheels

BMW E90 E91 LCI Wheel Performance

With significantly more power and torque on tap than prior generations of 3 series, the factory E90 and E91 LCI 3 series wheel fitments were undersized. Narrow 225 section front tires featured on most models with wider rear 255s standard on most staggered fitments resulting in understeer at the limit even with the LCI limited rear fitment. If you need to balance or increase the performance of your E9X 3 series, a lightweight set of forged wheels such as the VS-5RS, SM-10RS, EC-7RS or flow formed wheels such as the ARC-8, EC-7, FL-5, or SM-10 wheels is an easy first step. Review our chassis-specific fitments on our BMW E90 E91 LCI 3 Series Wheel & Tire Fitment Guide.

About the BMW E9X LCI 3 series

In 2008, BMW updated the popular E90 3 series along with all of the other chassis under its banner (E91, E92, and E93) with its mid cycle refresh or LCI. The LCI update, particularly the change that widens the rear track width of some models, makes selecting your next set of E90 or E91 LCI 3 series wheels particularly challenging. The Life Cycle Impulse changes shifted a number of components to an updated spec with mechanical and styling changes across the range. Front and rear fascia updates were the most obvious, but most body panels including the hood receive updates. Lighting packages shifted front and rear with LED options standard for the first time in the rear taillights.

Mechanically the 335i models changed from the N54 twin turbocharged engines to the N55 single twin-scroll turbocharger. The N55 was largely viewed as an upgrade to the N54 when it came to reliability, but the N54 did retain significantly more modding potential in the aftermarket. The moniker for all-wheel drive models changed from xi on the model numbers before the update to “xDrive” badging on the trunk and both front quarter panels.

E90 Sedan & E91 Wagon Wheel Fitment

The main focus of the LCI changes for us here at Apex was the change in rear track width on LCI Sedans and Wagons. E92 coupes and E93 convertibles carried over the rear track width from the pre-LCI models, but E90 and E91s gained 8mm on either side of the car. This means that the rear wheel fitment for these specific models requires higher offsets and is slightly more limited than the other models in this lineup.

If you’re considering buying an E90 generation model, be sure to consult BMWBlog’s E9X Buyer’s Guide to identify which model is applicable for your use case.