BMW 320si Racing Homologation Special Reached Limited Production in 2006
CarBuzz reported that BMW built just 2,600 examples of the E90-generation 320si between March and September 2006 to serve as a homologation donor for its World Touring Car Championship campaign. The limited-run sedan featured a heavily revised inline-four engine with an increased bore of 85 mm, a shortened stroke of 88 mm, and a higher compression ratio of 11.0:1. Engineers removed the standard ValveTronic variable valve lift system and added a conventional throttle body, pushing the tachometer redline to 7,300 rpm.
The road-going model produced approximately 170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 147 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm. BMW allocated 500 units of the 2,600 total production run specifically to Britain. The cylinder head was cast at the Landshut plant where BMW Motorsport produced competition components, while final engine assembly took place at the Hams Hall plant near Coventry. A carbon-fiber cylinder head cover marked the car’s motorsport roots.
World Touring Car Championship Victories Followed in 2006 and 2007
CarBuzz reported that the race-prepped 320si WTCC utilized a P45 racing engine producing approximately 275 horsepower at 8,300 rpm with extensively revised internals. Driver Andy Priaulx used the new platform to defend his title in the 2006 WTCC season, beating rival Jörg Müller by a single point with five race wins. BMW also captured the 2006 manufacturers’ championship with 254 points, finishing 19 points ahead of SEAT. Priaulx secured a second drivers’ championship in 2007, and BMW retained the manufacturers’ crown.
Despite its championship pedigree, surviving examples trade at low prices on the used market. CarBuzz noted that a privately listed 2006 model with 116,050 miles was advertised for £2,550, or roughly $3,330, though it required timing chain work and a replacement rear shock absorber. A cleaner 67,000-mile example carried an asking price of £12,995, or about $17,300.
Engine Cylinder Liner Failures Present High Repair Costs
CarBuzz reported that owners face a significant mechanical risk regarding cracking aluminum cylinder liners that can cause a loss of compression and internal engine damage. Independent specialists recommend machining the engine block to install steel sleeves as replacements. That repair work can cost up to £4,000, or approximately $5,500, which often exceeds the current market purchase price of higher-mileage examples.
American Enthusiasts Can Import the 320si Beginning in 2031
CarBuzz reported that the 320si was never officially sold in American showrooms, but US buyers can permanently import the vehicles under federal rules. The NHTSA permits the importation of motor vehicles that are at least 25 years old without requiring compliance with original Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Because production ran from March through September 2006, those cars will become eligible for US import during the corresponding months of 2031.
Imported models must still comply with separate EPA emissions requirements, alongside shipping costs, duties, and regional registration regulations. When combined with rear-wheel drive, a six-speed manual gearbox, and a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, the upcoming import eligibility opens access to a rare piece of touring car history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the BMW 320si
How many BMW 320si sedans were built?
BMW produced exactly 2,600 examples of the E90-generation 320si between March and September 2006, with 500 of those vehicles allocated to the British market.
What horsepower did the road-going 320si engine produce?
The hand-assembled 1,997 cc inline-four engine generated approximately 170 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 147 lb-ft of torque at 4,250 rpm.
When will the BMW 320si become legal to import into the United States?
Under NHTSA rules permitting the importation of vehicles at least 25 years old, 320si models built between March and September 2006 become eligible for US import starting in the corresponding months of 2031.
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