Towing capacity & GVWR

BMW 3 Series (E90)2005 – 2008
1 source citedLast reviewed 2026-11-08

Verified against the RDW Open Data (CC0) — EU type-approval e1*2001/116*0308*04

Verified · EU type-approval masses5 datapoints

MassValueProvenance
Maximum mass of combination (vehicle + trailer)3,355 kgVerified[1]
Permissible maximum laden mass1,880 kgVerified[1]
Mass in running order (EU type-approval)1,435 kgVerified[1]
Towing capacity — braked trailer1,400 kgVerified[1]
Towing capacity — unbraked trailer695 kgVerified[1]

No marketed-trim breakdown is catalogued yet for this generation — figures above are EU type-approval values verified directly against RDW open registration data, independent of trim.

Frequently asked

Braked vs unbraked — what's the difference?
A braked trailer has its own service brake system (electric or hydraulic, actuated from the tow vehicle). It can be heavier because braking effort is shared. An unbraked trailer relies entirely on the tow vehicle's brakes — the rated capacity is much lower (typically 750 kg in EU, ~1,000 lb in US convention). Mixing the two ratings is a common mistake.
What is GVWR and how does it relate to payload?
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is the maximum total weight of the vehicle including passengers, cargo, fuel, and the tongue load of any trailer. Payload = GVWR − curb weight. Towing capacity is a separate manufacturer rating, but the GVWR limit still applies once you load the tongue.
What is the EU type-approval mass of the BMW 3 Series (E90)?
Mass in running order (EU type-approval, CoC §13) is 1435 kg, verified directly against RDW open registration data.

Related

Towing & weights · other BMW modelsi5 (G60)

Sources

  1. RDW Open Data (CC0) — EU type-approval e1*2001/116*0308*04Official registerDutch vehicle register (RDW) open data + EU type-approval; CC0. 320i (N46B20B 2.0 petrol): type-level identity, dimensions, masses, emissions (NEDC), engine.Retrieved 2026-11-08