3 Series E90 vs Camry XV40: which is better?
BMW 3 Series E90 (2005–2012) vs Toyota Camry XV40 (2006–2011): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series E90
Toyota Camry XV40Specifications
| BMW 3 Series E90 | Toyota Camry XV40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2005–2012 | 2006–2011 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 (320i) | 2.4 |
| Power, up to | 156 hp | 167 hp |
| Torque, up to | 200 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 520 mm | 4 815 mm |
| Width | 1 817 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 421 mm | 1 480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 760 mm | 2 775 mm |
| Ground clearance | — | 160 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 70 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 28 750 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series E90
Pros
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
Toyota Camry XV40
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Large tank: 70 L
- Local assembly: Russia
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AZ-FE engine (2.4): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009)
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AZ-FE (2.4)): oil consumption due to stuck piston rings (especially before 2009); stripped cylinder head bolt threads in the aluminum block; water pump leak.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- 3 Series E90 — if you care more about: kz tax 2026.
- Camry XV40 — if you care more about: power, torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series E90 or Camry XV40?
3 Series E90: up to 156 hp, Camry XV40: up to 167 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series E90 — about 16 475 ₸, Camry XV40 — about 28 750 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.