BMW 3 Series E90: Features, Reliability, Buying Advice

Introduction

The BMW 3 Series has become a virtual bestseller throughout its history and one of the most common premium segment vehicles. This model has gained popularity due to the combination of prestige, dynamics, and relative affordability compared to other representatives of the Bavarian brand. The E90 generation, produced from 2005 to 2012, is still in high demand in the secondary market. In this article, we will look at the features of this model, its typical problems, and what to pay attention to when choosing a used BMW E90.

Model History

The BMW 3 Series dates back to 1975. Considering that it is one of the most accessible cars from the Bavarian company's model range, it has always been in the highest demand. It is also logical that throughout its history, many modifications have been created based on it: from station wagons to convertibles.

The E90 generation was introduced in 2005 and was produced until 2012, when it was replaced by the F30 3 Series. The E90 lineup included a sedan (the actual E90), station wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93). We will be talking about the most common variant -- the sedan.

The BMW 3 Series E90 was assembled at several factories around the world, including the Kaliningrad Avtotor plant in Russia. Representatives of the brand have repeatedly noted that the Kaliningrad production is one of the best in the world. This sounds amusing, but sometimes there can be more problems with German BMWs than with those assembled in Russia.

Body and Exterior

Regardless of the place of production, the anti-corrosion resistance of the E90 body is excellent. Rust does not appear here for a long time, of course, if the body has not undergone unprofessional repair before. The only complaint might be about the wear resistance of plastic body trim parts, such as door handles.

However, the optics of the "three" are not all so rosy. On facelifted models, headlight assemblies very often crack. Finding a good option from salvage yards or quality non-original parts is not an easy task. Also, headlight washer hoses often burst here, and telescopic nozzle drives jam.

Frequently, due to poor sealing, and consequently resulting corrosion, windshield wiper motors begin to overheat. Also, due to corrosion, mirror drives jam and break. If the positive wire going to the fuse block fails, you will have to replace the entire block assembly.

Interior and Comfort

The interior of the "three" is, of course, classic German: strict, without any gaudiness, and without particularly expensive materials. Yes, certainly, everything is done neatly, precisely, with very well-fitted parts, but there are still no particularly expensive materials here.

The condition of the interior of a used "three" directly depends on the previous owner. There are cars with a mileage of 250,000 km where the interior looks almost new -- only in some places does something reveal the age and mileage of the car, for example, a completely worn-out engine start button. At the same time, careless owners may have serious scuffs, scratches on painted panels, of which there are many here, for example, on the front panel and center console.

Regarding the seats, the main problem is the failure of heating elements. The repair cost will directly depend on what seats are installed in the car. If we're talking about simple fabric seats, replacing the heating elements will be relatively inexpensive. If you have some sports version of the car, and leather seats are installed here, then you will have to replace the heating elements completely together with the upholstery, which is much more expensive.

Climate Control System

The main complaints about the cabin equipment may be caused by the climate control unit, particularly the heater. If a simple system is installed here, after 120-150,000 km, the fan may start to hum, but this is treated quite simply by lubricating the motor itself.

If we are talking about multi-zone climate control, then everything can be much more complicated. For example, if cold air blows only from one side, then, most likely, the valve block of the climate unit itself has failed. Another variant of malfunction is the failure of an additional water pump.

The climate control system on the E90 is a weak point, and there can be several causes of malfunctions here. The most common problem is low pressure in the air conditioning system due to leakage through sealing rings on the tubes. Special equipment is used to diagnose such malfunctions, testing the system with increased pressure using nitrogen, which allows precise determination of the leak location. Another method is using a coloring liquid, although specialists don't particularly like this method and use it only in complex cases.

Engines

The question of choosing a power unit for the "three" is quite ambiguous. It may be surprising, but it makes sense to look at older cars in some ways. The fact is that the main complaints appeared here at the moment when engines of the N series began to be installed instead of the M series.

Because parts of the N series engines are made of different metals (aluminum and magnesium), they have different coefficients of thermal expansion. Therefore, wear and all kinds of leaks occur much faster and more frequently. Hence the increased oil appetite -- up to one liter per 1000 km.

Gasoline Engines

The lineup of gasoline engines for the BMW E90 featured several options:

1. N43 (1.6-2.0 L, 122-170 hp) -- one of the most problematic BMW engines. Characterized by rapid timing chain wear, problems with ignition coils and injectors. Often suffers from low-quality fuel.
2. N45/N46 (1.6-2.0 L, 115-150 hp) -- relatively reliable motors, but also have problems with the cooling system and oil leaks.
3. N52 (2.5-3.0 L, 177-272 hp) -- six-cylinder engine, considered one of the best in the lineup. Main problems are related to the Valvetronic system and crankcase ventilation.
4. N53 (2.5-3.0 L, 204-272 hp) -- upgraded version of N52, equipped with direct injection. Often suffers from high-pressure fuel pump failures.
5. N54 (3.0 L, 306 hp) -- twin-turbocharged version, installed on the 335i. Has problems with fuel pumps, turbines, and cooling system.

Among gasoline engines, the most reliable are considered to be naturally aspirated six-cylinder N52 units, as well as the old M54, which were installed on pre-facelift versions of the E90.

Diesel Engines

Many experts recommend the diesel versions of the BMW E90, since among the entire lineup, these units have the greatest lifespan. But there are also peculiarities here.

If you still have to change the timing chain, or adjust it, the cost of work will be high, since the chain is located behind the engine, between the motor and the transmission. Accordingly, in order to change or tighten it, you will have to remove the transmission.

In other respects, the main thing is not to economize on good fuel, lubricants, and not to stretch the periods of technical maintenance. In this case, the diesel engine from BMW will please with excellent dynamics and economical fuel consumption.

The main diesel engines for the BMW E90:

1. M47 (2.0 L, 122-163 hp) -- the senior representative of its family, installed on early versions of 318d and 320d. Has problems with the fuel system and turbocharger.
2. N47 (2.0 L, 143-177 hp) -- replaced the M47. Notorious for the problem with the timing chain located on the flywheel side. In some cases, the chain can stretch already at 80-100 thousand km.
3. M57 (2.5-3.0 L, 197-286 hp) -- six-cylinder diesel, one of the most reliable BMW engines. The main problem is the turbocharger, which may require replacement after 150-200 thousand km.

Cooling System

One of the characteristic features of the BMW "three" is the systematic clogging of the space between the two radiators. And the radiators themselves often get clogged, so periodic maintenance of the cooling system is necessary. Otherwise, the car will face constant overheating, and Bavarian engines really don't like that.

It's also advisable to monitor the condition of the expansion tank cap. Its pressure valve often seizes, which again leads to overheating and failure of the radiator, thermostat, and pump.

Suspension and Chassis

The suspension of the "three" is stiff but surprisingly durable. Typically, nothing happens here up to 100-120,000 km. But sooner or later, maintenance will be required.

The main components of the BMW E90 suspension:

1. Shock absorbers and struts -- can last up to 150,000 km with careful driving. When replacing, it is recommended to change the strut bearings as well.
2. Wheel bearings -- are replaced only together with the hubs. Lifespan -- about 150,000 km.
3. Steering rack -- usually serves at least 100,000 km. Then replacement of the steering shaft universal joint may be required.
4. Front suspension arms -- a weak point of the E90. Ball joints and bushings may require replacement as early as 80-100 thousand km.
5. Rear suspension -- relatively reliable, but with mileage over 150,000 km may require replacement of bushings and stabilizers.

At around 120,000 km, the power steering pump may start to hum.

Transmission

Various types of transmissions were installed on the BMW E90:

1. 6-speed manual transmission -- quite reliable, but may have problems with synchronizers after 150-200 thousand km.
2. ZF 6HP 6-speed automatic transmission - one of the most reliable automatic transmissions. Given that it was initially created for more powerful engines, its margin of safety is simply gigantic. With proper maintenance, it runs 250,000 km without problems. The main thing is not to forget to change the oil in it every 60-70,000 km.

If it's time to repair the transmission, this will require significant costs. For example, rebuilding the unit with replacement of the torque converter will be expensive.

All-Wheel Drive

The all-wheel drive system on the "threes" is quite reliable. But on both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars, the nut of the driveshaft flange on the side of the final drive often becomes loose. If you feel a characteristic knock during sharp acceleration, don't delay visiting the service station, hurry to tighten the nut and provide additional lubrication. Otherwise, you may lose the driveshaft right during movement.

Electronics

The BMW E90 is equipped with quite complex electronics, which can cause a lot of trouble for the owner:

• Engine control unit -- may malfunction when exposed to moisture.
• ABS system sensors -- often fail after 100-150 thousand km.
• Light control module -- may require replacement with problems with adaptive lighting.
• Climate control unit -- as already mentioned, one of the weak points of the E90.
• Comfort module -- responsible for the operation of power windows, central locking, folding mirrors. May fail if moisture gets in.

Problems can also occur with electric seat drives, sunroof, and power windows.

Choosing a Used BMW E90

When choosing a used BMW E90, you should pay attention to the following points:

• Service history -- ideally, if the car was serviced at an official dealer or a specialized service. Having all the maintenance records is a big plus.
• Mileage -- it's difficult to determine the real mileage, but you can focus on the condition of the interior, pedals, steering wheel, seats. They should correspond to the stated mileage.
• Engine -- during inspection, pay attention to the presence of oil leaks, the condition of radiators, engine operation at idle and under load. Check compression -- this will give an idea of the real condition of the engine.
• Transmission -- the automatic should shift smoothly, without jerks and delays. On the "manual," check the operation of the clutch and the clarity of gear shifting.
• Suspension -- check for knocks, play, uneven tire wear.
• Body -- inspect for repairs after accidents, repainting of parts.
• Electronics -- check the operation of all systems: climate control, audio system, power windows, adaptive light, etc.
• Modification and configuration -- for everyday use, the BMW 320d or 320i with an automatic transmission is considered the optimal option. More powerful versions, such as the 325i/330i or 335i, will require more maintenance and fuel costs.

Typical BMW E90 Problems by Mileage

50-80 thousand km:

• Failure of ignition coils (gasoline engines)
• Problems with injectors (especially on N43, N53)
• Beginning of problems with the timing chain on diesel N47
• Wear of brake pads and discs

80-120 thousand km:

• Problems with the cooling system (thermostat, pump)
• Beginning of problems with VANOS and Valvetronic
• Wear of front suspension arms
• Problems with the heater fan
• Leaks in the air conditioning system

120-150 thousand km:

• Serious problems with the timing chain on N47
• Wear of shock absorbers
• Problems with power steering
• Oil leaks through the valve cover and oil pan
• Failure of oxygen sensors

150-200 thousand km:

• Major engine repair (especially on N43, N54)
• Problems with automatic transmission
• Wear of wheel bearings
• Failure of electronic units
• Serious problems with turbines on diesels and N54

Over 200 thousand km:

• Complete suspension replacement
• Major transmission repair
• Numerous electrical problems
• Possible need for major repair of diesel engines

Conclusion

In conclusion, it should be noted that serious maintenance costs for this car can be avoided if emerging problems are not neglected. If you hear an extraneous knock or hum -- it's better to go to the service immediately, and then there are chances to get away with minimal costs. The principle "the more you neglect, the more you spend" works one hundred percent here.

The price range for the third series is impressive -- from budget options to almost new specimens for substantial amounts. But there's nothing strange about this: offers near the lower price boundary will definitely require serious capital investments almost immediately. So whether you want it or not, a BMW in decent condition will somehow cost a lot. And further, whatever one can afford -- you can find fresh specimens for big money, but this is already, as they say, just for perfectionists and connoisseurs of the brand.

The BMW "three," although it has become a mass model, cannot be called budget-friendly in terms of operating costs, of course. BMW is BMW. As for its reliability, it's hard to find fault. But if something does break here, prepare for premium expenses.

You can save, of course, through careful operation, preventive maintenance, and by choosing a car from earlier production years, as strange as it sounds. In any case, the BMW 3 Series E90 is an excellent choice for those who value handling, dynamics, and the prestige of the German brand, are ready for certain maintenance costs, and are not afraid of possible problems with electronics and the engine.

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