Discussion
Well….
I had an Audi, didn’t exactly go to plan when the engine decided to seize unexpectedly. Unable to source a replacement, and losing the will to live with it, I started the hunt for something else.
I’ve always wanted an E90 ever since I had one as a hire car back in 2009, however the internet is awash with takes of woe with everybody seeming to say avoid the 4 cylinders. Unable to find a 6 cylinder petrol locally and diesel 6 cylinders commanding a massive premium (and only doing a handful of miles a year) I’d almost given up when this fell onto my radar while searching autotrader working away.
It’s a 325i 2.5 with the N52B25 engine and a ZF 6 speed auto. A few external marks, plus a very worn steering wheel - but it drove well, felt solid and tidy - plus being an auto, M Sport, with auto lights, leather, factory Bluetooth and a sunroof it ticked all the boxes!
She’s home!
Slight whiff of oil on the way home which I suspect is the rocker cover gasket, but other than that it’s mechanically solid. Even the electric water pump works.
Plate changed, and removed from the Audi
New steering wheel with tricolour stitching to replace the worn original.
Next up is lighting!
I had an Audi, didn’t exactly go to plan when the engine decided to seize unexpectedly. Unable to source a replacement, and losing the will to live with it, I started the hunt for something else.
I’ve always wanted an E90 ever since I had one as a hire car back in 2009, however the internet is awash with takes of woe with everybody seeming to say avoid the 4 cylinders. Unable to find a 6 cylinder petrol locally and diesel 6 cylinders commanding a massive premium (and only doing a handful of miles a year) I’d almost given up when this fell onto my radar while searching autotrader working away.
It’s a 325i 2.5 with the N52B25 engine and a ZF 6 speed auto. A few external marks, plus a very worn steering wheel - but it drove well, felt solid and tidy - plus being an auto, M Sport, with auto lights, leather, factory Bluetooth and a sunroof it ticked all the boxes!
She’s home!
Slight whiff of oil on the way home which I suspect is the rocker cover gasket, but other than that it’s mechanically solid. Even the electric water pump works.
Plate changed, and removed from the Audi
New steering wheel with tricolour stitching to replace the worn original.
Next up is lighting!
The Pre LCI had a really awkward rear light set up - the reverse light stands out like a sore thumb
Ive looked at many many options, from LED to a full LCI conversion, but OEM darklines came out on top. Not that my bank balance likes them!
The previous owner had also fitted some extra bright number plate LED’s but these were brighter than the sun so ordered some genuine LCI leds, however not gambling on the connectors being different and them needing coding - however here we are, they’re fitted, and fitted properly.
Also while being productive refitted the RLS module to the windscreen so the auto lights work, removed the phone kit from the centre console, and gave the outside a quick clean.
Next up is the rocker cover gasket and a good interior clean.
Ive looked at many many options, from LED to a full LCI conversion, but OEM darklines came out on top. Not that my bank balance likes them!
The previous owner had also fitted some extra bright number plate LED’s but these were brighter than the sun so ordered some genuine LCI leds, however not gambling on the connectors being different and them needing coding - however here we are, they’re fitted, and fitted properly.
Also while being productive refitted the RLS module to the windscreen so the auto lights work, removed the phone kit from the centre console, and gave the outside a quick clean.
Next up is the rocker cover gasket and a good interior clean.
That looks very nice. 
From what I've read the N52 engine has fewer issues than the later N53, and pre-facelifts have a chilled compartment under the front armrest!
But I'm probably biased as I have had my manual 55 plate E330i for a couple of years now.
Mine is an SE so doesn't have the M-Sport seats, but has the auto-lights and optional sunroof and Bi-Xenons - you get a lot of car for the money.
From what I've read the N52 engine has fewer issues than the later N53, and pre-facelifts have a chilled compartment under the front armrest!
But I'm probably biased as I have had my manual 55 plate E330i for a couple of years now.
Mine is an SE so doesn't have the M-Sport seats, but has the auto-lights and optional sunroof and Bi-Xenons - you get a lot of car for the money.
That looks well.
I’m a big fan of the E9x cars, particularly the 90 and 91. I loved my 330 and was properly sad to see it go. Mine was a similar spec to yours, the one thing I really missed though were xenons. The halogen lights are crap.
Does yours have any issues with the fuel tank vent pipe? Mine had split so you could smell fuel when it was full.
I’m a big fan of the E9x cars, particularly the 90 and 91. I loved my 330 and was properly sad to see it go. Mine was a similar spec to yours, the one thing I really missed though were xenons. The halogen lights are crap.
Does yours have any issues with the fuel tank vent pipe? Mine had split so you could smell fuel when it was full.
Court_S said:
That looks well.
I’m a big fan of the E9x cars, particularly the 90 and 91. I loved my 330 and was properly sad to see it go. Mine was a similar spec to yours, the one thing I really missed though were xenons. The halogen lights are crap.
Does yours have any issues with the fuel tank vent pipe? Mine had split so you could smell fuel when it was full.
I think it was more of a problem with Tourings. I’m a big fan of the E9x cars, particularly the 90 and 91. I loved my 330 and was properly sad to see it go. Mine was a similar spec to yours, the one thing I really missed though were xenons. The halogen lights are crap.
Does yours have any issues with the fuel tank vent pipe? Mine had split so you could smell fuel when it was full.
The E91 325i I had suffered from that, so I didn't fill it above 3 quarters of a tank! But my E90 is fine.
helix402 said:
Mr Tidy said:
I think it was more of a problem with Tourings.
The E91 325i I had suffered from that, so I didn't fill it above 3 quarters of a tank! But my E90 is fine.
It effected all versions to the same degree. The E91 325i I had suffered from that, so I didn't fill it above 3 quarters of a tank! But my E90 is fine.
I think that the E9x 3 series are great all round cars for sure.
Enjoy yours OP.
helix402 said:
Mr Tidy said:
I think it was more of a problem with Tourings.
The E91 325i I had suffered from that, so I didn't fill it above 3 quarters of a tank! But my E90 is fine.
It effected all versions to the same degree. The E91 325i I had suffered from that, so I didn't fill it above 3 quarters of a tank! But my E90 is fine.
But then not filling above 3/4 isn't a big hardship.
Thanks for the kind words guys, has a few more bits to do but it’s getting there!
So next up was the interior deep clean, wasn’t in too bad of a condition tbh, although it does need a passenger side door pull and a steering wheel switch surround due to the infamous German soft touch peel. Also fitted new plush mats with tricolour style stitching.
The kick plate on the drivers side is a bit worn too but I’ll get round to that eventually.
Polished and waxed the exterior, it’s not the cleanest car in the world it’s got a few more marks than I’d like but it actually scrubs up really well. Wheels could do with a refurb if I was being really picky but they’re not too bad, used is probably the word I’d use
Then onto the spurious oil leak that looked like it was coming from the valvetronic motor, overfill from the cap and also the rocker cover. Official BMW advise is to change all bolts when the rocker cover is removed as they’re torque to yield bolts - upon stripping down it was clear this hadn’t been followed when the job had been done previous as two of the bolts were very loose.
There has also been a lot of people struggling with the valvetronic motor gasket, the genuine BMW one was £6 and it’s sealed lovely, although getting the motor out was a nightmare - you definitely need a small reverse torx bit as it isn’t coming out with a 3/8 one due to access.
All stripped down and faces cleaned, the amount you have to remove to get to this point is quite laughable, but then again it is a big engine size wise.
New gasket in place - really highlights the size of the engine.
All fitted back in with new valvetronic motor, this has to be removed in a certain way or the car doesn’t run properly.
All back together and running well. Hasn’t leaked as far as I can see, and no longer smells which is the main thing. Oil level has also remained static which is good!
Next up is front lower control arms and angel eyes I think!
So next up was the interior deep clean, wasn’t in too bad of a condition tbh, although it does need a passenger side door pull and a steering wheel switch surround due to the infamous German soft touch peel. Also fitted new plush mats with tricolour style stitching.
The kick plate on the drivers side is a bit worn too but I’ll get round to that eventually.
Polished and waxed the exterior, it’s not the cleanest car in the world it’s got a few more marks than I’d like but it actually scrubs up really well. Wheels could do with a refurb if I was being really picky but they’re not too bad, used is probably the word I’d use
Then onto the spurious oil leak that looked like it was coming from the valvetronic motor, overfill from the cap and also the rocker cover. Official BMW advise is to change all bolts when the rocker cover is removed as they’re torque to yield bolts - upon stripping down it was clear this hadn’t been followed when the job had been done previous as two of the bolts were very loose.
There has also been a lot of people struggling with the valvetronic motor gasket, the genuine BMW one was £6 and it’s sealed lovely, although getting the motor out was a nightmare - you definitely need a small reverse torx bit as it isn’t coming out with a 3/8 one due to access.
All stripped down and faces cleaned, the amount you have to remove to get to this point is quite laughable, but then again it is a big engine size wise.
New gasket in place - really highlights the size of the engine.
All fitted back in with new valvetronic motor, this has to be removed in a certain way or the car doesn’t run properly.
All back together and running well. Hasn’t leaked as far as I can see, and no longer smells which is the main thing. Oil level has also remained static which is good!
Next up is front lower control arms and angel eyes I think!
Good stuff; it certainly looks pretty clean in the pictures. The soft touch finish is crap after a few years and peels far too easily.
I had to replace the valvetronic motor gasket on my 130. The old one was definitely weeping and didn’t look too clever once it was off. Changed the sensor seal too which was a bit weepy too.
It still smells a bit oily at times but I can’t see where it might be leaking.
I had to replace the valvetronic motor gasket on my 130. The old one was definitely weeping and didn’t look too clever once it was off. Changed the sensor seal too which was a bit weepy too.
It still smells a bit oily at times but I can’t see where it might be leaking.
ajguk: 2.5L will be N52, the later N53 were all 3-litre but de-tuned in 325i guise.
The car is looking great! Good work on the valve cover gasket change, it's one of many jobs on my list. If you haven't already done it I'd recommend also changing the gaskets for the oil filter housing and the oil cooler (which is bolted to the oil filter housing). They are notorious for leaking, sometimes onto the belt at the front of the engine and causing problems. Should be a much quicker job than the valve cover gasket.
The car is looking great! Good work on the valve cover gasket change, it's one of many jobs on my list. If you haven't already done it I'd recommend also changing the gaskets for the oil filter housing and the oil cooler (which is bolted to the oil filter housing). They are notorious for leaking, sometimes onto the belt at the front of the engine and causing problems. Should be a much quicker job than the valve cover gasket.
Next instalment of woe incoming.
As Helix402 suggested I looked into the M3 lower control arms - however there seems to be conflicting reports about making the ride harsher - this is 9/10 times going to be sat on a motorway and the turn in is perfectly acceptable however the AUTODOC site is a great shout.
I ordered the front two LCA’s, a ZF automatic transmission fluid service kit and arranged with my friendly mechanic friend to borrow his ramp to do the work. He suggested doing all 4 arms at the same time and a 4 wheel alignment.
First job was drain the oil and the ZF transmission fluid while there was still some heat in the car. However, cardinal sin when doing a gearbox oil change is not releasing the fill plug first.
You have been warned! I had to strip the exhaust mount, drop the back end of the gearbox and hang on it while a torx bit was smacked into the rounded head. Turns out the fluid had been changed before and an ape had done the fill plug up.
Also sorted out the alignment - however the camber bolts will snap - you have been again warned. Not many pics were taken because of the sheer nightmare this job was.
Still got a bit of a rough shift but it’s only at certain revs (about 2-3k) at mid throttle.
I’ve done a bit more maintenance, changing the OSR window regulator.
All sorted and a decent clean!
As Helix402 suggested I looked into the M3 lower control arms - however there seems to be conflicting reports about making the ride harsher - this is 9/10 times going to be sat on a motorway and the turn in is perfectly acceptable however the AUTODOC site is a great shout.
I ordered the front two LCA’s, a ZF automatic transmission fluid service kit and arranged with my friendly mechanic friend to borrow his ramp to do the work. He suggested doing all 4 arms at the same time and a 4 wheel alignment.
First job was drain the oil and the ZF transmission fluid while there was still some heat in the car. However, cardinal sin when doing a gearbox oil change is not releasing the fill plug first.
You have been warned! I had to strip the exhaust mount, drop the back end of the gearbox and hang on it while a torx bit was smacked into the rounded head. Turns out the fluid had been changed before and an ape had done the fill plug up.
Also sorted out the alignment - however the camber bolts will snap - you have been again warned. Not many pics were taken because of the sheer nightmare this job was.
Still got a bit of a rough shift but it’s only at certain revs (about 2-3k) at mid throttle.
I’ve done a bit more maintenance, changing the OSR window regulator.
All sorted and a decent clean!
And then we go onto the next tale of why my BMW needs parts stripping down.
It stinks… still. When it warms up. Coolant is still in place and not dropping, I’ve got a water pump comms fault but that’s still working, which leads me - as suggested - to the oil cooler/filter gasket area. Which typically is leaking.
More to come on that front.
Whilst accelerating onto the M25 the other day I noticed a rattle coming from the engine, given how the Audi died I’m always a bit nervous of rattles so I spent some time today checking the DISA valves.
Massively common issue on the N52, but they don’t seem to ingest the flaps like the earlier engines. People just leave them rattling - they don’t really affect the drive.
Google seems to suggest that the inlet needs to come off but to inspect them this isn’t the case.
Remove the air filter lid, housing, intake pipe and the front cover you would remove to remove the VANOS solenoids.
Remove the alternator belt, alternator and the throttle body, moving the PAS reservoir to allow better access.
4 x Torx on the outer DISA and 3 on the inner DISA which are accessed from the TB side of the manifold.
Remove these and pull the inner DISA out enough to check the flaps open, and tight. If it’s flapping or loose the valve needs replacing. Nice quick check. To remove it the manifold will need to be moved forward a little to clear the PCV but just to check it there’s no need.
This is unfortunately the outer DISA. It’s completely snapped and was clearly the rattle of this banging around in the inlet. Rumour has changing this will make it smoother and the shifting at certain revs better.
Note - when removing all this - bolts with blue heads should be replaced.
I’ve now placed another order with my BMW parts department (who are currently celebrating) but it’s all back in one piece and drivable for now.
It stinks… still. When it warms up. Coolant is still in place and not dropping, I’ve got a water pump comms fault but that’s still working, which leads me - as suggested - to the oil cooler/filter gasket area. Which typically is leaking.
More to come on that front.
Whilst accelerating onto the M25 the other day I noticed a rattle coming from the engine, given how the Audi died I’m always a bit nervous of rattles so I spent some time today checking the DISA valves.
Massively common issue on the N52, but they don’t seem to ingest the flaps like the earlier engines. People just leave them rattling - they don’t really affect the drive.
Google seems to suggest that the inlet needs to come off but to inspect them this isn’t the case.
Remove the air filter lid, housing, intake pipe and the front cover you would remove to remove the VANOS solenoids.
Remove the alternator belt, alternator and the throttle body, moving the PAS reservoir to allow better access.
4 x Torx on the outer DISA and 3 on the inner DISA which are accessed from the TB side of the manifold.
Remove these and pull the inner DISA out enough to check the flaps open, and tight. If it’s flapping or loose the valve needs replacing. Nice quick check. To remove it the manifold will need to be moved forward a little to clear the PCV but just to check it there’s no need.
This is unfortunately the outer DISA. It’s completely snapped and was clearly the rattle of this banging around in the inlet. Rumour has changing this will make it smoother and the shifting at certain revs better.
Note - when removing all this - bolts with blue heads should be replaced.
I’ve now placed another order with my BMW parts department (who are currently celebrating) but it’s all back in one piece and drivable for now.
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