330i E92 N52 replacement.
Discussion
Hello Everyone,
So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
My first experience of the N52 engine was in an E86 Z4 Coupe and I loved it so much I had two!
Then in 2018 when I was looking for a new daily I got an E91 325i Touring, also with the N52. But I found the 2.5 litre version a bit lacking and a year later replaced it with an E90 330i Saloon with the N52 that is much better. It's also on 115K miles and I still have it, mainly because I can't think of anything comparable I'd really prefer that wouldn't cost me a lot more to buy and keep.
I deliberately stuck to N52s as from what I have read N53s seem to suffer from a few more issues, and don't offer any more performance anyway.
BMW stopped making E85/86 Z4s in 2008, but were still making E82125i Coupes until 2010 from what I can make out, so one of those is probably the newest car you will find with the N52. Although it has the 3.0 litre N52 for some reason it was mapped for less power than the same engine in the E87/81 130i hatchback, but the missing horses can be restored with a remap. But the 125i does also have smaller front brakes than the 130i (and strangely the 123d).
I did stray from the N52 in my Z4 Coupe in late 2019 when I bought a Z4M Coupe, but with the S54 engine that is a whole different world in every way - including running costs.
Personally unless you really fancy a change I'd keep what you have.
Then in 2018 when I was looking for a new daily I got an E91 325i Touring, also with the N52. But I found the 2.5 litre version a bit lacking and a year later replaced it with an E90 330i Saloon with the N52 that is much better. It's also on 115K miles and I still have it, mainly because I can't think of anything comparable I'd really prefer that wouldn't cost me a lot more to buy and keep.
I deliberately stuck to N52s as from what I have read N53s seem to suffer from a few more issues, and don't offer any more performance anyway.
BMW stopped making E85/86 Z4s in 2008, but were still making E82125i Coupes until 2010 from what I can make out, so one of those is probably the newest car you will find with the N52. Although it has the 3.0 litre N52 for some reason it was mapped for less power than the same engine in the E87/81 130i hatchback, but the missing horses can be restored with a remap. But the 125i does also have smaller front brakes than the 130i (and strangely the 123d).
I did stray from the N52 in my Z4 Coupe in late 2019 when I bought a Z4M Coupe, but with the S54 engine that is a whole different world in every way - including running costs.
Personally unless you really fancy a change I'd keep what you have.
alex075 said:
Hello Everyone,
So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
What is it you feel a newer model would do that your current 330i can't?So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
I don't think it would make sense to go for an N53 engined 330i. Yes, you might get better fuel economy and it's a bit more powerful, but the rest of the car is the same (plus you open yourself to the N53 niggle list). The 1 Series is smaller, so you'd have to assess whether it works for your lifestyle. The Z4 is a totally different kettle of fish, much less practical, only two seats, v firm ride and mediocre EPAS vs the (imo superior) HPAS of your E92. If comfort is one of your priorities, the Z4 is not the right answer.
If you're desperate to make the change, might as well go for the next gen 3er F3x model. Honestly, I'd stick to what you've got. It's a desirable combination and clearly serving you well.
I went from N52 130i to:
- E92 325i N53 - no drama or character. Sold quickly.
- M135i N55 - great car. N55 is a worthy N52 successor. But M135i chassis is a little overwhelmed. Still great though.
- 2017 M2 N55. Similar to the M135i, but a better overall package. Pricey though.
I went from my E90 N52 330i(had it for 4 years) to a F56 Mini Cooper S with the B48 2.0 turbo engine(had it for 3.5 years). I'm now in a F82 M4 with the S55 3.0 twin turbo engine, because I've decided that I personally prefer the lower down punch(more usable performance for me) that a turbo engine offers over a NA engine.
I also found the Mini much more fun to drive than the 330i ever was(the 330i was an auto though so that didn't help in that regard to be fair).
I also found the Mini much more fun to drive than the 330i ever was(the 330i was an auto though so that didn't help in that regard to be fair).
I think they’re quite hard cars to replace.
I loved my E90 330 despite the auto box. Not that fast in the scheme of things but it was relatively cheap to run, reliable and a decent size (none folding seats not withstanding).
I’ve had various cars since that was sold, including an M140i and have come full circle back to a 130i. The M140i 2as technically the best car I’ve owned but I lost interest in it after two years; it was fast but the chassis really let the side down. Cracking engine and gearbox though.
I’m also doing a lot less miles than I used to and the 140i wasn’t enough of an event. I genuinely don’t miss it and love the little 130 which I think is more fun to drive. Probably partly due to it being a manual and having to work harder for speed etc.
The N52 is a cracking engine I think. It sounds great (mine has a 135i backbox now to release some more noise). I think the 125i cab we bought in January played a part in the downfall of the 140i.
If there is nothing wrong with your car and you still like it, I’d be tempted to stick with it. The only F3x cars that I’d want are the 335/40 because they’re he last of the six pot petrols but they’re rare and expensive.
I loved my E90 330 despite the auto box. Not that fast in the scheme of things but it was relatively cheap to run, reliable and a decent size (none folding seats not withstanding).
I’ve had various cars since that was sold, including an M140i and have come full circle back to a 130i. The M140i 2as technically the best car I’ve owned but I lost interest in it after two years; it was fast but the chassis really let the side down. Cracking engine and gearbox though.
I’m also doing a lot less miles than I used to and the 140i wasn’t enough of an event. I genuinely don’t miss it and love the little 130 which I think is more fun to drive. Probably partly due to it being a manual and having to work harder for speed etc.
The N52 is a cracking engine I think. It sounds great (mine has a 135i backbox now to release some more noise). I think the 125i cab we bought in January played a part in the downfall of the 140i.
If there is nothing wrong with your car and you still like it, I’d be tempted to stick with it. The only F3x cars that I’d want are the 335/40 because they’re he last of the six pot petrols but they’re rare and expensive.
Court_S said:
I think they’re quite hard cars to replace.
I loved my E90 330 despite the auto box. Not that fast in the scheme of things but it was relatively cheap to run, reliable and a decent size (none folding seats not withstanding).
They are great all round cars I agree. I was a really big fan of the E90 330d that I had for 6 years as well(I actually preferred that to the 330i/it was better on fuel and it felt quicker because of the torque as well for me). I loved my E90 330 despite the auto box. Not that fast in the scheme of things but it was relatively cheap to run, reliable and a decent size (none folding seats not withstanding).
I always recommend the E9x 3 series for sure.
This seems a very familiar story - I bought a 125i in 2014, and it's still sitting on the drive thanks to that absolute peach of an engine up front. I've put 103k miles on it in that time (now sitting on 159k) and it still runs and drives beautifully. We're in the middle of a house move, after which I was going to look at a 440i GC or something similar, however I am sorely tempted to get something a little cheaper so I can keep the 125i as a weekend car (currently thinking about a 128ti, or in a complete jump to left field, a Mazda 3 with the SkyActiv X lump).
As previously stated the 125i was available with the N52 all the way up until 2013, although prices are on the rise as it was the last of the N/A 6's, so I'd be strongly tempted to stick with what you have.
As previously stated the 125i was available with the N52 all the way up until 2013, although prices are on the rise as it was the last of the N/A 6's, so I'd be strongly tempted to stick with what you have.
Wow, many thanks to everyone for the replies, its great to hear so many people had so many positive experiences with the N52 engine across different cars. Yeah just made up my mind, I will keep the old lady, there is nothing wrong with her, still going strong, and it was cheap to buy and cheap to run. It was my first BMW too and I did quite a lot of research before buying as I didn't wanted to end with a money pit.
I am going to sound like an old man but it's a shame they don't make them like this anymore.
Thanks again for the suggestions a 125i sounds tempting but less power compared to the 330i is not that tempting. I'll keep it for a year now (just renewed insurance and paid tax) and see where I am at next year.
I am going to sound like an old man but it's a shame they don't make them like this anymore.
Thanks again for the suggestions a 125i sounds tempting but less power compared to the 330i is not that tempting. I'll keep it for a year now (just renewed insurance and paid tax) and see where I am at next year.
alex075 said:
Wow, many thanks to everyone for the replies, its great to hear so many people had so many positive experiences with the N52 engine across different cars. Yeah just made up my mind, I will keep the old lady, there is nothing wrong with her, still going strong, and it was cheap to buy and cheap to run. It was my first BMW too and I did quite a lot of research before buying as I didn't wanted to end with a money pit.
I am going to sound like an old man but it's a shame they don't make them like this anymore.
Thanks again for the suggestions a 125i sounds tempting but less power compared to the 330i is not that tempting. I'll keep it for a year now (just renewed insurance and paid tax) and see where I am at next year.
A simple remap releases the full power in the 125i. My other half’s 125i needs a remap at some point because it feels slight flat compared to my 130i. I’ve already upgraded the front brakes ready which is dead easy to do (brake carriers and bigger discs).I am going to sound like an old man but it's a shame they don't make them like this anymore.
Thanks again for the suggestions a 125i sounds tempting but less power compared to the 330i is not that tempting. I'll keep it for a year now (just renewed insurance and paid tax) and see where I am at next year.
alex075 said:
Hello Everyone,
So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
Am in the same boat as you, mine is an auto though with 75k on the clock as drive a van daily so the car is only doing around 4k a year.So after a year of owning my 330i E92 manual with the N52 engine, my tax, insurance, parking permit etc is due for renewal, so I was looking into replacing it with something newer maybe, but I am struggling to find a replacement. The car is at 115K still feels and drive really good. It has not costed me much to run and is an excellent cruiser and a decent performer on B-roads.
I struggle to find something that is as reliable, comfortable and cheap as an E92 atm. What do people that used to own N52 cars moved to? Or perhaps is worth replacing it with something more modern that still has an N52 engine? Not sure about N53/4/5, specially with all the turbo reliability issues.
What would you guys recommend, should I stick around with the N52 or change to something newer like a N53 330i/130i/Z4?
Many thanks for your help !
Bought it when it was two years old, but lately have been thinking of changing it for the simple reason that the car is 15 years old and one starts to worry about reliability etc.
Having had a six pot for so long I would fancy another and the price for a two to three year old 340i or 440i at the moment is hard to swallow and to make it worse I am not a huge fan of the new styling so its not as if I am in love with the looks of a particular model.
So after reading all the aboveI think I shall try and resist the temptation for a few more months.
TX1 said:
Am in the same boat as you, mine is an auto though with 75k on the clock as drive a van daily so the car is only doing around 4k a year.
Bought it when it was two years old, but lately have been thinking of changing it for the simple reason that the car is 15 years old and one starts to worry about reliability etc.
Having had a six pot for so long I would fancy another and the price for a two to three year old 340i or 440i at the moment is hard to swallow and to make it worse I am not a huge fan of the new styling so its not as if I am in love with the looks of a particular model.
So after reading all the aboveI think I shall try and resist the temptation for a few more months.
It shouldn’t be too much of a worry and most things are DIY-able should you be so inclined which takes the sting out of the costs significantly.Bought it when it was two years old, but lately have been thinking of changing it for the simple reason that the car is 15 years old and one starts to worry about reliability etc.
Having had a six pot for so long I would fancy another and the price for a two to three year old 340i or 440i at the moment is hard to swallow and to make it worse I am not a huge fan of the new styling so its not as if I am in love with the looks of a particular model.
So after reading all the aboveI think I shall try and resist the temptation for a few more months.
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