E90 - What do I need to know?
Discussion
Hello all, it's my first post/topic, I've been browsing through forum for couple years but never really had to ask anything, anyway.
I'm looking for E90 325i Tourer/Saloon 07/08 I've picked 325i as it seems like enough and my insurance is quite low(I'm 23) £490 comparing to £800 for 330i. I could put up with higher insurance if its really worth it but so far I can't justify £300 a year more + higher running cost. I used to own E36 328i so pretty similar in terms of power I think. I don't drive much as I have a company car (about6k miles a year in my own car).
I have £5000 but market looks quite small for this particular model, do I need more?
Shall I cosider other engine? If yes, what kind of difference in running cost should I expect, reliability etc?
What should I do first after purchase other than service?
Automatic or manual? I never owned an automatic myself but quite enjoy drive in one. A lot of people have different opinion on AT in e90.
Thanks!
I'm looking for E90 325i Tourer/Saloon 07/08 I've picked 325i as it seems like enough and my insurance is quite low(I'm 23) £490 comparing to £800 for 330i. I could put up with higher insurance if its really worth it but so far I can't justify £300 a year more + higher running cost. I used to own E36 328i so pretty similar in terms of power I think. I don't drive much as I have a company car (about6k miles a year in my own car).
I have £5000 but market looks quite small for this particular model, do I need more?
Shall I cosider other engine? If yes, what kind of difference in running cost should I expect, reliability etc?
What should I do first after purchase other than service?
Automatic or manual? I never owned an automatic myself but quite enjoy drive in one. A lot of people have different opinion on AT in e90.
Thanks!
Edited by 39resU on Friday 26th May 07:02
Edited by 39resU on Friday 26th May 07:03
39resU said:
I'm looking for E90 325i Tourer/Saloon 07/08 I've picked 325i as it seems like enough and my insurance is quite low(I'm 23) £490 comparing to £800 for 330i. I could put up with higher insurance if its really worth it but so far I can't justify £300 a year more + higher running cost. I used to own E36 328i so pretty similar in terms of power I think.
Both the 325 and the 330 are 155 mph cars. You live in a 70 mph country. Is the extra acceleration of a second or two to 60 mph really worth the extra cost ?
Personally, I am struggling to justify my 325. Lots of power, that I can never use in the UK.
I'll be buying something two litres or less next time. Cheaper insurance, cheaper servicing,
I'll still be stuck in traffic in the same way and I'll still get home at the same time.
39resU said:
Automatic or manual? I never owned an automatic myself but quite enjoy drive in one. A lot of people have different opinion on AT in e90.
Auto in E90 is a ZF unit. They say it needs servicing every 60K miles. BMW say it is a sealed for life unit. Result is new gearboxes (£££) not unknown.
We have had a 2005 manual 325i Touring (E91) since 2009.
Like any car, if you read the internet, then they can have lots of problems. We've covered 60k miles in the last 7 or 8 years (so not a massive annual mileage). Other than consumables like oil, tyres and brakes - the only parts that have been replaced are:
- One rear wheel bearing
- Antenna diversity module (antenna for remote central locking)
- Rear shock absorber (found to be leaking at last MOT, so replaced)
That's pretty much it I think. I reckon ours has a slight oil leak (perhaps weeping from the cam cover gasket) - but not so much that its causing any issues, or leading to excessive oil consumption, so I've left it for now.
Other than that, the engine still pulls as well as it did when we first bought the car.
The internet will tell you to watch out for the electronic water pump failing (little warning of it happening, £500 repair bill). I think there was a manufacturing period when the ABS/DSC module was prone to packing up too (BMW do a repair kit for it now though).
Compared to your old E36 (and the E46 I last owned), they seem to be solid from a corrosion point of view - ours hasn't got a hint of rust anywhere. We occasionally think about replacing it (never owned the same car for so long) but as a family wagon, it does literally everything you could ask of it.
I wouldn't consider the 4 cylinder petrol engines, as they're meant to be a whole heap of trouble!
Like any car, if you read the internet, then they can have lots of problems. We've covered 60k miles in the last 7 or 8 years (so not a massive annual mileage). Other than consumables like oil, tyres and brakes - the only parts that have been replaced are:
- One rear wheel bearing
- Antenna diversity module (antenna for remote central locking)
- Rear shock absorber (found to be leaking at last MOT, so replaced)
That's pretty much it I think. I reckon ours has a slight oil leak (perhaps weeping from the cam cover gasket) - but not so much that its causing any issues, or leading to excessive oil consumption, so I've left it for now.
Other than that, the engine still pulls as well as it did when we first bought the car.
The internet will tell you to watch out for the electronic water pump failing (little warning of it happening, £500 repair bill). I think there was a manufacturing period when the ABS/DSC module was prone to packing up too (BMW do a repair kit for it now though).
Compared to your old E36 (and the E46 I last owned), they seem to be solid from a corrosion point of view - ours hasn't got a hint of rust anywhere. We occasionally think about replacing it (never owned the same car for so long) but as a family wagon, it does literally everything you could ask of it.
I wouldn't consider the 4 cylinder petrol engines, as they're meant to be a whole heap of trouble!
Edited by stevesuk on Friday 26th May 09:07
5k£ should get you a very good E46 330ci , go manual and lose little if any in depreciation and have cheaper running costs.
I'm assuming 5k would only buy you an early E90 so not much newer. At 325 level you're not getting (much) faster than E46 equivalent and losing some of the steering feel and fun, which must be what it's all (a lot) about if it's not your daily aka company car.
If E90 essential I'd say manual as I found six speed auto when I tried them in 335i really uninvolving and dull.
I tend to agree , that whilst better, E90 330 is probably not essential if it is much more to ensure, for you.
Similar point could carry through to E46 as there is a 325 ; manual essential here tho as auto is slow !
I sold a mint 325 for 4K albeit 75k miles, hence my confidence that your budget could get as nice E46 330
I'm assuming 5k would only buy you an early E90 so not much newer. At 325 level you're not getting (much) faster than E46 equivalent and losing some of the steering feel and fun, which must be what it's all (a lot) about if it's not your daily aka company car.
If E90 essential I'd say manual as I found six speed auto when I tried them in 335i really uninvolving and dull.
I tend to agree , that whilst better, E90 330 is probably not essential if it is much more to ensure, for you.
Similar point could carry through to E46 as there is a 325 ; manual essential here tho as auto is slow !
I sold a mint 325 for 4K albeit 75k miles, hence my confidence that your budget could get as nice E46 330
I ran a 2006 E90 325i M-Sport saloon for 3 years 30k miles.
There is an issue with fuel filler necks leaking, this happend to me resulting in fuel pissing out when you brim the tank. BMW have produced a reinforced part for replacement but it wasn't a recall so will only be fitted if the problem happens, it is a big expensive job to sort as you have to drop the whole rear suspension/diff assembly to replace, luckily mine was done under warranty.
oil consumption was alarming toward the end of my ownership (at 120K miles) burning through a litre every 800-1000 miles. but them My previous E46 was similar and my BMW specialist said "they all do that".
sticky rear door handles is also a common thing!
Other than that it was a great car, lovely smooth engine but i never though it felt as fast as 218bhp should, still way better than a 4-pot!!
to give you an idea of price i sold mine 2 1/2 years ago for £4500 so £5k now should get you a really good one!
There is an issue with fuel filler necks leaking, this happend to me resulting in fuel pissing out when you brim the tank. BMW have produced a reinforced part for replacement but it wasn't a recall so will only be fitted if the problem happens, it is a big expensive job to sort as you have to drop the whole rear suspension/diff assembly to replace, luckily mine was done under warranty.
oil consumption was alarming toward the end of my ownership (at 120K miles) burning through a litre every 800-1000 miles. but them My previous E46 was similar and my BMW specialist said "they all do that".
sticky rear door handles is also a common thing!
Other than that it was a great car, lovely smooth engine but i never though it felt as fast as 218bhp should, still way better than a 4-pot!!
to give you an idea of price i sold mine 2 1/2 years ago for £4500 so £5k now should get you a really good one!
I'd counter that by saying that having had two E46 coupes, I would (providing you can find one in budget and with the right spec), go for the E90 in preference. The E46 is getting on now (both in terms of the average age of used ones, and also as a design in general - since it was launched in the 1990s).
I found rust to be a problem on the E46, but it doesn't seem to be an issue on the E90. You can replace many mechanical parts for the cost of properly sorting rust - especially somewhere inconvenient like the rear arches. Depends on how mint you want your car to look?
The systems and interior on the E90 are also more modern feeling.
The E46 does win points for having cheaper parts on the whole though (water pumps are more like £50, tyres are not run flat, so cost less etc.).
I found rust to be a problem on the E46, but it doesn't seem to be an issue on the E90. You can replace many mechanical parts for the cost of properly sorting rust - especially somewhere inconvenient like the rear arches. Depends on how mint you want your car to look?
The systems and interior on the E90 are also more modern feeling.
The E46 does win points for having cheaper parts on the whole though (water pumps are more like £50, tyres are not run flat, so cost less etc.).
I had an E90 (2006) 2.5 325i mSport saloon.
The manual gearbox was nice to use, a bit notchy and reluctant on occasion going into first. Can't comment on the autobox. I got about 25mpg out of that engine which was mainly urban driving. In 4 years the only issue I had was a coil pack which was replaced for about £100. Pretty reliable all in all.
I loved the car. The dipping wing mirror extra is something I really miss from my current BMW.
I'd go for the best engine you can afford. The 335 was out of budget for me and I wanted a 330. I tested a couple, one in basic trim and one SE. The mSport was more dynamic and a nicer drive if that's important to you. I sacrificed the extra power to get the spec,colour and model I wanted. Le Mans Blue. I wish they still made cars in that colour.
The manual gearbox was nice to use, a bit notchy and reluctant on occasion going into first. Can't comment on the autobox. I got about 25mpg out of that engine which was mainly urban driving. In 4 years the only issue I had was a coil pack which was replaced for about £100. Pretty reliable all in all.
I loved the car. The dipping wing mirror extra is something I really miss from my current BMW.
I'd go for the best engine you can afford. The 335 was out of budget for me and I wanted a 330. I tested a couple, one in basic trim and one SE. The mSport was more dynamic and a nicer drive if that's important to you. I sacrificed the extra power to get the spec,colour and model I wanted. Le Mans Blue. I wish they still made cars in that colour.
Hi all, sorry for being absent I had extremely busy weekend at work, I've done about 600 miles in 3 days(mostly urban/38hrs on shift), I much appreciate all posts and advice along with them, I've been monitoring the market everyday, still very slow, a lot of cars look dodgy, wear doesn't match mileage and I'm not up for travelling 300 miles to see a shed (I'm based in Scotland). I'm specific only about few things and non of them is really special imho: Manual, either 325i or 330i, around 100k miles, saloon or tourer and full service history.
Is 5k really not enough to get a decent one?
I thought about E46 but since I've been driving one couple years back(325i) I'm under impression that they don't age well and they can turn into a money pit at that age.
And here is a great example of why you should always double check MOT history.
Is 5k really not enough to get a decent one?
I thought about E46 but since I've been driving one couple years back(325i) I'm under impression that they don't age well and they can turn into a money pit at that age.
And here is a great example of why you should always double check MOT history.
Totally agree, on checking MOT history !
Quick A/t check and I found 23 325i tourings or saloons in the £4500-£6000 search query, so I think you can.
Would, however, strongly recommend manual and M Sport.
Of which there was this one
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Quick A/t check and I found 23 325i tourings or saloons in the £4500-£6000 search query, so I think you can.
Would, however, strongly recommend manual and M Sport.
Of which there was this one
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Agree on manual box and M Sport spec being the way to go. I looked at an SE and wasn't that impressed.
Ideally you'd find a 330i, as it's quite a step up in performance, but a 325i is not a bad choice and a straight six is a world away from a four pot for refinement, performance and sound. I wouldn't recommend a petrol four pot e90.
Ideally you'd find a 330i, as it's quite a step up in performance, but a 325i is not a bad choice and a straight six is a world away from a four pot for refinement, performance and sound. I wouldn't recommend a petrol four pot e90.
39resU said:
still very slow, a lot of cars look dodgy, wear doesn't match mileage and I'm not up for travelling 300 miles to see a shed (I'm based in Scotland).
I'm specific only about few things and non of them is really special imho: Manual, either 325i or 330i, around 100k miles, saloon or tourer and full service history.
Is 5k really not enough to get a decent one?
I thought about E46 but since I've been driving one couple years back(325i) I'm under impression that they don't age well and they can turn into a money pit at that age.
And here is a great example of why you should always double check MOT history.
Sorry, I'm not quite certain if you mean that a 10 year old car that requires rear brake pads and (likely) a pair of tyres is dodgy and should be avoided or if (like me) you are looking at that thinking for 10 year/60k car that only needs those items is perfectly acceptable. You can find examples of cars that have what appears to be horrendous looking MOT history but if for example the car turns up an needs 1 ball joint and a spring and the owner decides now is the time to buy 4 new shocks, 4 springs, new ball joints all round how is that shown on the MOT history? You'd only find that out by checking the service book/receipts with the car!I'm specific only about few things and non of them is really special imho: Manual, either 325i or 330i, around 100k miles, saloon or tourer and full service history.
Is 5k really not enough to get a decent one?
I thought about E46 but since I've been driving one couple years back(325i) I'm under impression that they don't age well and they can turn into a money pit at that age.
And here is a great example of why you should always double check MOT history.
Also, what do you mean by they (E46?) don't age well & become money pits, if you perform the required maintenance, servicing & replace all worn parts then yes it is still very easy to spend a decent chunk of money on an older car but if you can do some work yourself and shop around for parts then running a older BMW does not have to be expensive.
aka_kerrly said:
Sorry, I'm not quite certain if you mean that a 10 year old car that requires rear brake pads and (likely) a pair of tyres is dodgy and should be avoided or if (like me) you are looking at that thinking for 10 year/60k car that only needs those items is perfectly acceptable. You can find examples of cars that have what appears to be horrendous looking MOT history but if for example the car turns up an needs 1 ball joint and a spring and the owner decides now is the time to buy 4 new shocks, 4 springs, new ball joints all round how is that shown on the MOT history? You'd only find that out by checking the service book/receipts with the car!
Also, what do you mean by they (E46?) don't age well & become money pits, if you perform the required maintenance, servicing & replace all worn parts then yes it is still very easy to spend a decent chunk of money on an older car but if you can do some work yourself and shop around for parts then running a older BMW does not have to be expensive.
IMHO more stuff replaced means they took care of it and didn't save money on it, that's why I'm looking for a car with FSH so I can learn a bit about history of the car.Also, what do you mean by they (E46?) don't age well & become money pits, if you perform the required maintenance, servicing & replace all worn parts then yes it is still very easy to spend a decent chunk of money on an older car but if you can do some work yourself and shop around for parts then running a older BMW does not have to be expensive.
I'm quite sure you did not notice mileage on November 2012 and then on June 2013?
They don't age well as of interior of the vehicle, after that much time is hard to find a decent one, most of them is really worn (no wonder after all this years) or was not maintained properly and is hard not to mention rust which is a big problem in E46(££££+time+hassle) along with other problems(subframe etc.)
39resU said:
I'm quite sure you did not notice mileage on November 2012 and then on June 2013?
The mileage thing is a bit odd... I wonder if perhaps it was meant to be 51,225 miles on 22 November 2012, but the tester input the wrong digit? Something isn't quite right also that it failed on 22 November 2012, and then passed again on 1 June 2013 - was it off the road for 7 months, or did the owner change the defective tyres and forget to get a retest?Edit: I'd try and get one with front sports seats and xenons... (if budget allows)
Edit again: Have you seen this one? http://www.burnham-autos.co.uk/used-cars/bmw-3-ser... - MOT history looks OK
Edited by stevesuk on Wednesday 31st May 14:34
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