Advice - E92 330i M Sport - N52

[anonymous-user]

I've been musing for some time over what car to get, and thus far have failed to settle on anything. Ever since I owned my E46 330i nothing seemed to interest me as a good all rounder. The Mk5 GTI was close but I didn't really like the turbo feeling on the test drive.

The main mistake I made with the E46 was getting an auto which made the car so un-engaging, which was annoying as I loved everything else about it!

I've been missing the most obvious choice,the E92 330i M Sport with the N52 engine and manual gearbox. They are in budget and seem to be the better choice over the N53 which seems to have a fair few reliability concerns. From the research I've done it seems the engine only has 1 major issue which is the loud hydraulic valve lifters (which don't seem to cause any real problems?).

Also the water pump seems to be a costly part to replace as well. Other than that I can't seem to find anything particularly ruinous about them?

Anyone owned one and could give me some insight into ownership, good or bad? Anything I need to be looking out for other than the usual; servicing, accident damage etc.

Finally what options are the ones to definitely get? So far my list is:

Heated Seats
Cruise Control
Xenons
AC
Parking sensors

As you can tell I don't need much but I don't want to miss anything obvious.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[sbridgey]

iDrive/Pro Nav is must for me

[cerb4.5lee]

I had a E90 330i N52 for 4 years and it was completely faultless, like you with the E46 I made the mistake of getting it with the Auto. Other than the gearbox it was a fantastic all round car with a lovely and smooth free revving engine.

[roadsmash]

For E92 330i/d. Google the following:

Cracking wheels/run flat tyres
ABS Pump failure
Swirl flaps
Seatbelt assist arm failure
Windscreen washer fluid pump failure

[Mr Tidy]

OP, an N52 330i would be a good choice IMHO.

I've had two Z4 Coupes (3 litre N52 engines) since 2014, and had the electric water pump fail on my 1st one at 9 years and 60K miles. My BMW Indy got an OEM replacement that cost over £500 inc. VAT.

But they are available for less than £300 - Pierburg is the OEM brand.

While I had those I ran an E46 325ti Compact as a daily, and as it was a manual I loved it - but earlier this year I decided a bit more practicality would be better so I bought an E91 325i with 132K miles (2.5 litre N52 engine) and so far so good!

When I was looking for my E91 I avoided all N53 engined ones - too much grief with HPFP, Injector and coking issues for my liking.

Good luck with your search.

And FWIW rear parking sensors and cruise will be standard features.

Edited by Mr Tidy on Tuesday 31st July 00:15