How are the BMW E92 330i 2009 m sport like before I buy!
Discussion
The facelift car (September 2009 if I recall correctly) got the N53 engine which is a bit more powerful and economical but seems to be a tad less reliable than the earlier N52.
The N52 was available in two types; the silver top for the earliest cars and then the black top from around 2007. It’s generally a pretty tough engine but does have a few issues, the main one being that they can leak. Common areas are the valve cover, oil filter / cooler housing and sump are the most common but the valvetronic motor and sensor gaskets leak too. The electric water pumps have a bad rep although none have failed on the three N52’s that I’ve had.
The N53 is prone to more costly issues such as the high pressure fuel pump and NOX sensor. I’m assuming that being a six cylinder car they like to leak too!
The E9x cars had an issue with the fuel tank vent pipe splitting because it rubs on the chassis. It means that your car will smell of fuel when full.
Suspension is an area I’d look at too if it’s not seen much love. Most cars of that age will probably be a bit tired and need a refresh of dampers, springs and bushes.
The 19’s (style 313 I think) alloys are prone to buckles and cracking sonic stick to 18s if possible. I think the run flats ruin the ride and prefer them on normal tyres.
The old CCC nav (in cars up until 09) feels it’s age these days but there are solutions to add CarPlay and Android Auto which modernises the cars greatly.
The ZF6 auto box is a bit crap compared to modern gearboxes and personally I think a manual suits the N52 better but not many people agreed when these were new so manuals are pretty well.
I’m a big fan of the E9x cars; they look good, are pretty robust in my experience and straddle the usable older car thing nicely. I think they’re a nice size too.
The N52 was available in two types; the silver top for the earliest cars and then the black top from around 2007. It’s generally a pretty tough engine but does have a few issues, the main one being that they can leak. Common areas are the valve cover, oil filter / cooler housing and sump are the most common but the valvetronic motor and sensor gaskets leak too. The electric water pumps have a bad rep although none have failed on the three N52’s that I’ve had.
The N53 is prone to more costly issues such as the high pressure fuel pump and NOX sensor. I’m assuming that being a six cylinder car they like to leak too!
The E9x cars had an issue with the fuel tank vent pipe splitting because it rubs on the chassis. It means that your car will smell of fuel when full.
Suspension is an area I’d look at too if it’s not seen much love. Most cars of that age will probably be a bit tired and need a refresh of dampers, springs and bushes.
The 19’s (style 313 I think) alloys are prone to buckles and cracking sonic stick to 18s if possible. I think the run flats ruin the ride and prefer them on normal tyres.
The old CCC nav (in cars up until 09) feels it’s age these days but there are solutions to add CarPlay and Android Auto which modernises the cars greatly.
The ZF6 auto box is a bit crap compared to modern gearboxes and personally I think a manual suits the N52 better but not many people agreed when these were new so manuals are pretty well.
I’m a big fan of the E9x cars; they look good, are pretty robust in my experience and straddle the usable older car thing nicely. I think they’re a nice size too.
I have a 57 plate 330i.coupe, but SE rather than M sport. I think the N53 engine was introduced in 2007ish, as I have the N53 in mine. (Cheaper tax bracket is the give away when searching).
All the points above are true. I have had mine for five years now. Only issues have been a new battery and a new ABS pump (~£500).
Mine will do 40mpg on a steady run and generally does around 31mpg for 'normal' stuff.
I suspect I might need new injectors at some point (85k miles) as it can be a little rough on idle. But fine after a couple of minutes.
I have grown to love it's competence and composure. I wouldn't describe it as exciting as it is so good at legal speeds.
If you have any particular questions, give me a shout.....
All the points above are true. I have had mine for five years now. Only issues have been a new battery and a new ABS pump (~£500).
Mine will do 40mpg on a steady run and generally does around 31mpg for 'normal' stuff.
I suspect I might need new injectors at some point (85k miles) as it can be a little rough on idle. But fine after a couple of minutes.
I have grown to love it's competence and composure. I wouldn't describe it as exciting as it is so good at legal speeds.
If you have any particular questions, give me a shout.....
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