BMW e90/91 problems and buying advice

Feb 18, 2023 | Buying advice, BMW | 0 comments

The BMW e90 was introduced in 2004 as a replacement for the successful e46 model. The new model had a more aggressive design, with a wider stance and larger wheels. The interior was also redesigned, with new materials and better ergonomics.

In 2004, the e90 was the new benchmark

Upon its introduction in 2004, the BMW e90 quickly became one of the Bavarian carmaker's most popular models. With its stylish design, powerful performance and advanced technology, the e90 set a new standard in the D-segment. In the years since its debut, the e90 has continued to evolve, adding even more advanced features that made it one of the most innovative cars at the time.

Examples of these innovations:

• Connectivity features such as Bluetooth and USB integration

Today, these features are standard on most new cars, but back then they were advanced technologies that made it easier than ever to stay connected on the road.

• Self-driving power

The latest generation of e90s are equipped with self-driving capabilities that allow them to park themselves and even change lanes automatically. This technology was still at an early stage, but was certainly innovative. 

• Improved safety features

The e90 has always been a safe car, but recent generations have added even more safety features, such as blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning. These systems help drivers avoid accidents by giving them information about their surroundings that they might not otherwise have.

Engines in the BMW e90/91

Like every BMW, this 3-series has a wide range of engines. From economical four-cylinders to the super fast M3 with an eight-cylinder. It came in both petrol and diesel, and a few more engines were added after the facelift in 2008. See the complete overview below:

The different versions of the E90/e91

The BMW E90 was available in different lines or packages with different features and specifications. Here is an overview of the main differences between the Business line, Executive line, M Sport line and High Executive line:

Business line:

The Business line is the standard package for the BMW E90. It includes basic features such as air conditioning, electric windows and a sound system. It can also include alloy wheels and a leather-clad steering wheel.

Executive line:

The Executive line is a step up from the Business line and includes extra features such as leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel and an upgraded sound system. It may also include larger alloy wheels, park distance control and a panoramic sunroof.

M Sport line:

The M Sport line is a performance package that includes a sports suspension, larger alloy wheels and sports seats with extra support. It also includes an M Sport steering wheel, M Sport body kit and M Sport wheels.

High Executive line:

The High Executive line is the top package for the BMW E90 and includes a range of luxury features such as leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, an upgraded sound system and a full-colour head-up display. It can also include features such as park distance control, adaptive headlights and a larger infotainment display.

Petrol engines:

316i: 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 122 hp

318i: 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 129 hp

320i: 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 156 hp

323i: 2.5-litre six-cylinder engine with 204 hp

325i: 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 218 hp

328i: 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 233 hp

330i: 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 272 hp

335i: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 306 hp

M3: 4.0-litre V8 engine with 420 hp (only available in the E90 M3)

Diesel engines:

316d: 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 115 hp

318d: 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 143 hp

320d: 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 163 hp

325d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 197 hp

330d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine with 245 hp

335d: 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 286 hp

Please note that engine availability may depend on the region in which the car was sold and the year of manufacture of the car.

Engine problems N43, N45, and N46 (the 316, 318 and 320i)?

The BMW N43, N45, and N46 engines are known to have a number of potential issues. Here are some of the most common problems owners have reported:

• Faulty timing chain: The timing chain in these engines is known to stretch and wear prematurely, which can lead to engine damage and expensive repairs. You often hear this during cold starts (rattling sound).
• Vanos system failure: The Vanos system is responsible for controlling the variable valve timing in the engine. A failure in this system can lead to rough running, reduced power and higher fuel consumption.
• Faulty high-pressure fuel pump: The high-pressure fuel pump in these engines has been known to fail, causing starting and driving problems.
• Oil leaks: The N43, N45 and N46 engines are prone to oil leaks at the valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gasket.

The N43 in particular is known to be unreliable. This is in the post-2008 facelift model.

• Cooling system problems: These engines are known for cooling system problems, including leakage from the radiator, water pump and thermostat housing.
• Faulty ignition coils: The ignition coils in these engines can fail, causing ignition errors and engine running problems.

If you experience any of these problems with your BMW N43, N45 or N46 engine, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified BMW mechanic to avoid further damage and expensive repairs.

Engine problems N52, N53, N54 and N55 (6 cylinders)?

There are several known problems with the BMW N52, N53, N54 and N55 engines. Here are some of the most common problems:

• High-pressure fuel pump failure: The high-pressure fuel pump in these engines may fail, causing starting and driving problems.
• Faulty water pump: The water pump in these engines is prone to failure, which can lead to overheating and engine damage.
• Vanos system failure: The Vanos system is responsible for controlling the variable valve timing in the engine. A failure in this system can lead to rough running, reduced power and higher fuel consumption.
• Oil leaks: The N52, N53, N54 and N55 engines are prone to oil leaks at the valve cover, oil filter housing and oil pan gasket.
• Faulty turbocharger (N54 and N55 engines): The N54 and N55 engines are equipped with turbochargers, which are known to break down and require replacement.
• Ignition coil failure: The ignition coils in these engines can fail, leading to ignition errors and engine problems.
• Carbon buildup: The N54 and N55 engines are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves, which can lead to rough running, reduced power and higher fuel consumption.

If you experience any of these problems with your BMW N52, N53, N54 or N55 engine, it is important to have it diagnosed and repaired by a qualified BMW mechanic to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

Engine problems M47, M57 (diesel engines)

There are several known problems with the BMW M47 and M57 engines. Here are some of the most common problems:

• Timing chain failure: The timing chain in these engines is known to stretch and wear prematurely, which can lead to engine damage and costly repairs.
• Faulty turbocharger: The M47 and M57 engines are equipped with turbochargers, which are known to break down and need replacement.
• Diesel particulate filter (DPF) blockage: The M47 and M57 engines are equipped with a DPF, which can become clogged and cause a range of problems, including reduced power, warning lights and higher fuel consumption.
• Faulty high-pressure fuel pump: It is known that the high-pressure fuel pump in these engines can fail, causing starting and driving problems.
• Faulty fuel injectors: The fuel injectors in these engines can fail, causing them to run rough and produce less power.
• Faulty glow plugs: The glow plugs in diesel engines are prone to failure, especially in colder climates.

Sporty driving

The BMW E90 or E91 offers excellent handling thanks to its sporty suspension. This system consists of struts, lower wishbones, front and rear anti-roll bars and gas shock absorbers. This suspension system gives the E90 or E91 great body control without sacrificing comfort. Of course, the rear-wheel drive helps the sporty driving experience.

Advanced safety features.

In terms of safety, the BMW E90 or E91 is equipped with numerous advanced safety features. These features include airbags, ABS brakes, traction control and stability control. The E90 or E91 also comes standard with a tyre pressure monitoring system that alerts the driver when one or more tyres are underinflated. The NCAP score was 5 stars.

Fuel consumption

The BMW E90 or E91 is fuel-efficient thanks to its efficient engines and aerodynamic bodywork. With the four-cylinder petrol engines, you can average 1 in 14 with a normal driving style. The six cylinders are not too thirsty either, 1 in 12 can be achieved. Finally, the diesels are very fuel-efficient; the 320d can do 1:20 and the 330d averages 1:15.

Final verdict.

The advantages of a BMW E90 or E91 outweigh the disadvantages, making it a good choice for anyone looking for a used car. Now, the main advantages of the E90 are its economical price, stylish design, powerful engines and different equipment levels. Moreover, the exterior design is sleek and elegant with robust features, while the interior offers a chic space with quality materials and modern technology. In terms of performance, the E90 is equipped with reliable engines that provide sporty handling and advanced safety features. Finally, fuel economy is good for a car of this size. All these factors make the BMW E90/E91 an excellent choice for a used car.

BMW 1 series problems

Jul 2, 2020 | Buying advice, BMW | 1 comment

BMW first tried to conquer the hatchback market in 1994 with the 3-series compact, but this undervalued model could not match the sales figures of the Audi A3 and the Volkswagen Golf. Fortunately, BMW was not discouraged and in 2004 launched the 3-series compact. Chris Bangle designed 1-series. It had to compete with the Audi A3 and the surprisingly popular Alfa Romeo 147.  

Rear-wheel drive 

While other hatchbacks have front- or four-wheel drive, the BMW 1-Series sends its power to the rear. As a result, it is more balanced and steers razor-sharp. Also, cars with rear-wheel drive have more traction. A disadvantage of this construction is that it takes up a lot of space, at the expense of the interior space. Although the Alfa Romeo 147 steered well, the BMW was the boss on twisty roads. 

Firmly sprung

The BMW 1 series has a firm suspension, which can cause it to bump on bad road surfaces. The car I drove had 18 inch rims and fairly wide tyres. The 1-series probably suffers less from this bump with the standard 16 inch rims. The firm adjustment is of course BMW and is beneficial to a sporty driving style. On the motorway, in my opinion the adjustment can be lived with, only when the road surface is bad, it is uncomfortable.  

The seats and seating position of the 1-series

Of course, this BMW came with different seats, from sport to comfort. We now review the standard variants and they give sufficient support and the seating area is long enough. In addition, there are enough seat and steering wheel adjustments to allow most people to find a comfortable driving position. The more expensive versions have electric adjustment of the seats including 5 memory options, easy when more people are driving the car.  

Problems and issues BMW 1-Series 

Advice for buyers What should I look for in a used BMW 1 Series hatchback?

Check the paperwork to make sure the car you are interested in has been regularly serviced. Also, always check the rims, if there is a lot of kerb damage, more parts may have suffered. 

Door handle problems

Make sure that the door handles return to their correct position when you release them - if they stick out, both the handle and the lock will have to be replaced to solve the problem.

1 Series Petrol

If you buy a petrol 1-series, listen carefully to the engine, does it run rough (diesel-like) or does the engine temperature ping and is there a petrol smell in the car? These signals can indicate a defect in the ignition coil.

Gearboxes 

Unfortunately, BMW has never quite succeeded in producing faultless gearboxes. If it is difficult to select the right gear or the gear shifts vibrate extremely (they all vibrate a little) when idling or driving, you should look further. Replacing a gearbox is, of course, an expensive affair.

Other problems:

• ECUs of petrol engines failing, 
• windows that slam shut, 
• airbag faults 
• generation of a warning light on the dashboard
• problem with the electronic stability control, causing it to be disabled.

The 1 Series has been the subject of several recalls: for a problem with the rear axle, a problem with the power-assisted brakes, a possible fault with the side airbags and seatbelt pretensioners, and the risk of some diesels catching fire. In each case, however, the number of cars affected was small and the various repairs should have been completed by now.

Is a used BMW 1 Series reliable?

On average, the 1-Series has fewer electrical problems in its class and you will be unlucky if major engine, gearbox or suspension problems occur within the first 160,000 kilometres. After that it becomes a matter of good maintenance. Wear parts such as a clutch, shock absorbers and multiribbed belts are often worn out after 10 years.  

Which used BMW 1 Series should I buy?

The BMW 1 Series was originally only available as a five-door, but the three-door version arrived in 2007. This coincided with a mild facelift and the introduction of powerful yet economical engines.

The 113bhp 116i petrol model has just enough power, but was significantly improved in 2007 when the output was increased to 120bhp. However, the 118i with 127 PS (later 141 PS) is much spicier and the 120i is even better. The highlight of the range is the six-cylinder 130i, a little less economical of course and a little heavier in the nose. 

There are many more diesel-powered cars on the used market and the 118d with 120 hp (later 141 hp) is a great compromise between power and economy. It is even our favourite 1-Series.

From launch there was also the 161bhp (later 175bhp) 120d, which is powerful yet smooth. In mid-2007, the performance-oriented 201bhp 123d was introduced and in early 2009, the super-efficient 116d went on sale.

Conclusion

Although at first people had to get used to the design of the BMW 1-series, it has now become very popular with the general public. This is due to the aforementioned driving characteristics, the excellent engines and of course the image of this German brand. When buying an occasion, our preference is always for a car in its original state. This is especially true for the 1-Series; if it has rims that are too big or other upgrades that detract from the car, we usually don't buy it. Finally, it is nice to have access to bills of maintenance from the past. 

BMW 3 Series e46 problems and buying advice

Jan 31, 2020 | Buying advice, BMW | 0 comments

BMW 3 Series E46 technology, problems and buying advice

The BMW E46 is the fourth generation of the 3-series and was to surpass the E36. This model was available as a sedan, coupe, touring, compact and convertible. The first year of production was 1997, but the first delivery was in 1998. The E46 received a facelift in 2001 and was taken out of production in 2006 with the arrival of the E90. This 3-series was expected to become the benchmark in the D-segment. As the Audi A4 and the Mercedes C-class had been on the market for several years when the E46 was introduced, the BMW had a head start on these competitors. This lead made the 3-Series the benchmark in the D-segment. It actually only lost on the aspect of interior space. This is because BMW always strives for ideal weight distribution, which means that the engine is placed further back, at the expense of the interior space. Despite this shortcoming, the E46 became a huge sales success.       

The design of the E46 

The design of the E46 was not very daring; the car had to have good aerodynamics and an aggressive nose. Compared to the E36, this 3 series had more rounded lines and was more oriented towards the twenty-first century. After the facelift in 2001, the E46 got new lights, the bonnet was modified and the rear lights were redesigned. An outlier in the design was the compact model. It had a completely different nose and was a hatchback with folding rear seats. Many people did not like the compact and its sales were disappointing. The facelifted sedan and touring model, on the other hand, sold very well. 2002 was even the best year for sales of this BMW 3 series.     

The technology of the E46    

The predecessor of the E46, the E36 had the difficult task of succeeding the popular and very reliable E30. Although the E36 sold reasonably well, it was not a resounding sales success. The E46 was meant to be. The wheelbase was longer and the E46 had a lower standard ride height. In addition, this generation received adaptive headlights, more airbags such as side airbags and the possibility of a built-in navigation system.   

The engines of the E46

BMW is known for offering a huge range of engines with each model. The E46 is no exception. The first engine was the 316i, which produced 105 hp and had a capacity of 1,895 cc and was also used in the E36. This engine was also in the first generation 318i and produced 117 bhp through the modified DISA intake system. There were also the well-known 6-cylinder in-line engines that were also used in the E39. The smallest six-cylinder produced 150 bhp, and although this was not a streamer, it did deliver a nice constant power output over the entire rev range. 

The diesels delivered by BMW in this period were immediately the benchmark, fast, economical and quiet. Even the entry-level M47D20 It had a top speed of more than 200 km/h and with normal driving, almost 1 to 20. I myself had an E39 with this engine, sometimes it seemed impossible to empty the tank. If I drove a lot of motorway kilometres, the fuel consumption was 1 to 20, very impressive. What many people don't know is that this engine (the first generation) has no common rail system but is equipped with a unit injector. Besides this four cylinder diesel, there was the well known M57D30, this six cylinder was the fastest diesel on the market at the time and showed that a diesel could indeed be sporty, the torque of the engine seemed to go on forever and the top speed was over 220 km/h.      

The first E46 M3 was delivered from 2000 onwards. This icon had a six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 3,246 cc. The power was impressive, 338 hp and that without turbocharging! 

After the facelift, a few new engines were introduced. The 316i and 318i were replaced by the more modern N Series engines. These had more power and were more economical. 

Driving characteristics of the E46

The E46 was also the benchmark in the D-segment in terms of handling. The rear-wheel drive three-series was solid on the road and remained neutral for a long time. It has to be said that the suspension of the E46 was quite sporty, which not everyone could appreciate. A Mercedes C-Class for example was much more geared towards comfort, but in the corners it was no match for the E46. The driving part and the engines are fine, but the gear change mechanism falls short in my opinion. In my opinion, there is far too much space in the manual gearboxes and the strokes are long, which doesn't do justice to the character of the car. 

I have owned three different E46s, a 318i sedan, a 318td compact and 330d touring. And now you will probably be surprised, but I found the 318td compact to drive the best. This car is so stiff that (with the right tyres) it can go through the corner incredibly fast. The 330d touring has a great engine, but the nose is also quite heavy because of this engine. This pushes the nose a bit more to the outside. Finally, good shock absorbers (preferably original) are crucial for good handling.  

Common problems with the E46

An E46 is in comparison with, for example, a E60 reasonably "bulletproof", complicated electronics were not yet used in this 3 series. However, it is not completely faultless.
The overview below lists the most common errors:   

• In petrol engines (especially the 4 cylinder engines), the valve cover and more specifically the valve cover gasket sometimes leak. You notice this by high oil consumption and an oil smell in the interior or under the bonnet. The part, the gasket, is not expensive, but a mechanic will spend a few hours on this job. Therefore, depending on your garage, it can be a costly repair. Most gaskets last about 60,000 km, so ask when you buy one when it was done.   
• The window mechanism sometimes gives up the ghost. To fix this, the door panel has to be removed and sometimes a new motor has to be installed.
• Coolant leaks are a regular occurrence with the E46. This is almost never caused by a head gasket leak. Usually there is a leak near the expansion tank. This expansion vessel can explode in exceptional cases, due to blockages. If this happens, it is important to stop the car immediately and not to continue driving. Installing a new expansion tank is not very expensive, but continuing to drive without coolant can cause your engine to die. This problem can also be caused by not replacing the water pump on time. It is not replaced frequently on BMWs, because they are driven by a distribution chain instead of a gearbox. timing belt. The water pump is often also replaced when the belt is changed, but this is not the case with BMW.  
• Front suspension arms wear out faster than other models. If you drive over a threshold, you can hear it clearly
• Wind noise at the front doors can indicate worn door rubbers. 
• The air mass meter breaks down above average. You will notice this when the car runs irregularly and when it accelerates unevenly in certain revs. 
• The E46 is not extremely susceptible to rust, but the wheel arches can suffer from it when they get older. Fortunately, there is plenty of sheet metal available and replacing a front mudguard is not very complicated.  
• Especially the 320d from after the facelift sometimes gets problems with the turbo. Regular oil changes and letting the car cool down after a heavy load are crucial for the life of the turbo. 
• The automatic gearbox can have problems with high mileage. This is especially true of the high-horsepower and high-torque variants, the 330d being an example. 

E46 buying advice  

Of course, there are a lot of clichés about buying a used car. Such as filled service books, not too many owners, no ones and twos on the number plate, etc. But as described, the E46 is (apart from a few blemishes) "bullit proof". 

Of course, every car needs maintenance after a certain period of time, and this is no different for an E46. There are also certain types of engines that experience more problems than average. The petrol versions from after the facelift have more problems with leaking valve cover gaskets. You can smell the oil in the interior or under the bonnet, and if there is a lot of oil leaking, the car may start to smoke. 

Try to find one in original condition, a 3 series with aftermarket parts like bumpers, sideskirts19 inch rims are often less well maintained. Finally, maintenance invoices are leading, completed maintenance booklets are not always representative.