[Vic3Driver]

Hi Folks...

I have had my E46 for 7 years now. Love it and know the car in and out. Now my I am looking for an E90 for my fiance.

Looking to understand what the common symptoms/repair/major maintenance requirements are of E90 as they age, specifically XIs.

I have picked up on bad fuel-pumps etc on the forum, I assume those are 335 issues. What else?

Year in question 2006 - 2008 (any 330/328/325 XIs).

Can you please help a fellow enthusiast out? Much appreciated!

[queensfield]

E90 has generally been solid. Some common issues are-
1. Broken head bolts: aluminum- overtightened from factory, and associated valve cover gasket (not very common though, and was corrected in later year production months)
2. Water pump- can die without much warning anytime between 30-150K miles, Member ENINTY here noticed a code related to speed deviation, which you can periodically read using a BMW specific shadow fault reader such as Bavarian Technic cable
3. Leaking mechatronic sleeve (cable) in transmission
4. For XI, change the transfer case fluid

Other minor issues might be- leaking oil filter housing profile gasket, blower motor (if water gets in there through faulty cowling attachment, windshield gasket peeling off, and lock/window regulators

E90 has really been a solid performer.

[Vic3Driver]

Thanks Queensfield!

How time consuming are these on a DIY basis and what would you rate the difficulty at? Maybe on a scale of 1-10 for both?
1. Unfamiliar with how involved this fix would be
2. I assume if this is accessible it could be done in one day.
3. Unfamiliar with how involved this fix would be
4. Any recommendation when this should be changed? Also another DIY or is it better to take it to the shop?

THANKS for your help! I am getting excited for the E90 - I just hope I don't get stuck with a lemon. buying used with about 80K miles on it. Any tips what to watch out for?

[queensfield]

First, get the car checked out by an independent BMW mechanic. They will give it a thorough check- well worth the money. Also, try to get the prior service history- it might show previous problems and what was done.

1.Valve cover gasket and headbolts- DIY, but pain in the neck. If the headbolts have held up to 80K miles, they are most likely fine, but keep an eye on the valve cover gasket. But tackle it, only if you have some prior experience- the valvetronic motor is the tricky part due to its angle and torque specs. Rest of the steps are easy- check the N52 engine section on this forum for pics and general steps. There is a hose at the back of the engine that breaks easily. I would say difficult level is 7 out of 10.
2. Yes, water pump and thermostat are DIY- half a day is plenty for both. Easy to change on E90. Difficulty level is probably 5 out of 10.
3. Mechantronic sleeve is very easy- 1 hour max, difficulty level is 4 out of 10. Be careful with the pins. Check out http://www.thectsc.com/
4. I don't have XI, so I have no experience with it. But I think change the fluid around 50-80K miles.

Finally, get a BT cable or any other hardware to read the shadow codes.