[CJMali]

Hi All, this is my first foray into BMW ownership so apologies in advance for the noob questions. Found a 2008 335i e93 with under 100,000kms.

Did a bit of research on the N54 and understand the typical expected problems (HPFP, electric water pump, wastegate rattle) so I'm not going in blindsided. I also understand that these engines are prone to leaks so i after an initial test drive, i decided to take it in for a PPI.

Below are the key findings - looking for some advice to validate my understanding that these needs immediate attention and also if anyone has some idea of a ballpark figure of what it would cost to fix these issues.

- transmission: leak around gearbox sump
- rear bump stops on both sides need replacing
- possible oil leak around rear driverside shock
- oil on under tray
- leaks around engine: to be investigated further

Appreciate the advice and guidance. Thanks.

[ppointer]

I have owned an '08 e90 335i. Currently have an '11 e90 335i and '09 e91. As well as a couple of others.

I don't know so much about those bump stops, so perhaps someone else can pipe in.

This PPI does not scare me in the least. In fact, I expect to find things kinds of things because that is typically why these cars are put on the market. I just go in with the expectation I am going to pay to get the leaks addressed.

A regular tranny service should include that gasket, so would be a part of me servicing all of the fluids in this car at purchase.

Do you smell any oil burning? Typically when I smell oil, it is the valve cover gasket. If there is a leak with no smell, typically the oil pan gasket. This is an over-simplification, but it works for me.

So, I would get tranny serviced, ALL fluids changed, replace all four shocks and do an alignment. You can call local indy shops to get a rough idea the cost.

N54 is a great motor and the e9x series are some of the best drivers ever. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

[CJMali]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I have owned an '08 e90 335i. Currently have an '11 e90 335i and '09 e91. As well as a couple of others.

I don't know so much about those bump stops, so perhaps someone else can pipe in.

This PPI does not scare me in the least. In fact, I expect to find things kinds of things because that is typically why these cars are put on the market. I just go in with the expectation I am going to pay to get the leaks addressed.

A regular tranny service should include that gasket, so would be a part of me servicing all of the fluids in this car at purchase.

Do you smell any oil burning? Typically when I smell oil, it is the valve cover gasket. If there is a leak with no smell, typically the oil pan gasket. This is an over-simplification, but it works for me.

So, I would get tranny serviced, ALL fluids changed, replace all four shocks and do an alignment. You can call local indy shops to get a rough idea the cost.

N54 is a great motor and the e9x series are some of the best drivers ever. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

Great advice, thanks for that. Will let you know how I go soon.

[Socket]

Oil leaks around the engine are the only worry
Probably oil filter housing gasket, oil pan etc
These will need to be fixed up and should be factored into your decision

[CJMali]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I have owned an '08 e90 335i. Currently have an '11 e90 335i and '09 e91. As well as a couple of others.

I don't know so much about those bump stops, so perhaps someone else can pipe in.

This PPI does not scare me in the least. In fact, I expect to find things kinds of things because that is typically why these cars are put on the market. I just go in with the expectation I am going to pay to get the leaks addressed.

A regular tranny service should include that gasket, so would be a part of me servicing all of the fluids in this car at purchase.

Do you smell any oil burning? Typically when I smell oil, it is the valve cover gasket. If there is a leak with no smell, typically the oil pan gasket. This is an over-simplification, but it works for me.

So, I would get tranny serviced, ALL fluids changed, replace all four shocks and do an alignment. You can call local indy shops to get a rough idea the cost.

N54 is a great motor and the e9x series are some of the best drivers ever. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

Originally Posted by ppointer

I have owned an '08 e90 335i. Currently have an '11 e90 335i and '09 e91. As well as a couple of others.

I don't know so much about those bump stops, so perhaps someone else can pipe in.

This PPI does not scare me in the least. In fact, I expect to find things kinds of things because that is typically why these cars are put on the market. I just go in with the expectation I am going to pay to get the leaks addressed.

A regular tranny service should include that gasket, so would be a part of me servicing all of the fluids in this car at purchase.

Do you smell any oil burning? Typically when I smell oil, it is the valve cover gasket. If there is a leak with no smell, typically the oil pan gasket. This is an over-simplification, but it works for me.

So, I would get tranny serviced, ALL fluids changed, replace all four shocks and do an alignment. You can call local indy shops to get a rough idea the cost.

N54 is a great motor and the e9x series are some of the best drivers ever. Let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

I negotiated down the price a bit more and am going ahead with the purchase. Looking forward to starting my first Beemer ownership this weekend

[ppointer]

Awesome. Enjoy.

[shannon1]

Congrats on the new purchase.

[juld0zer]

E93 are harder on shocks and bump stops due to the additional ballast.
Bump stops perish, which then causes the dust boot to drop off (it is held by the bump stop). Dirt gets trapped in the piston seal and tears it. Worn out bump stops permit the shock to travel further, possibly bottoming out.
E9x and E8x rear bump stops definitelt have a harder life than the front ones.

Oil stain on transmission could also be just oil blown back from a leak on the front of the engine

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

E93 are harder on shocks and bump stops due to the additional ballast.
Bump stops perish, which then causes the dust boot to drop off (it is held by the bump stop). Dirt gets trapped in the piston seal and tears it. Worn out bump stops permit the shock to travel further, possibly bottoming out.
E9x and E8x rear bump stops definitelt have a harder life than the front ones.

Oil stain on transmission could also be just oil blown back from a leak on the front of the engine

Great explanation on the bump stops. Had not heard that before. Thanks!

[CJMali]

Originally Posted by juld0zer

E93 are harder on shocks and bump stops due to the additional ballast.
Bump stops perish, which then causes the dust boot to drop off (it is held by the bump stop). Dirt gets trapped in the piston seal and tears it. Worn out bump stops permit the shock to travel further, possibly bottoming out.
E9x and E8x rear bump stops definitelt have a harder life than the front ones.

Oil stain on transmission could also be just oil blown back from a leak on the front of the engine

Sorry for the dumb question - what do you mean by "additional ballast"?

Thanks for chiming in!