[OTO335i]

Water pump and Thermostat for $400 DIY?? I wish!!!! It's maybe the case in the states but up here it's way more. I did this myself in November and the cost for a water pump, thermostat and the 2 rubber hoses at the pump came up to nearly $1000 for me. It was quite depressing.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by OTO335i

Water pump and Thermostat for $400 DIY?? I wish!!!! It's maybe the case in the states but up here it's way more. I did this myself in November and the cost for a water pump, thermostat and the 2 rubber hoses at the pump came up to nearly $1000 for me. It was quite depressing.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...11517586925kit

[Bimmer Pleaser]

Originally Posted by OTO335i

Water pump and Thermostat for $400 DIY?? I wish!!!! It's maybe the case in the states but up here it's way more. I did this myself in November and the cost for a water pump, thermostat and the 2 rubber hoses at the pump came up to nearly $1000 for me. It was quite depressing.

OEM parts will probably cost around $500 but you go aftermarket for about $200.

your call.

[BimmerNugget]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I just hit a deer in my '06 325i. It was totaled by the insurance company. I bought it back and it just is finishing up in the shop today. Have a small front-end collision that bends the hood and breaks the plastic core support and takes out a light or two, and an older 3 series (say the coveted 330i) will get totaled, but is a perfectly fine car if rebuilt.

You got any pics of your 325? Before and After. How many miles you got on it now?

[OTO335i]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...11517586925kit

The pumps for N54 are more expensive i believe plus take in account the exchange rate to Canadian dollars.

[OTO335i]

Originally Posted by Bimmer Pleaser

OEM parts will probably cost around $500 but you go aftermarket for about $200.

your call.

That was aftermarket.. All of it!

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by BimmerNugget

You got any pics of your 325? Before and After. How many miles you got on it now?

Just picked it up last night; it looks like back to normal. Fresh paint on the hood, bumper, and drivers door. Worn paint on other panels. Not perfectly matching paint (due to age), but hey, it's 12 years old and 349,000 miles... The banged up used headlight worked thank the Lord. I posted this a few weeks ago:

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by bvanlieu

I got a chuckle out of the 335d nugget. If it was stated to avoid due to overly complicated and fragile emissions, we all nod in unison.

The fuel mileage it returns (even with emissions, better without) is fan-freaking-tastic for what it is: a car that pulls like a V8, 2000 RPM at 80 MPH all while returning 35 MPG...yup, its a keeper.

Yes its a bit of a masochistic model

Efthreeoh, no Carmax fan? No judgement just curious. Not every one can Demuro a car there, but they seem to be popular with folks wanting a no BS experience. Their used pricing is higher then private party, but not bad compared to dealers from the searches I have run as comps (which is not very often I admit, but occasionally

- b

I bought my Z4 from CarMax. Paid about $3K too much. It's a rare car and not plentiful to find, so at the time I bought (Dec. 2015) it was what appeared to be the lowest mileage Coupe on the market that was somewhat close to me. I was willing to pay a bit over what KBB/Edmunds evaluated the price should be. I had to pay a non-refundable $350 to have it moved from Ohio to Virginia for me to look at it. That was about the same as a plane ticket and hotel stay for me to get to Ohio. So I already was $350 in the hole if I didn't like it. I trusted CarMax to be what it advertises to be, which is highly capable to evaluate a good car from a bad one, and truthful. I found them to be, with my car at least, not to be honest and expert in evaluating cars. I've posted this a few times before. They missed/did the following:

- Missed a crease in the front left fender above the headlight (they did fix that via PDR)
- Missed a low coolant level in the radiator (the low coolant light came on the 2nd day I owned it)
- Missed or hid the fact the car had a noisy throwout bearing. They argued this to the point that I spent more time arguing with them vs. the time I would spend repairing it DIY.
- Missed a mouse nest in the intake box, which had half of the engine airfilter clogged up
- Missed an almost fully-clogged cabin airfilter
- Installed or missed the fact that the battery was under sized (case-wise) and it did not clamp into place using the OE battery fastening system. Also, the battery box divider was installed incorrectly, and the battery vent (which every modern BMW has) was not installed
- Changed the oil but used the wrong aftermarket oil filter. I had to then assume they did not use the correct spec oil.

For those reasons, I think they are as much BS as any other used car dealer. They do not negotiate price based on their supposed expert car evaluation and honesty. They make it an easy purchase process, much like a new-car purchase experience (if you don't negotiate price), so people who want an easy purchase experience (and get taken advantage of) they are great. Then CarMax covers its ass by expecting the buyer to purchase additional warranty to cover shit its experts miss.

For me, never again. If they did this on my car, I can only assume they do it on other cars as well.

That's just one-half of the story. I'll not go into the post-purchase inspection (within the CarMax 5-day return policy) I went through with the local BMW dealer. I'll delve into that if you want.

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I bought my Z4 from CarMax. Paid about $3K too much. It's a rare car and not plentiful to find, so at the time I bought (Dec. 2015) it was what appeared to be the lowest mileage Coupe on the market that was somewhat close to me. I was willing to pay a bit over what KBB/Edmunds evaluated the price should be. I had to pay a non-refundable $350 to have it moved from Ohio to Virginia for me to look at it. That was about the same as a plane ticket and hotel stay for me to get to Ohio. So I already was $350 in the hole if I didn't like it. I trusted CarMax to be what it advertises to be, which is highly capable to evaluate a good car from a bad one, and truthful. I found them to be, with my car at least, not to be honest and expert in evaluating cars. I've posted this a few times before. They missed/did the following:

- Missed a crease in the front left fender above the headlight (they did fix that via PDR)
- Missed a low coolant level in the radiator (the low coolant light came on the 2nd day I owned it)
- Missed or hid the fact the car had a noisy throwout bearing. They argued this to the point that I spent more time arguing with them vs. the time I would spend repairing it DIY.
- Missed a mouse nest in the intake box, which had half of the engine airfilter clogged up
- Missed an almost fully-clogged cabin airfilter
- Installed or missed the fact that the battery was under sized (case-wise) and it did not clamp into place using the OE battery fastening system. Also, the battery box divider was installed incorrectly, and the battery vent (which every modern BMW has) was not installed
- Changed the oil but used the wrong aftermarket oil filter. I had to then assume they did not use the correct spec oil.

For those reasons, I think they are as much BS as any other used car dealer. They do not negotiate price based on their supposed expert car evaluation and honesty. They make it an easy purchase process, much like a new-car purchase experience (if you don't negotiate price), so people who want an easy purchase experience (and get taken advantage of) they are great. Then CarMax covers its ass by expecting the buyer to purchase additional warranty to cover shit its experts miss.

For me, never again. If they did this on my car, I can only assume they do it on other cars as well.

That's just one-half of the story. I'll not go into the post-purchase inspection (within the CarMax 5-day return policy) I went through with the local BMW dealer. I'll delve into that if you want.

I looked at a Kia Soul at car sense (car max equivalent). The tires were dry rotted and throwing chunks. Unless you are buying a new car, you need to strip search any car you want to purchase.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

I looked at a Kia Soul at car sense (car max equivalent). The tires were dry rotted and throwing chunks. Unless you are buying a new car, you need to strip search any car you want to purchase.

Agreed. What CarMax advertises as a knowledgeable and trust-worthy used car dealer was the opposite of what I found through my experience. So they lied, plain and simple. The trade for their expertise and honesty is you are unable to negotiate the price, especially after you pay to have a car transported across several states to review. Had I found the abnormalities listed previously, I would have still taken the car, but at a lower price. I didn't look that close at details such as the coolant level, and air filter condition, and the battery installation because I trusted their advertising and there was no point in trying to negotiate a lower price since I had no leverage. I paid them a non-refundable $350 to bring the car to Virginia and they have a no-negotiation policy, two strikes against me.

Again, based on my experience with CarMax, they are no better or trustworthy a used car dealer as any other. In fact I'd say they are worse. With most used car dealers you know you are getting BS'd and dealing with less-than-honest people; with CarMax they go to great lengths to play a ruse to the contrary, yet they are as unscrupulous as any other used car dealer.

[Zombie_Head]

To my understanding the N52 water pumps last nearly double that of the N54 and N55 engines due to heat.

Some of the 125/128 guys have seen anything from 80,000 kms to 140,000 kms on them.

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

To my understanding the N52 water pumps last nearly double that of the N54 and N55 engines due to heat.

Some of the 125/128 guys have seen anything from 80,000 kms to 140,000 kms on them.

I wouldn't say that. I had an 08 X5 with n52 engine. Water pump went at 75,000 miles. Gasket wise. Yes. I had it for 150,000 miles. Only gasket I replaced was the OFHG. The suv was very reliable

[Zombie_Head]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I wouldn't say that. I had an 08 X5 with n52 engine. Water pump went at 75,000 miles. Gasket wise. Yes. I had it for 150,000 miles. Only gasket I replaced was the OFHG. The suv was very reliable

Well that is still higher than the 50,000-60,000 miles on the N54 engines no?

[Nickco43]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

To my understanding the N52 water pumps last nearly double that of the N54 and N55 engines due to heat.

Some of the 125/128 guys have seen anything from 80,000 kms to 140,000 kms on them.

My water pump on my N52 went at 50k. It is more or less the luck of the draw.

The guide is now stickied for all future E9X owners to reference before purchase; Thank you Bimmerpost!

[Germanauto]

Does anybody have information on iPhone USB connectivity? The adaptor used to work but doesn't anymore so I am forced to listen to the radio. It's extremely frustrating. Many times I'll drive my other car just because of this.

Not sure if this helps, but it has the Logic7 system and NO navigation.

Likely gonna get rid of this car soon. Absolute headache.

[m20e3087]

Great post, and for those looking to try something German, e90 is a great start. Although I still prefer E30 as a starter but finding a decent ones these days are long gone.

[ReeferCheefer]

"Intake carbon buildup:
Carbon will build up in the intake side of the head. This needs to be walnut
blasted between 35k and 50k miles. Cost: $350 to $800. $300 DIY the first time then $30 every time after."

Shops do this for $300...

Your advice about buying salvage/rebuilt is an opinion. A lot of cars gets totaled by insurances for minor accidents. Trust me I've fixed my fair share. Its a great way to get a newer car or lower mileage for a lower price. Your new girlfriend wont be asking to see your title when you're picking her up.

I didn't read all the bs you wrote or watch the video but realize most of your audience here are enthusiasts. Its apparent the only correct info I seen was copy/pasted off WIKI/ GOOGLE

[mweisdorfer]

Originally Posted by Zombie_Head

Well that is still higher than the 50,000-60,000 miles on the N54 engines no?

75-80% of all water pumps on N54/55 go between 75,000 to 90,000 miles. Maybe 5% make it past 105,000 miles. Mine went at 108,000 miles. I have seen owners on this forum say they have gone 130,000 miles or more.

So, if a water pump, on an N54/55, goes before 75,000 miles I'd say it's in about a 15% category.

[SDPLV]

No M3 love...

[M3 Adjuster]

Awesome thread... nicely done. Agree on the buying from individuals..

[brea316]

Eccentric shaft sensors that leak thru into the harness and back feed to the dme. I check the sensor on every N52 I see. Replace in conjunction with the valve cover gasket.

[TheBingoBalls]

Personally, as long as any N52 3er that has proper maintenance records I have full trust and faith in. My N52 along with friends and family all had relatively low maintenance/repair costs outside of proper maintenance - the major repair being the water pump. If I needed a used car and there was a N52 3er out there that was taken care of, I would jump on it with no hesitation.

The N54 on the other hand, I would avoid altogether. It's not a bad car but to me it's not worth the headache solely due to the HPFP. It's just another thing you have replace (there is no permanent fix AFAIK) and frankly I just wouldn't trust it going for long trips.