[Austin LeNomad]

I think this car has had at least one thing every few months, from LCD pixels in the radio going out, to replacing control arms, tie rods, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, coil or two, seat mat sensor, etc. Definitely the worst car in terms of maintenance owned, not just what went wrong, but how long it takes to get the repairs done. E90's have got to be when BMW decided they wanted to make them hard to repair so that we would rather get a new one vs keep the leaky thing. But I paid for this dang thing, I'm going to keep fixing it and get my 200k or 20 years out of it!

My other BMW is an E36 325i. 23 years old and it's had half the repairs of this one. It just keeps on driving right along.

But, I have to say, having just finished the control arms and tie rods, the E90 does drive nicely when it's working. Probably my last newer BMW however, just too much work. Under 50k, the car is fine, but for a long term car....eh, not sure I would ever recommend it to anyone.

[driverman]

My E90 was nearly perfect until 90K miles. From 90K to 120K it became very expensive to maintain. And I still had the original clutch and oil pan gasket. I couldn't afford it any longer and sold it.

Even if the repairs were free, I hate having to deal with what feels like an excessive number of problems. It makes me lose confidence and start disliking the thing.

But I miss it. If I could have fixed it myself, I would have kept it, since most of the repairs are labor intensive.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by Austin LeNomad

I think this car has had at least one thing every few months, from LCD pixels in the radio going out, to replacing control arms, tie rods, valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, coil or two, seat mat sensor, etc. Definitely the worst car in terms of maintenance owned, not just what went wrong, but how long it takes to get the repairs done. E90's have got to be when BMW decided they wanted to make them hard to repair so that we would rather get a new one vs keep the leaky thing. But I paid for this dang thing, I'm going to keep fixing it and get my 200k or 20 years out of it!

My other BMW is an E36 325i. 23 years old and it's had half the repairs of this one. It just keeps on driving right along.

But, I have to say, having just finished the control arms and tie rods, the E90 does drive nicely when it's working. Probably my last newer BMW however, just too much work. Under 50k, the car is fine, but for a long term car....eh, not sure I would ever recommend it to anyone.

I've owned 4 BMWs, still have 3 of them, and that's a total of over 800,000 combined miles and 28 years of ownership. Three of the cars I bought new. My 325i's were an E30 and my E90. I'd put the E90 up against the vaulted E30 any day of the week as even-with or better build quality than the E30. The Z3 build quality is POS level. My Z4 with 50,000 miles under my ownership has been a tank so far.

[maxq]

298,000 km ~= 185,170 miles on mine... has needed new transfer case, water pump + thermostat, rear struts, as well as oil filter chamber gasket.

Will likely need a clutch, oil pan gasket, as well as valve cover gasket in the next 12 months or so.

[Twoforty]

2012 LCI E92 with 2.5 litre engine.
Just clocked 21,000 kilometers since new.
AND recently had leaking radiator replaced under warranty.
Not looking good for long term ownership at this point.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've owned 4 BMWs, still have 3 of them, and that's a total of over 800,000 combined miles and 28 years of ownership. Three of the cars I bought new. My 325i's were an E30 and my E90. I'd put the E90 up against the vaulted E30 any day of the week as even-with or better build quality than the E30. The Z3 build quality is POS level. My Z4 with 50,000 miles under my ownership has been a tank so far.

Agreed. These cars have issues, but they pale in comparison to e36s and e46s.

I've had a similar conversation with a buddy that owns an e30.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Agreed. These cars have issues, but they pale in comparison to e36s and e46s.

I've had a similar conversation with a buddy that owns an e30.

My friend has a 2005 E46 ZHP with 130k miles, and it has needed a ton of little things, and a whole cooling system.

I'd say the E90 costs more to fix when it breaks, but it breaks less than the E46.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

My friend has a 2005 E46 ZHP with 130k miles, and it has needed a ton of little things, and a whole cooling system.

I'd say the E90 costs more to fix when it breaks, but it breaks less than the E46.

Nailed it.

A big reason the E90 costs more to fix is because it's a lot newer, the E46 parts prices have come down so much it's insane. Also, the most common failure on E9X is the water pump, which by design being electrical and more complex than an E46's, inherently costs more as well.

Given time I see no reason why E9X parts won't come down even more, and when that happens it'll eclipse the preceding 3 series in how little it costs to maintain.

[ny325]

2008, 67,000 miles.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

Nailed it.

A big reason the E90 costs more to fix is because it's a lot newer, the E46 parts prices have come down so much it's insane. Also, the most common failure on E9X is the water pump, which by design being electrical and more complex than an E46's, inherently costs more as well.

Given time I see no reason why E9X parts won't come down even more, and when that happens it'll eclipse the preceding 3 series in how little it costs to maintain.

One thing to note is that engine maintenance on the E90 is generally more of a pain. Replacing spark plugs on the E30 requires removal of...just the spark plugs.

Can't say the same about the E90. Can't win them all.

[6ixSpd]

Originally Posted by tlow98

One thing to note is that engine maintenance on the E90 is generally more of a pain. Replacing spark plugs on the E30 requires removal of...just the spark plugs.

Can't say the same about the E90. Can't win them all.

You're comparing the construction of a car from the dinosaur age to that of a car of the modern one. Of course there's going to be a plethora of complexity involved, the point still stands that as far as newer cars go, E9X generation are about as DIY friendly as it's going to get. It's down hill from here and that applies to all manufacturers.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by tlow98

One thing to note is that engine maintenance on the E90 is generally more of a pain. Replacing spark plugs on the E30 requires removal of...just the spark plugs.

Can't say the same about the E90. Can't win them all.

Well, the E30 needed the timing belt changed every 90,000 (along with the water pump ) and valve adjustments every 30,000 - 45,000 miles. And a new distributor cap and wires to boot. But God what a great sounding engine the M20 is with mechanical tappets.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by 6ixSpd

You're comparing the construction of a car from the dinosaur age to that of a car of the modern one. Of course there's going to be a plethora of complexity involved, the point still stands that as far as newer cars go, E9X generation are about as DIY friendly as it's going to get. It's down hill from here and that applies to all manufacturers.

I'll take an OBDII generation car and any car with computer control over stuff built in the '70s or 80's any day of the week as far as DIY and repair. My 2 cents.

[CTinline-six]

I'd also venture to say that it seems parts on the E46 break because they are cheap, usually plastic consumable things. The E90 stuff is more from complexity (electric water pump).

I have driven my friend's E46 ZHP a few times, and it is a great car, especially with the 6 speed manual. As a daily driver I prefer the E90 though, definitely for long trips.

I would say the E90 is the perfect balance between the E46 and F30. The E46 being the more raw version, and the F30 being almost Toyota Camry soft. This is probably why it sold so well.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I've owned 4 BMWs, still have 3 of them, and that's a total of over 800,000 combined miles and 28 years of ownership. Three of the cars I bought new. My 325i's were an E30 and my E90. I'd put the E90 up against the vaulted E30 any day of the week as even-with or better build quality than the E30. The Z3 build quality is POS level. My Z4 with 50,000 miles under my ownership has been a tank so far.

Actually, my 330i reminds me a *lot* of my E30 when it was stock and "newish". The same feel while driving it, the same sound when opening/closing doors, similar ergonomics - and when i wasn't being an idiot / beating the *!@#$ out of it, both have been very reliable. I don't mind working on either of them - the E90 is easier to diagnose, the E30 is just simpler. But man, compared to a newer BMW - a 330i, 6 speed, no idrive E90 - feels about as simple and clean as a stripper model E30 325i.

Not counting fuel, my 330i has cost me less than 3 cents a mile to own. lol.
-3 oil changes
-2 rear tires
-1 coil
-1 angel eye bulb
(~27,000 miles)

Figuring an average cost of $4.00 per gallon (it's often less), it's still less than 24 cents per mile.

And as far as the E30 - well, let's just say it has saved the day again. My wife makes fun of it for being "old" (she's not into cars), but once again - her own car (our "new" E70 X5) is down for repairs, and it's the E30 that I can *always* rely on to get me to work while she drives my 330i. I haven't driven it in 6 months but it just starts up and goes like it was 6 only days.

The X5 isn't making me feel confident but I think overall it's solid. idrive f$%^ng sucks though. Why do I need to go 5 levels deep into a menu to adjust the radio? ugh..

[minaret]

236,000 miles on my 2008 e91. Compression check within limits on all cylinders, and Blackstone Labs says recent oil sample looked good.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Actually, my 330i reminds me a *lot* of my E30 when it was stock and "newish". The same feel while driving it, the same sound when opening/closing doors, similar ergonomics - and when i wasn't being an idiot / beating the *!@#$ out of it, both have been very reliable. I don't mind working on either of them - the E90 is easier to diagnose, the E30 is just simpler. But man, compared to a newer BMW - a 330i, 6 speed, no idrive E90 - feels about as simple and clean as a stripper model E30 325i.

Not counting fuel, my 330i has cost me less than 3 cents a mile to own. lol.
-3 oil changes
-2 rear tires
-1 coil
-1 angel eye bulb
(~27,000 miles)

Figuring an average cost of $4.00 per gallon (it's often less), it's still less than 24 cents per mile.

And as far as the E30 - well, let's just say it has saved the day again. My wife makes fun of it for being "old" (she's not into cars), but once again - her own car (our "new" E70 X5) is down for repairs, and it's the E30 that I can *always* rely on to get me to work while she drives my 330i. I haven't driven it in 6 months but it just starts up and goes like it was 6 only days.

The X5 isn't making me feel confident but I think overall it's solid. idrive f$%^ng sucks though. Why do I need to go 5 levels deep into a menu to adjust the radio? ugh..

This thread has made me think much of my old 1989 E30, which we had since new for 18 years. Black over gray cloth. It was my wife's car at first for the first 120,000 miles, I had it for the last 136,000. I now totally regret selling it in 2006. I sold it to the neighbor across the street (now in my neck of the woods - literally - I didn't see it much) but his wife drove it to 290,000 before they engine overheated and cracked the head. That was around 2009. He sold it back to me for $1. But by the time he "gave" it back a rat had been through the electrical system and a bunch of harnesses in the engine bay were CBAR'd (chewed beyond all recognition). During its tenure with the neighbor, they somehow let one of their girl's boyfriends drive it and he put it though the cow fence down the street and they repaired the body in substandard fashion (right front fender). So it needed a good deal of refurb that at the time I just didn't have time to devote to it (and I still don't). Chasing damaged harnesses, as I'm sure you know, is going down a rabbit hole. I had no idea the condition of the harnesses I couldn't see. I'm sure the bottom of the motor was still good, but at 290,000 dropping a new head on it didn't seem right without a freshening of the internals. But again, I just love the sound of the M20.

I should have retired it from daily duty and kept it for the classic the E30s have now apparently become. But in 2006, with the addition of the E90, we'd have had 5 cars. In Virginia, with the car tax and insurance, it gets expensive. And I did have my time with it. And I agree (here's my point finally) the E90 was such a good replacement for the E30, I saw no reason at the time in 2006 to keep it. I shouldn't complain much, since I picked up my E86 Z4 3.0si, I'm quite the happy camper. The Z4 will have to be pried from my cold **** hands before it let it go - learned my lesson.

Now I'm going to go cry...

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

Actually, my 330i reminds me a *lot* of my E30 when it was stock and "newish". The same feel while driving it, the same sound when opening/closing doors, similar ergonomics - and when i wasn't being an idiot / beating the *!@#$ out of it, both have been very reliable. I don't mind working on either of them - the E90 is easier to diagnose, the E30 is just simpler. But man, compared to a newer BMW - a 330i, 6 speed, no idrive E90 - feels about as simple and clean as a stripper model E30 325i.

Not counting fuel, my 330i has cost me less than 3 cents a mile to own. lol.
-3 oil changes
-2 rear tires
-1 coil
-1 angel eye bulb
(~27,000 miles)

Figuring an average cost of $4.00 per gallon (it's often less), it's still less than 24 cents per mile.

And as far as the E30 - well, let's just say it has saved the day again. My wife makes fun of it for being "old" (she's not into cars), but once again - her own car (our "new" E70 X5) is down for repairs, and it's the E30 that I can *always* rely on to get me to work while she drives my 330i. I haven't driven it in 6 months but it just starts up and goes like it was 6 only days.

The X5 isn't making me feel confident but I think overall it's solid. idrive f$%^ng sucks though. Why do I need to go 5 levels deep into a menu to adjust the radio? ugh..

Interesting move with the X5. N52 set up in that car, too?

You ditch the E91 then?

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

Well, the E30 needed the timing belt changed every 90,000 (along with the water pump ) and valve adjustments every 30,000 - 45,000 miles. And a new distributor cap and wires to boot. But God what a great sounding engine the M20 is with mechanical tappets.

I agree. I've been driving my friend's E30 M20 convertible a bit lately and man I just love the older inline 6 sound. Modern BMW sixes just don't have that signature throbbing sound.

It seems the 36/46 series of cars were much harder to get past the 150k mark without having to do a headgasket due to the cheap plastics and tendency to overheat.

[hassmaschine]

Originally Posted by tlow98

Interesting move with the X5. N52 set up in that car, too?

You ditch the E91 then?

it's the 4.8i N62. it's so heavy, I couldn't imagine it with 100 less HP - it's slow as balls even with the V8, lol.

Currently driving the E30 as one of the original air springs is leaking and I don't want to damage the pump - the springs are cheap and easy to replace, the pump is not...

E91 is for sale - posted up on this forum even.

[tlow98]

Originally Posted by hassmaschine

it's the 4.8i N62. it's so heavy, I couldn't imagine it with 100 less HP - it's slow as balls even with the V8, lol.

Currently driving the E30 as one of the original air springs is leaking and I don't want to damage the pump - the springs are cheap and easy to replace, the pump is not...

E91 is for sale - posted up on this forum even.

Don't know much about the E70s. Good luck with it.

Guess I haven't around much lately, but good to know someone will get a nice E91.

[CTinline-six]

Originally Posted by minaret

236,000 miles on my 2008 e91. Compression check within limits on all cylinders, and Blackstone Labs says recent oil sample looked good.

Nice! I assume since it is a 328i you have the GM auto?