Automotive Engineer: “Fun To Drive But Very Poor Reliability * Great Car But Its All In The Details * Money Pit
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Why are models without turbochargers more dependable?
BMW’s N52 engine, which Bimmer Life believes is one of the most dependable motors BMW has ever produced, was utilized in the 325i and 328i. In comparison, the 335i had the N54 engine, which according to BMW Tuning was noticeably less dependable. A performance icon, the BMW E90 M3’s V8 engine is also prone to rod-bearing failure, according to Jalopnik. BMW Tuning states that while there aren’t as many afflicted engines as there are with the IMS bearing in the 996 911, if left unchecked, it might lead to engine failure.
But the less potent BMW E90 3-Series has a lot to offer in other areas as well. They still handle well while being roomier and more comfortable than the previous E46, according to Road & Track. Additionally, according to R&T, the F30 3-Series that followed it actually featured lower-quality interior components and was less enjoyable to drive. Even though it possessed a smaller 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the F30 was only marginally more fuel-efficient and also let more noise into the interior.
The E90 3-Series is also quite contemporary in many aspects. There was satellite navigation available, and traction and stability control were standard.
View Models of BMW 3 Series
All of our reviews for the BMW 3 Series can be found right here. Prices for the BMW 3 Series range from $17,200 for the 325i to $40,920 for the 325i.
In-depth analysis of the 3 Series’s features, design, utility, fuel efficiency, engine and gearbox, safety, ownership costs, and driving experience can be found in our evaluations.
The most recent reviews are located at the top of the page, but if you’re searching for a used car or an older model year, scroll down to read reviews for BMW 3 Series going back to 1995.
Alternatively, if you simply want to read the most recent BMW 3 Series news, you can find it all here.
Is a 325i trustworthy?
The E90 3 Series, which debuted in 2005 and replaced the exceptionally well-received E46 generation, had huge shoes to fill. Even though it was bigger and heavier than the model it replaced, it managed to provide much more space for passengers in the back seats and a bigger trunk, making it more comfortable and useful than its before.
It was available in sedan (E90), wagon (E91), coupe (E92), and convertible (E93) body styles, and it was an immediate success, winning numerous honors at the time, including the 2006 World Car of the Year title.
The 325i and 328i featured normally aspirated engines, while the 335i featured a twin-turbo engine in pre-LCI (facelift) vehicles and an upgraded single-turbo engine in LCI variants. The lineup in North America was primarily focused on six-cylinder gas engines.
There were options for rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Curiously, one outlier in the lineup was the 335d, which was only available in sedan form and had a six-cylinder turbo diesel engine with plenty of torque.
The 2.5-liter and 3.0-liter variants of the N52 engine, respectively, are what make the 325i and 328i versions of the BMW 3 Series among the most dependable ones you’ll find. Instamotor named the 328i in particular as one of the top five used BMW models you can purchase.
The ‘VANOS’ variable valve timing system, which can have problems on earlier examples of the N52 but is common on BMWs of the era, and the hydraulic lifters, which can also become oil-starved in earlier examples, are both issues with the N52. However, BMW redesigned the cylinder head for 2009 to address these problems.
The 2007 and 2008 twin-turbo versions of the 335i are even listed by Car Complaints as being among the five worst BMWs based on the volume of customer complaints it has received, despite the fact that they are undoubtedly more faster than the 325i and 328i.
Particularly often reported difficulties include turbo failure, overheating problems, malfunctioning ABS and high-pressure fuel pumps, all of which require expensive repairs.
The average private party value of an E90 now is $9,717, and the trade-in value for a good-condition 2009 328i sedan is $7,503, according to Kelley Blue Book. This makes them a very cost-effective purchase.
What issues does a 325i BMW have?
- From the lower engine area, oil leaks.
- Fan resistor in the last stage of the blower may fail.
- Rear window control.
- Coolant Loss from Expansion Tank Leak.
- Bushings on the front control arm bracket could break.
- Engine overheating and/or the Check Engine light.
- Multiple Power Steering Hoses Could Fail At Once
What is the lifespan of a BMW 325i?
But how far is a BMW 3 Series capable of traveling? When maintained properly, you can anticipate your 3 Series to endure between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometres.
A BMW 3 Series is dependable.
The 3 Series placed fifth out of 18 vehicles in the executive car class in our most recent dependability evaluation. A good 13th position finish for BMW as a brand out of 30 manufacturers was achieved.
Is buying a BMW 3 Series worthwhile?
The BMW 3-Series consistently places among the best small premium automobiles. This European sedan is enjoyable to drive because to its assured handling and fluid acceleration. The 3-Series can satisfy families because to its roomy amenities. Even though the most recent model has a more contemporary appearance, this vehicle still has some recognizable BMW style characteristics. Is it time to acquire a brand-new 2021 BMW 3-Series?
A new plug-in hybrid model debuts this year. It is intended for drivers that choose an environmentally friendly ride. On the 2021 BMW 3-Series, no further significant modifications are seen.
What BMW model is the most trustworthy?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
Older BMWs are they worth it?
BMW is renowned for producing some of the best driving machines the world has ever seen, yet the majority of mechanics will advise you to steer clear of pre-owned models.
Once upon a time, BMW was a renowned automaker, a premium German brand with a lengthy history and an amazing collection of vehicles crisscrossing the globe. Sadly, though, circumstances are now different for the employees at the Bavarian Motor Works. The brand has been permanently damaged with prior owners and do-it-yourselfers due to an emphasis on producing mass-market automobiles that don’t age well.
August 2021 revision: You’ll be delighted to know that we’ve updated this post and go into more detail about the many issues a Bavarian automobile owner may run into if they decide to purchase a used BMW. This should assist you in making the greatest choice for your upcoming automobile purchase.
The majority of knowledgeable owners and mechanics will advise you to avoid used BMWs, especially those manufactured within the previous 20 years or so. Simply put, they are not worth the money you will undoubtedly have to invest in them. They are expensive to repair, have expensive replacement parts, and require a lot of labor.
They certainly have a cool appearance and a certain charm. But when you force personal checks to pour in at the neighborhood Euro repair shop, that beautiful siren tune will finally hit a string of unfavorable notes. Here are 15 compelling arguments against buying a used BMW.
What BMW retains its value the best?
The BMW M3 has the highest resale value among all luxury vehicles. IntelliChoice predicts that the renowned performance model of the BMW 3 Series will hold on to 56.5 percent of its original value after five years of ownership.
Despite its unattractive exterior (really, BMW, what were you thinking when you designed that grille? ), the new G80 generation M3 has excellent handling. It will reach 60 mph in Competition mode in 3.5 seconds. The M3 is, however, entirely focused on handling. Compared to previous M3s, the front end is astonishingly grounded, and the dynamic balance is more neutral. It may be the best M3 yet as long as you don’t need to see it; grip and overall performance are excellent.
Does owning a BMW make sense?
When BMW began promoting its cars as the “Ultimate Driving Machine” in the 1970s, the company soon grew to become one of the world’s top luxury automobile manufacturers.
BMW has a long history of producing eye-catching vehicles and SUVs that receive high praise from automotive writers.
Both auto fanatics and everyday people who just want the best for their vehicles greatly prize them.
Because they are high-performance luxury vehicles with excellent interiors, a smooth ride, high levels of comfort, and some of the best technological features available, BMWs are a good investment. BMW is a brand that embodies high status, and their cars offer an exceptional driving experience.
Which BMW 3 Series engine is the best?
The 318d and 320d four-cylinder diesel versions, in particular if you travel a lot of miles, are so fuel-efficient while yet offering plenty of performance that they remain popular even though diesel cars aren’t quite as popular as they were a few years ago.
The four-cylinder 320i and 330i petrol engines offer sporty performance without significantly losing fuel economy as compared to the diesel counterparts if you drive less kilometres.
If power and performance are your top priorities, the top-of-the-line M340i xDrive with its powerful 3.0 litre six-cylinder engine is definitely the best option. Although the M340d’s diesel engine isn’t quite as powerful, it is almost as quick. But in our opinion, the M340i with a gasoline engine is the more enjoyable vehicle to drive.
The sporty-looking M Sport trim level is by far the most popular when it comes to trim levels, but the lower-spec SE and Sport trims are still attractive and well-equipped options.
Which BMW motor is the most dependable?
BMW is known for producing high-end vehicles. You could be wondering if they are trustworthy, and the answer is that they are absolutely trustworthy. Even though they have quite high price tags, they are still worth the money. They have superb and potent engines that will allow you to use them at their maximum speed.
- 1. BMW B58 Motor
- 2. BMW M20 Motor
- 3. BMW M50 Motor
- 4. BMW S62 Motor
- 5. BMW N52 Motor
- 6. BMW M54 Motor
A BMW can it last 300k miles?
When properly maintained and driven cautiously, the BMW 3 Series can endure between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. It will last roughly 13 to 17 years if you drive 15,000 miles per year before needing pricey and uneconomical maintenance. In some cases, the 3 Series can travel up to 300,000 kilometers.
Which BMW has the fewest issues?
The 325i was the entry-level model when the E90 made its début in 2006. A 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine with 215 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque was installed in it. The E90 range was then revised in 2008, and the 325i was replaced with the 328i. It had a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that produced 200 lb-ft of torque and 230 horsepower. The 268-hp 330i, according to BimmerLife, is one of the most potent naturally-aspirated BMWs ever produced.