The N52 included VANOS, much like every other BMW engine produced after 1990. In essence, this was BMW’s V-TEC replacement, modulating the engine’s valves to increase power or improve fuel efficiency. BMW Tuning indicates that the solenoids responsible for modulation can break down after 70,000 km. However, it is important to remember that VANOS problems are not limited to the N52.
Pre-2009 Another valve-related issue was also well-known to affect MY E90s. The hydraulic lifters that operate the valves may become oil-starved and clatter as a result. BMW fitted a revised engine head in 2009, which resolved the problem. The modified component could be installed in earlier E90 3-Series vehicles.
Additionally, according to BMW Tuning, the N52 could experience water pump failure, just like many other BMW engines. Since the pump is electric rather than belt-driven, its plastic parts are susceptible to cracking over time. At roughly the same time as the pump, the thermostat may also malfunction. Even so, if it does fail, it does so in a way that avoids overheating.
Finally, the BMW E90 3-Series is susceptible to age-related issues, just like any other car. Particularly susceptible to leakage are the oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets.
In This Article...
Informational Background: E9x Chassis 3 Series
In many ways, the E9x era is exceptional. The latest 3 series to offer a coupe is this one. The 4 series mark is applied to the latest generation coupes. The E9x is the final model in the 3 series to have an inline 6 engine with naturally aspirated fuel. In addition, it is the first model in the 3 series to offer an inline 6 engine with two turbochargers and direct injection. The last two things complement one another. With the release of the E9x, BMW entered a whole new era. The vehicle that started it all was the 335i powered by the N54. a switch to turbocharged engines from normally aspirated ones.
BMW’s E9x, however, also adheres to tradition in a lot of other ways. The E9x has hydraulic steering, unlike the most recent BMW models. An essential component of the 3 series’ advantage over the competition was its hydraulic steering. Hydraulic steering by BMW has a long history of offering good feedback and encouraging driver involvement. However, as hydraulic steering is used by every E9x chassis 3 series, we won’t go any farther with this. However, a lot of aficionados concur that the E9x steering is more engaging and dynamic than the more recent generation 3 series.
The E90 generation is a fantastic driver’s car overall. Excellent all-around chassis with excellent handling. Additionally, xDrive and manual transmissions were available for each model. A special combination of engines is also available to appease certain aficionados. The S65 V8 engine of the M3 has a wonderful sound and runs at high revs. The final BMW naturally aspirated inline 6 engine is found in the 325i, 328i, and 330i, powered by the N52. The 335i powered by the N54 will undoubtedly delight aficionados of horsepower and tuning.
How trustworthy is the BMW E90 320i?
We can fairly conclude that the E90 3-series is a trustworthy automobile because most BMW enthusiasts regard it as one of the company’s most dependable models ever. A BMW E90 3-series from the years 2006–2011 without a turbocharger is perhaps a good choice.
Finding a used BMW with a known service history and one that has been maintained on time is crucial if you plan to purchase one. A well-kept E90 will provide a generally smooth ride with few to no unpleasant surprises.
The BMW E90 is dependable.
The E90 3 Series is likely your best option for a trustworthy secondhand BMW today. especially the N52 BMW inline-6 engine found in the non-turbocharged 325i, 328i, and 330i cars. BMWs are not exempt from maintenance or dependability difficulties, though. The same holds true for E90 vehicles equipped with the N52.
A BMW 320i’s dependability?
Very Dependable, Sporty, Luxurious, and Affordable. All of their needs were more than met by the 2015 BMW 320i xDrive. It successfully combines the aesthetics of a sports car and a luxury vehicle.
What are typical BMW 320i issues?
- Engine Cooling Unit. Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience.
- Oil Spills.
- Under Braking, the steering wheel vibrates.
- Tail Lamp Unit
Older BMWs are they reliable?
When examining whether or not BMWs are reliable, the subject of age is crucial. It is frequently discovered that older BMWs—generally those produced in the late 1990s and early 2000s—are more dependable than newer BMWs. Though not always the case, take note. This applies to the majority of other brands as well, not only BMW. Early automobiles from the era have rudimentary engineering and construction. There is less of a possibility that something could go wrong because of the simplicity of the mechanical or electronic components.
Even if they do, correcting them won’t be that expensive. Newer cars, on the other hand, are quite high-tech. The iDrive entertainment system, external safety sensors, as well as the extensive web of wiring, computers, and electrics running throughout the full length of the car, are just a few of the many electrical components found in BMWs in particular. The modern engineering of newer BMWs can make them more prone to problems. Not to mention pricey, particularly once the warranty expires.
In reality, the majority of the components and labor needed to maintain and repair BMWs are identical to those for other models. Certain parts inevitably need to be replaced. The same issues might arise with a regular Honda or Toyota, but BMW’s high-performance parts will cost more just for the raw materials. In addition, labor costs are greater for BMWs because they require more time from mechanics than the ordinary vehicle. In general, you can easily expect your BMW repair price to be $1,000 or more.
Is maintaining a BMW 320i expensive?
Costs of BMW 320i auto maintenance and repairs A BMW 320i is expected to cost between $95 and $4055 to maintain and repair, with an average cost of $336.
A BMW 320i is swift.
From 2019 to 2022, this BMW 3 Series 320i was manufactured. It belongs to the G20, G21, and G80 generations of the 3 Series. It was facelifted in 2022 and took the place of the 2015 BMW 320i. It’s a midsize car with four doors and a front engine that seats five people. This 320i’s turbocharged 2 Liter 16v Inline 4 gasoline engine (BMW B48B20) propels it to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and a top speed of 148 mph with 181 horsepower. With a curb weight of 3241 pounds, it has an average fuel economy of 39.2 mpg and has a range of 611 miles before needing to refuel. It has an automatic transmission with eight speeds. There is 17 cubic feet of luggage room and a 1301 lb. payload limit. Last revised on June 23, 2022.
Which BMW, the 320i or 328i, is superior?
The 320i is a sensible option for those on a budget because it has the lowest price and the best fuel efficiency. More power, interior comforts, and safety features are available in the 328i.
Are BMW’s gasoline engines 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
Which E90 is the most dependable?
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.
What does the E in BMW’s E90 mean?
E and F numbers for BMW The German word Entwicklung, which means development, is represented by the letter E in the E-number. E numbers are the manufacturing code numbers assigned to newly developed automobiles before their official sales name has been determined.
Is E90 superior to E46?
Finally, we’re getting to the genuine comparison of the two vehicles. The purpose of the aforementioned was to set up the remaining subjects. We will compare the E46 and E90 in general terms. However, there are numerous models and engines to choose from, as seen above. As a result, not every model will necessarily be covered by the generalizations. As an illustration, the E46 330i ZHP performs better than the E90 325i.
Nevertheless, the E90 excels in terms of performance overall. In comparison to the E46, the E90 has higher power, torque, and faster acceleration. The E90 transmissions also shift more smoothly and a little quicker. True performance aficionados, though, might prefer the manual transmissions. Although manuals are a declining breed, the E90 and E46 both have a wide selection of them.
Additionally, the E90 has a wide range of engine options. For the US market, BMW’s E46 is equipped with just straight-6 naturally aspirated engines. That may or may not be a good thing. especially considering how well regarded BMW’s inline-6 engines are. The E90s, however, come with a 4.0L V8 for the M3 and normally aspirated inline 6, single and twin turbo inline 6, and inline 6 engines. The E46 generation cannot compare to the power and performance of the N54, N55, and S65.
How long are BMWs good for?
Although the average BMW can travel between 100,000 and 250,000 miles, excessive mileage is actually regarded as being a little less than this. Most dealers won’t carry BMWs with mileage over 100,000, and some even think 60-80,000 is a high mileage range for these vehicles.
Therefore, you’ve reached the high mileage area if you’re looking at BMWs with between 60 and 80,000 miles on the odometer. Keep a watch on this because it demonstrates that there are high mileage BMWs available with vastly different mileage estimates.
Is BMW prone to breakdowns?
The only fully electric BMW in this study is the i3, which is also the first mass-produced electric vehicle to leave Germany and the only fully electric BMW on the market in 2019. The producer will launch a number of new electric vehicles in 2021, including the BMW ix3.
Despite the fact that there are over 17,000 of these vehicles on UK roads, ReliabilityIndex was unable to compile an accurate performance report due to a lack of data.
The Which? consumer reliability survey included more than 55,000 participants, and with this number of responses, there was enough information from BMW i3 owners to create a comprehensive picture of the car’s dependability.
A remarkable 16% of newer vehicles contain faults (which, in comparison with other BMW models and other brands, is good). When they do have problems, they are also quite quickly fixed; the average downtime for an i3 in the 12 months before to the poll was just one and a half days.
The number of cars that had a fault so severe it forced them off the road entirely was 4.4%, despite the fact that the fault rate is well below average (which is positive). Although this is higher than the industry average for more recent electric vehicles, the entire % needs to be viewed as a number as with other data-based statistics. Less than 1% of all new BMW i3 owners are actually impacted by the breakdown rate, which is only 4.4% of the 16% total recorded issues.
Serious motor troubles, which can occasionally result in a full motor failure, and ventilation system problems are the most frequent problems that i3 owners report.
According to statistics gathered by Which?, 36% of owners of older i3 models (between 3 and 8 years old) reported having a problem with their car. 7.4% of owners reported having trouble starting their cars. The i3 is not like many older automobiles, which require much more time to fix than their more modern rivals. Owners were without their cars for an average of two days when the vehicle needed to be taken in for maintenance (only half a day longer than when their vehicles were new).
The engine electrics were the main problem customers had with an older generation i3. 15% of owners who experienced a problem determined that this was to blame. Battery charging issues were reported by a very tiny percentage of owners.
Overall, evidence obtained from current owners of the i3 by Which? indicates that it is a dependable electric vehicle. Due to this, the upgraded model received four out of five stars in the 2020 consumer report. Older models only received two stars out of five since they were not thought to be as dependable, had more major breakdowns and troubles, and were not thought to be as desired.
The i3 is a model that you may be considering if you want to go electric, and its reliability makes leasing a new car a very appealing option. Especially when you consider the stark disparity in reliability between the newer and older versions.