320i E90 After Motor Plan

[skeemo73]

Hey Guys

I own a 2011 320i E90 (Manual) which is coming to the end of its motor plan (car is running at about 90,000km on the clock at the moment). The cost to extend the motor plan is crazy in my opinion (I was quoted R12k by BMW to extend for only 10,000km).

I love my car and wouldn't dream of giving it up but I am worried that it may cost me too much to maintain or replace anything that breaks. I drive the car a lot (about 30,000km a year).

I know that the front breaks and a full car check are the only services due in the next 30,000km (based on the car's on-board service check).

Should I keep the car even though it is out of motor plan? Or should I bite the bullet and replace the car? (really don't want to replace)

If I should keep the car, what are the main areas I should be concerned about with this model of BMW?

My biggest concern is that I have to take it to BMW should there be a major hassle and it is going to cost me an arm and a leg.

Thanks for any help and suggestions you guys have.

 

[collinkho]

Hi,

My opinion is that e90 are good cars, especially the 320i, so I would advice that you keep it. I have a friend that has an oldish e90 pre-facelift with mileage above 200k and it costs him average of R7k per annum. Just need to find a good mechanic.

 

[Bayn46]

The car should be solid aside form the common valve stem seals failure, which usually starts around 100k km.

Search the forum and you should find some prices on what people paid to get that sorted - it's not crazy expensive, and if that the worst thing that can happen, it's probably worth keeping the car.

 

[sanesh21]

As above
-valve stem seals
-tappet cover gasket
- vacuum pump leaks
- and maybe water pump
- valvetronic

Should be fine with the rest


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk HD

 

[Bandile]

As above
-valve stem seals
-tappet cover gasket
- vacuum pump leaks
- and maybe water pump
- valvetronic

Should be fine with the rest


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk HD

+1

Mine is a 2006 320i sitting on 162xxx km. Replaced valve stem seals at about 130k km... But have not suffered the dreaded VVT failure... Might wanna add the oil separator to that list as well.

I've gone the DIY route on most items though:

- Oil & filter change
- Brake pad & sensor change
- Leaking gasket replacements (oil filter housing, VANOS solenoid O-rings, etc.)

I'm sure you can easily find a way around the car as well

 

[KrS24]

My mechanic keep 3 blocks as spares for e90 320i. According to him these engines are highly strung. I sold my 320i at 140k km. the car never gave me much trouble from 100k km. just had to replace a breather pipe. Although I change ALOT on motorplan. Everything from clutch, flywheel, alternator, vacuum pump, control arms, and a whole bunch off other stuff in the last 10k under motor plan.