325i E90, what to look out for?

[herco]

Hey gents!

I found a 325i this weekend from a dealer. Going to test drive the car tomorrow or Tuesday.

The car is a 2006 model with 114k on the clock. The dealership is selling the car for R130k including a 2 year limited warranty and a 3 month satisfaction guarantee.

The car has a full service history, altough I am still to confirm with BMW. They will have the car serviced this week as well, since the hud displayed 'service due' when I started it.

Car started first swing and the interior looks great! The car is space grey with whitish cream leather and everything else is black. Looks amazing. There is a little wear on the seat where the passenger gets in and out on the seat, but the dealership also say they will get it dyed for me.

What do I need to look out for before buying? Anything specific I should check when test driving?

SO EXCITED! :cartel:

 

[andre320D]

Get a manual. The autos are heavy on juice. My friend has one with 250000km+ and still going strong.

Good luck

 

[herco]

Fortunately, this model is a 6 speed manual.

 

[operator323]

E90 6 cylinder is a solid car,you will never go wrong,but look out for the electrical water pump as it tend to fail after 60 to 80k.

 

[akash]

Ok

Few things to look for:

As mentioned above the water pump tends to go on the e90,s have a look to see if BMW ever changed it.

Check for oil leaks between the oil filter housing and engine block as well as oil filter housing and the heat exchange, these rubber seals tend the crack over time.

The diff is also a weak point i replaced mine at 180 000ks.

Also have the suspension looked at if its an Msport.

Other than that you cant go wrong.

 

[herco]

Thanks for all the advice guys!

Will be sure to check with BMW regarding the water pump.

@Akash, when you say to look at the suspension, do I need to take it in to a supa quick or so on to check? What must I do if it is or it is not MSport suspension?

 

[akash]

Your Msports E90 have a much stiffer suspension setup than the individuals.

That along with run flats put lots of stress on the suspension.

You should at least consider asking the dealer to take the car for an AA/DEKRA check.

They will go through everything and that will give peace of mind.

Is the 325i you looking at an Msport?

 

[herco]

I don't think it is an Msport. It has no badges and the body kit seems like a normal one. The description does not mention it either.

Car has already been to Dekra, so everything seems in order.

I confirmed with the dealer, the car has a full service history with BMW. I will call BMW tomorrow to confirm this to finality and check if the water pump has been replaced.

Akash, I see you are driving a 323i which is essentially the same car, is it not? Are you happy with it?

 

[akash]

I don't think it is an Msport. It has no badges and the body kit seems like a normal one. The description does not mention it either.

Car has already been to Dekra, so everything seems in order.

I confirmed with the dealer, the car has a full service history with BMW. I will call BMW tomorrow to confirm this to finality and check if the water pump has been replaced.

Akash, I see you are driving a 323i which is essentially the same car, is it not? Are you happy with it?

Very happy with the 323i same engine as the 325i.

You will not go wrong with any of these N/A inline 6 engines.

 

[Charlie Brown]

You can get the full service history from BMW and look at the service intervals and how often brakes end were changed.

Will also tell you if its had any repairs etc.

 

[herco]

I have the vin number: WBAVB16030NA81270.

Can I just call any BMW with the number and they will be able to tell me what has been done to the car? Do I just tell them I am interested in buying that specific one?

It feels odd calling BMW to discuss someone else's car? Not my car yet.

 

[frikkieh]

I had troubles with mine, noisy lifters. 2006 325i, e90 sedan.
True remedy was a cylinder head replacement. Never got that far though.
Even after BMW changed all valve lifters, it remained very noisy.

See here,
http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=25724
http://www.rtsauto.com/bmw-e90-valve-train-lifter-ticknoise/

Great car though.
Try for a later model with improved CH castings.

 

[herco]

That is scary dude...

 

[Ratslaaf]

Any dealer will assist with a CIA report

 

[akash]

That is scary dude...

Its not major

When your oil is fresh the noise is not around.

Only as the oil gets dirty over time does the noise start. But it only lasts until the oil has properly circulated.

 

[GHOST E90]

Vanos is also a headache on these cars

 

[herco]

So this is just something to keep in mind?

Im nervous for things like this. I read up on the links frikkieh send and it seems like something minor.

---

"VANOS is a variator system that varies the timing of the valves by moving the position of the camshafts in relation to the drive gear. The relative timing between inlet and exhaust valves is changed."

Is this what you are talking about GHOST E90? Can this be replaced? Is this a replacement part or something major?

 

[GHOST E90]

It is a replaecment part, but my experiance with it is starting to make my hair on my head go grey..
Problem is i have been to some reputable mechanics and all they did was remove and clean and then put back.. the car runs fine for a while and then limp mode starts again .. i have now enquired about replacing them but dont have the 5grand laying around being january and all the headaches that come with it (kids school fees,uniforms ect)

 

[herco]

Eish man, good luck and thanks a lot for the heads up! Hope you get your baby sorted as soon as you can. Atleast she still looks great. :tiptoe:

 

[Iceman007]

Oh man I can tell you lot of story's. mine was 2009 e90 LCI 325i auto . Never never again. First was mechatronics on 42 000km then was injectors. Then after allot of Hassel the complete head was replaced on about 65 000km. Fuel consumption ish 14 to 16L/100km. lovely sound from exhaust and nice for open road but not for town traffic. If you could rather wait till a 320d LCI comes along. You won't believe how much better it pulls than a lazy 325i. The 325i you have to plant your foot to get the revs up to get it going and that means amma glug glug glug 16L/100km. So I only drove it for 1.5years and the head replacement made me go shopping again. Older models has the noisy head that means head replacement and its a pritty penny.

I was also hard headed and anti diesel but the sales guy insisted I go drive the 320d F30 that has the same engine as the E90 LCi 320d. All I can say its amazing and I have done 30 000km behind the wheel and still very happy.

In the end of the day you have to be happy with the car and the choice is yours. There are guys on the forums that are happy with there 323 and 325 e90. They are great for long distance.. Good luck with your decision