Advice on purchasing a E92/E93 335I

[Jackson]

Hi Guys,

I am contemplating getting a weekend toy and I have always loved the e92/e93 shape.

I am looking for a manual version and I have options of either n54 or n55 motors. Both have similar mileage +-120k kms

what are the biggest items to look out for on these cars engine wise? I will make sure either car is properly checked over by BMW if I decide to make an offer on them but going forward, what is the biggest expense with regards to maintenance/possible things that will need replacement?

both care are in great condition but you never know how hard the car was driven for the 120k kms so that is my only concern.

Many thanks

 

[Klodzak54]

I purchased an N54 e92 6 months ago biggest issues I had thus far but also a common problem on the car is gaskets leaking. Quick breakdown of what I have done to the car, keep in mind performance parts were also installed.

Maintenance Parts:
Rear wheel bearings replaced.
Oil filter housing gasket. (Comman issues especially once you start modding) R250 at Goldwagen
Tapet cover gasket. (Also comman) R550 Goldwagen
One step colder plugs and oil as preventative maintenance. Depending on supplier but roughly R250 a plug
Replaced coils also preventative maintenance. Coils was 490 each Goldwagen
Depending on how hard the car was driven( Boost solenoids I had to replace both, car has 140k km on when I got it R1500 each goldwagen)
Replaced my rear subframe as mine was bent somehow.
Diff service( Not necessary but was only R450 for the oil and R200 for oil pump)


Performance parts:
Charge pipe with Tail BOV ( If modding on of the best replacements as the plastic pipe tends to crack under higher boost levels.)
Downpipes. ( Side note they will have to drop your subframe on an e92 not sure of the e93)
Stage 2 walbro 450 lpfp. ( You know for e40 - e60 feul mixes as well as some preventative maintenance)
PCV valve on its way
Stepped 5.5 intercooler also on route.

Other Parts common to fail.
Watse gates cause rattle. ( Can buy a rattle fix for 1300)
Water Pumps tend to go due to being electronic.

Thats what I can think of now.

 

[Jackson]

I purchased an N54 e92 6 months ago biggest issues I had thus far but also a common problem on the car is gaskets leaking. Quick breakdown of what I have done to the car, keep in mind performance parts were also installed.

Maintenance Parts:
Rear wheel bearings replaced.
Oil filter housing gasket. (Comman issues especially once you start modding) R250 at Goldwagen
Tapet cover gasket. (Also comman) R550 Goldwagen
One step colder plugs and oil as preventative maintenance. Depending on supplier but roughly R250 a plug
Replaced coils also preventative maintenance. Coils was 490 each Goldwagen
Depending on how hard the car was driven( Boost solenoids I had to replace both, car has 140k km on when I got it R1500 each goldwagen)
Replaced my rear subframe as mine was bent somehow.
Diff service( Not necessary but was only R450 for the oil and R200 for oil pump)


Performance parts:
Charge pipe with Tail BOV ( If modding on of the best replacements as the plastic pipe tends to crack under higher boost levels.)
Downpipes. ( Side note they will have to drop your subframe on an e92 not sure of the e93)
Stage 2 walbro 450 lpfp. ( You know for e40 - e60 feul mixes as well as some preventative maintenance)
PCV valve on its way
Stepped 5.5 intercooler also on route.

Other Parts common to fail.
Watse gates cause rattle. ( Can buy a rattle fix for 1300)
Water Pumps tend to go due to being electronic.

Thats what I can think of now.

Thank you soo much for your informative reply.

I really appreciate the help. its good to know that most parts can be purchased at Goldwagen and not necessary through the dealers!

 

[Klodzak54]

Thank you soo much for your informative reply.

I really appreciate the help. its good to know that most parts can be purchased at Goldwagen and not necessary through the dealers!

No Problem , if you have any questions feel free to PM me I have a couple of friends who own the 335i mainly e90, e92 and e82 with N54 motors, all of whom are doing ongoing maintenance and performance upgrades. We also source parts from across the pond together, you know saving on shipping expenses and so on.