bmw e90 325i advice

[mroberts]

good day, gentlemen. I need your advice my brother is interested in purchasing a 2008 E90 325i auto sportpackwith 170k on clock. ive attached some pics and would like to know what are some of the pitfalls he needs to be aware of when going to view the car. I already hav a concern that the sportpack wheels are not period correct for the facelift but also think that it could've been a choice to rather go for the pre facelift rims... your opinions and advice wud be highly appreciated

 

[yush1]

The rims are not and issue. They could've been speced that way. Check for service history. Ask Coisman on the forum to run a check for you on the history on the car. As for the E90 325, just search around the forum and you should be covered. :thumbs:

 

[vjx]

N52B25 is a strong motor. Mine is prefacelift with around 150k KM now.

There are only few things to check in my opinion:
1. Cold start with ticking noise, when warm up noise gone. Nothing serious, just annoy. Mine was camshaft change under motor plan.
2. Electrical water pump. If it's still the original, leave R10k in the pocket.
3. Pollen filter housing. Due to position and plastic material, the screw point might get damaged.
4. Check oil leak around tappet cover.
5. Check gearbox jerk. It might need a filter and fluid change.
6. Boot hydraulic lifter might need to replace.
7. Shock absorbers might need to change if not replaced after 100k KM.
8. Facelift LED tail light might not working properly.

Nothing major.

 

[SubLoaded]

I've seen those wheels on LCI models so it's probably fine. I stand to be corrected.

Check the usual stuff that you would when viewing a car though and, in addition, find out if the following were attended to:

1. Waterpump & Thermostat
2. Suspension components
3. Gearbox service
4. Still on the original battery?
5. Tappet Cover Gaskets (I could add in OFH and cooler gaskets here but they're cheap so not a major concern)
6. Not sure if this is common but I've had to replace VANOS solenoids. Some people get away with cleaning it but I had them replaced.

The N52 engine is reliable and if looked after then it should be fine.

Lift the bonnet after starting and listen for sounds. Hear a cold start as well. I've had hunting issues on both my N52s.

By that mileage it probably has had coil packs changed but they're not badly priced so I wouldn't be too concerned about that.

 

[NtandoN]

The N52 is bullet proof if serviced regularly.

What's stated above is what is known to go wrong about the E90. I would definitely make sure service history was done properly and is up to date.
If the water pump hasn't been changed, start with that and change the thermostat while you're at it. That's probably the most expensive on that list.

Also the wheels are correct, that's the 17 inch msport wheel.

 

[Dr Evil]

Wheels are not an issue as mentioned, I have a 2011 330i sports pack and it came with those same wheels.


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