E90 330i wanted

[zack_t]

My fellow fanatics

I am looking to buy an E90 330i. Looking for something affordable, well maintained mechanically, preferably with service history, bodywise I'm not too worried about.

Recommendations and advices are more than welcome.

Tnx

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[husaindindar]

Some tips...


Try find a manual.
Please check the oil service history, especially in the period of motor plan.
I've seen a few that had oil in them for over 2 years as the onboard did not ask for an oil change. (Stupid OBC!)

Expect wear and tear items that will need replacement eg shocks, bushes, center bearing, plugs and the WATER F**KING PUMP!
Just dont spend all your money on the car and not have some extra for these things.


Otherwise, bullet proof motors and to some extent, the body is also solid.

 

[davelo]

To be fair, 2 years is probably OK for oil changes if it's not being used much. Isn't it around 25000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, with the condition-based servicing?

 

[r-hart]

Manual or Auto?

Year model prefered? LCI or Pre-LCI

 

[Kyle]

To be fair, 2 years is probably OK for oil changes if it's not being used much. Isn't it around 25000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, with the condition-based servicing?

Oil should never be in a car for more than a year, it’s cheap enough to change.

 

[zack_t]

Manual or Auto?

Year model prefered? LCI or Pre-LCI

Preferably Auto

LCI would be nice but I'm not too choosy.

I just want some weekend toy and long trips now and then.

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[davelo]

To be fair, 2 years is probably OK for oil changes if it's not being used much. Isn't it around 25000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, with the condition-based servicing?

Oil should never be in a car for more than a year, it’s cheap enough to change.

I don't disagree. Just pointing out that it isn't necessarily indicative of neglect or poor maintenance, as it is in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

 

[mkb]

I have 2005 Auto . sunroof PDC rear. Immaculate condition inside and out. 190 000km Full service history. Looking around R90 000

 

[momo1]

To be fair, 2 years is probably OK for oil changes if it's not being used much. Isn't it around 25000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, with the condition-based servicing?

I for one , would definitely not leave the same oil in the car for 2 years, nor would I buy a car that didn't have regular annual changes regardless of low mileage.

 

[ibs.patel]

I have 2005 manual, Msport. sunroof, PDC. Great condition overall. A few scratches here and there, but mechanically sound. 235 000km service history, spare key. Looking around R85000. Used her as a daily and did many long journeys. Awesome car all in all. Contact me on 072105 zero nine one nine

 

[ibs.patel]

Oh an btw, on the oil issue, my mechanic advised an oil change every 10000km, so I did that - Mechanic said if you change the oils every 10000km motor will run problem free for a long time.

 

[Kameelzn14]

Good choice in choosing that engine, the N52 platform is a well built motor and the last on the N/A inline 6.

As mentioned an oil change every 10000km will do a world of wonders for that engine.

Normally it uses 5w30 oil but with time the hydraulic lifters pick up a ticking sound on cold start up, it will have no negative effects on the motor, or performance, some guys say using 5w40 oil assists in hiding the ticking noise on cold start up.

Try to get a Msport spec, you wont be disapointed with it.

 

[DNL]

Would sell mine, 2006 exclusive 153000km R105 000.

 

[AdiS]

To be fair, 2 years is probably OK for oil changes if it's not being used much. Isn't it around 25000 km or 2 years, whichever comes first, with the condition-based servicing?

Oil should never be in a car for more than a year, it’s cheap enough to change.

I don't disagree. Just pointing out that it isn't necessarily indicative of neglect or poor maintenance, as it is in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.

The manufacturers recommendations are based upon (1) minimizing motorplan servicing costs, and hence (2) a usable life of 5 years / 100 000km. It is therefore not to say that it is outright neglectful to follow this practice, but rather just ignorant to the fact that it is simply much better practice to change the oil every 10 000km or annually (whichever comes first) if you wish your engine to last a lot longer than the lifespan upon which manufacturers base their maintenance practices.

 

[AdiS]

Looking for something affordable, well maintained mechanically, preferably with service history, bodywise I'm not too worried about.

Unless you buy from an enthusiast who has records to show above average attitude toward maintenance, you can expect to inherit a maintenance backlog of R20-30k. Old BMWs require regular maintenance, and so you should set your expectations on spending regularly on top of the purchase price as others have mentioned. Having said that, if you do the necessary maintenance in a proactive fashion and stay ahead of the curve, they are lovely and reliable cars.

But just don't think you can buy any old example with a "full service history" and expect it to cost you R2000 a year in oil changes going forward.

 

[davelo]

In order to assist the OP in terms of what potential problem areas to look out for, I'd be interested in hearing what issues others have had with these cars, as my 2005 E90 330i sport manual certainly hasn't been particularly troublesome in my 8 yrs of ownership, considering it's now a 15 year old car.

Apart from oil and filter changes (typically every 18 mths or so, but usually not much mileage done as it's not my daily) and brake fluid every 2 yrs, I've only had the well known issues of tappet cover oil leak (new gasket and bolts), and had to replace the expensive Pierburg electric coolant pump. Oh, and a battery and a set of tyres (non-RFT's, as I have a spacesaver spare in the boot). It uses zero oil between changes.

It threw a VANOS code at some point, but removing and cleaning the VANOS solenoids sorted that out. Mileage is still quite low (135 000 km), but these are not known to be problematic engines.

 

[ibs.patel]

Okay so when I bought mine in 2017, it needed new front shocks and bushings & tires. Besides normal servicing, over +/- 40000km I replaced the air-con compressor & starter. There was some oil leaks which got sorted out with gaskets. I think I also needed to to a set of brake pads, I cant remember properly. I know that the previous owner did preventive maintenance and replaced the water pump and some other items.