Carsieve All versions
Show all 31 variants
At a glance
- Years: built 2005 to 2013. The facelift came in September 2008 for saloon and Touring, and in March 2010 for coupe and convertible.
- Reliability: 2/5. Several costly engine faults: the N47 timing chain, N43 injectors, VANOS solenoids and oil burning.
- DIY: 1/5. Chain, injector and clutch jobs need a workshop.
- Prefer: cars with records of timing, injector and oil work. Avoid: N47 diesels with a cold-start rattle and no chain history.
- Biggest risk: the N47 timing chain, about 1,500-2,500 EUR.
Engines and gearboxes
- N43, 2.0 petrol, direct injection (318i, 320i, from 2007): injector and high-pressure pump faults, and NOx sensor warnings.
- N46, 2.0 petrol, port injection (to about 2007): valve stem seals and oil burning.
- N45, 1.6 petrol, 116-122 hp: no common fault confirmed.
- N52, 3.0 petrol six, 215-255 hp: VANOS solenoids clog with oil deposits.
- N53, petrol six: injector wear and early high-pressure pump failure.
- N54, 335i (2007-2010): injectors and high-pressure fuel pump wear.
- N55, 335i (2011-2013): injectors and high-pressure fuel pump, with injector failures possible from 100,000 km.
- M47, 320d (to 2007-2008): intake swirl flaps can wear.
- N47, 316d, 318d, 320d (from 2007): timing chain rattle and failure.
- M57, 325d and 330d (to about 2008-2010): no common fault confirmed.
- N57, 330d (from 2008): named among the more reliable diesels, with M57.
Gearboxes are listed separately:
- 6-speed manual: largely trouble-free. The clutch and dual-mass flywheel wear (see Known issues).
- 6-speed automatic (ZF 6HP): the fluid needs changing every 60,000 km, and the torque converter lock-up clutch wears at 120,000-150,000 km.
Known issues
| Issue | Affects | Typical km | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| N47 timing chain | N47 diesel (from 2007) | 100,000 km and up | 1,500-2,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated) |
| N43 injectors and high-pressure pump | N43 and N53 petrol | 70,000 km and up | 400-700 EUR per injector (Germany, year not stated) |
| Manual clutch and dual-mass flywheel | 6-speed manual | 100,000-250,000 km | 400-600 EUR (Germany, year not stated) |
| N52 VANOS solenoids | N52 six-cylinder petrol | 100,000-130,000 km | 200-900 EUR (Germany, year not stated) |
| N46 valve stem seals and oil burning | N46 petrol | About 80,000 km | From 31,600 RUB (Moscow, 2026, approximate) |
| N43 NOx sensor | N43 petrol | Not stated | No confirmed price |
| Valvetronic valve lift | N46, N52 and N55 petrol | About 100,000 km | No confirmed price |
| Suspension arms and bushings | All, rear-drive chassis | 70,000-200,000 km | No confirmed price |
Before you buy
- Start the engine cold and listen for a metallic rattle that lasts a few seconds. Ask for proof of timing chain work. A rattle with no record points to a 1,500-2,500 EUR job.
- Ask for injector and high-pressure pump records. Each injector costs 400-700 EUR. A scan tool shows fault codes.
- On the test drive, check the clutch for pedal chatter, slip and shudder. Ask whether the clutch and flywheel were done.
- Listen for valve cover clatter when the engine is warm, and watch for rough idle. Ask for VANOS solenoid work.
- Check the oil level after the test drive and ask for oil use records. Oil loss with no visible leak points to valve stem seals.
- Use a scan tool to check for NOx sensor fault codes and a warning light. Ask for the sensor history.
- On an N46, N52 or N55 petrol, check the idle. A strongly hunting idle points to Valvetronic wear.
- Lift the car and check the front control arms and rear bushings for play and cracks. Ask whether pothole damage was repaired.
Running costs
| Operational | €235 |
|---|---|
| Workshop | €142 |
| Fixed costs (tax, insurance) | €164 |
| Total per month | €541 |
| New-car depreciation (not included) | €83 |
ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months
Market
Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.
- Listings
- 2,879
- 25th percentile
- €3,299
- Median price
- €4,999
- 75th percentile
- €8,200
- Median mileage
- 215,000 km
- Median first registration
- 2007
- Dealer share
- 21.9%
- Price at 100,000 km
- €9,132
To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.
In detail
N47 timing chain
A metallic rattle at cold start is the usual first sign. Power loss and a warning light can follow. The chain sits at the back of the engine, next to the gearbox. The engine or the gearbox must come out for the job. Early cars carry the highest risk, from about 2007 to 2011. The chain usually fails after about 100,000 km, but it can go earlier. The job costs 1,500-2,500 EUR in Germany, with no year given.
Sources: auto motor und sport, repareo, fahrzeugschein.de, Wheelstreet
N43 injectors and high-pressure pump
Injector wear and early failure of the high-pressure pump are common on N43 and N53 petrols. Injectors often fail from about 70,000 km, and all four usually need replacing together. Each injector costs 400-700 EUR in Germany, with no year given.
Sources: BMWBlog, fahrzeugschein.de, zr.ru, 2024, auto.ru
Manual clutch and dual-mass flywheel
Pedal chatter, slip and knocks from the flywheel show wear. Reported clutch life is 100,000 to 250,000 km. A worn dual-mass flywheel can crack and cause vibration on gear changes. The clutch job costs 400-600 EUR in Germany, with no year given.
Sources: zr.ru, kolesa.ru, fahrzeugschein.de, BMWBlog
N52 VANOS solenoids
The VANOS solenoids are the valves that set cam timing. Oil deposits clog them, often by about 100,000 km. Warning signs are clatter from the valve cover when warm, a rough idle and loss of power. Fault codes 2A82 or 2A87 can be stored. Cleaning costs 200-400 EUR. Two new solenoids cost 600-900 EUR, in Germany with no year given.
Sources: fahrzeugschein.de, zr.ru
N46 valve stem seals and oil burning
Oil disappears with no leak. The cause is hardened valve stem seals that let oil run down the valve guides and burn. Oil use often shows up near 80,000 km. Replacing the seals on every valve costs a fraction of a full engine overhaul. A Moscow garage quotes from 31,600 RUB for the job in 2026, as an approximate price.
Sources: Revol Carz, zr.ru, Favorit Motors, gebrauchtwagenberater.de
N43 NOx sensor
The NOx sensor measures exhaust gas. A fault turns on the engine warning light, and the stored fault names the sensor. The sensor is expensive to replace. The code 30EA is one sign. No confirmed price is given for the sensor and its fitting.
Sources: BMWBlog, gebrauchtwagenberater.de, fahrzeugschein.de
Valvetronic valve lift
Valvetronic changes valve lift with an electric motor and an eccentric shaft. It is fitted to the N46, N52 and N55 petrols. The eccentric shaft can wear or the motor can fail, often after about 100,000 km. Wear shows as a strongly hunting idle. No confirmed price is given.
Sources: zr.ru, gebrauchtwagenberater.de, gebrauchtwagenberater.de N46
Suspension arms and bushings
Aluminium front control arms and stabiliser struts do not cope with potholes. The rear floating bushing wears first. Usually the suspension needs no work before 70,000 km, sometimes not before 100,000 km. Front control arms on the rear-drive chassis can last 150,000 to 200,000 km. Bushings and ball joints are usually replaced with the arms. No confirmed price is given.
Recalls
| Country | Code | Years | What is done |
|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | BMW action codes 0061830500, 0061660400, 0061830400 | Built July 2004 to June 2012 | Dealer reworks the heater and blower controller connector and replaces the blower controller if needed. About 430,000 cars in Germany. |
| United States | 24V-513000 | 2006-2011 sedan; 2006-2012 Sportswagon; 2009-2011 335d | Driver airbag inflator can explode. Dealer inspects and replaces the driver airbag module free of charge. Applies where a replacement sport steering wheel may have been fitted. |
The US campaign covers US-market cars. Ask a BMW dealer whether a European car is affected.
Maintenance
- Engine oil: change it every 10,000 to 15,000 km, more often than the on-board computer may ask. BMW specifies LL-04 longlife oil for the N47 diesel.
- Automatic gearbox fluid: change it every 60,000 to 90,000 km. The torque converter lock-up clutch wears at 120,000-150,000 km.
Sources
English
- CarComplaints (NHTSA 24V-513000)
- BMWBlog, How to Buy a Used BMW E90 3 Series
- Revol Carz, BMW Case Study 26
- BMW Tuning, Ultimate E90 Buyer's Guide
German
- auto motor und sport, Steuerkettenprobleme bei BMW N47-Motoren
- fahrzeugschein.de, BMW 3er gebraucht kaufen
- KFZ Dietrich, BMW N47 Steuerkette: Symptome
- repareo, N47 Motor: Motorschaden
- gebrauchtwagenberater.de, BMW 3er E90 Probleme
- gebrauchtwagenberater.de, BMW N46 Probleme
- ADAC, Rückruf bei BMW: 430.000 Fahrzeuge
Russian
- zr.ru, BMW 3-й серии Е90: три в уме
- zr.ru, BMW 3-й серии на вторичке
- auto.ru, 8 проблем подержанных BMW 3 серии Е90
- kolesa.ru, Как правильно купить BMW 3-series E90
- Favorit Motors, Замена маслосъемных колпачков BMW
- zr.ru, Премиум за миллион? BMW 3 с пробегом (2024)
- auto.ru, Надежен ли рестайлинговый BMW 3 серии E90
- Wheelstreet, BMW N47 / B47 engine: reliability and repair costs