Carsieve All versions
Show all 27 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 | €216 |
|---|---|
| Workshop | €141 |
| Fixed costs (tax, insurance) | €164 |
| Total per month | €521 |
| New-car depreciation (not included) | €78 |
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
- 3,019
- 25th percentile
- €4,550
- Median price
- €6,499
- 75th percentile
- €9,500
- Median mileage
- 212,500 km
- Median first registration
- 2010
- Dealer share
- 27.9%
- Price at 100,000 km
- €10,717
To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.