BMW 3er-Reihe E90/E91/E92/E93 facelift 318d, 143 PS, 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (2008–2012)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 3 Series E90 (2005-2013): known problems and buying guide

  Buy only with engine records. Check the N47 timing chain, N43 injectors and oil use before paying.

• Engine guide BMW N47 2.0 diesel (116d to 520d, Mini Cooper D): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable diesel with a costly timing chain weak spot, so buy only with chain proof and check the EGR recall.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. 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.
2. On the test drive, check the clutch for pedal chatter, slip and shudder. Ask whether the clutch and flywheel were done.
3. Lift the car and check the front control arms and rear bushings for play and cracks. Ask whether pothole damage was repaired.

From the engine guide

1. Cold-start rattle (test drive, no scanner). Start the cold engine and listen for a metal rattle at the back of the engine. A rattle that lasts a few seconds is an early warning. Bad: a rattle that stays when warm or under throttle.
2. Chain job invoice (paperwork). Ask for an invoice for a chain job that includes the tensioners and guide rails. Bad: no invoice on a 2007 to 2011 car. Without one, budget 1,500-2,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated), with the gearbox or engine out.
3. Timing fault codes (scanner needed). Read the fault memory. Camshaft timing codes, such as P0016 or P0017, point to a stretched chain. Bad: any camshaft timing code or an engine warning light.
4. EGR recall (check the VIN). Enter the VIN in the KBA or BMW recall check. Recall 14099R covers X3 F25 builds from 2010 to 2014. Bad: an open campaign, or no proof the work was done.
5. Swirl flaps (scanner needed). Read the fault memory for the engine warning light. Bad: the warning light with lost power.
6. Oil history (paperwork). Look for oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km with BMW LL-04 oil. Bad: long gaps, or only the 30,000 km Longlife interval.
7. Goodwill (paperwork). Do not count on BMW paying for a chain. Goodwill for chain damage has mostly ended for these builds. Bad: a seller who says BMW will pay.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions