BMW 3er-Reihe E90/E91/E92/E93 facelift 325d, 204 PS, 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2010–2013)

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 N57 3.0 diesel (330d, 530d, X5 30d): problems, costs and what to check

  A six-cylinder diesel with costly chain risk, so buy only with recall proof and oil and chain records.

• Gearbox guide ZF 6HP 6-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic, Audi tiptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable six-speed when its fluid is changed on time, but mechatronic and bushing wear recur. Buy with service proof and a clean scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. 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. Chain (cold-start test, invoice). Listen for a rattle on a cold start. Ask for a chain job invoice. Bad: a rattle, or no chain record past 100,000 km.
2. Damper (look under the pulley). Check the rubber ring of the crankshaft pulley for cracks or a loose ring. Ask for a damper replacement receipt. Bad: visible cracks, or no record on a car over 100,000 km.
3. EGR recall (check the VIN). Check the VIN with a BMW dealer or the KBA recall list (reference 008124). Bad: an open campaign, or a cooler replaced with no record.
4. Swirl flaps and intake (ask for records). Ask whether the intake was cleaned and the flaps checked. Bad: no record at about 100,000 km, or a flap removed with no proof.
5. EGR and flap faults (scanner needed). Read the fault memory for EGR or swirl flap errors. Bad: any such error, or the engine warning light.
6. Oil history (paperwork). Check the service book for regular oil changes. Bad: long gaps between oil changes.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the fault memory with ISTA or a BMW or Audi scanner. Bad result: BMW codes 4F85, 4F8F or 4F83, or a past limp mode. A scanner is needed.
2. Ask for fluid and pan service records. Bad result: no change in the last 60,000 to 100,000 km, or no adaptation reset afterwards. Dirty oil adds to mechatronic wear.
3. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: slipping, flaring, or jerks on 2-3 and 3-4.
4. Hold a steady light throttle at 60 to 80 km/h. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
5. Drive under load in 4th and 5th. Bad result: slip under load or jerks on shift, which points to worn bushings.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions