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3 Series E90 / E91 / E92 / E93
E90 • 2005–2013 • Sedan, Touring, Coupe, Convertible
3
Engine Options
12
Known Issues
2
Critical Issues
65%
Reliability Score
Facelift (LCI) – 2008
- Updated headlights with LED accents
- N53/N55 engine introductions
- iDrive CCC to CIC update
- Revised tail lights
65% – Average
Engines
N52B30 – 3.0L Petrol
325i, 330i • 218–272 hp • 270–320 Nm
Displacement 3.0L
Layout I6
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP)
Known Issues3 issues
medium
VANOS Solenoid Failure Common (~30%)
Variable valve timing solenoids develop faults due to oil contamination or electrical issues, causing rough idle and reduced performance.
Typical Mileage
80,000–140,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€150–€400
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Rough idleLoss of powerEngine codesRattling noise
high
Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak Very Common (>45%)
The gasket on the oil filter housing deteriorates, causing oil leaks onto the serpentine belt and alternator. Can cause belt slip and alternator failure if ignored.
Typical Mileage
60,000–110,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€200–€400
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Oil dripsBurning smellLow oil warningBelt squeal
high
Electric Water Pump Failure Common (>40%)
The electric water pump (introduced with the N52) fails without warning, causing rapid overheating. Proactive replacement recommended around 100k km.
Typical Mileage
80,000–130,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€700
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
OverheatingWarning lightNo heat from vents
N54B30 – 3.0L Twin-Turbo Petrol
335i • 306 hp • 400 Nm
Displacement 3.0L
Layout I6
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP), 7-Speed DCT (DKG/M-DCT)
Known Issues4 issues
critical
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure Common (>30%)
The Bosch high-pressure fuel pump fails, causing long cranks, misfires, and limp mode. Covered by an extended warranty programme in some regions.
Typical Mileage
40,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€600–€1,200
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Long crank on startLimp modeFuel smellLoss of power
medium
Wastegate Rattle Very Common (>60%)
Twin turbo wastegate actuators wear, causing an annoying rattle at idle and under light load. Cosmetic at first but can worsen.
Typical Mileage
50,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€800 or €2,000+ (turbo replacement)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Rattling at idleMetallic clatter under load
high
Injector Failures Common (~35%)
Piezo fuel injectors fail and leak, causing misfires and rough running. Often replaced in sets.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€1,800 (all 6)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
MisfiresRough idleFuel smellCheck engine light
medium
Charge Pipe & Boost Leaks Common (>30%)
Plastic charge pipe cracks or blows off under boost.
Typical Mileage
50,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€100–€250
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Loss of powerBoost leak whistleLimp mode
N47D20 – 2.0L Diesel
318d, 320d • 143–177 hp • 300–350 Nm
Displacement 2.0L
Layout I4
Fuel Diesel
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP)
Known Issues3 issues
critical
Timing Chain Failure (Rear-Mounted) Very Common (>50%)
The N47 is notorious for its rear-mounted timing chain that wears prematurely and can snap, destroying the engine. This is the single biggest concern with this engine. Can fail as early as 50k km.
Typical Mileage
50,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€2,000–€5,000 (engine replacement if chain snaps)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Rattling from rear of engineChain slap noise on cold startCatastrophic engine failure
high
Swirl Flap Failure Common (>30%)
Intake swirl flaps can break apart and get ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Preventative delete kits are strongly recommended.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€800 (delete kit) or €2,000+ (engine damage)
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Loss of powerMetal debris in intakeRough running
medium
EGR Valve Clogging Common (>35%)
EGR valve clogs with carbon deposits, causing poor performance and increased emissions. Especially problematic with frequent short trips.
Typical Mileage
60,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€600
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Reduced powerBlack smokeEML lightRough idle
Common Issues (E90-specific)
Steering 1
high
Electric Steering Rack Failure Moderate (~20%)
The electric power steering rack can fail, requiring a full replacement at significant cost.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€800–€2,000
Category
Steering
Heavy steeringSteering warning lightSudden loss of assist
Electrical 1
high
Footwell Module Water Damage Common (>25%)
Blocked A/C drain or cowl panel leaks cause water ingress into the footwell module, causing electrical gremlins.
Typical Mileage
Mileage independent – age/climate related
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€800
Category
Electrical
Random warning lightsWindow/lock malfunctionsBattery drain
Wear Items
N52B30 – Wear Items
325i, 330i
Serpentine Belt & Tensioner
Every 80,000 km
Replacement Cost€100–€250
Wear Factor55%
Valve Cover Gasket
80,000–120,000 km
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor65%
N54B30 – Wear Items
335i
Spark Plugs (Increased Frequency)
Every 30,000 km
Replacement Cost€100–€180
Wear Factor70%
Ignition Coils
60,000–100,000 km
Replacement Cost€250–€400
Wear Factor55%
N47D20 – Wear Items
318d, 320d
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
120,000–200,000 km
Replacement Cost€800–€2,000
Wear Factor45%
Dual Mass Flywheel
100,000–180,000 km
Replacement Cost€600–€1,200
Wear Factor55%
All Variants
All Variants
Complete list of model variants for E90 / E91 / E92 / E93
| Model | Engine | Displacement | Layout | Power | Torque | Transmission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 325i | N52B30 | 3.0L | I6 | 218–272 hp | 270–320 Nm | Manual, Automatic |
| 330i | N52B30 | 3.0L | I6 | 218–272 hp | 270–320 Nm | Manual, Automatic |
| 335i | N54B30 | 3.0L | I6 | 306 hp | 400 Nm | Manual, Automatic, Dct |
| 318d | N47D20 | 2.0L | I4 | 143–177 hp | 300–350 Nm | Manual, Automatic |
| 320d | N47D20 | 2.0L | I4 | 143–177 hp | 300–350 Nm | Manual, Automatic |