20 MOST COMMON BMW E90/E92 Problems!

Welcome to ShopLifeTV!
Today I go over E90/E92 common drivetrain, exterior, interior problems.
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List of problems talked about in video
1. Aluminum Bolts And Fasteners
2. Broken Head Bolts
3. Valve Cover Gasket
4. Oil Filter Housing Gasket
5. Oil Separator Breather Hoses
6. Electric Water Pump/Thermostat
7. Cam Sensors
8. Ignition Coils
9. N54 Turbos
10. Turbo Engine Fuel Pumps
11. Carbon Buildup
12. High Pressure Injectors
13. N54 Stumble/Misfires
14. ZF Transmission Pan/Filter and Mechatronics Sleeve
15. Door Actuators
16. Cup Holders
17. Coupe Tail Light Connections
18. Electric Steering Lock
19. Aftermarket Stereo Options with Logic 7
20. Vanos Solenoids Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

[@ShopLifeTV]

BMW M3 Common Problems: kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6eXm2ljo61-a7M BMW E46 Common Problems: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJC3gH9sh7p4pJI

[@Samalyzer45]

If I'm not mistaken, the engine blocks are a magnesium alloy, and aluminum bolts are used to keep from having a galvanic response, as you do with steel or SS. As a matter of fact, the factory replacement gaskets should be sized to extend outward from the junction, so as to prevent any water accumulation from completing a circuit and eating away at the block. The aluminum bolts are one-time use, and supposedly BMW doesn't recommend replacing them with a ferrous bolt.

[@syukirosan]

exactly

[@TheFrenchPug]

I have a 2009 and it did not have a metal vc gasket. Plastic cover with rubber. I know they do have a metal head gasket though.

[@joaodopulo5068]

Plenty of good information here. Thanks However I still do not understand why we cant re-use some aluminim bolts that are not severely demanded like the one keeping in place the alternator

[@SteveWeltman]

Dude..What he said. :D

[@NADICHANNEL]

Tellum sam

[@markuscwatson]

Thanks so much for doing this!! I'm new to the e90 ownership world, so this is very useful for me. Here is a summary: 1) Aluminum bolts in engine bay - '06 to '09, valve cover, oil filter housing, crank sensors, cam sensors, solenoids, oil pan, head, etc. 2) Oil filter housing gasket 3) Cam sensor vanot solenoids 4) Valve cover gasket 5) Water pump and thermostat 6) Oil separator hoses on intake manifold 7) Cabin filter assembly tabs and bolt holes 8) Ignition coils 9) Fuel pump and injectors and carbon buildup on intake valves (on 335) 10) Transmission - zf6hp transmission has plastic oil pan has filter built-in so whole assembly needs to be replaced when filter/fluid change. Plastic is weaker. Clunk when downshifting from 2nd to 1st due to mechatronic rubber sleeve cracks. 11) Steering wheel lock electronic motor 12) Door lock actuators 13) Aftermarket stereos may not work with optic (logic 7) audio system - may have to add another amp and do additional wiring. Not as plug-&-play friendly as basic HIFI systems. 14) Tail lights - loose connections or bad ground 15) Ground clearance

[@SamBao]

some E9x came with GM 6L45 auto transmission. You really got to do some research to make sure what transmission your car came with

[@nebojsa1976]

@@SamBao Is 6L45 good transmission?

[@jasonb7265]

Owned 3 versions of e9x before. On the latest e92 325i m sport, I’ve had a valve cover gasket leak (you have to replace whole the cover), water pump failure, wheel speed sensor, issues with front and rear suspension, sticky clutch. I’d highly recommend always having coolant and motor oil with you at all times or at least at home

[@JL-pq4rl]

I’ve been trying to find straightforward driveline issues and you nailed it. Thank you

[@Jeriesaj]

But it drives like a BMW (for the lack of a better word) and that's gotta be worth something! I don't understand the people that want to own these cars and complain that they sometimes have to spend a "little" more on parts, labor, etc. All cars have problems and sometimes way worse than these mentioned in the video but for some reason, those other problems are forgiven, whereas BMWs have to be flawless. These cars drive incredibly well and offer so many amazing engineered touches that you don't think matter, but in reality make your driving experience so much better. If the driver doesn't value all of that, then obviously it's not the right car for him/her and he/she'll find it expensive to maintain, otherwise, i think it lives to its name, and is WELL worth the extra attention it may need from time to time if at all. Thanks for listening.

[@trustgtr33]

@outdoor fun agree with you, they are just selling badges and decided to go with low quality components since the 90s..finally gave up on them, life is so much less stressful now..

[@helpingme181]

These car always have problems they suck. Can find bmw and Mercedes always need to be fix in autoshop.

[@houseofno]

@madPaulX it's called a warranty, and NO ONE warranties these cars forever. Not the USA, not the Japanese, and not the Koreans. The dealership service bays are already crowded with high profit service work, and you want these people to wrench on your twenty year old beater FOR FREE?

[@jarlchicknugs5750]

no reason for the car not to have a dipstick or temperature gauge

[@pdx96]

@@houseofno it's not so much that but rather purposefully designed for a limited life span. This isn't a conspiracy but rather it makes business sense. Basically, their target market rotates cars frequently. So there is no added value to improve reliability. You can see evidence of this on Craigslist. Now that we have established that we are not paying for longevity, the only things left are prestige, driving experience, and quality. Quality can be longevity but also materials. If you sat in the BMW 2 series or the i3, it feels terrible. It still runs analog gauge clusters and you get absolutely nothing. The Hyundai Equus beats out the S Class in every amenities. American cars are also very well equipped. As for the driving experience, the Miata's are constantly on top and with recent rivals like the GT86. Top Gear raves about the LFA and Clarkson hates Japanese cars so that's saying something. There's also the GTR and the Corvette (although people buy Corvette's based on their brand also). The last thing left is prestige, which these marquees do well. Point is, with the amount of money to buy these, some people expect some sort of semblance of longevity past the warranty period. But they have marketed their brand so well that this is no longer the case. And we know that it is financially feasible to do so based on other marquees. I can't think of another luxury brand that makes products like this.

[@FSSNZ]

What a great video. Dude is charismatic enough while being super informative, this is quality automotive content.

[@martymeyer4125]

Up for the E46-E9X comparison of cost to maintain. Nice job on the Vid.

[@hwoodist]

I was thinking about picking up a used 3 series, thanks for the warning.

[@garder211]

ive been following your channels for a while now. keep up the good work, you do a great job on the DIY videos. I just used your fuel pump and fuel filter DIYs on my e46. as for the aluminum bolts, if the head and block are aluminum too, BMW may have used them instead of steel fasteners to prevent dissimilar metal corrosion.

[@Matice21]

Nice! All that you mentioned concerning the engine and the trans, i ended up having to change on my e60

[@jonzxcv]

Thanks for uploading this man! I'm looking at an E92 as my next car and this video definitely comes in handy

[@brighamallen2299]

Please more videos about E90/92!!! Thanks man

[@xhctim5466]

Brigham Allen better not otherwise i have a really expensive car

[@Neuroguy1]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Very informative and as I am looking for a 3 series you have given me more confidence in reading the car fax maintenance history.

[@cuttingedgecool7235]

This is the best BMW maintenance channel on KZbin!

[@husseinel-hajj7818]

Thanks a lot! Also the battery compartment tends to rust at its bottom leading to the positive wires connectors being rusted and eventually leading to a poor connection. I once saw a video of someone having a water pump issue and ordered one online, only to discover that a rusty connector near the battery (the thin red wire) was the culprit. So, if anyone has an E9x check that immediately and fix it as soon as possible to prevent any future problems..

[@mujjuman]

WOW bro thank u soooooo much for this super informative video and for also telling us why the turbos go out on the N54 also

[@gabo7904]

Great information. This guy knows what he is talking about. I recommend to subscribe.

[@tyronecurling2699]

This guy knows what he saying excellent coverage

[@boxingfan5742]

Fantastic video! Thank you for sharing this thorough, valuable knowledge!

[@jasongates5438]

This was the most informative vid i have found. Thank you. My tails are acting up. Youre the first to mention it

[@Kevin_Keo]

Great video bro! I wish I would've watched your video before I bought my first E90. It had all the issues that you were talking about, especially with the transmission! I had to replace the solenoids, seals, mechatronic sleeve, pan, and fluids. After the transmission service no more harsh downshift. A good piece of advice is if it is still having problems after transmission service the fluid levels could be low. The window regulators also tend to fail as well. Anyways, keep up the great work man!

[@joserchavez8268]

You and Selena are amazing! Keep up the good work. Love your blogs. Keep them coming. :)

[@tonysullivan5257]

Wow thank you so much for putting this up, gonna keep the e46 330ci for a while yet. Alloy bolts do make sense though in aluminium head, block, housing.

[@based1781]

I love my e90. it turned me into a very good DIY mechanic. It keeps me busy every weekend

[@edharris3668]

How expensive?

[@lakaiandi220]

you and i both. Bought my first e90 last year and replaced the starter, alternator, and coolant hose flange recently. The coolant flange, which is a cheap plastic piece, should be replaced asap if you have never done it yet. the hot coolant deteriorates it overtime and I suggest replacing it with a aluminum one. It only costs $26 and it wont leave you stranded on the freeway with coolant all over the engine and windshield like it did to me.

[@edharris3668]

@@lakaiandi220 they handle awful ngl

[@smartassboy]

I have owned a 2006 330i for four years. I have spent about 2k on parts, me wrenching. Sitting at 184k miles, 55k miles in four years. Not bad at all. Most expensive work: Bilstein struts - about 300 USD Aftermarket transmission pan (plastic) + fluid (Liqui Moly) - about 200 USD

[@francisau8003]

Thanks a lot for these tips man, now I got a much better idea what I might face when owning a E90 3 series soon!

[@gilbertoliveira4364]

Go job brother. Thanks for sharing that information with us, very useful.

[@ChewbaccaFetus]

n52 uses aluminum bolts not only for weight reduction (n52 weighs anywhere from 22 lbs. to 50 lbs. less than the m54) but also to prevent contact corrosion on the magnesium alloy components, also aluminum and magnesium essentially have the same expansion rate so they won't become loose over time. Magnesium alloys have the highest strength to weight ratio of all metals currently used industrially, so it adds strength as well as saving a lot of weight.

[@HELP_I_HAVE_NO_SKIN]

Great video...one thing I would add is the headlights for these can be a nightmare too

[@novostibuta]

Great reflection bro. Keep up the good work

[@MerakiGrace]

Thanks a lot, really helpful video to get in touch with potential problems!

[@DonPablo2011]

You've saved me from an expensive mistake. Good man.

[@navarrouk3487]

Go for toyota, honda, Hyundai!

[@GrumpySalmon]

Go for aygo

[@priveprive5315]

navarrouk34 Suzuki swift sport ! 😃

[@toplespecah666]

@@user-ie4kp7ni9d watch movie much better than spending your time with wrench

[@erikalvarez4516]

For the 335i, install solid rubber motor mounts and take care of ANY leaks no matter how small it may seem. These 2 jobs will help prevent your belt from being shredded and sucked into the engine through the crank seal. Oil soaking on the belt can cause this AND a bad or even aged mount can make the power steering pulley smack the sub frame and busting the pulley and shredding the belt to failure.

[@chris2para]

I have an E91 330D. So far things that have gone wrong or needed changing: all struts, all springs, all break callipers, CCC Idrive, Panoramic sunroof. Thankfully that’s it so far, not including general wear and tear.

[@Hailmaryy28]

Very nice video thank you. Owned a 08 335i for the last 7 years ...wish I knew these earlier

[@itsmoe779]

bro this is the best video .. very explained .. and all true

[@iTsBlue2]

dude thanks for the info. I'm new to BMW just bought a 328xi I never really to work on it.

[@jared_grey]

Your videos rock! Keep up the good work.

[@saganworshipper6062]

Just got my first BMW which is a 2008 E90 328xi 6spd manual with 80k miles and with all service history done at the dealer. It was also only owned by 1 previous person, which was a woman in her 50's, and I got it for $8k USD. Hope it lasts awhile without too many headaches. It's such a solid and fun car to drive!

[@LenzShankz]

thanks man. very informative video. thinking to get the e90 but now i want something else. lol

[@richs9002]

I hear the horror stories about the 335i's but my wife's 07' has 155k on it and all I have done aside from normal maintenance is a water pump, blower motor, and a couple of window regulators. I'm doing the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets now (how I came across this channel). I've never cleaned the intake valves either so I might do that as well.

[@nelsongalvez2567]

Great video. Spot on with all the problems!

[@reimarkallberg5753]

2006 E90 330i ~124k Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, 2 VANOS solenoids, spark plugs, ignition coils, all rotors + pads, cabin air filter, hood struts, trunk struts, wiper blades, tires, tint, chrome delete, after market grill, and new battery Passenger adaptive headlight module + cover (the gasket inside the cover wears out and requires a new cover, usually happens after rain/snow) Some of the fasteners for holding the brushed aluminum/faux wood tend to fall out and just require a new fastener. The black trim around the center console/cup holders/steering wheel tends to fade easily. These are what I have experienced in my 1½ years of ownership. Everything I did myself with the exception of the oil pan gasket, because the sub frame has to be removed. Overall a great, compact and fun vehicle to drive. Maintenance can be significantly cheaper if you DIY. Note: There is no dipstick on these cars, and they do tend to burn a little oil. I'd recommend check your oil using the built in 'oil check' function in the steering wheel every so often

[@favemediabureau]

You mentioned common issues occurs on early models between year 06 and 09 despite the title says, because of the use of aluminum bolts in the engine bay that affect many other parts like oil filter housing, valve gasket cover, cabin filter assembly, electric water pump of radiator and eventually hoses and complicated disassemble for servicing.

[@aerospeed100]

love your vids, very informative. thinking of picking up an e92. this helped a lot, keep doing what you do.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

aerospeed100 lol dont

[@spetnaz369]

Do it bro!! I love mine, just treat it like your body man and don't push it when it's not supposed to be and give it what it needs like any other car, 07 335i is what I got and I'm having a blast. Keep in mind tho, want nice things, you gotta pay nice things price lol

[@MiddleEasternGuy]

Get an E46 instead. 😎

[@matthewbeals342]

Excellent presentation of E90 problems. Maybe you can cover replacing the nav computer?

[@northzero2390]

Is there an aftermarket metal oil pan replacement part? Don't fancy that plastic one on UK roads with all our stupid speed bumps. Nice to watch a bmw video from someone who knows how they work.

[@alryan252]

I have a 2009 bmw 335i and so far had to change the fuel pump, changed a sensor in the turbo, the doors got stuck in unlocked and wouldn’t lock so had to get those fixed, and the daytime running lamps and xenons went out so had to get those changed but now it runs perfect, it’s at 105k miles now

[@stevengreener2941]

Great content. Great presentation skills.

[@wot48320]

Don't forget the engine valve lifters tapping noise, which is very common on E9x cars build before 2009.

[@koolkat969]

Very good insight. Do please the comparison video between the e46 and e92 . Cheers

[@jaguar7051]

Watching you channel I purchased best of BMW E46 E46 in Europe very hot and first choice to own one.

[@XxxXxx-fo1zi]

E46 is hot???? are u kidding me :D:D:D unless u live in uzbekistan :D

[@billykid9684]

I have owned e39 with the legendary m54 engine with no problems for years, i was thinking of acquiring e92 but these videos are stressing me out 😂

[@AleCopart]

I had planned to buy one this week. Thank god I saw this video !!! This car is money pit ... Dammmmm

[@pavlob2]

On the 4 doors rear window regulators go out a lot as well.

[@AutoSia]

yep mine went out one year apart from each other first the right side and one year later the left side.

[@sroman5963]

Well spoken and well explained nice one.

[@kennethwesley6262]

This guy is soo badass !!! Mechanics need to watch his videos lol

[@kennethwesley6262]

Would u ever do one for e6O?

[@rjmj7725]

Im watching this 2 years later. You are still a legend. Cheers ☺☺☺☺☺

[@yamashitanakamura8589]

I’m shopping around for a coupe but all these problems you covered just sound so expensive good thing I’m in California Monterrey park right next to Alhambra might have to make you my go to bmw mechanic

[@123024119]

Great video, thanks for sharing. Have some questions. I have a 335d 08 touring automatic which has started clunking from 3rd to 4th but has only just started happening and only ever now and again. Is this also a common issue? And ideas on a fix, sounds like it could also be the sleeve? Would a software update and setting reset have any impact? Any hrlp would be greatful thanks

[@tw2889]

Second owner of 2007 328xi e90. Only had to replace negative battery line and battery. Car works great. Ever get a hydraulic tick. Hold rpm at 3k for 2 minutes and it's gone. Usually only happens when cold out.

[@Blekk1989]

Awesome vid bro,what about the N46B20B engine? can u make me a video or write down what to look for? cheers

[@FazHosting]

Best video about problems!

[@minginn744]

LIKE YOUR VIDEOS SO MUCH....KEEP IT UP.

[@timothyowens847]

Good stuff man.

[@NLDMesa06]

Please post a video comparing common repairs and the associated costs between the E46 and E90 platforms. I'm actually in a position now where I'm shopping for an E46 ZHP and 2011 328i. Also, do the common repairs of the E90 and E46 correlate with common repairs needed on the 2004-2010 X3?

[@bojidarvenkov1758]

Great video! Can you make one for E60 ? It's very useful, 10x!

[@sunofornulu]

I have this same car, 2006 330i w/ sports package , love it to bits.

[@Rscottphillips]

I've had an E46 but I've heard E90 has one of best suspension/best handling of any bimmers? Also, You are putting an LS3 in an E46 how much harder would E90 be? 2006 330s are cheap here, I know where there's one for $1500 with a bad head gasket.

[@zemekiel]

You forgot to mention the seat belt butler on the e92.

[@TheAvira123]

zemekiel issue I have with mine. BMW needs to do better in that department

[@Hans-qq7jd]

TheAvira123 you can actually fix the problem by ironing your seat belt. I know it sounds funny but it should work.

[@TheFrenchPug]

The seat belt strangler!

[@roberth.4074]

Hey, I recently bought an ‘11 328xi. It’s a New York delivered car, classed as an sulev. Based on my looking around it should have an N51 engine. Do you have any info specifically related to the n51 and/or the xDrive system? Very informative video, and a good laugh as soon as that cup holder came into frame! “Haha just like mine” I thought.

[@davirowe535]

Love this so knowledgeable

[@NadimShaikh4AUTOSERVICE]

Water getting in from cabin filter and destroy blower motor. Frying fuse box underglove and footwell module and that Steering Angel sensor and 4×4 solenoid just few for got to mention coading/reprogramming.

[@adonaeloviedo]

My e90 177k miles. Pretty much every problem you said I have/had.

[@bryanchance100]

Great video..thanks dude!!

[@HenryYeguitarcover]

Thanks so much for this video, I was considering getting a e90 325, now I would consider to have my own garage or earn more money first ...

[@ChallengerV8]

Driving my 2006 E90 for 3 years now and my front bumper is like new. I wanted to get one M pack bumper from scrapped car, but they are very expensive and every single one looks like the one on your car. Very poor condition. Also during 3 years, I never had any serious issue, once check engine light appeared and it was faulty spark plugs. I'm doing full service every year, changing all filters, coolant and spark plugs now. And the car never failed me.

[@joelnrs]

Thanks for the info!

[@maciejbenecki1399]

Hi. Great video. Could you tell me which is more reliable 325i or 330i? Thank you.

[@nchauhan1620]

Ever had engine oil pressure light on a e92 2007? Could a bad catasyic converter cause this as my machanic seems to think..he made me change the petrol pump which didn't solve the problem because the light came on. Any help will be appreciated. Happy new year.

[@buckybarnes3803]

Dude definitely more DIYs on E90s! Mine's the 2011, the last before the redesign. Still thinking E46 was better performance-wise. Question: is there an inexpensive and easy way to boost performance (328i non turbo)? I did put in a K&N air filter, but also there is a non-removable carbon filter in the air filter housing -- do you think it would improve airflow if I cut out the carbon filter? Please respond. thanks bro.

[@jendrygarcia3424]

Bucky Barnes i did the carbon filter removal and i felt it had a better flow to the engine

[@Supremxcyxi]

The N52 motor wasn’t meant to be a performance engine, so no, there isn’t a way to make too much power. If you want to mid your BMW by a 335i, as the N54/55 was built for strength.

[@povstyle]

I used to own a 2006 325i and you just named probably half the things I had to fix before even hitting 60k

[@natking1u1z99]

I bought my e90 for 5k surprisingly in good shape. With minor issues.

[@colassolorzano6353]

Thank you for the video I got the ga6l-45r. Transmission on my 2011 328i The fluid replacement and the and the mechatronic sleves. Are the same process?

[@jaysmith1683]

love ur vids thanks

[@andykim6434]

As a BMW enthusiast owing E46, E39, E38, I was actually considering buying an used E90 320i. But your video scared shit out of me, I'd better not buy one! It is right that people shouldn't buy mid 2000 BMW's including 3, 5, 7 series as there are many issues.

[@Wigz2980]

Great job brother

[@williambeltran6927]

Excelente información, thank you 🙏

[@fretBeastForever]

Opps. . I'm thinking to buy an E90 325i.. now I'm hesitating . I guess I need to predict an additional budget that goes till 2000k after buying a pre-owned BMW.

[@donaldbarron7916]

Awesome show

[@armpitdew]

Another issue is the passenger door handle becoming a sticky mess (and some of the rubber coating elsewhere). That door handle is not easy to replace as it is heat riveted onto the panel.

[@datkiddjophat4290]

I’ve noticed that on my sister x3 & I’ve noticed that on my E90 328i XDrive

[@robloxperalta9646]

Love you channel. ...I have question if you can tell me what you think, so got 08 328i at the auction the has no power only codes are misfire 1,2and 3? Where would you start? Low compression, timing is off ? Only 99,000 miles thankyou

[@TheAntipedy]

Excellent video.

[@gail6904]

what kind of spark plugs do u recommend to install in a 2008 BMW 328i sedan automatic...?? I put bosch in as i have Bosch COILS, bUt others say to use NGK IRIDIUM..any advice? thank u I dont do good on gas mileage..ty for the great videos.

[@Bmwguy2011]

Great video. I have an e91 N52 manual and would NEVER buy an automatic transmission from anyone, let alone BMW, nor the N54 engine. The N52 is one of the most reliable and smooth engines made, my opinion. But the N54? To get that extra 130 bhp, you pay a dear price. It isn’t worth it.

[@gipsytree]

Ultimate driving machine 😂

[@ChallengerV8]

Yeah, driving 3 years already with no issues . Only needed to replace spark plugs 😂

[@jaguar7051]

Extreme quality mechanic * man you are a genius

[@timbre7999]

Very good video, thank you.

[@EloyV]

I own an e90 and I just love it😍

[@emmanyoul]

Eloy Vargas what’s the difference between a e90 and a regular 328i

[@sideneiluiz8236]

The Most Accurate Lyrics an e90 is just the body style (sedan), e91 is a Wagon, e92 is a coupe, and an e93 is the convertible. An e90 can be a 328i or a 335i depending if it’s a twin turbo ofc. And there there is also a difference between a 328xi and a 328i, the city is all wheel drive and the i is rear wheel drive.

[@nofear7578]

@@emmanyoul lol

[@thomasautengruber8369]

The Most Accurate Lyrics E90 is just a designation for one generation of 3 series. The E90 was built from 2005 until 2011 and was followed by the F30 (2012-2019) and the current G20 (2019 and up). Each generation has it‘s own look and and will only be changed slightly in the middle of its lifecycle, called a facelift (BMW calls it LCI, Life Cycle Impulse). Yet they are all 3 series.

[@cryo2156]

@@emmanyoul E90 is the model family of the 4-door 3-series produced from 2005-2012. A 328i is just the name/designation for a 3-series with a 2.8 liter engine.

[@MrJnolesfan]

Did you know that the ZF6HP transmission fluid, the stuff that's $18-$20 per quart is chemically identical to Motorcraft Mercon SP fluid? Mercon SP sells for under $8 per quart at your local Ford dealer. I've replaced the Mechatronic sleeve. I really need to replace the trans pan/filter.

[@moebeing1190]

How do you know that ?

[@TheGbizaille]

What about the AC control unit, mine is off, no lights, nothing. I tried to look at fuse 77, but no luck so far