BMW E90 Reliability !!! Does A E90 Make A Good Reliable Daily Driver

[@vviiper]

I like your honesty Nathan. I think BMWs (this includes all cars really) will be so much more reliable if you treat them with respect; and what I mean by that is; driving it sensibly, not thrashing it, changing fluids and filters at the right intervals, keeping it maintained, etc

[@Edwin-km4xk]

True

[@rihasanatrofolo2472]

What does trashing it mean?

[@skypeg3008]

@@rihasanatrofolo2472 It means driving your car like you don't car about it. Like redlining on a cold engine.

[@WayToManyAssassins]

It's hard not to thrash a bmw 😂

[@oOJakkeOo]

I’ve had my E91 325i for 2,5 years and the major problems with mine haven’t been that major. The oil level sensor went bad so I replaced it and along with that I also did the oil pan gasket. Those together were $1000 (including the work of a mechanic). Other than that, I’ve done some preventative maintenance and a few DIY problems have occurred. I love the car to death with the Sonora metallic, practicality of an estate, fantastic handling, inline 6, manual transmission. I could go on, but as a car enthusiast, I am so happy with my BMW!

[@alexfrancis3603]

I have a 2007 bmw 328xi 195k miles. Aquired vehicle at 123k miles. 75k miles in two years mostly highway in Florida. 67k salary. This car in 2.5 years of driving it cost me 11k to maintain. That's both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance. Everything I brought to a mechanic to fix. So you could definitely save money. Oil changes always done on time or slightly before time. All fluid changes regularly except transmission. It's been a good car to me.

[@koreanmtnbiker2931]

My 2008 328xi now have 201600 miles . I just replace the water pump and the thermostat. Not because it broke, I just thought the original WP and Thermo will break anytime on me on the road. Besides this, in the past I changed out the spark plugs and the valve cover gasket. So it's been surprisingly reliable car. It's just the beginning I guess....now.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Like I said the water pump and vanos solenoids is all the money on these , the rest is cheap

[@vw3576]

So since I changed all the majors by 150k I'm good for another 150k lol. Did my rod bearings at 150k. #4 spun. No damage to crank. Replaced all 6 runs freaking great. 08 335

[@tracyphillips3325]

That was one of the best informative videos that I watched in a while buddy. Not that yours aren't informative, but this one will help people understand the ownership of owning a BMW. Excellent job 👍

[@allanjacks7147]

I have 2008 E90 181000 miles on it. I was second owner and have put over 100,000 miles in last 5 years as a daily driver. All maintenance done myself except crankshaft sensor and starter motor. Car has been great and wondering how many more miles I will get with her. Not sure what I will get next except that it will be a BMW

[@ozarkdaredevils]

Thank you Nathan , I have a 2011 328i x drive with 109.000 miles . Replaced water pump and thermostat ... did transmission flush . Just watched video on serpintine belt replacement which I am going to do ... Great car and thanks to you we keep it running .

[@Kipitrl]

Tuned since 62k now at 107k fbo/meth 23psi on stock turbos.. as long as you do the maintenance yourself its not too bad on the pocket. E90 335i n54

[@mattcarafa210]

I tuned mine a couple of weeks ago, and I've been nothing but impressed by this car, got a cheap samsung 7 inch tablet mounted that I do the tune(shows gages) and run everything else off tablet too(radio,gps,anything internet) The other night I had the factory sport gages on the top factory display( if there to be believed I hit 430lbs of torque on the highway) and on the tablet i had other gages that said I hit 20.3psi. Still stock twin scroll turbo. The car screws faster then my 6.4L challenger, was suppost to be just a commuter. It's my first experience with BMW, and I'm blown away.

[@justinc8888]

Nathan great video. Always great videos. I got my e90 last year in June and I’ve learned a lot of stuff from you and Justin buice. I’ve had problems With my car and you guys helped me find and fix them. And it obviously put some holes in my pockets but nothing massively expensive due to the in depth videos. I’m finally confident in the car enough to start doing mods like body kits suspension and performance now that most things are out of the way. Thanks again.

[@Areku06]

We got 09 e91 sport wagon, had it for 3 years. Your video covers everything, most expensive was electric water pump/tstat around $350. Refreshing cooling system every 80k miles is the main weakness other than that super reliable platform with n52 engine.

[@nickkotsify]

got my e90 in feb with 18.000 kms runs great!

[@Shamus71]

I can vouch.. E90 N52 Car’s are great, especially when you go for the LCI’s.. I don’t know if it’s just my luck.. I’m at 194,000 miles and it’s never broken down and I drive 600 mile road trips all winter with it. Granted, I’m proactive as hell with it. Just replace the belt and tensioner this past weekend.. didn’t like how the belt was getting too close to the edge of the pulley. They are great cars, and very reliable,. In my book Honda reliable as long as you do the maintenance and address the weak spots, also own a BMW specific scan tool, even if it just Carly.. it is a big help and piece of mind.

[@James45429]

Oh lucky you man, I stuck with a Pre-LCI and it’s had it fair share of rainy days 😓👌🏼

[@ninjabeatz905]

Thank you Nathan appreciate the advice

[@garymagan]

They are unbelievably reliable as long as you know a mechanic you won't screw you around. One of my mums friends managed to completely ruin an E46 318i after just 60,000 miles, while my mums 2007 320d has had nothing but routine maintenance (oil, tyres, etc) and has just passed 220,000 miles (over 15,000 miles a year city driving). Good mechanics seem to be few and far between, and the bad ones will do nothing but throw parts at it. They aren't really like Toyota's or Honda's which you can run forever without any maintenance whatsoever (which is one of the reasons why they're so popular especially in America at least). Once you find a good mechanic though they are excellent, well built, and surprisingly reliable cars.

[@BMWDoctor]

itsgary I disagree your talking about 4 cylinder engines here mate I’m from the uk there the most unreliable pieces of shit engines you can get why do people buy them here in the uk because there the cheapest version bmw and most people just want the name bmw to look cool try modify it to hide the look or try change the exhaust when pros like me can tell from a mile Off by the sound of the engine it’s a 4 cylinder 318i 320d is the cheapest base models you can buy anyone who opts for that is trying thinking there gonna save money avoiding the 3.0 engine when in reality your actually spending more on repairs long term a lot of people don’t go for 3.0 as it’s out of there budget you can get a 320d for about 1.5k try and get a 3.0 petrol or diesel e90 for that more like 4.5k Same on e46 I can get 318i for 400 quid all day long try and get a 330i for that price m sport version And if your having to pay a mechanic no wonder you drive 2.0d you better stick with that your mechanic is gonna love you when the timing chain goes on it 1400 job easy money That’s why you can’t afford to run or own the 3.0 version and why my friend me and Nathan can :)

[@bassandtrebleclef]

I've owned one for 9 years. Major problems and repair bills started right around 100k miles. Parts prices aren't too bad, but that valve cover job, oil pan gasket job and numerous other repairs are for shops to do, not you, and they're in the thousands. E90 is a fun car to drive but showcases yet again the substandard quality of so many of the parts of BMWs. After 20 years of owning them, this will be my last.

[@violin245]

valve cover and oil pan gaskets are not bad if you do yourself but you will need a second car because it take a while

[@ricog502]

So what are you moving on to?

[@drabun1959]

I rebuilt one like that it had 26000 miles on the engine I sold it and they took on a road trip to las Vegas and back with no issue, great car

[@kevinvargas7785]

nice job dude!

[@torocars9227]

N52 are very reliable , just do minimum service. Just use AT-205 reseal to save you hundreds $ from replacing leaks.

[@trustyoungpierre9959]

Good to know. I’ll definitely keep this in mind. Thanks

[@rexzues3947]

Which year E90 with the N52 engine are the most reliable?

[@kingpin16052]

I own a 2010 328xi. 165k miles, ive owned it since 80k. 2nd owner, all receipts..... some of the main things ive replaced are- valve cover plus gasket, oil filter housing gasket, fuel pump, rear wheel bearings, all struts and shocks with mounts and bushings, front control arms, front tie rods, front ball joints, rear control arm/ toe arm, belt and tensioner, starter, water pump and thermostat done as preventative maintenance at 160k (yes it was original 2009 pump)….. along with all fluids changed regularly (diffs, transfer case, trans and radiator)……. those are the main things that come to mind. The only thing I paid somebody to do was fuel pump, so make sure you can work on a car before you buy. I will say this car has never broke down or left me stranded. anything that was replaced was done so as preventative maintenance, or at the first signs of failure. It is a north east car, and Ive lived at Fort drum for the past 3 years. It is nothing for us to get 4 feet of snow over a weekend and with good tires this car will get you where you need to go. I love it, and I am looking at buying my 2nd bmw when I come back from deployment next year! Thanks @ Nathan

[@kingpin16052]

front wheel bearings are next project

[@kenikriezispirasspatas8982]

Don't scare people Mannnn. They have to own 1 to know. I have no problems at all. Normal wear and tear. Mine has 350thousand km.

[@spakentruth]

They really are trash cars tho bro. Good thing for the germans they were good at propaganda before good engineering.

[@robmd3851]

@@spakentruth your full of shite bro, drive into the sunset in your Corolla bro

[@ShahidAli-ob5jl]

Great vid!

[@crazy4gta1]

Hey Nathan, could you do a video on cleaning out sunroof drains, specially for the e60? Thanks

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

I will

[@spakentruth]

This car stresses the hell out my parents and they only put 30k miles on it...over 7 years of ownership. Honestly that's what they get for wanting to be bougie lol

[@johncoss5604]

Great information.

[@MrJohn2590]

you forgot oil pan gasket /oil filter housing!!!

[@fastboatster]

Only oil pan gasket is really time consuming/expensive to do

[@reginald8405]

Thanks Nat!

[@pfoglar]

My 2005 E90 330i 6MT with the N52B30 (yes, was already available in 2005 where I am) has its niggles and quirks, don't get me wrong, but it has never left me stranded. Sure, over the 9 years of owning it, I haven't exactly put on all that much mileage, but while this saves on the wear and tear, things do fail simply based on age. So for a couple of years I was battling with an intermittent battery drain issue despite replacing the battery twice with the proper same size/type OEM BMW battery, turned out to be Lithium Ion batteries for the angle sensor and siren for the alarm, and both batteries were pretty much toast after the few times that they were drained. New larger battery fitted and coded, and a Ctek Battery Sense so that I can monitor the battery remotely, so far it is behaving a few months down the line. Other somewhat related issue that still has me worried at times is the steering lock that doesn't always lock or unlock and shouts a yellow light warning. The car went in recently for the HVAC harness recall, but the fan itself is noisy in the winter months when it's on the normally set 2nd speed, so typically setting to the 3rd speed for a while shuts it up. Middle of last year I became aware of my wipers not parking properly, they seemed to stop in a higher position than normal, so a google search revealed that it can obviously be the wiper motor/mechanism itself, but in most cases it's the wiper relay, and mine still has the blue older part number relay, so before I rush out and buy the OEM green replacement and upgraded part, I tried a generic relay that matches this one, and immediately the wipers park as they should. And this is actually where it gets interesting, looking at vids I've taken still when the car was under Motorplan, even back then they weren't working correctly! My current problem that I need to sort out is very similar to this blue E90 that Nathan has, the brakes are doing something odd, it's not the hard brake pedal or pedal down to the floor issue, it's as if the pedal briefly "snags" and then goes in deeper when braking, so you feel the pedal experience a slight resistance (maybe hard), then it suddenly goes in further as the brake force increases. So I am also suspecting a vacuum issue, either the check valve or the gasket/grommet on the brake booster, or the hose itself. Interior plastics with the soft touch coating is typical of BMW, rubbish, and mine has the light grey interior, so in the few places where the soft touch coating is worn, the white plastic looks ugly, black interiors are much more practical for this reason. Despite the low mileage, the suspension is in need of a refresh I think. All the bump stops are falling apart where the high density foam that acts as the bump stops has actually started to breakdown or rot, and then the struts themselves are on their limit of tolerance, so they along with the bump stops do need replacement, and then the rest of the suspension components would need to be inspected. As for the engine, I do have a few minor performance niggles there which I suspect is most likely the original (and old part number) Vanos solenoids, and maybe the Eccentric Shaft Sensor is also acting up. Over the years I've replaced a few things unnecessarily as part of trying to fix this issue. I replaced the thermostat and both temperature sensors some years back to try and fix what is considered an over-cooling issue, but this has made zero difference, seems like it's an issue with these earlier E90 N52 models. With that said, engine still runs very well actually, idles smoothly from cold start without any jumps on the rev counter, doesn't use oil between services. With my limited amount of annual driving, this car really doesn't cost me all that much, but the moment you need to replace even fairly simple component, then you do feel it in your pocket. As for the rest of the car, bodywork is still in pretty much the same condition as they day I bought it, doesn't see much abuse from the sun, so all rubbers around the windows are still original and perfect. Bottom line, these are not terrible cars, they are not cheap cars to maintain, but they are still for the most part reasonable if you are a car enthusiast, if you aren't, then it's not for you. I don't have personal experience with the other engine models other than what I've always heard and read, but I think the general consensus is that the NA 6 N52 range is the safest overall, and like mine, the N52B30 high output is the one to have. Mine even has the Euro type intake with the cylindrical air filter. Will I buy another newer BMW after this one, I honestly can't say for sure, probably not though...

[@trade1713]

I totally agree with what you said. Mine N52B30 has been ok. 150km on the clock, burns oil, not terrible though, plastic and other glitches, I'd dare ti say substandard quality. One thing that drives me insane though is the infamous rattling noise on start up and until engine is hot, caused by stuck hydraulic lifter/s. BMW calls them hydraulic valve adjusters (HVA). Car looks great, even fir today's standards but when people hear this rattling they ask me what's wrong with the car, is the engine gonna blow up? Thought about replacing it, got a quote for a couple of grands or to do it myself, but it's not a simple job and requires special equipment. This is just embarrassing for BMW. It is oil change interval, dickheads here in Australia decided that oil should be changed every 25K, that's what they've been doing to my car until I got it. Massive oil sludge and deposits inside the engine. It's probably rhe cause for those lifters being stuck sometimes. I'm stil thinking whether to get rid of the car while there's some value left in it. But I enjoy driving it. Driving a Camry after 330i is incredibly boring experience. Point A to point B type thing.

[@BMWDoctor]

Bumba klut this long rastttttttt essay

[@pfoglar]

BMW Doctor, well, having owned this car for as long as I have, it’s essay worth of experience! 😂😂

[@BMWDoctor]

pfoglar man nobody gonna read dem tings der tho Nathan not read dis him told me about this and me tell him lock it off dread

[@pfoglar]

BMW Doctor, honestly struggling to understand what you are going on about and trying to say towards the end.

[@krisgriffin9090]

Got my 08 e93 335i last year with 95k. Changed as many parts/gaskets/ sensors as possible. Runnin jb4 with bef. No issues so far. Loving every minute behind the wheel. Best not to go N54 if u cant work on it yourself or have deep pockets.

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Yes n54 is a 100% no go if you can't do all the work yourself

[@isaacshively5976]

$6k for a 328i e90 with 100k one owner and all the maintenance records… buy or pass? I’m a VW guy that’s doing the natural progression and thinking about a bmw

[@rexzues3947]

Which year E90 with the N52 engine are the most reliable?

[@dfitzwm]

The n52 is the most reliable don't @ me. jk she's been really good though y'all come check her out ;)

[@dsong2006]

The n52 has its own set of problems, I have a z4 3.0si with a n52 and its needed multiple MAF sensors, a MAP sensor, multiple 02 sensors, waterpump and thermostat, changed out tons of hoses/intake boot, its starting to leak from Oil Pan Gasket and I have the valve cover gasket ready to go. None of the individual parts are super expensive but there's so many individual parts you need to replace to keep it happy, its not that cheap to run these cars.

[@BMWDoctor]

First

[@Shamus71]

BMW Doctor hey Dean!

[@fastboatster]

N54 has expensive turbos. Hpfp and injectors might be already replaced under extended warranty

[@JonOlaivar]

Are the alloy valve cover ones considered to be better? (06 330i) 91k on mine, got it used, and it seems to not be leaking. With the alloy vc, isnt the pcv assembly under the intake as well?

[@robwiseman8302]

Can you do a video about re threading the valvetronic motor mounting point? One of my bolt threads is stripped and I want to see if it’s possible to re thread it. I don’t want to replace the head over a valvetronic motor bolt hole being stripped out.

[@Paul37Ontario]

can you please do a video on ISTA+

[@tigerbmxbmx6699]

is it ok to not put premium gas in it

[@dennissolodovnik2168]

Would this be a good first car if I am a college student? I will be doing most of the repairs myself except for oil pan gasket and water pump/ thermostat

[@FD-rh6tr]

That's what i'm trying to figure out. Seems like its affordable if you fix stuff on your own. In the 1 year of research, its safe to say that its reliable enough, but you gotta have at least $1500 as an emergency fund just in case.

[@outcast1822]

learn the car ..it will take care of you...but get a 330xi it has a bit more leg room and 4 wheel drive

[@dennissolodovnik2168]

@@outcast1822 bro the awd makes it harder to work on the water pump and thermostat lol.

[@outcast1822]

@@dennissolodovnik2168 no its not..

[@devanhixson7399]

Answer to the title, “Oh well most definitely” *Deontay Wilder voice

[@colemithrush]

Hey man this is a car channel don't be bringing in your boxing stuff here we don't do that

[@devanhixson7399]

Cole Vancouver I am a car guy, my daily is an e46

[@MrReniks]

wich are more reliable between m54 and n52? I know overall n52 comes with a modern platform wich includes confort and mileage. thx

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

N52 is more expensive parts but prob more reliable

[@MrReniks]

@close edge owning an m52tu and thinking buying a second 325,prob i will buy another e46. thx

[@TheGbizaille]

Nathan, do you have a link to a reliable and same quality as OEM valve cover gasket for the N52? I have been through 3 aftermarket already, same problem, blue/white smoke when i start pushing hard. Only option of OEM i found are like 600 bucks. Please help

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

This is the one i run on my E60 and I have no issue with it amzn.to/31LXHoF

[@twinscrolled]

Or N55 for the 2011 E90 :)

[@henryw2088]

Any suggestion on how to get and operate ista+?

[@DG-od4si]

$60,000 a year to have e90 without mechanical knowledge. that's what Nathan say. i disagree

[@adrianherrera6467]

A friend of mine bought a 2009 E92 for less thank 10k and spent less than 3 grand on repairs in a 3.5 year period. This guy is full of shit.

[@Antschillin]

2019?

[@rcast3763]

So informarive! Can this run on Regular gas? Thanks

[@ianchesney9639]

No! Premium only.

[@muximuster7072]

The thumbnail is showing an E92 🤔

[@fastboatster]

Nathan, what about f30?

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Im working on that

[@Epierson321]

he said you need a copy of what??

[@markt9438]

what is the cost of the Vehicle !?

[@markt9438]

@@airbusdriver5045 Thx just curious own a M3 o6 have enough enjoyable hobbies for now ! LOL

[@SaltyRNFrank]

a copy of what ? " ista plus "

[@arvinbadz]

How about mechatronic? People in here are freaked out with E90 mechatronic issue.

[@fastboatster]

In my understanding, this applies mostly to zf transmissions, GM trans like all 328is have does not have it

[@arvinbadz]

@@fastboatster so, E90 wich has mechatronic issue are zf equipped trans? Does gm trans only available on 328? Because its really rare sight to see 328 here. Only 320 and 325 that i see many cruising on road

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

Its just the seals or solenoids, if you keep the fluid changed you are extremely unlikely to have issues , if you swap the trans you mush use your original mechatronics unit in the new trans

[@arvinbadz]

@@NathansBMWWorkshop so, to prevent the mechatronic issue, i just need to change the fluid regularly is that correct?

[@WayToManyAssassins]

Theyre cheap until you need to take it to a shop for something you cant fix yourself and then the shop will try overcharging you just because its a "european" car

[@trade1713]

I always keep sayin to everyone asking me how is it to own one of them. If you have a second hand BMW and can't do ANY of the maintenance on them stay away from those cars as far away as you can! You will not be able to afford to keep paying for maintenance if a pro mechanic is doing it and charges accordingly! They are built in a different way then a standard car. Everything on them is 30 to 50% harder to replace or fix, parts are usually more expensive too. They're probably done deliberately this way to discourage DIYs to work on them, thus their value plummets as people who aren't mechanically minded are scared to own one of those, mind you for a good reason! Take a valve cover for example where they often leak oil. To do it yourself, it is a pain in the ass, lots of time I get frustrated as to why they need to complicate everything. But if you can work on it, it will reward you with dynamic drive that small amount of other cars can match!

[@ADiMando]

LoL e90 lci 2009 Intake camshaft ledge( new head cylinder camshafts etc) Abs pump Vanos codes Washerpump Restraint airbag etc etc Its a mess gtfo And plastic plastic plastic. 50k miles on it Had e60 525i euro 06 no problems what so ever!!

[@NathansBMWWorkshop]

09 Should have cam ledge issues, unless someone has run it low on oil or not changed it In a very long time

[@allanthabosshacker]

Just buy one with over 220k miles. If it made it that long all the bullshit has happed oil separator valve cover. If it’s awd the transfer case and coupler issues. Front diff is tender. E90 is not a responsible car at all legit buy it as a toy and toy only. Shit will drain u

[@TheTAEclub]

What about e60 m5?

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

lol

[@TheTAEclub]

@@BmwMe-uh9sy they are based on the same systems apart from the transmission

[@NEMESISJ18]

xD

[@NEMESISJ18]

Can't be worse than an e60 535i.... trust me.

[@marekmecir5822]

Actually this is N53

[@sheldonm3535]

Meh not even an M3. I don’t care 335 is quicker than the M3. No wide body

[@NA_NA1915]

🍺

[@tac_r_usoutdoors8984]

It's a big piece of shit. I hate mine.

[@juandontworryaboutit4150]

Cheap.. not in California lol

[@Swagnandez]

First