2006-2012 BMW E90 328i xDrive | Review and What To Look For When Buying One

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This is my very own daily driver; a 2009 BMW 328i xDrive finished in Jet Black with saddle brown interior - A middle of the road trim in a line of sporty luxury sedans known to many in the car communities as the staple of the sports sedan segment. I recently bought this car at a public auction in Philadelphia and as I mentioned in previous videos, I pulled a Hoovie on it… You can go check that video out by following the link below where I tell you everything that we found wrong with the car and how much it cost to FIX IT! In this video however, I want to tell you a little bit about the history of the BMW 3 series, show you some of my favorite features, take it for a drive, and then based on my costly experience with this car, I will point out some of the things you should LOOK for if you’re planning on buying one.
BMW, or Bayerische Motoren Werke, has a long history of making the ultimate driving machine, or at least they proclaim. Whether you agree that statement is true or not, BMW has made great cars throughout their history as a car manufacturer. Cars like the 1500, 2002, M1, and of course the M3. The dream to be able to drive one was passed on to the family man with the introduction of the 3 series, and more specifically, with the 4 door sedan.
The first generation 3 series chassis code E21, the successor to the 2002, was a two door model introduced in Munich in 1975 and built until 1983. Since its reveal, the 3 series delivered performance that was unmatched by its rivals, laying the groundwork for the success story the 3 series has become. All launch models came equipped with a 4-cylinder carbureted engine. An inline 6 cylinder engine was later added in 1977. Power output was 75 and 143 horsepower respectively. This car didn’t arrive here in the U.S until 1977 and we were only good enough to get the 320i with the 4 cylinder engine.
The second generation 3 series chassis code E30, was introduced in 1982 as a two door model with a 4 door model added later in 1983. We didn’t get this car in the states until 1983, but once we had it, it was built until 1993. Other variants were also offered such as a Convertible, Baur Top cabriolet, Touring, and of course the infamous M3 (as Coupé and Convertible). Power output ranged from 90 to 238 horsepower depending on the model you chose. The M3 model gets the highest output of course. By the way, if you or someone you know has an E30 M3 and would like for me to feature it on one of my videos, please let me know!
The third generation 3 series chassis code E36, was built from 1990 to 2000, but once again it didn’t make it to the U.S until 1991. This third generation 3 Series represented one of the most significant design advances in its history to date. The design language was more coupé-oriented, with distinct sloping A and C pillars. This generation also offered the most variants out of any generation up to date; 8 variants to be exact. BMW offered the E36 as a Sedan, Coupé, Convertible, Baur Top cabriolet, Touring, Compact, and the M3 (as Sedan, Coupé, and Convertible). And who can forget about the 318ti hatchback. This was a new move for BMW in the 3 series lineup, which I think prompted Mercedes Benz to get on their game. Mercedes later replied with the C320 sports coupe hatchback.
The fourth generation chassis code E46, was probably the most successful of the bunch and with good reason. This model was built from 1997 to 2006 and power output ranged from 105 to 360hp. Here in the US. the M3 model was restricted to 333 horsepower out of a naturally aspirated inline six! That’s 111hp per liter. These were numbers at the time were reserved for exotics and of course, the Honda S2000!
The fifth generation chassis code E90 ---- [question] What’s up with the huge leap in naming the chassis code? I know, but you just wait, it gets weirder. For the first time, BMW decided to design the coupe and the sedans separately so the E90 was followed by the E91, E92, and the E93. This model saw some firsts for the line-up with the introduction of a V8 for the M3 model. It was built from 2005 to 2013 and power output ranged from 122 to 450 horsepower. The U.S. model for the M3 was once again limited to 414 horsepower. Fun fact: remember how there were different chassis codes for the sedan and the coupe? Well, the M3 model is actually made up of the front section of the coupe and the rear section from the sedan!
The sixth generation in 2012 brought on the F30, F31, and F34, with the M cars getting chassis codes F80, F82, and F83. The seventh generation in 2018 brought the G20. I’ll give more details on these cars in a future video.

[@plexusgamer1105]

The thumbnail of this video, that’s the exact color I’ve purchased. My first ever bimmer and something I’ve been obsessed about. Love the experience, got it at 46K miles 2011 x drive and put in 6k already in 6 months and it’s been a sublime experience

[@Miguelsgarage]

Glad you like it! Any plans with it?

[@plexusgamer1105]

@@Miguelsgarage Would love to tweak the performance to make it drive a bit more snappy/peppy(tweaking throttle, 3-stage intake manifold, and newer wheels which could be lot lighter than the stock oem wheels to name a few). Unfortunately, there ain't any BMW specialists here in the Midwest to help me with performance tweaks.

[@kungfulender8733]

I have this exact car. Love it. I recently changed all the fluids including the tranny fluid at over 100K. Now it feels like butter!!!

[@DaddychiLL6]

Just bought one 2011 1 owner well maintained drives like new 😩 everything that would potentially be a problem replaced 2 and a half years ago with only 81k miles

[@adasterdezaster2865]

About the car.... I've owned over 40 BMW's. I currently own 6. My wifes dailey is a 2009 328i Xdrive with 132k miles. We purchased it in Jan 0f 2024. The car was all original down to the brake fluid. We bought the car for $6k. I replaced the entire coolant system, the suspension(shocks, struts, control arms, sway bar links, rotors and pads), the drivers power seat module had a bad switch in all about $2500 in parts. It will need in the next few months the valve cover gasket replaced and the lower oil pan gasket replaced. I can't stress this enough. If you are not a capable mechanic do not buy an older BMW. If I had all this done at an independant shop it would have easily been another $6k. The Xdrives are a huge pain in the ass to work on compared to the rear wheel drive version. The front axles go though the oil pan. It's a lot of work to drop the front subframe. It's at the local BMW dealer now dealing with a recall on the PCV valve heater short/overheat issue. It actually started smoking the second day we owned the car. It can burn the car to the ground. It's a free fix from BMW get it done. The interior and exterior held up very well. There is some wear on the drivers seat cushion that needs to be replaced. There is a difference between being able to buy a BMW and being able to afford a BMW. Like I said I own 6. I always have something to do on at least one of them. That being said if you do your own maintenance they're a great car to own. If you have to take it to someone to get it maintained it's going to eat you alive.

[@Sebastian_The_Great]

Thanks for your informed comment. Definitely took this into consideration. I was looking at a 2008 328xi. The guy is willing to take 4k for it, it has 125k miles. It seems like it’s been maintained by the owner but I’m still on the fence about the car because I know maintenance/repairs can be expensive. As long as the car doesn’t break on me every 6-8 months I’ll be good but I still don’t know about buying it

[@nkdadson9962]

found this video helpful man. Thanks.

[@felipeiturreyes3385]

Good video, interesting information. 😎👍🇬🇹

[@kayvonmansouri]

Regarding the value, you're not kidding. I'm looking for a first car for my daughter, and it is cheaper than honda accords, Toyota Camry, and others for the same year. I think people are just overlooking these.

[@johnnywalker5635]

People are scared of the maintenance. I sold my 1999 Audi A4 Quattro 1.8T and buying a 2011 328xi this week. In the shop now for a transfer case pinion gear seal and oil pan gasket replacement. $1500 shop cost. Lots of expensive maintenance. An oil pan gasket change and an automatic tranny filter and fluid change I can do myself in my Ford F-150. But can’t do it on the 328xi. One reason they’re cheap. This 2011 328xi is cheaper by $2k to $4k than a comparable year Audi Q3, Q5, A4, or a X3 X5

[@oasean]

Toyota Camry and Honda Accord are far cheaper to maintain and repair.

[@destruxandexploze2552]

@@oasean We’ll see about that. I have a 2007 Honda Accord SE I got with 64k miles and currently has 102k miles. I ALSO have a 2009 BMW 328i xdrive with 116k miles. I have first hand experience.

[@DustyDustGaming]

@@destruxandexploze2552 return back in 5 years to give us your report. Thanks

[@destruxandexploze2552]

@@DustyDustGaming Sounds good, I do work myself though so maintenance will be cheaper. I’m also consistent.

[@nirmit1298]

I just bought a golden colour 2010 328i x drive, as it's brand new look from single owner in excellent condition in and out, it's N52 B engine rock solid, with all wheel Drive, crushing the snow easily in Canadian winter and running like new car solid built and it's butter driving and it's my daily driving car for Go to office. I love it. Body is like Military Tank

[@Vision33r]

My main comment with this car is that if you know how to maintain a BMW, this car is a keeper. Why spend $20-25k on a Honda Accord newer model when this car outperforms it and has much better quality interior. I know people will say that Hondas are more reliable, but if you know how to maintain a BMW. It can be reliable, since this is a n52 the engine is rock solid for more than 200k mi.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Yes, I agree. Some people however do not want to deal with issues and rather pay for the convenience. These cars I think are the proper size for a sporty car. I think the newer 3 series are too big. These cars are nimble and corner so well, yet are smooth when driven normally.

[@pascutia]

@@Miguelsgarage I think you summed it up perfectly. It’s the last great 3 series in my mind. Drive a base F30 and then a base E90 back to back and it’s shocking how much nicer of a car the E90 is in terms of interior materials and how it drives!!!

[@Vision33r]

@@defenderoftheuniverse N52 is the most reliable BMW engine ever. If yours failed, you didn't use the correct oil and change it properly.

[@Vision33r]

If you gotten a bad car, that exist in every brand. The N52 is the most reliable engine. Trust me, no other BMW is as reliable and easy to maintain. Every BMW with a turbo can be a timebomb.

[@zureai]

Should I get a 120k mile 328i? Seems like such high mileage

[@stevecariggillio4139]

Gotta get the manual. I've had two, both manual. Currently have a rwd. So much fun

[@Miguelsgarage]

Totally agree!

[@captainmorgan5449]

I will buy an 09 with the manual from a friend of mine who dad brought the car new. My 1st BMW. Former Saab guy. It has about 125k on engine. My friend already fixed the oil leak from the bottom of the car. What is the driving experience like?

[@kaharold]

Thanks for The Video, I Was Suppose to Buy 1 just Like This BUT Now I Changed My Mind... ESPECIALLY After Hearing The Known Issues..

[@Miguelsgarage]

Glad I could help

[@kaharold]

@@Miguelsgarage YES You Did, Thanks Again...

[@RailfanBobbyFocusMk208]

I’m buying a 2009 328i Xdrive next month, been wanting one for a long time and I have finally saved up enough to buy one , it’s going to be great not driving a 2008 Ford Focus anymore lol .

[@shinx9912]

did you buy it? hows it been?

[@MrTVBOi]

Did you buy it

[@zureai]

So did you get it

[@mannym1248]

I have a rare 2009 328i 6spd manual with the sport and premium package. I love it but the other things to look for engine wise is a leaky valve cover which almost all suffer from along with replacing radiator hoses and the radiator itself after 100k. Also these cars are known to have coil packs go out from time to time so it's always good to keep an extra one just in case. Interior wise window regulators are known to go out on the windows so you might have to replace one since the cables tend to bunch up or snap on them over time.Suspenion wise check the wheel bearings and tie rods upper/lower control arms etc. For unknown reasons I just had a bolt come loose on my rear knuckle upper arm which caused it to strip out so it caused the knuckle to rub the inner wheel. I do reccomend this vehicle though for someone interested in the BMW brand because it is a beautiful car that is fun to drive and a great beginner BMW. It has a large fan base with alot of aftermarket options to choose from if you want to customize it. Knowing how to turn a wrench for this car is a big plus to save on basic maintenance or repairs . Great video too by the way.

[@isaiahking793]

How many miles do you have on your car?

[@mannym1248]

@@isaiahking793 it has 203 on it but they are all highway miles. It runs like butter and my girl loves it more than my lexus IS250

[@josephsingerle7423]

@@mannym1248 i just purchased an automatic 2009 328i and i was just wondering if its normal to feel a little lag when pressing the gas? Like its fast but doesnt want to go until a certain amount of force is on the pedal. And im concerned that may be why the gas seeks to go quick. I just wanna know cuz i feel like it uses a lot of gas and i dont know if thats normal. It also slows dowj fast when u let off the gas but ive been told thats normal for that car please get back to me if you can

[@mannym1248]

@@josephsingerle7423 it could maybe be a fuel filter issue but im not for sure cause mine doesn't stall when i give it gas but mine seems to take alot of gas as well. Id start with maybe looking into your coil packs or replacing them if its been awhile and plugs. Theyre known to mess up without throwing a code. If its not cutting out when you go up a hil or floor it then its probally not the fuel pump. The only other things i could think it could be would be maybe he clogged fuel injectors or something with a relay somewhere. Hope u can figure it out. Maybe buy a Carly obd reader to scan your car from your smartphone. I heard they work pretty good. E90's are in my opinion remarkable cars and i love mine but i do know they are finicky sometimes and require alot of care and attention.

[@josephsingerle7423]

@@mannym1248 thank you and yeah im just now learning that you really need to take good care of them and theyll be a great vehicle. My only worry is how fast my gas seems to go like its surprising and its about 50 bucks to fill it whole so thats the only problem i see so far lol. But im trying to learn as much as i can about this car so itll last me a while its my first car im 17

[@stevecariggillio4139]

Full synthetic every 5k. Amazing what proper maintenance can do.

[@ListerMotorsports]

i just bought an 08 at an auction for under 3k with 100k miles, same interior as yours.. i love the car.....

[@Miguelsgarage]

Very nice!

[@fastboatster]

That’s not bad, what was wrong with it?

[@pson1515]

What is the name of the song playing from 0:21 to 0:35? Does anybody know? I cant get enough of it!!!

[@TylerGeho]

I know this is an old video but I have a 2010 328i xDrive and I noticed you stated the oil filter housing pushes coolant through. Although true for some versions of the n52 engine such as the ones in the 528i the version in the 3 series does not have that feature. Everything else is spot on, just a technicality. Maybe it’ll help someone though. Cheers.

[@Miguelsgarage]

I thought it was. Even spoke to a master mechanic about it. I could be wrong, but this is the same engine shared with the 5 series.

[@donaldbarron7916]

Great 👍

[@BmwolotlE90]

Im looking to buy one of these, but how come your model has a big screen nav but the ones I'm looking at doesnt have it? Which model has that?

[@Miguelsgarage]

It's an option in some models. They do sell a kit for the vehicles that do not have it and is relatively cheap ($500-800) and works with your phone.

[@stevecariggillio4139]

Gaskets. Gaskets gaskets. If you have the tools, these are pretty cheap to own.

[@maksimillian911]

radiator fan does not start when i turn on ac, but will start after driving a while. Who had simillar issues and how did you fix it? 328i 2011

[@daviddominique6287]

Me too I just bought one today I think it’s to save gas don’t know let me know if you found a fix I have a 2011 328i

[@stevecariggillio4139]

I like the 4 door better. The rear end looks better

[@Miguelsgarage]

I like the 4 door rear end as well but prefer the overall shape of the 2 door better. They are all based on the same platform and have the same wheelbase and all. Functionally and dynamically they are the same car…

[@stevecariggillio4139]

Worst part: the window switches are too far forward! I always grab the rear window switch first!

[@Miguelsgarage]

This was me EVERY TIME!

[@miggy2503]

How do I know if it’s xdrive like is there something on the dash telling me it’s xdrive or do I have to look under it for a transfer case?

[@LilSwervoJr]

it should say xdrive on the sides of the car or the back if your still not sure look up your vin

[@FD-rh6tr]

Hello, Has this car been reliable to you? i plan to purchase one next year. If you could provide an answer, i will appreciate it. Thanks.

[@JiTengful]

Break my wallet, burn my wallet everything break on this 🚗

[@FD-rh6tr]

@@JiTengful I heard it can be reliable if the maintenance was done correctly.

[@hdsd4341]

Tide Pod Mine was dealer maintained and very low mileage. I had those 6 months then sold with a lot of loss due to persistent problems with the engine. Engine worst car I've had. Now back alfa Romeo

[@Miguelsgarage]

I haven't had any issues with it. ZERO... As some mentioned already, maintenance is SUPER important. I spent a lot of money when I bought making sure everything was up to spec. As these cars age, people stop caring for them because of how expensive it is to work on them. If a car doesn't have maintenance records, stay away from them...

[@jsweetsgetsfitjoeysweet330]

Zero issues with my 2007 328i e90 with 168k miles however, do yourself a favor and make sure yours is a 6 speed like mine

[@Jdplayz-bq4ys]

neighbor had one and had no problems for over150k miles but got a m2 because he just wanted a new car

[@stayvigilant7856]

My coolant on my old 09 328i and now my 2011 328i is green.. they must of used the cheaper coolant and not bmw blue. Is that bad?? Also I know there pretty reliable engine long as you service em and take care of em I sold my old 09 with 145,000 no issues but small oil leak .. I just bought last week a 2011 328 xdrive like yours with 85,000 hope it's also reliable for me. How many miles on yours man?

[@Vision33r]

It's not terrible because any coolant is better than none. I would flush out the yellow or green ones and put some blue European car coolant or BMW coolant they are not that expensive.

[@stayvigilant7856]

@@Vision33r will do thanks for the tip!

[@rickbelieves7652]

You need to make sure you have the correct coolant. The correct coolant is designed to NOT react with the metals in the engine block. The wrong coolants can over time react with engine block metals.

[@northsidena9205]

@@rickbelieves7652 he is 100% correct if u want it to last use what they recommend

[@daboyy9295]

Love this car maintenance is a bit pricy tho.

[@Miguelsgarage]

Maintenance can be a pain point, but its cheaper than a newer one and I think these are better sized cars and drive better. The newer 3-series are too big in my opinion.

[@daboyy9295]

@@Miguelsgarage I agree I love my 328i , I’ve Spent over $2,000 So far on maintenance and parts since last year of October, the car has been running great since. Hoping for no more problems for a little while😎

[@imranabbasi7871]

👍

[@dayeboi]

Pretty thorough review but the 328i is definitely not a “sports car” and you forgot about the 335i which is a powerhouse.

[@ptown19929734]

Does your steering wheel feel hard when turning?

[@Miguelsgarage]

It feels heavy, but not hard. These cars are supposed to have a heavy steering wheel.

[@nickkaunang]

change the power steering fluid if it feels noticeably heavier

[@Mikefantasia22]

that's just BMW. You'll learn to Love it

[@HannanRKhan]

N52 engine?

[@sentoneYYC]

yup

[@user-gi6vs8fn1b]

Is it easy to detect when faulty?

[@Miguelsgarage]

Not always... Sometimes, critical sensors die without warning and can only be identified through diagnostics tools. Follow the steps I indicated in the video and when in doubt, get a PPI.

[@rudradevthacker]

Does this car come in diesel auto version?

[@Miguelsgarage]

Yes, they do! Very capable in diesel form as well!

[@Vision33r]

Cup holders truly sucked.

[@waynedudley6867]

2009 BMX 328ixdrive

[@waynedudley6867]

Sorry 2009 bmw 328ixdrive people say expensive to fix . Over ten years parts are cheap now and they don't break . Parts are cheap now.teo weeks ago front driveshaft went 350 for a quality driveshaft 250 to put it in. Other than that never saw an engine light. Fun to drive looks good . Screw a Honda and Toyota, but a BMW and enjoy all it has to offer

[@aymenskandrani6708]

Too spreaded, too much history, nice video but should have called the video 'history of 3 series'

[@Miguelsgarage]

I know, after a while I realized I gave too much detail 🤣 Thanks for taking the time to comment. Please consider subscribing if you haven’t. I appreciate it!

[@Sebastian_The_Great]

@@Miguelsgarageit was a bit lengthy but still interesting to to know about the history of BMW💯 great video man

[@janekbrat]

👍👍👍

[@ES-REDROT]

This is not a sports car bud.

[@jsweetsgetsfitjoeysweet330]

An automatic e90 is a waste

[@HenryTomasino1911]

Manual is annoying as fuck to me. And ive been driving manual since 17.

[@TheCrazycraig314]

What a hater

[@K24_FG2_Coupe]

agree got a manual one today