BMW 3er E90
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
420 PS
4.0L V8 Benzin
V8 saloon with DKG — daily weapon with high-rev heart
Fun to Drive!420 PS
4.0L V8 Benzin
10 weaknesses
Stay Away!Body Variants
The BMW 3er E90 is available as Limousine and Touring and Coupé and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:
Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 3er E90 is available with 13 engine variants — from 90 to 420 hp. 10 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The BMW 316d (Diesel, 116–122 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N47D20 (2009–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2009–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 316d!
The BMW 318d (Diesel, 121–143 PS) comes with 5 different engines: N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 318d!
The BMW 320d (Diesel, 177–200 PS) comes with 3 different engines: N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N47D20 (2010–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 320d!
The BMW 325d (Diesel, 197–211 PS) comes with 4 different engines: N57D30 (2006–2010, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2006–2010, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2010–2012, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2010–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 325d!
The BMW 330d (Diesel, 204–231 PS) comes with 3 different engines: M57TUD30 (2005–2008, Stay Away!) und N57D30 (2008–2012, Be Careful) und N57D30 (2008–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 330d!
The BMW 335d (Diesel, 286 PS) has the M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.
The BMW 318i (Benziner, 129–150 PS) comes with 6 different engines: N46B20 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N46B20 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N46B20 (2005–2012, Be Careful) und N46B20 (2005–2012, Be Careful) und N43B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N43B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 318i!
The BMW 320i (Benziner, 150–173 PS) comes with 6 different engines: N46B20 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N46B20 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N43B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N43B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N20B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N20B20 (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 320i!
The BMW 323i (Benziner, 170–190 PS) comes with 3 different engines: N52B25 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2005–2007, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2005–2012, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 323i!
The BMW 325i (Benziner, 204–218 PS) comes with 6 different engines: N52B25 (2005–2010, Be Careful) und N52B25 (2005–2010, Be Careful) und N52B30 (2006–2012, Be Careful) und N52B30 (2006–2012, Be Careful) und N53B25 (2007–2012, Stay Away!) und N53B25 (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 325i!
The BMW 330i (Benziner, 258–272 PS) comes with 2 different engines: N52B30 (2005–2012, Be Careful) und N53B30 (2007–2012, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 330i!
The BMW 335i (Benziner, 306 PS) has the N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 11 known weaknesses.
The BMW M3 GTS (Benziner, 450 PS) has the S65B40 (4.0L V8) — rated: "Stay Away!", 10 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rear suspension springs break Rear suspension springs break frequently — a well-known MOT failure point. Especially E91 Touring and older examples from around 100,000 km. Spring seats also rust. Symptoms: Rear of car sags, clunking over bumps, car sits crooked when stationary. from 100,000 km | Medium | |
| Control arm rubber bushings worn Control arm bushings and joints wear from around 100,000 km. Aluminium wishbones on the front axle are a typical wear item. Full arm from 200 €, bushings from 10–50 € each. Symptoms: Clicking and cracking when steering or braking, unsettled handling, vague steering on corner entry. from 100,000 km | Medium |
Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
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Mittelklasse (2011–2018)
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Audi A7 4G
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Audi RS5 8T
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Kia Optima TF
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Mazda 5 CW
Mittelklasse (2010–2015)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 142 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 3er E90 (2005–2013) — 135 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. 11 problem engines: M54B22 (2.2L 24V), M47D20 (2.0L Diesel), M47TUD20 (2.0L Diesel), M57TUD30 (3.0L Diesel Biturbo), S65B40 (4.0L V8), N43B20 (2.0L DI), N53B25 (2.5L DI), N53B30 (3.0L DI), N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Suspension, Body, Rust, Electronics.
3er (M47TUD20, 2001–2006) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches, Swirl flaps break off and fall into the engine, Cylinder head cracks (M47TU variant). Power: 150 PS.
3er (M47D20, 2003–2006) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretches, Turbocharger bearing failure, Swirl flap screws come loose. Power: 121–132 PS.
3er (M57TUD30, 2005–2008) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 231 PS.
3er (M57TUD30, 2006–2011) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Swirl flaps break off (known risk), EGR cooler leaking — fire risk (recall). Power: 286 PS.
3er (N57D30, 2006–2010) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 197–204 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 136–150 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 177–184 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 136–143 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 116–126 PS.
3er (N57D30, 2008–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 197–211 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2009–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 116–122 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2010–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 200 PS.
3er (N57D30, 2010–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 204–211 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 116–121 PS.
3er (N47D20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 177–190 PS.
3er (N57D30, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain breaks / guide rails shatter, Connecting rod / main bearing damage at high mileage, EGR cooler leak — coolant loss. Power: 258–265 PS.
3er (B47D20, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 116–122 PS.
3er (M54B22, 2000–2006) — Stay Away!: DISA flap valve defective, DISA valve defective, Crankcase ventilation / air leak. Power: 163–170 PS.
3er (M54B25, 2000–2006) — Be Careful: DISA valve defective, Electric thermostat defective, Crankcase ventilation — membrane tear. Power: 190–192 PS.
3er (M54B30, 2000–2006) — Be Careful: DISA valve defective, Double-VANOS O-rings worn, Piston rings coked — high oil consumption. Power: 231 PS.
3er (N46B20, 2005–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Valvetronic eccentric shaft / actuator motor defective, VANOS solenoid valve defective. Power: 129–136 PS.
3er (N46B20, 2005–2007) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Valvetronic eccentric shaft / actuator motor defective, VANOS solenoid valve defective. Power: 143–156 PS.
3er (N46B20, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched / chain tensioner defective, Valvetronic eccentric shaft / actuator motor defective, VANOS solenoid valve defective. Power: 129–143 PS.
3er (N52B25, 2005–2007) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 170 PS.
3er (N52B25, 2005–2010) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 211–218 PS.
3er (N52B25, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure, Oil filter housing gasket leaking — oil in coolant. Power: 190–192 PS.
3er (N52B30, 2005–2012) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 258 PS.
3er (N52B30, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Electric water pump defective, Oil filter housing gasket — oil into coolant, Eccentric shaft sensor (Valvetronic) failure. Power: 211–218 PS.
3er (N54B30, 2006–2010) — Stay Away!: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, Injector failure (index < 10), Turbocharger bearing failure. Power: 306 PS.
3er (N43B20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched — critical issue, Timing chain stretches — guide rails crumble, Piezo injectors wearing out — full set replacement required. Power: 136–150 PS.
3er (N43B20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain stretched — critical issue, Timing chain stretches — guide rails crumble, Piezo injectors wearing out — full set replacement required. Power: 163–173 PS.
3er (N53B25, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Piezo injectors defective (chronic issue), Electric water pump defective, High-pressure pump defective. Power: 204–211 PS.
3er (N53B30, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Piezo injectors defective (index-dependent), Electric water pump defective, High-pressure pump defective. Power: 272 PS.
3er (N20B20, 2007–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 170–173 PS.
3er (S65B40, 2010–2013) — Stay Away!: Connecting rod bearings — clearance too tight from factory, Throttle body actuators — plastic gears break, VANOS hub covers — plastic breaks and blocks oil strainer. Power: 450 PS.
3er (N13B16, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretch, Turbo oil supply line — O-rings defective, Piston rings and valve stem seals worn. Power: 116–122 PS.
3er (N20B20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 184 PS.
3er (N20B20, 2012–2015) — Stay Away!: Timing chain and oil pump chain, Electric water pump failure, Oil pump chain / oil pump sprocket defective. Power: 245–252 PS.
3er (N55B30, 2012–2015) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 306 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW 3er? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 3er E90 have? +
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Which BMW 3er E90 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 3er E90 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee