BMW 3 E90-E93

Despite McPherson on the front axle (back multi-link), thanks to careful design work – perfect weight distribution along the 50:50 axles, accurate steering and a magnificent gearbox – the “three” has become an unsurpassed “tool” for fast and safe cornering. It also offers a level of comfort, not counting the sporty M3 and M3 GTS.

Review

Despite McPherson on the front axle (back multi-link), thanks to careful design work – perfect weight distribution along the 50:50 axles, accurate steering and a magnificent gearbox – the “three” has become an unsurpassed “tool” for fast and safe cornering. It also offers a level of comfort, not counting the sporty M3 and M3 GTS. The market is dominated by sedans with the factory designation E90. Elegant and dynamic body slightly spoil the rear lights of the pre-restyling model associated with the European Chevrolet Lanos. If you are interested in family car options, or you plan to make long trips, and on weekends ski, then you need to look at the version of the station wagon - e91. The trunk volume is the same as in the sedan - 460 liters. However, access to it is easier and the window of the trunk door can be opened separately. The E92 Coupe is more expensive than the sedan and wagon. There are only two people in the back row. However, contrary to expectations, it is quite convenient even for people a little over 180 cm tall. Landing and disembarking are not too difficult. The electric seat belt system is used for the driver and front passenger. Many coupes were brought from other markets: the vast majority from the US. The fourth and latest version of the BMW 3 body is a solid and neat E93 convertible with a hard top. An inexperienced motorist can easily confuse it with the coupe E92. The capacity of a four-seater car is comparable to a coupe. The popularity of the convertible is very low.

Engines

For the “three” offered more than 20 different engines with a capacity of 115 hp in 316d to 450 hp in the M3 GTS (4.4 V8). The weakest gasoline engine develops 116 hp in 316i (1.6), the most powerful diesel - 286 hp in 335d (3.0 R6). Everyone can find a car with an engine to their liking. However, in the future, fans of the brand can be disappointed.

Gasoline engines

4-cylinder units of the N45 series often suffer from a weakening of the timing system drive chain, which can jump to several links. BMW has made a number of improvements, but completely get rid of the problem and failed. The N46 (318i and 320i) with the Valvetronic system sometimes consumes 1.5-2 liters per 1000 km of oil. The problem is most often observed in units using a different oil than prescribed - Castrol SLX 5W-30. With other oil, piston rings wear out faster. Sometimes the problem of oil can be solved by replacing oil caps. The cost of the procedure is more than 40 000 rubles. From time to time, the Valvetronic sickle drive (systems for smooth change of the intake valves) is handed over. Failures in operation can be caused by loss of power as a result of corrosion of the contact of the plus wire. The engine of the sedan 320 si (173 hp /N45 B20A) 2005-2006 adopted the technology of racing units. It often suffers from cracks in the thin walls of adjacent cylinders. High-forced engine is almost not repairable. A new block with pistons is more expensive than 100,000 rubles. Engines with mileage in normal condition on the market is almost not found. The new N43, unlike the N46, does not use the Valvetronic system, but instead receives direct fuel injection. The cold engine works with a characteristic sound, which some mistaken for the noise of the chain drive timing system. However, the chain of the timing system here, as in the N46, exemplary durable can not be called. N52 (323i, 325i, 330i) is prone to increased oil consumption from birth. Oily appetite only grows with age.

Diesel engines

The 2-liter N47 series turbo diesels (316d, 318d and 320d since September 2007) feature a gentle timing system drive chain. There are two of them. In the worst case, the upper chain - the drive camshafts can break. The cost of original spare parts (other are not recommended) is about 10 000 rubles, work - about 40 000 rubles. The circuits are located on the back of the engine, so the unit must be removed to replace it. A side effect is the wear of the drive star on the crankshaft. Despite a number of improvements, the defect was not completely eliminated. The N47 has non-repairable piezoelectric injectors that are sensitive to fuel quality. The turbocharger for this engine is manufactured in Mitsubishi. After 100,000 km, the turbine axis sometimes collapses. In addition, the turbocharger control unit may fail, which changes only in the assembly with the turbine. Sometimes cracks occur between the cylinders in the N47. The defect will be indicated by a slow leak of cooling liquid. If you need a 4-cylinder turbodiesel, it is better to look for options with the “old” M47D20. But finding a well-groomed specimen with such an engine will be very difficult. Turbodiesels of 2005-2006 release often suffer from oil leaks from the intake manifold. The chain drive of the old M57 may require replacement after 200,000 km. In addition, there is a risk of breakage of the valves in the intake manifold, which can lead to damage to the engine. The worst thing is that there are no alarming symptoms. The only way to avoid problems is to disassemble the intake manifold and check the flaps.

Transmission

The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic ZF 6HP or GM GA6L45R, as well as a 6-speed manual transmission. The resource of the two-mass flywheel is just over 200,000 km.

Both automatic transmissions are quite reliable and, as a rule, do not cause problems up to 200-250 thousand km. From the tremors or kicks that appear, it is often possible to get rid of after adapting the box or updating its software.

Nevertheless, for the desire to experience the drive after 100-150 thousand km have to pay for wear of the hydraulic transformer and bushings, frictions, solenoids and hydroblock. One of the indispensable conditions for the survivability of the machine is the change of oil every 60,000 km.

Mostly all BMW 3 Series have rear-wheel drive, but there are also all-wheel drive units with the xDrive system. The electronically controlled interaxial multi-plate clutch allows you to redistribute all the force on one axle, including only on the front. Under normal conditions, 60% of the torque is transferred to the rear wheels.

Episodic failures in the transmission occur as a result of failure of the dispensing servo drive. The rear gearbox can sound through 150-200 thousand km due to wear of cone bearings. After 200-250 thousand km, it is necessary to change the crosses and the support of the driveshaft - about 15 000 rubles.

Walking

The BMW E90 suspension, compared to the E46, is better – it is stronger and cheaper to repair. If the front suspension was needed in the e46 already after 70-80 thousand km, then in the BMW e90 it reached 120-150 thousand km. However, the thrusts of the front stabilizer could have run out much earlier.

On the rear axis, weakness manifests itself after 100,000 km - floating Silent blocks. They start creaking when dry and subside when dampness appears outside. The new part costs about 5 000 rubles. The remaining elements last a long time.

The rear wheels of the BMW 3 are installed with a small blockage inside – a house. This increases the stability of the car at high speeds. However, such geometry causes rapid wear of the rear tires, especially the interior of the tread.

Before buying, you need to check the condition of the steering rack. Its replacement can cost about 30 000 rubles. After 200-250 thousand km, sometimes the pump of GUR is handed over (from 16 000 rubles).

The braking system is quite hardy, but it may take 12,000 rubles to update it. Sometimes the vacuum pump fails, which will be indicated by extraneous noise. For the new pump will ask for at least 12 000 rubles.

Other problems and malfunctions

Unfortunately, in the cabin, traces of wear are quite common. So the scuffs on the steering wheel appear after 80 000 km, while in the e46 they were observed only after 250-300 thousand km. But almost nothing is known about corrosion until today.

Water in the cabin may appear due to unstuck noise insulation under the upholstery of the door. To eliminate the defect, the noise insulation must be well pasted.

Problems with heating in the winter (after 120-180 thousand km) may occur due to the failure of additional pumps (7,000 rubles for the original). The weak point of the air conditioning system is the tube along the spar at the front right wheel. She's rotting. The cost of a new highway is from 5 000 rubles. After 100-150 thousand km, the bearing of the compressor clutch sometimes begins to make noise.

With age, the locking mechanism of the side mirrors wears out. As a result, the mirror body turns during unfolding. Dealers suggested changing the knot entirely. Fortunately, inexpensive repairs are possible.

Electricity and electronics

Small electrical faults are quite numerous. Outages are often caused by battery drainage or poor nutrition. For example, under the trunk, the contact of the plus wire is bent, and in the fuse block (behind the glove compartment) the contact of the plus wire is melted. Interruptions in the central lock and outdoor lighting are the result of the failure of the FRM unit. The block must be reprogrammed, for which the profile service will ask 6-10 thousand rubles. One of the typical problems of the E91 station wagon is that the radio stops catching the radio, and the central lock does not respond to the remote control. This means that the antenna in the trunk lid has broken. For a replacement in an independent service will ask about 2 000 rubles, and the antenna itself costs about 10 000 rubles. Another typical problem of the same wagon is damage to the electric tourniquet of the trunk lid. It's just too short. In a good workshop, it can be lengthened for 2,000 rubles. Worse, when the damage occurred inside, then the cost of repair increases to 5,000 rubles. A surprise could be a locked steering wheel. Usually, a yellow steering indicator warns about an impending problem, then it lights up in red. But since it is still possible to drive a car, many people postpone visiting the service until the steering wheel finally locks. In the oldest BMW 3 of this generation (until 2006), software updates often help (about 5,000 rubles). If it does not help, you will have to replace the electronic card. Xenon lamps are far from eternal.

Model history

• December 2004 - the start of production of the E90 sedan with gasoline engines: 2.0 liter (129 hp / 318i; 150 hp / 320i), 2.5 R6 (218 hp, 325i), 3.0 R6 (258 hp, 330i), diesel 2.0 (163 hp, 320d);

• 2005 - Touring Wagon (wagon) E91 and all-wheel drive versions 325xi, 330xi, 330xd; petrol versions with engines: 1.6 (116 hp, 316i), 2.0 (129 hp, 318i), 2.0 (173 hp, 320si); diesel versions with 2.0 engines (122 hp, 318d), 3.0 R6 (231 hp, 330d);

• 2006 - two-door coupe E92, petrol versions with an engine: 3.0 R6 (306 hp biturbo, 335i), diesel versions with engines 3.0 R6 (197 hp, 325d), 3.0 R6 (286 hp biturbo, 335d);

• December 2006 – production of the E93 convertible begins;

• 2007 — M3 sedan and coupe with a 4.0 V8 engine (420 hp); petrol versions with 2.0 (136 hp or 143 hp, 318i), 2.0 (156 hp or 170 hp, 320i), 3.0 R6 (218 hp, 325i), 3.0 R6 (272 hp, 330i); diesel versions with 2.0 (143 hp, 318d), 2.0 (177 hp, 320d), 3.0 R6 twin-turbo (286 hp, 335d).

• 2008 - restyling of the sedan and station wagon, M3 convertible, 1.6 liter petrol engine (122 hp, 316i) diesel engine 3.0 R6 (245 hp, 330d);

• 2010 - restyling coupe and convertible, version of the M3 GTS with V8 4.4 engine (450 hp), 2.0-liter diesel engine (115 hp, 316d), 2.0 (163 hp, 184 hp, 320d), 3.0 R6 (204 hp, 325d);

• October 2011 - production of the E90 sedan is completed;

• June 2012 - Production of the E91 station wagon is discontinued;

• 2013 - production of the E92 coupe (June) and E93 convertible (October) is discontinued.

Review

• If you are interested in family car options, or you plan to make long trips, and on weekends ski, then you need to look at the version of the station wagon - e91.

Gasoline engines

• BMW has made a number of improvements, but completely get rid of the problem and failed.
• The problem is most often observed in units using a different oil than prescribed - Castrol SLX 5W-30.
• Sometimes the problem of oil can be solved by replacing oil caps.
• Failures in operation can be caused by loss of power as a result of corrosion of the contact of the plus wire.
• It often suffers from cracks in the thin walls of adjacent cylinders.
• High-forced engine is almost not repairable.
• In some cases, they refuse after 70-80 thousand km.
• In both engines, the oil quickly degrades, sludge is formed, which clogs the lubrication channels, accelerating the wear of the turbocharger and the engine itself.

Diesel engines

• The cost of original spare parts (other are not recommended) is about 10 000 rubles, work - about 40 000 rubles.
• The circuits are located on the back of the engine, so the unit must be removed to replace it.
• A side effect is the wear of the drive star on the crankshaft.
• The N47 has non-repairable piezoelectric injectors that are sensitive to fuel quality.
• After 100,000 km, the turbine axis sometimes collapses.
• In addition, the turbocharger control unit may fail, which changes only in the assembly with the turbine.
• Sometimes cracks occur between the cylinders in the N47.
• The only way to avoid problems is to disassemble the intake manifold and check the flaps.

Transmission

• Both automatic transmissions are quite reliable and, as a rule, do not cause problems up to 200-250 thousand km.
• km have to pay for wear of the hydraulic transformer and bushings, frictions, solenoids and hydroblock.
• One of the indispensable conditions for the survivability of the machine is the change of oil every 60,000 km.
• Episodic failures in the transmission occur as a result of failure of the dispensing servo drive.
• The rear gearbox can sound through 150-200 thousand km due to wear of cone bearings. After 200-250 thousand.

Walking

• The BMW E90 suspension, compared to the E46, is better – it is stronger and cheaper to repair.
• If the E46 repair front suspension was necessary after 70-80 thousand.
• However, such geometry causes rapid wear of the rear tires, especially the interior of the tread.
• Before buying, you need to check the condition of the steering rack.
• Its replacement can cost about 30 000 rubles. In 200,000 to 250,000.
• Sometimes the vacuum pump fails, which will be indicated by extraneous noise.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Unfortunately, in the cabin, traces of wear are quite common.
• So the scuffs on the steering wheel appear after 80 000 km, while in the e46 they were observed only after 250-300 thousand km.
• But almost nothing is known about corrosion until today.
• To eliminate the defect, noise insulation must be well pasted.
• Heating problems in winter (after 120-180 thousand)
• km) may occur due to the failure of additional pumps (7,000 rubles per original).
• The weak point of the air conditioning system is the tube along the spar at the front right wheel. She's rotting.
• As a result, the mirror body turns during unfolding. Dealers suggested changing the knot entirely. Fortunately, inexpensive repairs are possible.

Electricity and electronics

• Small electrical faults are quite numerous.
• For example, under the trunk, the contact of the plus wire is bent, and in the fuse block (behind the glove compartment) the contact of the plus wire is melted.
• Interruptions in the central lock and outdoor lighting are the result of the failure of the FRM unit.
• The block must be reprogrammed, for which the profile service will ask 6-10 thousand rubles.
• One of the typical problems of the E91 station wagon is that the radio stops catching the radio, and the central lock does not respond to the remote control.
• Another typical problem of the same wagon is damage to the electric tourniquet of the trunk lid. It's just too short.
• Worse, when the damage occurred inside, then the cost of repair increases to 5,000 rubles.
• Usually, a yellow steering indicator warns about an impending problem, then it lights up in red.

The BMW 3 e90 is not just a technical extension of the popular e46. Many elements, such as suspension and electronics, were designed from scratch. It should be remembered that the longevity of the car is interrelated with the care of the owner. But the depth of custody of the previous owners can only guess.

• Despite McPherson on the front axle (back multi-link), thanks to careful design - the perfect weight distribution along the 50:50 axles, accurate steering and a magnificent gearbox - the "three" has become an unsurpassed "tool" for fast and safe cornering.
• Engines: For the “three” offered more than 20 different engines with a capacity of 115 hp in 316d to 450 hp in the M3 GTS (4. 4 V8).
• Transmission: Both automatic transmissions are quite reliable and, as a rule, do not cause problems up to 200-250 thousand km.
• Chasing: The BMW E90 suspension, compared to the E46, is better – it is stronger and cheaper to repair.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Unfortunately, in the cabin, traces of wear are quite common.
• Electrical and Electronics: Small electrical faults are quite numerous.
• Model history: - December 2004 - the start of production of the E90 sedan with gasoline engines: 2.0 liter (129 hp / 318i; 150 hp / 320i), 2.5 R6 (218 hp, 325i), 3.0 R6 (258 hp, 330i), diesel engine 2.0 (163 hp).

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