Top 5 Problems BMW 330i Sedan 5th Generation 2005-2011

These are the top 5 problems with the 5th generation BMW 3 Series Sedan, which you can find in model years 2005 to 2011, also known as the E90. In this video, Andy points out the most common problems with the 3 series, specifically with our 330i, and gives you tips and suggestions on how you can solve those problems yourself!

Check out this playlist for more great videos from Andy and the other 1A Auto mechanics!
0:00 Top Problems BMW 330i Sedan 5th Gen (E90) 2005-2011
0:14 Oil Leaks
0:35 Struts & Shocks
1:16 Blower Motor & Resistor
1:52 Ignition Coils
2:10 VVT Solenoids

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video*
√ *Do it Yourself*
√ *Save Money*

[kasperpaisa]

My hearts says BMW, my brain says Lexus.

[masterb]

Common misconception...BMW's aren't money pits. You just have to do your homework and make sure you get one that has been looked after properly, if not buying from new.

My last 4 BMW's have been problem free for this reason. Just the usual maintenance.

The problem is with the owner, not the car.

[Rumblingbelly]

I have owned a 2009 330i LCI sedan for 13 years and in this time I have had to replace:
cylinder head cover and oil pan gaskets due to oil leaks
6 ignition coils, 12 ignition plugs, 9 fuel injectors, 1 NOx sensor due to engine misbehaving during idle or acceleration
2 new springs at front, all 4 shock absorbers due to one spring at front breaking
1 new battery due to original battery losing power. Original battery lasted from 2009 to 2024.
Changing all 6 injectors cost 4100 euros. 1 NOx sensor cost 670 euros.

[onecrazyguyful]

You did not mention the valve stem seals failure, which would cause the oil burning issue. Very common for N46, N52, N53, N54, N55 engines. Just FYI

[johnnypolex]

Contrary to what a lot of people are saying about these cars. This e90 in particular is actually very reliable, smooth, fun and looks pretty handsome

This one in the video looks to be a northern vehicle due to the rusty suspension. The shocks on my e90 and e82 feel brand new after 165k on original shocks on both cars. The coil packs also lasted about 150k from original on both my e82 and f30. The water pumps are still good after 160-165k on my e82 and f30.

The valve cover gaskets go bad on every car due to heat cycling of rubbers. I usually replace them every 80k or so at about $25 in quality seals.

The blower motor does go bad but diy is very simple. Same w/ rear window regulator on the e90, $25 & 15 mins. Just change the oil at least every 7500 miles and don’t let oil leaks destroy other rubber items below it and you’re golden for 98% of these e90/e82 N52 powered cars

Also, these N52 engines last 250-300k w/ basically just 7500 mile oil changes

[jamsbong]

That engine there is covered in grease and dirt. This shows it is leaking on all the common gaskets. If it doesn't leak oil - it is not a BMW!

[marie.s]

Great presentation! I own this model. Still drive it to the work🏨💉. I love it, I will drive this car until it all falls apart. The mechanics maintaining it are so surprised why my Bimmer looks so pristine.

[jasonknowledge]

Sounds a whole lot like the 5 series from those same model years

[monteggooverman]

I just bought a 2006 BMW 330xi and I think it needs back struts and shocks just like you said the back of the car is swaying back and forth

[miketjoeng]

what about the Chain or the chain tensioner ? aren't those issues as well of these engines ?

[apexseeker]

Hopefully the comments saying these cars are junk will help keep the prices low.

[jackwebber]

I'm looking for a fast cheap car around the £5000 mark. Would this car be recommended or is the age something I should avoid and go for a 2012 3 series?

[jenniferbenson]

What would you suggest if only the driver side vents are blowing cold air? All other vents are hot. I have an 06 330i and in Fl 🥲 help me out pls!

[DandyWaves]

So these new cars are good its just them cheaping out on gaskets and seals even when the vehicle gets massive markups..

[grantjones]

I had one of these.. for 6 months before it blew on me. Already dumped about 3k in it too.

[garrettkelsey]

What would cause car to buck at 5k rpm 06 330i

[mrporsche]

The n52 is a beautiful engine and one of bmws most reliable. But it has problems. Unfortunately bmw mercedes audi porsche etc are not reliable brands bin fact they sit at the bottom of all car brands for reliability. This is not an opinion but fact

[Give_Me_LIBERTY_]

GARBAGE CAR. total JUNK.
I got my 2011 with 30000 miles on it, and immediately had an oil leak, head cover gasket. And then the handles on the interior door pulls on the passenger doors, all of them... The soft-touch rubber turns to gum and sticks to your hands..! Oh, and the trim around the outside of the doors... Junk.
LED readout for the radio... Junk.

These cars are DESIGNED to fall apart.

[qq]

Don't buy this cars
Most of them never maintained correctly