20 MOST COMMON BMW E90/E92 Problems!

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Today I go over E90/E92 common drivetrain, exterior, interior problems.

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List of problems talked about in video
1. Aluminum Bolts And Fasteners
2. Broken Head Bolts
3. Valve Cover Gasket
4. Oil Filter Housing Gasket
5. Oil Separator Breather Hoses
6. Electric Water Pump/Thermostat
7. Cam Sensors
8. Ignition Coils
9. N54 Turbos
10. Turbo Engine Fuel Pumps
11. Carbon Buildup
12. High Pressure Injectors
13. N54 Stumble/Misfires
14. ZF Transmission Pan/Filter and Mechatronics Sleeve
15. Door Actuators
16. Cup Holders
17. Coupe Tail Light Connections
18. Electric Steering Lock
19. Aftermarket Stereo Options with Logic 7
20. Vanos Solenoids Disclaimer: The product links provided are often associated with an affiliate. When using any of the affiliate links I may get compensated for any products purchased using the link. This compensation does not affect my views on the product.

[markuscwatson]

Thanks so much for doing this!! I'm new to the e90 ownership world, so this is very useful for me. Here is a summary:

1) Aluminum bolts in engine bay
- '06 to '09, valve cover, oil filter housing, crank sensors, cam sensors, solenoids, oil pan, head, etc.

2) Oil filter housing gasket

3) Cam sensor vanot solenoids

4) Valve cover gasket

5) Water pump and thermostat

6) Oil separator hoses on intake manifold

7) Cabin filter assembly tabs and bolt holes

8) Ignition coils

9) Fuel pump and injectors and carbon buildup on intake valves (on 335)

10) Transmission
- zf6hp transmission has plastic oil pan has filter built-in so whole assembly needs to be replaced when filter/fluid change. Plastic is weaker. Clunk when downshifting from 2nd to 1st due to mechatronic rubber sleeve cracks.

11) Steering wheel lock electronic motor

12) Door lock actuators

13) Aftermarket stereos may not work with optic (logic 7) audio system
- may have to add another amp and do additional wiring. Not as plug-&-play friendly as basic HIFI systems.

14) Tail lights
- loose connections or bad ground

15) Ground clearance

[Samalyzer]

If I'm not mistaken, the engine blocks are a magnesium alloy, and aluminum bolts are used to keep from having a galvanic response, as you do with steel or SS. As a matter of fact, the factory replacement gaskets should be sized to extend outward from the junction, so as to prevent any water accumulation from completing a circuit and eating away at the block. The aluminum bolts are one-time use, and supposedly BMW doesn't recommend replacing them with a ferrous bolt.

[Jeriesaj]

But it drives like a BMW (for the lack of a better word) and that's gotta be worth something! I don't understand the people that want to own these cars and complain that they sometimes have to spend a "little" more on parts, labor, etc. All cars have problems and sometimes way worse than these mentioned in the video but for some reason, those other problems are forgiven, whereas BMWs have to be flawless. These cars drive incredibly well and offer so many amazing engineered touches that you don't think matter, but in reality make your driving experience so much better. If the driver doesn't value all of that, then obviously it's not the right car for him/her and he/she'll find it expensive to maintain, otherwise, i think it lives to its name, and is WELL worth the extra attention it may need from time to time if at all. Thanks for listening.

[jasonb]

Owned 3 versions of e9x before. On the latest e92 325i m sport, I’ve had a valve cover gasket leak (you have to replace whole the cover), water pump failure, wheel speed sensor, issues with front and rear suspension, sticky clutch. I’d highly recommend always having coolant and motor oil with you at all times or at least at home

[erikalvarez]

For the 335i, install solid rubber motor mounts and take care of ANY leaks no matter how small it may seem. These 2 jobs will help prevent your belt from being shredded and sucked into the engine through the crank seal. Oil soaking on the belt can cause this AND a bad or even aged mount can make the power steering pulley smack the sub frame and busting the pulley and shredding the belt to failure.

[reimarkallberg]

2006 E90 330i ~124k
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, oil filter housing gasket, 2 VANOS solenoids, spark plugs, ignition coils, all rotors + pads, cabin air filter, hood struts, trunk struts, wiper blades, tires, tint, chrome delete, after market grill, and new battery

Passenger adaptive headlight module + cover (the gasket inside the cover wears out and requires a new cover, usually happens after rain/snow)
Some of the fasteners for holding the brushed aluminum/faux wood tend to fall out and just require a new fastener.
The black trim around the center console/cup holders/steering wheel tends to fade easily.

These are what I have experienced in my 1½ years of ownership.

Everything I did myself with the exception of the oil pan gasket, because the sub frame has to be removed.

Overall a great, compact and fun vehicle to drive. Maintenance can be significantly cheaper if you DIY.

Note: There is no dipstick on these cars, and they do tend to burn a little oil. I'd recommend check your oil using the built in 'oil check' function in the steering wheel every so often

[ChewbaccaFetus]

n52 uses aluminum bolts not only for weight reduction (n52 weighs anywhere from 22 lbs. to 50 lbs. less than the m54) but also to prevent contact corrosion on the magnesium alloy components, also aluminum and magnesium essentially have the same expansion rate so they won't become loose over time. Magnesium alloys have the highest strength to weight ratio of all metals currently used industrially, so it adds strength as well as saving a lot of weight.

[pavlob]

On the 4 doors rear window regulators go out a lot as well.

[FSSNZ]

What a great video. Dude is charismatic enough while being super informative, this is quality automotive content.

[brighamallen]

Please more videos about E90/92!!! Thanks man

[based]

I love my e90. it turned me into a very good DIY mechanic. It keeps me busy every weekend

[DonPablo]

You've saved me from an expensive mistake. Good man.

[zemekiel]

You forgot to mention the seat belt butler on the e92.

[hwoodist]

I was thinking about picking up a used 3 series, thanks for the warning.

[cuttingedgecool]

This is the best BMW maintenance channel on YouTube!

[kennethwesley]

This guy is soo badass !!! Mechanics need to watch his videos lol

[tyronecurling]

This guy knows what he saying excellent coverage

[gabo]

Great information. This guy knows what he is talking about. I recommend to subscribe.

[husseinel-hajj]

Thanks a lot! Also the battery compartment tends to rust at its bottom leading to the positive wires connectors being rusted and eventually leading to a poor connection. I once saw a video of someone having a water pump issue and ordered one online, only to discover that a rusty connector near the battery (the thin red wire) was the culprit. So, if anyone has an E9x check that immediately and fix it as soon as possible to prevent any future problems..

[saganworshipper]

Just got my first BMW which is a 2008 E90 328xi 6spd manual with 80k miles and with all service history done at the dealer. It was also only owned by 1 previous person, which was a woman in her 50's, and I got it for $8k USD. Hope it lasts awhile without too many headaches. It's such a solid and fun car to drive!