Buyer's checklist: E90 BMW 3 Series (2006–2013)

This checklist comes from a draft dossier that has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

What to look for on this generation, worst first. Tick each line as you check it.

Free while the site is being tested. Every line comes from the dossier and keeps its source, and the dossier itself stays free.

Look for 8

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Electric water pump and thermostat failuresAll yearsAsk when the water pump and thermostat were last replaced, and plan to do both if there is no record. Watch the temperature gauge and look for coolant leaks; Turner says the coolant should still be BMW's blue.^1,2,3,4
Oil leaks from the gasketsAll yearsLook for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and the oil pan, and under the car.^1,2,3,4
High-pressure fuel pump failureAll yearsAsk whether the high-pressure fuel pump has been replaced, and watch for long starts, stumbling or a warning light.^1,2
Wastegate rattleAll yearsListen for a rattle from the turbos when lifting off the throttle, and watch for power loss or smoke.^1,2
Leaking fuel injectorsAll yearsAsk about misfire codes and injector replacement. AutoGuide advises replacing all six together.^1,2
Starter motor failureAll yearsListen to it start from cold, and ask if the starter has been replaced.³
Air conditioning evaporatorAll yearsCheck the air conditioning blows cold.²
Hard ride on run-flat tyresAll yearsNote what tyres it is on, and judge the ride on a rough road.³

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A high-mileage N54 335i without recordsAll yearsAutoGuide warns that the 335i needs more than routine upkeep, especially past 100,000 miles, and Turner Motorsport says to assume any service without a record was not done. Two owners in one forum thread warn that its turbos are costly to replace.^2,1,3