BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series

Buyer's Guide

BMW E90/E91/E92/E93 3 Series

2005–2013

Written by Zach, an independent mechanic in the Pacific Northwest. Last reviewed . Spot a mistake? Tell me.

Overview

The E90 generation is where BMW went modern: turbocharged sixes, electric water pumps, and a lot more electronics. The 335i's N54 makes big power for the money and responds well to tuning, but it comes with a known list of fuel pump, injector, and wastegate problems. The naturally aspirated 328i is the dependable choice. The M3's 4.0L V8 is something special, and its rod bearings need attention. Buy on service records, not mileage.

Production
2006–2013
Built
~3.0 million worldwide
Price range
$8,000–$70,000+
Best years
2011–2013 (LCI facelift, refined engines)

What to Pay

Prices checked January 2026. Rough US market ranges. Location, history, and options move these a lot.

Project

$5,000–$10,000

High-mileage cars with deferred maintenance or known issues. N54 cars often need turbos.

Driver

$10,000–$20,000

Running well but with some wear. Budget for maintenance items. Many good 328i examples here.

Excellent

$20,000–$40,000

Well-maintained 335is or clean M3 examples with service history.

Concours

$40,000–$80,000+

Low-mileage M3 with documented maintenance. Manual transmission and desirable colors command premium.

Which One to Buy

325i / 328i

2006–2013

The naturally aspirated N52 3.0L six with 215–230 hp. Dependable and efficient, and the 328i is the easy everyday choice.

Desirability Medium

335i

2007–2013

The turbocharged 335i: the twin-turbo N54 through 2010, then the single twin-scroll N55, both rated at 300 hp. Huge potential, but more maintenance than the 328i.

Desirability High

335is

2011–2013

The N54 with 320 hp, extra cooling, a seven-speed DCT option, and M Sport styling. Coupe and convertible only, and a limited run.

Desirability High

M3 (E90/E92/E93)

2008–2013

The 4.0L S65 V8, 414 hp and an 8,400 rpm redline. Sedan, coupe, or convertible, with a six-speed manual or the DCT.

Desirability High

328xi / 335xi

2007–2013

All-wheel drive (called xi, then xDrive). Great in bad weather, but heavier and more complex.

Desirability Medium

Walk Away If…

  • N54 engine with unknown turbo or injector status
  • M3 without rod bearing service documentation
  • Check engine light with multiple codes
  • Overheating history
  • DCT transmission shudder or harsh engagement
  • Oil consumption over 1 quart per 1,000 miles
  • Missing maintenance records on high-mileage cars
  • Extensive tuning modifications without supporting upgrades

Pre-Purchase Inspection

What I'd check on any E90 before buying, with a rough cost if it's bad. Print it and take it with you.

Engine (N54 335i) 6 checks
  • High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Known failure point causing rough running and reduced power. Extended warranty covered many but not all. If bad: $500–1,000
  • Wastegate Rattle Turbos develop wastegate rattle, eventually requiring turbo replacement. Listen on cold start. If bad: $2,000–4,000 for turbo replacement
  • Injector Leaks Fuel injectors can develop leaks causing rough running and codes. Index 12+ injectors preferred. If bad: $800–1,500
  • Charge Pipe Plastic charge pipe can crack under boost, especially with tune. Aftermarket aluminum recommended. If bad: $300–500
  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Extremely common leak point on N54 and N55. Check for oil around the filter housing. If bad: $400–700
  • Valve Cover Gasket Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket are common with age. If bad: $400–800
Engine (S65 M3) 4 checks
  • Rod Bearings The S65 V8 has known rod bearing wear issues, especially with track use. Check service records. If bad: $3,000–5,000 preventative / Engine if failed
  • Throttle Actuators The individual throttle bodies can fail. Check for codes and rough running. If bad: $1,500–3,000
  • VANOS Complex variable valve timing system can develop issues. Listen for rattle. If bad: $1,500–3,000
  • Oil Consumption Some S65 engines consume oil. Check level and ask about consumption rate. If bad: Monitor and top up regularly
Cooling & Electrical 5 checks
  • Water Pump (Electric) Electric water pump can fail without warning. Common on all E90 engines. If bad: $500–900
  • Thermostat Electric thermostat fails, causing overcooling or overheating. If bad: $200–400
  • Ignition Coils Coil packs fail causing misfires. Usually replaced in sets. If bad: $200–400 for set
  • Battery Registration E90 requires battery registration when replaced. Verify proper charging. If bad: $50–100 for registration
  • iDrive System If equipped, check iDrive controller and screen functionality. If bad: $500–1,500
Suspension & Drivetrain 4 checks
  • Control Arm Bushings Front control arm bushings wear causing clunking and vague steering. If bad: $400–700
  • Rear Trailing Arm Bushings RTAB wear affects handling and causes tire wear. If bad: $300–500
  • DCT Transmission (M3) The dual-clutch M DCT requires fluid service. Check for shudder or harsh shifts. If bad: $300 for service / $3,000+ for repair
  • Differential Output Seals Rear differential can develop leaks. Check for oil on the inside of rear wheels. If bad: $300–500
Body & Interior 4 checks
  • Rust (Minimal) E90s are better galvanized than predecessors, but check rockers and wheel wells. If bad: Varies
  • Headlight Lenses Plastic headlight lenses yellow and haze with age. If bad: $100–300 for restoration
  • Door Seals Check for wind noise indicating worn seals. If bad: $200–400
  • Sport Seat Bolsters Sport seat bolsters wear on driver's side entry point. If bad: $300–800 for reupholstery

Worth Paying Extra For

  • Manual transmission (6-speed)
  • Service records showing major maintenance completed
  • N55 engine over N54 for improved reliability (335i)
  • M3 with documented rod bearing service
  • M Sport package for enhanced styling and suspension
  • Coupe (E92) body style for best looks
  • LCI facelift models (2011+) for refinements
  • Lower mileage examples—these are complex cars
  • Colors like Le Mans Blue, Interlagos Blue, or Jerez Black M3
  • Working iDrive and premium sound if equipped

Running Costs

Insurance
$1,200–2,500/year (M3 higher)
Annual maintenance
$1,500–3,500 for regular service
Common repairs
$1,000–2,500/year typical (N54/M3 higher)
Fuel economy
18–26 MPG depending on model

Before You Buy

  • The 328i with the N52 is the most dependable daily driver of the bunch.
  • The N54 335i is a tuner's dream if you keep up with its maintenance.
  • The N55 335i (2011 on) fixed many of the N54's problems. It's the better pick for a daily driver.
  • On an M3, rod bearings aren't optional. Confirm they've been done or budget for them right away.
  • The S65 V8 is one of the best engines BMW has built, and worth the upkeep.
  • Electric water pumps fail with little warning, so a lot of owners replace them preventively.
  • BMW's extended HPFP warranty has expired on almost every car. Ask whether the pump has been updated.
  • The 335is adds power and extra cooling to the N54. Rare and desirable.
  • The M3's DCT is excellent when maintained, but the manual is more engaging.
  • Budget for bushings and control arms. At this age they're due.

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