how reliable are the e90's compared to the e46's?

[bmw325i4ever]

i sold my e46 and currently have a dodge but im looking at buying another bmw again. ive been looking at a e90 2006 330i. not sure if its a bad idea to get the model that came out first in 2006 or not. i know all the problems and things that go wrong on the e46's but im curious as to how reliable they are compared to the e90's. any opinions?

[mryakan]

The e90 is more reliable in general. The MY06 e90 is not any less reliable than any other MY. Browse the e90 section for more info on specific reliability issues.

[ptarditi]

They had exhaust lifter noise issues but if you don't hear any noise now that shouldn't be an issue, the electric water pump and thermostat are a pain to change, kind of expensive but you can find them cheaper if you look, I would personally ditch the run flats and get a donut spare to keep for emergencies, if you want to keep the runflats, then try something different then turanzas I feel that low profiles also make the ride truck like. Rough running issues are generally ignition coils, but I think the cars are generally more reliable then the e46 as far as the pain issues like crank case vent and cooling system.

[Achtung911]

well they dont have dip sticks, everything is run by a computer. so if a sensor fails that can be catastrophic if you know what i mean... IE not having a manual way of double checking

[mryakan]

well they dont have dip sticks, everything is run by a computer. so if a sensor fails that can be catastrophic if you know what i mean... IE not having a manual way of double checking

I have yet to see a catastrophic failure due to a failing sensor on here. And since most people do not check manually on a regular basis, it makes it a moot point. If anything, all the electronics and sensors have made the cars somewhat more reliable since it notifies the average Joes of issues and us in their face.

[dross87]

The Non N54 E90s are very reliable. I work in an independent shop and we have seen less N52 E90 cars with drivability concerns then E46 models. Also, little issues with window motors and regulators seem to be non existent in the e90 cars. As is goes with any bimmer though, I would not recommend buying one without a warranty.

[kornkid8600]

well they dont have dip sticks, everything is run by a computer. so if a sensor fails that can be catastrophic if you know what i mean... IE not having a manual way of double checking

The sensor has a sensor.

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[princwendt]

I work in an independent shop and we have seen less N52 E90 cars with drivability concerns then E46 models.http://www.dvxs.info/11a.jpg

[thecj]

While I can see how this would be better for the average Joe, I think I am safe to assume most people on this board are enthusiasts that actually want to feel connected to the car, and for me that means checking the oil with every fill up, just to be safe, and checking for leaks while I'm there. There isn't a better use of the 3-4 min for a fill up than making sure everything engine wise is tip top!

I have to say I like the body of the E46 more than the E90, but that's all preferences.

[mryakan]

enthusiasts that actually want to feel connected to the car, and for me that means checking the oil with every fill up, just to be safe,
:confused. Connected and checking the oil? You are mixing up your metaphors!
If the car takes 7 qts, and you add 7 qts without spilling any and there are no visible leaks, then the car has 7 in it. If you do not trust the sensors, you gotta at least trust math.

[dross87]

There is an option in the gauge pod that allows you to check the oil level.

I am an enthusiast and I like this feature. Hit a button (even with the engine running) as opposed to open the hood, get a rag, pull the dip stick, wipe the dipstick, reinsert the dipstick, and recheck the dipstick after allowing the engine oil to settle.

I think that the E92 is the best looking Bimmer. It is the last body style of the original BMW lead designer (before retiring).

[jhenty]

e90 is quite a bit more reliable despite all the technology we (techs) thought would sabotage it. Even the suspension lasts significantly longer. Less electronics the better, seems we deal with more entertainment system issues than anything else. Electric water pump and t-stat WILL fail at some point but not too big a deal, go figure bmw cooling systems and electronics in one device. The engines are great, occasional valve cover gasket leaks which are more complicated to replace than m54s. I prefer the general look and feel of e46 better but can't deny e90s are miles more reliable. This is all speaking mostly for the n52 motor, n54s are a nightmare in general but after the bugs are sorted out seem to do pretty well. That all being said the e46 is a little more user friendly to work on.

[catch22]

Never buy an intro model bmw. Steering lock failure. Head on the e90 section and look it up.

[mryakan]

Never buy an intro model bmw. Steering lock failure. Head on the e90 section and look it up.
Actually, the e90 seems to be the exception to that rule. That is about the only failure that these cars have in the 1st MY not common in the rest of the MYs. So yeah, head on over to the e90 section and see how many people are happy with their MY06 BMWs. Very few exceptions exist.