What to Look for When Buying a Used E90?

[NicAntoli]

Hi guys, I've started actively looking for an '08 E90 M3 but I don't want to end up getting one that has hidden problems. I found a general used car inspection guide which is helpful but it's not model-specific. I was wondering if there's any specific issues with this model that I should tell my mechanic to look out for if I bring a potential purchase in for an inspection?

[Pelican Parts]

If I remember correctly, those M3s may have issue with their coils burning out. I'm sure other members will chime in. Best of luck!


-Dmitry

[aus]

Try to get a Blackstone analysis. The 2008-2010.5 used bearings with copper in them. If there's a high copper content in the oil analysis, you'll need to change the bearings out, which is around $2,500.
In the newer engines, BMW changed the bearings and the oil analysis is pretty much useless for this.
Many people are changing out the bearings anyway because it's a known BMW issue with many /M engines. There are now aftermarket bearings that seem to hold up better than the stock bearings.

The throttle bodies also go bad and are pretty pricey to fix.
In really warm climates, the AC's tend to burn out if they leave it on all the time.

That's really it.

[NicAntoli]

Thanks for the specifics, guys. I saved it as a note in my phone so I can be sure to have a mechanic check these specific points out when I've got a used car I'm thinking of buying. Appreciate it!

[Kevlar]

That car was worth it though... what an engine!