E90 Checklist

[Rubetheman]

Hello guys, so after owning a subaru for a few years I’m going back to a BMW. Nothing against subaru i enjoyed it. I’m thinking of getting around the year 2011 E90. Around 10-12k. I’ve read many posts here and I’m planning on keeping up the DIYs. The mileage around that price goes from 60k-90k miles. I feel like a new bimmer driver since ive never owned the modern bmws. Any checklist of what I should do after getting the car? Any kits or parts that are a must to get? Im thinking a specific code reader? Any link would be appreciated thanks.

[Thaniel]

Replace any rubber or plastic lines or tanks in the cooling system if not done already. That is if you plan to keep the car awhile. I find doing it all at once and soon after purchasing much more fun then replacing things one at a time over years.

[JayhawkM3]

I'd like to hear more on this as well. I got a pretty good score on a higher mileage '06 325i/6-sp. manual Sport Package added. The newest Bimmer I own is my '95 M3, so this thing is like a spaceship to me. Any suggestions on upping hp, standard modification or things to look for, cosmetic bumps...any information from you e9x owners would be appreciated!

Edit: I take that back...the X3 is newer than the '95...but I don't really count that, haha!

[calpbs]

If you are looking to go faster the turbo 335 models offer vast power increase potential over older NA 330i. Beyond that it becomes all about the benjermans (Cheesy Reference). Best of luck.

[crimsonE92]

I have an E92 328i that I got in November for $12k. It has 30,000 original though surprisingly so it didn't need maintenance. It's a sport premium too so it's got me spoiled with the seat heaters, bucket seats etc. M3 wheels are a huge plus too. Paddle shifters as it's an auto but with the miles I can't complain. I'm planning on getting a stage 3 manifold and a tune to turn it into a 330i but if you want the extra power (and problems unfortunately) definitely go with the 335. My best friend has a JB4+21lbs in his and it's ridiculously fun to drive. (160k+ miles and original turbos so he's an idiot for not dealing with that. They rattle terribly). Checklist? Just make it look good imo, BMW didn't withhold too much power in these babies so not much you can do if you get a non-335 besides your obvious intake, exhaust and such. Maybe a powerbox (I'm hearing arguments whether it actually works or not). Tint, lower it like 1.5-2.5in, probably roll the fenders though it seems cambered slightly anyway. Lip spoiler. If it's a 2011 you shouldn't have to worry about the headlights. They're beautiful cars from the getgo and decently powerful for a 3.0 so there's not much you need to do.

[Rodarbal]

Below is my list of things I've done or will have to do on my 90k mile E90 N55 MT. I bought it just a couple months ago with 88k on the clock without an extended warranty. I'm a DIY'er and love the headaches, er, challenge working on cars brings. Ha! Like the OP, I'm coming back to the BMW world after being away for several years. What prompted me to get this car was when my wife decided to buy a '13 F30 335i with a manual tranny. I was jealous. LOL. Anyway, there are a bunch of maintenance items I need to pound out before I get to any mods. In sort of chronological order here's what I've done and will need to do.

Done to date:

1. Hardwired my Escort Passport 8500.
2. Bought jack stand pucks off eBay.
3. Tightened leaky fuel line from the fuel rail to cylinder #5. I discovered this problem quickly. Every now and again I would catch whiff of fresh, un-burnt fuel from the engine bay. Scary. Apparently the previous mechanic who replaced the valve cover gasket neglected to tighten this one fuel line well enough.
4. Repaired peeling trim ring around start/stop button. Cosmetic issue, but it was driving me nuts.
5. Replaced faulty right side adaptive headlight motor (sourced on eBay). Headlight was pointing really low to the ground and was not moving!
6. Installed $6 Bluetooth audio adapter from Amazon.
7. Replaced fog light bulbs (pass side blown) with Sylvanias. I can't remember which ones they are, but they're brighter than what was in there.
8. Installed new MANN cabin filter.
9. Trimmed window seals prior to having windows tinted.
10. Pulled and plugged the vacuum line to the exhaust diverter valve. I wanted to hear this car a bit more as I'm rowing through the gears. After doing this I was like, "meh..." Hardly worth the effort, IMO. I want more tone, but I also don't want to sound like the annoying kid ripping up and down side streets.
11. Replaced leaking oil filter housing gaskets. Not really a difficult job, but it should have been SO much easier. As you're doing this you're continually saying, "Why'd they put that there?" or "Dang, they could have given a little more room to get a wrench in there..."
12. Downloaded Carly app (to find it doesn't work with my Bluetooth OBDII tool).
13. Raised a hissy fit when I discovered my car didn't come with rear folding seats. My wife's F30 has them. You would think all sedans sold new in this price range would have this as a standard feature.

Need to do soon

1. Drop the subframe and replace the oil pan gasket (it's leaking like a mofo). I verified this when I did the oil filter housing gaskets and was under the car draining the oil and coolant. I'll be ordering my gasket and bolts within the next week or two. I've read that I may as well replace the oil level sending unit gasket, too.
2. Change the coil packs and plugs. I pulled one pack and it's in horrible condition (plastic was crumbling).
3. Replace power steering line mounts. Apparently the previous person working on this car broke these when the lines needed to be moved out of the way. For a fix they used zip ties to secure the lines.
4. Replace the electric water pump and easily accessible coolant hoses. No problem here yet, but want to do this as part of preventive maintenance.
5. Change the diff fluid (no record when it was last done, or if it ever has been done).
6. Order proper Carly Bluetooth adapter for coding.
7. Secure driver's side floor mat Velcro retaining pads.
8. Repair the front underbelly tray. It's cracked along the front part of it. For under $300 I can get a new, OEM piece shipped to my front door, but I'm too cheap for that. LOL. But I'm also too good for of those imitation $50 trays found online. Haha! I've read the aftermarket ones tend to be made from an inferior plastic and sag and warp. No bueno.

To summarize, when buying an E90, I would check to see if you can get the car on a lift and have the under tray removed. You can't verify the severity of fluid leaks until you do. If that's not really an option, then you may have to rely solely on maintenance history documentation. Even with that it's still very possible the car has developed leaks since it's last service was completed.