E90 for $3500?

[Av.ro]

I’m in the market for a first car and I’m looking for something… unique, I never really batted and eye at Bimmers before but I thought I’d check them out. There’s a Few E90s and E60s out there for around 3-4000 dollars which is my budget but I’m wondering if it’s really a good idea. I hear E90s are fairly reliable but then goes the quote “A cheap BMW is an expensive BMW”. I’d really like to own one as I think they’re neat cars but if it’s such a hassle I might as well turn around and keep looking. Maybe some people can speak from experience on how their used E90 turned out? Additionally, are ECU/electronic problems something I should be worried about in used BMWs?

[pbonsalb]

If you are an advanced DIYer with a good scan tool and able to learn, consider it. If you know nothing and would take the car to a mechanic, skip it.

[BimmerBreaker]

+1 to what pbonsalb said above

Adding on to that though, I would only really consider a 328i, a 335i at that price range is likely going to be a ton of trouble. I'd stay away from any E60 at that price, especially if you are not DIY savvy

[Av.ro]

328xi is actually the one I was looking at, not much else for options around that price here

[autoboydoitbig]

me the same

[WheelNut2]

What are your wrenching abilities like Av.ro? That really is the big question. A $3500 E90 will absolutely 100% need quite a lot of work. Parts are indeed quite expensive for the E90 and BMWs in general. Many engine repairs for gaskets and such require the replacement of the aluminum bolts used on the engine block, and they require a torque wrench to install properly. I'd say maintenance costs for a DIYer are at least double that of a Japanese car. Just look up the price of a water pump for an example of parts cost. I just replaced the front and rear struts/shocks as well as mounting hardware on my '06 330i and that cost me $1000CDN ($700USD) with a wheel alignment. I installed all the parts myself. So add a good $400-500 (maybe more?) to have that done at a mechanic.
Now, the level and number of fixes and repairs you'll need to do will of course depend on your tolerance for minor problems on the car. Some people can live with perpetual check engine lights and little issues, but some people want everything to be perfect. Perfection isn't cheap.
XI will also add to your maintenance cost and it makes fixing some things more difficult. The front differential is mounted to the side of the oil pan and one axle shaft goes through a tube in the oil pan, so that complicates front end maintenance a bit.