Models · BMW
BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 buying guide
The fifth-generation 3 Series, built from 2005 as the E90 saloon and E91 Touring, with the E92 coupé and E93 folding hard-top convertible following, and a facelift in 2008 to 2010. The engine code matters more than the badge when it comes to what to check.
The versions
- Four-cylinder petrols: N46 in the 318i and 320i, later the lean-burn N43 in some markets including the UK; the 320si used the N45
- Six-cylinder petrols: N52 in the 325i and 330i, later the N53 on some cars; twin-turbo N54 in the 335i, replaced by the single-turbo N55 from 2010
- Four-cylinder diesels: M47 in the 318d and 320d to 2007, then the N47; six-cylinder M57 in the 325d, 330d and 335d
- E90 saloon, E91 Touring, E92 coupé and E93 convertible with a folding metal roof; rear-wheel drive, with xDrive on some versions
- 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
What to check on a E90 3 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
A rattle from the back of an N47 diesel
What to look for: On a 318d or 320d from late 2007 on, open the bonnet and listen as the engine starts from cold and at idle. Listen at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead. A metallic rattle from there is the thing to note.
Why it matters: The N47's timing chain is mounted at the gearbox end of the engine, and specialists advise replacing it, along with the oil pump chain, around 100,000 miles using genuine parts. A car with that invoice is in a good position.
Swirl flaps on the early 320d
What to look for: On a 2005 to 2007 320d with the M47 engine, ask whether the intake swirl flaps have been removed and blanked, and look for the invoice.
Why it matters: Specialists advise removing the swirl flaps in the 320d's intake manifold and fitting blanks, because a failed flap can cause serious internal damage. The 318d doesn't have them. The M47 is otherwise regarded as a good engine, though the crankcase breather needs renewing about every 40,000 miles.
The N52's water pump and oil leaks
What to look for: On a 325i or 330i, check the coolant level when cold and ask whether the electric water pump has been replaced. With the bonnet up, look for oil around the valve cover, the oil filler cap seal and the oil filter housing, and check the drive belt tensioner doesn't wobble.
Why it matters: The electric water pump fails with little warning, and specialists suggest replacing it as a precaution on an older car. The N52 runs hot, which hardens the gaskets. If the drive belt comes off from a worn tensioner it can be drawn past the crank seal, so a wobbling tensioner is worth sorting promptly.
Also in the full guide
- Four-cylinder petrols: chain, oil and injectors
- 335i: starting and the fuel pump
- Steering lock warnings
- Rear axle noise on the 318i and 320i
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E90 3 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
BMW 3 Series E36 · BMW 3 Series E46 · BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 · BMW 3 Series G20/G21
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.