Hi guys, two years ago i wanted to get the e36 as my first beemer. After consideration i changed my mind to the E46.

Since those are very old models, i have saved up to get a E90 (petrol) LCI, in the range of 30k ++ and and additional 10k for surprises. My research is telling me that for an e90, i should skip the 318i and 320i due to the notorious N43.

Instead i should go for the 323i or 325i, which run the N52.

I cant go beyond those model, those are my target models as a beginner ( this is my limitation)

My question is: am i right in going for the N52, leave alone the power and being straight 6. My curiosity is, am i right in ignoring the N43 ?


My other problem, the E92 has been driving me nuts, in fact that is the reason i am still holding my purchase. Engine wise its going to be same as the 90, the extra dough is for the look it has

Those who have knowledge about the N43 and N52, please shed some light. I have a japanese make for running around. The beemer is not meant as a daily drive. Thanks



For those who wish to advise that i should not consider a beemer, pls stick to the thread. I have had such advises, turns out that one of them attempted to get a beemer but never managed to. The other guy, worked opposite a BMW service centre, and he says that he sees a lot of beemers coming in !

This post has been edited by LORD SK: Jul 20 2022, 07:25 PM

Thats good to hear. Yeah i have heard about the black and silver top, i wonder which was assigned to asian countries, i shall check on that. Thanks.

Any old car will suffer if left untouched at home. Also no matter what car one drives, one has to blast and push it to its limit once in a while so that the engine does not become manja and suffer performance. I use to do it since my teen era.

Were the reference to N52 made because they are straight 6s or because the N43 were problematic ?

If i am not mistaken, N46 was ther earlier versions of the E90, it was replaced by N43. What i am not sure is, which was the exact models which were sold in Malaysia for 320i and 318i. If you know, pls let me know.

Yeah i did come across the sulfur thingy, but didnt read much on it.

Real good info on the black and silver tops. Appreciate the input. Will read about it.

So the N4x series are cumbersome. Thank you for the confirmation on this.

Another confirmation that 2L and below in the E90 series should be avoided. Thanks man.

Thanks for confirming the issues of 2L and below. Yes i read about all those problems with all the parts that you mentioned 😅. Those who bought would be cursing endlessly !

I do have an issue with the diesel engine sound, that is the reason why i am not considering the diesel version.

But what you say is true, the diesel version does seem to be a choice if many.

Btw, would uou know anything about the 323i or 325i ? Are these better then the 320i ? Thanks.

Wow, i didnt know about 318i being only imported. Good info.

Ahh you have the E60 ! 3.0 ? Actually a friend of mine has too, he told me that there was not much hassle from the car. He bougjt it from a used car, i didnt believe him, but he then explained that the bought 3.0, which less problems compared to the lower specs.

Yes i was told not to be stingy when it comes to the service. I estimate around 700-800rm for a normal service with engine oil, filter and plugs, would that be right ?

Yes the Gm and Zf, at this point i am not sure, which model useS which. That is another thing to research.

Really appreciate your input. Thanks.

Ok, i get it. But when it comes to engine issues, are the 323i and 325i as bad as the 320i ?

I am not looking to use it as a daily. Its just for weekends and random rides on week days !

Wow thats sad to hear. if the N52 has same issues then have to think twice 😂

Good advice. Thanks.

I did tske note of all the common parts that needs to be replaced with a certain mileage- water pump. Valve cover, thermostat.

The idrive, steering rack and drive shaft, i did not anticipate. Maybe these are for cars that were not taken care at all. I hope 😨

Thats a relief to know that the high pressure fuel worry is of the N52.
Yes i have read about the solenoids.

Do all of the N52 come with vanos or are there any which come without it ? I mean like for honda, there are non vtec models.

Oh ic. Thank you for the explanation.

Good to hear. I am looking at the petrol engine though !

Wow 258 horses ! Yes i did read that F series did use the N52 as well. Thanks for the confirmation.

The top three: valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket, ha ha totally checks out with the reviews that i have read.

And yes i came across the issue of the leaks flowing down to the serpentine belts and wrecking up the engine. Oh dear, things an oil leak can do the engine 😅 !!

The ignition coil, is it the same as the solenoid ?

One other info would greatly help:
Yours being a F10, the repairs must have been recent, i am just wondering how much was the damage to your wallet for the replacement of the three leaks issues ? 6k++ ?

Thanks.

Ok. I get it, its a rough estimate.


Alright, not to cut cost on this. Better to change as a whole. Good advice. Its fine i check out the cons and pros.


Ok leaks can lead to massive issues if ignored. Noted.

Oh, its a diffetent part, i m still a noob.

Thanks for the explanation. Appreciate the info. I assume that had yours done from an external mechanic, i mean it was not done at an official service centre ?

Official service centres are not all that great for certain repairs i guess.

This post has been edited by LORD SK: Jul 28 2022, 01:42 PM

Gathering further info. Can i ask which wear and tear cost you up to 15k. Excluding the tyres 😄, they can be pricey according to taste !

I see, service centers are not a good choice. Noted.

Haha you are right dude, i can go with an E90 325 Lci with the funds i have. It very very very tempting and to hold tje money 😂😂


True E92 330i is already at the 50k and below mark. 325i is 55 above 😄. As much as i want the E92, i would never go for the 320i, knowing how problematic the engine can be.

The situation now is either i come actoss a well maintained E90 325i Lci, or i am thinking of accumulating a little bit more of cash for the E92 325i. It wont be LCI either and no i~drive !

Ha ha. I am so happy someone understands my dilemma and the debate i am having within my self. 😁😁😁

You had a beauty man. No wonder you miss her. !!

Thanks for tip on the engine oil consumption, will take note of it. Also its nice to personally hear the experience of an ex-owner who still misses the car.