Since there were so many E9X 3-series offered, we will focus the attention of this article on the N52 powered 3-series. The scope of this document is to address common areas to inspect when you purchase any of the other 3-series options.
The E90, E91, E92, and E93 chassis codes differentiate each body style offered for the E9X platform. The E9X was first offered in 2006 and ran until 2011 before receiving a slight facelift for the remainder of its run until it was replaced after 2013 with the F30. The designations are as follows:
E90 - Sedan
E91 - Touring
E92 - Coupe
E93 - Convertible
The platforms were offered with the N52 naturally aspirated straight-six. This engine available for the E9X platform is highly reliable and provides excellent power and fuel economy. Anyone considering a daily driver to something for mild track day use can benefit from either engine in any chassis. However, as we learned from Don Salama in his interview, he advises against using a convertible for any track time. Convertibles have added weight and reduced chassis rigidity, which means additional hurdles for anyone determined to spend time on a race track with their E9X.
If you have decided which variant is right for you, then you can move forward with picking one to test drive. Since these cars are contemporary, many of the issues that plague older BMWs are not relevant. There are, of course, several key areas with which to familiarize yourself that could be called common problems. Your checklist should be as follows:
Obtain a Carfax and all maintenance and oil service records.
Inspect the weatherstripping around all the windows. These will most likely be dry rotted if the car has spent its life predominantly outside. You can expect these to be in disrepair, but if you notice they are still intact, it can tell you the car has been kept indoors and well cared for.
The headlights notoriously fog over, as do the indicators on the front fenders. A diligent owner will most likely have restored or replaced these, but a ‘well worn’ car will exhibit the classic fogginess and pitting that modern plastic headlights are so known.
Of course inspect the paint to uncover any possible mismatched body panels, evidence of bodywork, or past collisions. Orange peel and marginally different color shades are a dead giveaway, as is panel gap. Panel gaps between body pieces should be consistent all the way around a car. Remember, if the car has a clean Carfax that does not necessarily mean it has never been wrecked and repaired. We suggest that you avoid any cars that exhibit evidence of major body work or collision repair since there are so many E9Xs available on the market. It is better to spend the extra little bit of money for an original example than one that may have been wrecked. If you aren’t sure, since there are tons out there for sale, we say walk away and find another.
After you have visually run through the exterior of the car, bust out your trusty low profile jack or race ramps and raise the front of the car. Always ask the owner if it is alright to do so before you go see the car. No one will think you are weird for wanting to bring the proper tools to complete a thorough inspection before you spend money on a car. Make sure you know what you are buying.
With the front of the car raised, you can check for suspension play. Any fore and aft motion will indicate that you may need control arms, struts/shocks, or thrust arm bearings. Additionally, look at your bushings, mounts, and end links. All of the suspension components can be easily replaced on your own and you can find all of the necessary parts here, but be sure to bring up the maintenance history once again to the owner if the suspension appears to be well loved.
Next, inspect for oil, coolant, and power steering leaks. Like all BMWs, E9Xs will show their age with failing gaskets, seals, and hoses. Anything that is dripping from under the car will mean the fluid that was supposed to be sealed in a system is escaping. This is not something to ignore, but not something to make you walk away. Common leak points every 80k miles are:
Valve cover gasket
Oil filter housing gasket
Oil Pan Gasket
Power steering lines
Upper and Lower radiator hoses
If your chosen E9X is leaking from any of those locations, bring that up to the seller and choose whether you are comfortable moving forward or not. Remember, a few maintenance repairs are not the end of the world. Sometimes it is better to save a few bucks on the sales price and make the repairs yourself rather than finding a ‘pristine’ example. Just be aware that the condition of individual systems will reflect the overall treatment of the car during its life, so don’t be surprised if excessive wear is present elsewhere on the vehicle like drivetrain mounts, interior condition, and suspension components.
After your visual inspection under the car, you can move to check the fluid levels in the engine bay: check coolant, oil, power steering/brake fluid, and transmission fluid if you have selected an automatic. On the E9X, there are no oil dipsticks. Instead, you can check the level from the onboard computer system. This will also display service intervals and other useful information. At this time, you should also verify that the electric water pump has been replaced, as a failed electric water pump will leave you stranded!
With the belts, fluids, and overall physical condition of the car pored over, it is time to turn on the car.
By now, the car should be cold enough that you can get an idea of how it behaves on a cold start cycle. Turn the ignition on and listen to the engine as it warms up. Watch the coolant temperature to ensure the system is functioning as it should. Test the A/C and Heat as well as any interior functions like windows, power locks, radio functions, steering wheel controls, and cup holders that fold out from the passenger side dash. These are all weak points to the E9X and many will most likely require service or replacement. The number of interior functions still in working order will indicate how well cared for the car was and should be congruent with the physical condition you saw overall during your initial overview.
If everything is to your liking, take it for a test drive. Give the car a hard drive, make sure you accelerate to 60mph and stop hard from 60mph. Feel for any abnormal vibrations, pulls to either side under braking, and listen for any squealing from the brakes or engine. A well-maintained car will have a good alignment, will not pull to either side under braking, and will ride smoothly without excessive vibrations.
Be sure to listen intently to the car on the drive. If the owner rides with you, make sure you tell him (politely) to keep his mouth shut. You need to hear every gear change, listen to the engine through the revs, and be mindful of any noises from hard braking. Take the car on the highway, through some city driving, and make a few stops where you turn off the car and back on for some hot starts. If you drive the car hard enough, which we highly suggest you do, any hidden problems mechanically will make themselves known.
Watch the temperature gauge the entire time. Often, the cooling systems on these cars have been neglected or put off for routine repairs. A weak fan, water pump, or failed thermostat will make themselves known as you drive the car by causing temperature fluctuations or a steady increase in engine temperature.
With your test drive done, you should have an intimate feel for your prospective purchase. Should everything be to your liking and in-line with our guide, you can confidently make an offer on the vehicle. If your chosen test car has too many issues, we suggest looking for another example. There are enough of these cars that a buyer should feel empowered to get the best E9X for the lowest price, so don’t be afraid to walk away from the ‘too good to be true’ deal if it really is too good to be true. Inversely, everything you need to maintain, repair, or improve your new E9X is right here at Turner Motorsport, and no job on these cars is ‘too difficult.’ You can feel safe to know that everything you might need is right here should you decide to save on the initial price for an E9X that may need a little extra work. With this, you should be able to make an educated decision and drive home in your new E9X. Stay tuned for the upcoming articles that will be specific to the N54 and N55-powered 335i and 335is E9x models, as well as an article tailored to the E9X M3.
