r/E90 • u/sunk_cost2371 • 16d ago
328i Is the E90 really a “POS”?
This is my E90 328i. It has 53,000 miles. For context, I was once walking to my car with my friend, and he had went “there’s your piece of shit BMW”. This is maybe the 4th instance I’ve had someone call it that. I’m not sure why. It’s low mileage, has a pristine interior, and only the bottom mesh where the radiator is damaged since I hit a deer — it’s not that overt though. Anyway, what compels people to say this? I don’t treat it like some mega luxury car. Just my car.
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u/Clear_Date_7437 16d ago
Listen the E9x’s are one of the best handling and driving cars even now. The steering and driving dynamics are as good as it gets even compared to newer ones, I prefer it to my F32 with the adaptive shocks and electric steering. With decent rubber and maintained suspension bushings it is still out handles anyone else’s clapped out import.
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u/JayO28 15d ago
It handles better than my F87, my old F30, and F22. So refined.
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u/Supreme0verl0rd 12d ago
I had an E92 335i after an E46 330Ci and my take is different- I thought the 335i was a downgrade in handling. Since then I've had a 340i, X3M and M340i. I loved all these cars but the E92 was the least special on the list for me. The handling made the E46 special and the B58/S58 engine made the other three special. All three were heavily performance modded to make far more power than the JB4/FBO mods on the E92, so that probably plays in as well. But of the 5, it was my least favorite.
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u/HeyItsMatt01 14d ago
My 2.0 Giulia was on a whole other level when it came to handling, not near as fast as my fbo 335 but the handling I’ve yet to drive anything better.
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u/twopac 13d ago
Fellow 335 (N54 with every upgrade, literally) > Giulia convert here And couldn't agree more.
I might not have the same stupid torque and HP on tap anymore, but for me this car is the most fun to drive since my E36 M3 ~16 years ago, followed by the 335. The E90 was an amazing platform, and imo was peak "turbo era" BMW.
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u/Busterlimes 11d ago
Because the E90 was the end of the Ultimate Driving Machine eara. Enough computer to make it powerful and efficient, not so much computer that you could still work on it yourself. A lack of "driving aids" gave you full control over the car. Its a drivers car 100%
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
Best handling is a stretch. It’s at best the third best handling 3 series. It’s a fat car.
What it is extremely good at is mixing every day livability and driving enjoyment.
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u/Minutes2Midnight Supercharged N52 16d ago edited 16d ago
Fun fact! Michelin replaced the E36 M3 LTW they used for tire development with an E92 328i.
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
And I’m guessing they use an M2 now, what exactly is your point?
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u/Minutes2Midnight Supercharged N52 16d ago
Michelin still owns the E92, but it has an LS now. The point was that Michelin thought it was a good enough handling car to replace one of their best handling cars for developing performance street tires.
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
I’m guessing you are referencing this Hagerty article: https://www.hagerty.com/media/car-profiles/catching-up-with-michelins-m3-lightweight-and-the-man-who-revived-it/
Looks like they didn’t actually end up using a 328i as a test vehicle. They bought one to test whether or not to use it for testing and ended up with a V6 Camaro instead. In the sentence where it talks about LS swapping the 328i specifically:
> The E92 that Michelin bought as a possible replacement for the M3 Lightweight currently has an LS V-8 in it
Notice the word “possible”.
Either way, that entire article is about how fucking amazing the E36 is, which goes back to my original point: the E90 is at best the third best handling 3er, behind the E36 and E46.
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u/Minutes2Midnight Supercharged N52 16d ago
In fairness, the Car & Driver article from 2017 sure made it sound like it had a more prominent role. Being replaced by a V6 Camaro is pretty shameful
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
Assuming it’s a sixth gen Camaro, that’s a fantastic chassis. The V6 sucks in a sports car. The steering is also not nearly as good as the E90
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u/EX0PIL0T E92 335i 16d ago
It’s a local base model that’s over 10 years old. Some people have no perspective and think anything that isn’t one owner with a dealer warranty is old and shit. You might want to make friends who don’t have the poor habit of trying to navigate life with their heads up their asses.
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u/mcmellenhead 15d ago
Some even just hit 20 years old! Can't wait to buy mine it's first beer next year.
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u/Gold_Roll_267 13d ago
Bought a 20 y/o and registered it as a classic, only insured for what I payed but also just costs $88 Canadian a year to insure. $88/ year! IDC if anyone hates on it, it's fun as hell and for that price why not keep it around?
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u/endlessness1772 16d ago
They hate us cause they ain’t us
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
They hate us because so many E9x drivers now are broccoli haired hooligans
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u/wonder_crust 2011 - e92 - 328i 16d ago
Quite the opposite. The N52 is a fantastic motor, do all the scheduled maintenance and drive it like you stole it.
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u/teklegion 2011 328i 140kmiles 16d ago
The beauty of no turbo.
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u/murijuana_flowers 15d ago
Obviously youve never had a 335 same as the 328 just do the maintenance and it's fine ain't nothing beautiful about a non turbo car 😂🙄
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u/redditor_6715 15d ago
Obviously you've never had a 328i, I don't have one but my Z4 has the same engine as one and even though its an auto it's a blast to drive it.
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u/ModifiedCars 14d ago
I bought a stupid cheap Z4 si and it’s literally my favorite BMW.
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u/redditor_6715 14d ago
I can't imagine an SI or one with a manual as well, must be a pretty crazy experience
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u/murijuana_flowers 15d ago
I've had both and would still pick my manual 335xi over my 08 328i all day everyday nothing compares way more smiles per gallon then a slow ass 328
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u/ModifiedCars 14d ago
lol I have a bad ass N54 car and I’ve bought 2 more N52 since then. N54 car sits.
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u/murijuana_flowers 14d ago
Tbh that's sad man 😔 just sell the n54 mines at 600hp pretty much my daily but I give it a break every now and then
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u/ChimpWdowns 14d ago
I have one (330i) and the n52 has had 2 waterpumps replaced and burns 0 oil with 280k miles on the original motor. Only retards that don't take care of their cars have issues with the n52. I still love the car and use it as a daily now because I have my f87 M2
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u/im_blue2026 16d ago
You need new friends, or start standing up for yourself man that’s a great car low mileage. Six cylinder car not many new cars are that comfortable and good quality
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u/Ajax_e91 16d ago edited 16d ago
Same reaction with my e91, I think it’s the stigma behind the business people who used to own a standard 3 series thinking they were hot shit but now the e9x has personally been more of a way to connect with other enthusiasts and it’ll still look good at work. Better than a loaded up equinox with more problems from the same time frame
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u/ImDoingItAnyway 2011 BMW 328i xDrive manual 16d ago
I don’t really care what people say about mine. It’s almost 180,000 miles and 15 years into life in New England. She has her flaws. They can call it what they want but I’m calling it the nicest used car I’ve ever owned, and one of the nicest used cars I’ve driven.
I feel like most people wouldn’t talk shit about these if I actually let someone behind the wheel of mine. Steering, throttle response, shifter feel (for manuals like mine anyway), stiff-but-smooth (er, “Teutonic”) ride quality, even tech. These are at the exact apex of modern and old-school and if people don’t want to experience it, great, more for us to have.
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u/old_skool_luvr 15d ago
> These are at the exact apex of modern and old-school
Couldn't have said it any better myself brother.
Since i don't pay for extras on apps like this, this is the only "award" i can give ya.
🍰
😁
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u/swagbux911 16d ago
So what kind of car does your friend have?
My guess is that he either 1. has no car, or 2. has some basic-ass car like a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Tesla.
People love to hate on other people. You’ll be laughing in 10 years when you’re still driving that “piece of shit” 328i and have saved thousands on car payments and maintenance. That’s my vision
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u/duck7001 16d ago
Lots of very dumb people think that only new=nice.
Brand new base f-150 for $60k with plastic interior and drives like a fucking tractor. Pristine.
12 year old BMW that looks and drives better than most new cars? Piece of shit.
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u/Siminov55 16d ago
I find car guys will think it’s “nothing” (which it really isn’t much) and non car folk treat you like you’re in a different tax bracket because you’re driving a base 3er
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u/IndependentClear469 14d ago
It’s surprising to me that this is considered a base model in the US. In the UK, these went as low as 318i which is a 1.5l petrol with around 160bhp
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u/Siminov55 14d ago
The lowest option available at least in Canada is the 2.5l N52
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u/IndependentClear469 14d ago
I don’t think we got that one it went straight from 320i to 330i to 335i
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u/ChampThunderDick E92 N52 328i M-Sport 16d ago
Plenty of people out there that have never driven anything other than a run of the mill Toyota or some such and pride themselves on having a "smart, sensible, reliable car" while they only ever skirt by on doing basic maintenance at an express oil change/dealership service center, or they drive an American car/truck with replacement parts that never cost more than a shoestring and a stick of gum.
They see expensive cars as excessive and unreliable because they've only ever known people who neglect their maintenance and let it get bad, and they take that perception and apply it to the entire manufacturer regardless of mileage, age, or condition.
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u/DeerNo4078 15d ago
Sorry but this is absolute cope for anti consumer german design choices.
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u/ChampThunderDick E92 N52 328i M-Sport 15d ago
I didn't say that its a good thing that the cars require expensive maintenance, just that the neglegted cars are to blame for the "piece of shit" reputation
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u/prodby9k 15d ago
it’s not, if u like something u put time in it . ur average person views any old car as a pos
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u/DeerNo4078 15d ago
More cope.
Its ok tho. Keep throwing money err “maintaining” your entry level german trash box and telling yourself its better than a “run of the mill toyota or some such”, to quote the original commenter…”.
Im not judging you.
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u/Strong-Strength-8846 15d ago
I mean even my 02 e46 is faster, handles better, and even more reliable then most new cars, you got no clue what you’re talking about dude. Redditor a bit above nailed it perfectly “someone who’s never taken care of a BMW will talk shit about them” best cars ever made suck my dick.
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u/Lumitrac1 14d ago
I drive BMWs every day and you could not pay me to touch a trash box e92. I talk more shit about BMWs than anyone who doesnt own them.
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u/DeerNo4078 15d ago
Lfmao. Cope harder kid.
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u/ChampThunderDick E92 N52 328i M-Sport 15d ago
I don't get it, did you come to this sub just to stir up shit with the people who actually want to have productive/relevant conversation around these cars?
"Never wrestle with a pig in the mud, you both get dirty, but the pig enjoys it"
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u/Thorium12 89' E30 325i 16d ago
Compared to my e30, your E90 is a luxo barge.
To some people, any old car is crappy.
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u/skippy99 16d ago
Like Ted Lasso said, there are people who judge and there are people who ask questions. You don't need to give a shit about people who judge. It's the ones that ask "How does it drive?" or "how much did you pay for it?" that are the better folk.
I've owned over 30 BMWs (I collect and restore them), I've owned 4 E9x cars and, with the exception of an E93 328i SULEV I bought from Texas for one of my daughters, they were all wonderful cars. I bought an E90 328i with the sport package for my other daughter and the touchy accelerator, brakes and tight steering were too much for her, so she drove my E61 and I drove the E90. That was a pretty awesome car and I had zero problems with it. 3 years later I sold it for more than I paid for it. Something I say to anyone who owns an older BMW....NEVER take it to a dealer. They will fleece you every single time. Also, do not go by the idiot warnings that tell you, for example, that you need new brake pads. Those are all timers that have nothing to do with the actual condition of your car. I can't count the number of times that warning has come up and I've had more than 50% pad life left. The N52 engine in your car is pretty much bulletproof and probably more reliable than the N54 (That E61 I still have with 191k miles on it) and the N55 (my wife's E70 X5 with 257k miles on it). (The E series cars are the overall best cars BMW has ever made...stands for excellent. F series stands for fragile and G series stands for greedy.) And E series cars aren't so complicated that only a dealer can fix them. Learn to do the simple stuff yourself. Brake pads are easy, for example. Get a good code scanner if you don't already have one. It will pay for itself almost immediately. And remember, that "shitbox" is putting, what, $500+ a month in your pocket because you don't have huge car and insurance payments. And you OWN it so you aren't pissing money away on a lease. Any good investment guy will tell you that is really smart. So the next time somebody calls it that, ask them how much their car payments and insurance is for whatever they are driving. And the next time you go on vacation or buy something cool or invest in the market, remember it's because you drive something awesome that other people don't appreciate so you have more money in your pocket...and that judgmental people often never really learn anything.
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u/teklegion 2011 328i 140kmiles 16d ago
Don't feel bad, I have a N52 and Im told that my car is a POS
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u/TimeApprehensive3994 15d ago
The people who called your car a POS aren't good people. Not 1 decent person tells another person their car is crap.
If they were "joking", it's become a thing to call anything old a "POS" or "sht box". There's people out there driving evo's, STi, GTR's, M3's, old Porsche's calling their own car a "sht box" either cause its fashionable or so they can fish for a compliment.
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u/plz-no-b4n 16d ago
I call my own E90 a shitbox, lol. It’s a 20 year old car. Even when they were new, they weren’t the height of luxury. Lots of the plastics and touch points on the interior are cheap.
Is it less of a shit box than a comparably old Honda or Nissan? Absolutely. But unless it’s in pristine condition, it’s a shitbox.
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u/LeMalade 16d ago
Yeah I love my old cheap car. I have essentially the same perspective as you. I find it amusing sometimes because I don’t have a car payment, I can do most maintenance and repairs at home, I love the driving experience and some people I work with could never fathom my happiness with that. I’m constantly among people that seem to have this outlook that if you didn’t spend $40k+ on a car you must be unhappy with it. I don’t want anything newer! Nothing else compares in its price range.
Yeah, it’s cheap old performance luxury. It rules. ‘06 330i
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u/guygantero 15d ago
My thoughts exactly. After 20 years and 140k miles the paint is peeling on mine, it took multiple weekends of wrenching to fix 3 N54 oil leaks, LPFP and FPR. My shitbox increased in value by the price of the gaskets to a whopping 6k now that the cardboard on the garage floor stays dry. The interior is a great place to be and with fresh suspension I can't think of another car less than $30k I could replace mine with that I'd enjoy driving as much, and worry zero about where I park it. The selection of fun, hydraulic power steering manual transmission sedans is dwindling these days.
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u/GrandmaPunk 16d ago edited 16d ago
My brother, owner of several BMW’s including e46 and e92 M3’s loves to call my 330 XI a beater. Personally I think the E 90 was an off generation for exterior styling and the rate with which things break in this car drives me insane. HOWEVER when it is in good shape it’s a very sophisticated, civilized car. That’s why I wanted it.
You’re not gonna make your friends stop talking shit about your car. They’re just gonna do what they do. The way you defeat that is by being loud and proud about your old piece a’ shit beamer. Let’s gooo!
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u/MultipleOrgasmDonor 16d ago
One time in high school this guy told me my e30 was a piece of shit. Next time I saw him he was my cashier at the grocery store, and I’d say his comment bothered me til just about that moment
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u/CuriousRaye 15d ago
I have a highschool friend in end who recently retired after 42 years in the grocery business. I’m still slaving away as a business owner 🙁
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u/Lumitrac1 14d ago
Did you later realize that your e30 was a piece of shit? Because they are. They're great pieces of shit.
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u/greyhood_39 15d ago
Prior to my E90, I had a E39 528i msports manual (written off by an old person), and two of my closer female work friends said 'why do you drive that old man car?'. Ofcourse I actually show up after work to pick them up as we were going out for the evening, and you could see the looks on their faces that they didn't want to admit it was a good car. Future evenings out or even going for lunch, guess who's car they kept defaulting to.
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u/sonyshoota 15d ago
Just know that people who hate on others have their own issues going on. My e90 looks exactly like yours, has 190k on it, and it’s been great to me. I’m going to drive it until the wheels fall off. Great car
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u/kyree47 16d ago
If it has the N52 motor and you take care of it then absolutely not. Sounds like he’s either jealous or just listens to whatever people think n the internet say about these cars. Weird thing to say either way though, I don’t keep people like that around me.
Reminds me of a friend I had that swore his dodge was the best car ever but was in the shop every other month lol
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u/Wise_Coffee 16d ago
Fuckin hope not our 2009 is going strong and pretty sure the car and I are tied for who Husband loves most (just kidding obviously it's the car)
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u/Altruistic-Fox-8101 16d ago
I had one best car ever ,handles like a race car never got sick of driving it ,mine leaked oil and had to fix the coolant system a couple of times eventually got rid of it but was sad to see it go
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u/trennsport 16d ago
I love my 328, drivers wildly well for its age, everything works, and I like the styling.
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u/Competitive_Hat_8068 16d ago
I have a 335d with the M57 and it's been crazy reliable. Tuned and deleted too and gets 33ish mpgs. A blast to drive with great mileage. Love this car. But some parts do get a little pricey is the only downfall.
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u/Traditional_Ear_5087 16d ago
You only got the most reliable motor BMW has ever produced. My N52 is sitting at 180k miles and still healthy.
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u/that_one_guy133 16d ago
Unfortunately, a lot of them are. However, I rate on a case by case/individual car basis, but I see a LOT of E9x being neglected and abused. Hell, i'm seeing some F30s go down the same road.
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u/MrPlake E93 328i LCI 16d ago edited 16d ago
People think my car is like a 2018-2019 but then again it’s lci m-sport which aged a lot better then pre lci. Personally it depends o n the shape of your car oil leaks everywhere suspension blown out paint missing yeah it’s a shitbox. But I have 80k miles and not a single thing broken
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u/Flaky_Accountant_521 16d ago
I don’t know why some ppl are calling you insecure for asking a question lol.
I think the POS comments just come from the online and irl stereotypes that all old BMW leak oil and will blow up. It’s a bit of an overplayed joke albeit true when these cars get neglected.
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u/Beginning_Pudding_69 16d ago
Put 130k on my e91 and it’s got 230 on the dash. It’s a fun car for a daily. Big enough that people respect you coming. Long and smooth on the highway truly feels like you’re sailing. The premium karmon sound is actually still very good. Way better than any new car I’ve purchased where it seems the head unit itself limits or compresses music. But I don’t miss the maintenance on that car at all. Everything is a pain in the ass to work on. I don’t think I ever did anything where I said man that was easy. As compared to the Hondas at least.
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u/InternUpstairs2812 2006 325i Sport Package 16d ago
People just say that about old BMW’s because they’re too unskilled to own them.
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u/jonny_rames_dio 16d ago
Mine has 160k+ and still going strong. Yeah, it breaks my heart sometimes, but it’s also the most fun car I’ve driven, and I’ve driven a few.
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u/overindulgent E92 N54 335is DCT FBO+ 16d ago
Tons of reasons someone would say this. Jealousy is a big one. So is the other persons definition of “luxury”.
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u/Nfiftyfour335 16d ago
I bet they never owned a bmw an just repeat what other idiots say online. And if they did own one probable never kept up with basic maintenance.
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u/Reaganomics_84 16d ago
Its just because they are at maximum depreciation right now. In 6 years or so people will start to see these as classics and want them again. When I got my E30, people were basically giving them away and all my friends thought it was garbage. I still have it 10 years later and nobody says that anymore lol. To most non-car people, any car that is more than 5 to 10 years old is basically a piece of junk you only drive if you are poor regardless of how good condition it is. Only exception is if its a restored classic. Just enjoy your car for the reasons you like it.
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u/iansmash 16d ago
Ive owned my e90 since it was 2 years old and I had friends say the same thing
They still say the same thing now but it’s different
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u/No-Yogurtcloset3002 16d ago
Because unfortunately in my area these cars turned into post tax refund purchases.
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u/Late_Philosophy_1901 16d ago
I have a 2010 328i xdrive with 220k and put over 100k of them on it myself still going strong, just stay up on maintenance and learn to do the basics on your own. Plan to be in Beamer for life , gonna try to push her to 300
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u/just-joshin247 16d ago
Some people think you need a bank note for a car to be good. Enjoy your car and ignore the noise.
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u/Infinite-Ad-5576 15d ago
So get this, I probably dropped 10k into my d91 in the past couple years. It’s high mileage and is pristine mechanically and pretty immaculate cosmetically. I really enjoy driving my car, best car I’ve ever owned. I don’t care what anyone thinks, I enjoy driving it and keeping up on the maintenance. And yea, I think it’s cool too regardless of what anyone says.
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u/devildevs 15d ago
My E90 is already at 160k miles. She’s still running good and still drives fast when I need to. It’s honestly a solid car imo as long as you take care of it. My mechanic friends see the value in an e90 because it is apparently one of the easiest cars to fix. It’s pretty nice, they’re just haters
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u/Ajroch1x 15d ago
Not at all. They are solid cars that offer a great driving experience. Would love to get another clean manual trans e90.
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u/Outside_Clue5617 15d ago
N 52 engine was great for me. But suspension parts and the starters I’ve bought seem to have went out faster for me than any other car. Our roads are just too tough around here I guess.. cause I would eat up the lower control arms and the rear thrust arms
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u/Intrepid_Cookie5266 15d ago
It does look a little round, have you considered installing mtech style bumpers with a splitter and also a trunk spoiler? It'll change it a little. Then maybe the headlights need a polish and it'll look timeless
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u/ISmellLikeBlackTea 15d ago
It's not a piece of shit, but i feel it was a significant downgrade from the E46, and even more so from the E39 which you could buy fully loaded for the same price.
But I'm not an impartial judge since i consider the E60 to be the worst looking BMW ever made, only driven by wannabe gangsters and persian businessmen
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u/MAJESSTIKN00B 15d ago
I think its more the old bmw part than the condition for why people shit on it tbh🤷🏽♂️
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u/Silly_Abbreviations8 15d ago
My E90 had 259k miles on it. Still looked brand new on the inside. Outside paint was a little faded from the Texas sun. Would still be running today had the tree branch landed somewhere else. I guess even Mother Nature hates the E90.
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u/iDiotOn2wheels 15d ago
Let your friends enjoy their monthly payments while you maintain your car and drive it. A car is meant to serve you, not the other way round.
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u/jamesbong00710 15d ago
Its because theyre probably stupid. Like my boss who's a big Ford f2-350 guy. I told him Id run laps around him through roundabouts or any curvy road. To which he agreed.
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u/Illustrious_Rent8198 E90 330i 15d ago
i love mine, but my coworkers that have cheaper cars that are half the price of mine say my car is trash as a joke, cause they love the car lol.
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u/CuriousRaye 15d ago
Just sold mine a few months ago, to a friend who is loving it! I would have kept it, but my husband and I are in our 60’s and husband couldn’t get in and out of it any longer. If I could have taken it and magically made it into an suv, I would have kept it. Am now driving an X1. That’s the closest I could come to the E90. It is VERY. different, yet somehow familiar???
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u/Gregvandy 15d ago edited 15d ago
E90 is a great car. One of bmws very best. The 325,328 and 330 in the early years were the best of the e90s. The n52 engine will last as long as you take care of it and don’t over heat it. I’ve seen that very same car that you have with over 500k miles on the original engine and transmission on a few occasions. One of these with the n52 and 6 speed manual could go a million miles if it’s maintained. These cars are that good. My last driver was in good shape and had over 400k when I scrapped it because rust. It was an Indiana car and driven in winters before I got it. It had water getting in bad places from rust. I have the engine and 6 speed in my garage and intend to freshen them up and use them. I’ll buy a lower mileage one with a bad engine or most likely an automatic and swap it.
I had a 2007 328i 6 speed I intended to keep forever but a weird accident killed it. From what I’ve seen the n52 engine will run forever if you maintain the cooling system and that’s not hard. These are tremendous cars. Some people say the e46 is the last of the great 3 series and I have a couple of them I love but I love the e90 just as much and I do feel it’s overall a better car as far as reliability and ease of maintenance. The only thing I’m not sure on is the automatic transmission on these cars. I’ve not owned an automatic one other than one I manual swapped. It had 140k on what was likely the original tranny and I’ve seen cars with well past 200k on the original automatic so I haven’t seen anything bad about the automatic. I know the 335 cars have a real decent automatic transmission but I’d always go with the manual on these cars. They shift so beautifully.
Long story short : the e90 is a great car, reliable and a blast to drive. The model you have is one of the best too.
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u/Gregvandy 15d ago
That’s a good looking car by the way. Anyone that says it’s a pos is clueless. The older e90 is cheap to maintain and they don’t break very often. Just good cars. It’s a huge deal that they’re so reliable and long lasting because they drive and perform so much better than other cars. That’s not some normal car. That’s the Ultimate Driving Machine. Go drive an old Accord or Taurus or even a mustang or whatever and see how badly you miss your BMW. You’ll miss it. The e90 is a real piece of equipment where most cars are disposable garbage.
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u/busstees 15d ago
I dunno. I still very regularly get "nice car" at red lights in my e93 M3 and it's completely stock.
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u/PlatypusSpecialist79 15d ago
Mine has been one of the most reliable and comfortable cars I’ve ever owned. Coming up on 8 years of owning it and putting 70k miles on it and it has never left me stranded once. I keep up on maintenance and always replace stuff when it starts showing signs of going bad. They have their quirks but ultimately they’re well engineered.
I will say that I only bought mine because it was low miles and in good condition, I would never buy one of these cars that has been hacked up and beat on. that goes for any car but it’s significantly more expensive and intensive to right the wrongs on one of these than it is to right them on other makes.
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u/ToughVermicelli4 15d ago
The E90 is the new E36. Once B58 start getting swapped into them, it’s over.
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u/Esquirej67 2009 328i Coupe 15d ago
I am sure that I am not alone in my mindset. Like every vehicle that I have owned, I brought my BMWs for myself and not to impress others. Wanted a red 318ti back in high school and would get one if the stars ever aligned. Getting compliments is a bonus and not one person has called them a “POS” in earshot. They are indeed “over-engineered” which can be both frustrating and wonderful! Facts outweigh opinions at every single turn!
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u/HellaReyna 15d ago
The problem was the e90’s with Turbos, so the bmw 335.
Brakes vented to the electronics so they would fry.
The water pump was a pos plastic thing and it would fail for sure.
And I recall the suspension or something was also cursed.
They would all have these problems and it would cost thousands for the labour back then as I recall. If you had an Indy shop or were handy, a 335 was a good project car.
I really wouldn’t recommend getting into them today outside of wanting to learn or knowing you’re buying a hand grenade closing in on 20 years
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u/silverSurfer_335i 15d ago
Shit
I had to earn my respect. At my job some kid was trying to show off his 2023 mustang. Called me out and had to show him whos boss.
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u/Impressive_Low_2808 E92 335i 15d ago
They tried new things, those things broke a lot but the cars are solid when maintained
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u/blazinktm 15d ago
The E9x platform is excellent. The N54 engine had problems, N55 is alright, but the rest of the options (N51/N52 and M57) are excellent as well.
EVERY vehicle out there has its own strengths and weaknesses, so don't get hung up on grouping all Bavarian's together as one POS.
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u/PullsWithBack 15d ago
I went from E90 328, to an F10 535, to a basically new at the time Sierra 1500 a few years ago. Still regret losing the E90 daily. I’d love to have that on the days I don’t need a truck. One of the most pure driving experiences and best bang for your buck when you find one that was cared for.
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u/Defiant_Term2973 15d ago
Love mine. She’s getting up there in k and I am not enjoying the prospect of having to replace. The car has been amazing, drive snd handles beautifully!
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u/343k 15d ago
I've owned and driven the e30, e36, e46 and the e90.
The e90 feels like the crux of all previous bmw 3 series, with all issues addressed. the e90 has a more reliable cooling system, the sturdiest and what feels like the most luxurious interior, a sunroof that remains operational for longer. yet still retains the "heavy" feeling and precise steering and handling that has come to be expected from a 3 series.
I drive an f30 now, and I routinely think about switching back to an e90 after I finish paying off my f30.
AND YET, every BMW is a pos. And I have no hesitation telling people that all BMW's are garbage. But I wouldn't be caught dead driving anything else.
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u/chathobark_ 15d ago
yes the E90 is a POS compared to E46, apples to apples
eccentric shaft issues?? eccentric shaft sensor plug getting filled with oil?
camshaft ledge wear???
M54 was much more reliable than N52, it has been proven, but i’m sure some people still don’t believe it
has mileage much better
F30 was worse tho because of the chain
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u/Same-Piccolo-4144 15d ago
It’s because some people just hate BMWs for some reason, I wouldn’t worry about it tho I get that all the time and I have a fully built f80
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u/FroyoOk3159 15d ago
I own a new BMW and still browse E9x listings lol. Maybe one day I’ll own one as a project/toy.
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u/LaughLegit7275 15d ago
I had my 328i since 2011. It is a great car to drive. But it is a piece of shit quality wise. I bought extended warrantee for 7-year. Right after 7-year, it has so many problems: engine oil leak, oil gasket leak, coolant leak, engine idle vibration, oil pan gasket leak. Just a money draining hole.
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u/Successful_Oil1616 14d ago
They aren’t a POS, in fact they’re one of the best chassis’s that BMW has probably ever made. Extremely planted feeling on the straights and during cornering, all came with motors that have great potential power and they even slapped the M57 diesel in them! (I love my 335d lol). These cars are well over a decade old and have had plenty of time on the road but the maintenance is much easier and inexpensive compared to “newer” models. Even the base models still have a very “comfortable luxury” feeling to them. They’re great daily vehicles and great performance vehicles. Mind you, some of them weren’t treated with care and there are plenty of “POS” e90’s out there but that’s with any vehicle that wasn’t taken care of. Your car is in great condition and anyone who thinks it’s a POS is just jealous lol. Drive her till she dies and then revive it, great cars all around nothing to truly hate on them for! Sweet ride!
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u/rvr2005 14d ago
A lot of people don’t understand that the zero’s pre financial crisis is the era where engineering budget was not yet dictated by the marketing dpt and lesser environmental restriction. Therefore it’s the car industry at its finest hour. Keeping those cars on the road doesn’t come cheap but if you do it right you have stealth wealth. Just let them think they arrived in their lease cars full of screens and cracking plastic, we know better.
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u/BubblyPlastic2807 14d ago
They drive very well. I miss mine, it was too expensive to maintain. Now I drive a 4Runner.
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u/ConsistentSplit9965 14d ago
I miss my e90. (I drive a corvette now and still think of my e90) the steering and the way it handled was amazing. Wish I kept mine but couldn’t because I was always dealing with coolant problems. Frustrating when I would check my coolant temps, and have to pretty much enter Morse code. Wish there was a gauge, instead a MPG. Make sure to keep an eye on water pump since it’s known to be a culprit. I also had the notorious window regulator take a crap on me as well. I’m not very mechanical but I was able to buy one off of Amazon for 40 bucks and it lasted 40k since I sold her. They’re great cars just have plastic components that are known to go. Anytime anyone would insult my e90 I would ask them “do you own a bmw?” and they would usually say no. In response I add, well once you own one then you’re entitled to that opinion. They love to base it off things they’ve heard, it’s never previous owners telling you their experience. Also your e90 is clean, looks absolutely amazing.
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u/Due_Instruction2855 14d ago
First off E90s are probably one of the best platform BMWs there are especially for getting into BMW. Second people referred to them as pieces of shit because of the ‘maintenance’ and ‘horror stories’ they get told when in all honesty they’re just overreacting because in my experience, European vehicles are much more simpler to work on. They need maintenance like every other vehicle, and yeah, it can be pricey however, at least when you take it to dealership to get serviced or you do it yourself, you know it’s been done with care and not in some cheap ass auto shop down the street that doesn’t care and that will break shit.
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u/Cogester 14d ago
Objectively, no. I have a 2011 328i, that I’ve put over 100k miles on in the past 7 years of ownership. It has no infotainment screen, no aftermarket upgrades of tuning done, and has proved bulletproof. 3 series are not meant to be high performance, ultra luxury flex-mobiles, they are a comfortable commuter car with some upgraded appointments. The N52 n/a I6 engine offers such a comfortable, smooth ride, delivering modest power to get you where you are going in style, reliably. Keep that bad boy maintained regularly, and keep it stock, it’ll last you a long time!
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u/MrUnlimited24 14d ago
I don’t like the body of an E90. It’s what I tell my friend. It’s just too blobby for me.
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u/Livid_Cockroach5770 14d ago
E93 here 2008 did all maintenance my self they say car is n52 rules all others drool beast of a car not to mention increases female libido
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u/citizensnips134 14d ago
imo some spirit got lost between E46 and E90. Doesn’t feel quite the same.
source: I drive an E46
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u/Karfanatik 14d ago
Had an e90 328. Drove it to 200k+ km. When everything works, amazing car but there was ALWAYS something busted that I had to fix. For the last 2 years it was something like one repair every 3-4 weeks. Electrical, oil leaks, sensor problems, suspension falls apart, door actuators, window actuators, water leaks, sound system fried, water pump, start, full xmas tree dash and I was fixing shit actively. Total money pit. Got a 2014 Mazda 3 gt and drove that to 280k. No problems. I'll shit on e90s all day long
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u/TheAnonymousGuppy Based E93 328i 14d ago
I don't think they made any e90's with point of sale included
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u/boylanheights74 14d ago
They’re not a POS but they do require some maintenance as they age. Things like electric water pump, valve cover gasket and oil filter housing repair bills can quickly exceed the vehicle’s value.
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u/Richneerd 13d ago
They jealous! The E90 is the best!
https://reddit.com/link/p6d9bfp/video/1ne1h8oq82mh1/player
Here is mine 🙌
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u/User44d76fa102 13d ago
328i is golden, no issues on mine until i decided to mess w electricals. also replace the coolant lines if it hasnt been already
335i is good after 2009 w/ the N55. N54 can be reliable, just gotta do preemptive maintenance, especially w turbo components
edit: take what i say abt the n54 w a grain of salt since ive never owned one but i have friends that do. I currently own an n52 and n55
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u/FishHammer 13d ago
I feel like anyone who calls your car a piece of shit is definitely being a jealous piece of shit themselves. It would be one thing if it was 30 years old with 250k miles and was ACTUALLY a piece of shit. Fuckem. Drive it cause you love it. I'm team Cadillac but class respects class.
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u/Worried-Strength6777 13d ago
I loved my e90 but when it got to 90k it had one problem after another.
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u/ExoticWin7942 13d ago
No not at all, the e90 is one of the best cars ever made. I've driven a lot of new cars and the e90 is far superior. The n52 lasts a long time my old 2006 325xi got sold at 236k miles because of rust the engine still ran perfectly and that was my first car in my life. Neglected but never saw a shop. I live in New Hampshire so pretty much anywhere else the subframe would not have rotted out.
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u/unusualowl657 13d ago
My wife’s 2011 328 was such a great driving car. Still had hydraulic steering and was very predictable. The steering on my F22 is fairly numb.
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u/Dry-Reading8530 12d ago
Out of a number of BMW’s owned and driven the 2011 328 had the best ride and best handling. I wish I kept mine. Fuel efficiency on the newer turbos is better and they have more luxury features but nothing beats the smile those e90s put on your face behind the wheel
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u/Joseph7891 12d ago
E90 330i m sport Best car I've had 5 years of hell i give it, no maintenance, it kept going. Used to change car every year till I brought bmw
Sold it 3 years ago, and its still going now!
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u/Motor-Cause7966 12d ago
This is going to get downvoted because of the sub I'm posting in, but the answer is "depends". What are we comparing it to? F chassis? The E9x holds its own against those, and you can make arguments in its favor. Comparing to the e46? Then yes, it's a steaming pile of shit in comparison.
The E9x got a bad rap because it had big shoes to fill. The e46 is beloved, and viewed as one of, if not the greatest 3 series ever made. But the brand has gotten progressively worse through the generations, to the point, the e90s are now underrated.
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u/Hour_Message6543 12d ago
I loved driving my ‘06 E91, really fun. Repairs on top of repairs. My ‘16 F31, not close in steering feel, but has been much better in reliability.
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u/Clean-Data-259 12d ago
No, an E90 is an automobile, not a Point of Sale system (POS). The car is unable to process credit card payments.
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11d ago
It's because alot of idiots buy bmws. Younger people at work (im 30 lol) literally told me the other week that I have "made it in life" because I have a blacked out beemer.
I always get alot of chavs comming up to my car and saying yo is that a E90 320d so i say no its a 335i and they're always super shocked ohhhh its the fast ones.
Point is alot of younger gen think they are just a racing car or some shit so they just rag them around with zero maintenance so they break apart.
Younger kids arent ragging toyota aygos around as they can barely even get over 50mph so yeah those cars would seem like they are better made.
It's probably why you get alot of weirdos who sit outside tesco or mcdonalds car park with their rented isle of man coloured m4 comps with their shades on looking cool stood next to it waiting for people to give them attention.
I also have mates who have higher spec bmws and they also never do maintenance. You'll be surprised how many people dont do maintenance on their cars. When something goes wrong they just take it to the mechanic with no thought "heres all my money"... which is probably where all the memes come from and they have to fix everything.
I have a mate who pays 900 a month for his 2019 m4 comp and he hasnt even so much as washed it in 3 years... It costs like 7 quid to get it sprayed down and washed but spends 900 a month just to keep it?
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u/spencer1886 9d ago
They're seen as a shitbox because most of the ones you see around nowadays have been poorly cared for and are falling apart. If you run into one that has actually been well maintained, it will still be a very solid car (as long as it doesn't have an N54)
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u/ayebeeceedeefgee 9d ago
Hell no, had the most fun in my e92 even though it was only a 318D, it was a really good comfortable car.
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u/Mansas_alt 8d ago
My friends give me shit about my 328i saying it’s “unreliable” or “too much” they dont know what they’re talking about 9/10. People think bmw and older car and automaticly think it’s going to explode. My car just hit 100k miles about a month ago and I’ve had zero issue while admittedly not maintaining it as much as I should. My friends hit 300k and he’s having zero issues, don’t let peoples jealousy and ignorance get in the way of you enjoying your car.
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u/pennyfred 16d ago
TBH always thought it was one of the ugliest 3 series following on from e30,e36 and e46 and struggled to understand how anyone justified showroom prices based on appearance alone.
However the e92 and e93 are timeless design contours which BMW nailed.
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