BMW 3 Series E90 (2005–2012)
Generation-specific owner insights from 90+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?
6,431
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2005–2012
36
recall campaigns
air bags
most-complained area
What owners say about this generation
Our take, from owner reports
Owners of the E90 generation generally regard it as a rewarding driver's car that rewards diligent maintenance, with the naturally aspirated six-cylinder models (325i, 328i, 330i) earning the strongest praise for reliability and the turbocharged 335i drawing enthusiasm for performance but warnings about cost.
15 problems reported (2 very frequent, 5 recurrent, 8 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCooling system failures (water pump, thermostat, expansion tank)
- Very frequentOil leaks (valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, oil pan gasket)
- RecurrentHigh pressure fuel pump failure on 335i (N54)
+ 12 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentTiming chain issues on the 328i around 100k miles
- RecurrentVANOS solenoid and ignition coil failures
- RecurrentWindow regulator failure
- RecurrentOil consumption and general oil leaks
- IsolatedRear window regulator replacement cost
- IsolatedFolding rearview mirror failure
- IsolatedCabin fan failure
- IsolatedPower steering pump failure
- IsolatedFuel pressure sensor failure
- IsolatedTransfer case issue on xDrive
- IsolatedSunroof sensor failure
- IsolatedAutomatic transmission problems
The version owners recommend
The consensus best version is the 328i (and its 330i/325i naturally aspirated siblings) with the N52 engine, particularly 2011 and later examples, praised as reliable and sporty without turbo complexity. Owners repeatedly steer buyers away from the 335i unless they accept higher repair costs, and the N55-powered 2011 335i is viewed as more reliable than the earlier N54 cars.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Honda Civic Si and Toyota Camry.
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Overall sentiment
Owners of the E90 generation generally regard it as a rewarding driver's car that rewards diligent maintenance, with the naturally aspirated six-cylinder models (325i, 328i, 330i) earning the strongest praise for reliability and the turbocharged 335i drawing enthusiasm for performance but warnings about cost. The dominant refrain is that these cars are reliable if and only if they are well maintained, and that neglected or cheaply bought examples become money pits. Owners repeatedly note that parts and labor are more expensive than Japanese rivals, and that the car's essential mechanicals (engine, transmission, frame) can last well past 200,000 miles with care. Sentiment is more favorable toward the non-turbo cars and toward later model years, while the earliest N54-powered 335i models and the turbocharged cars generally carry more caution.
Positioning vs competitors
Owners position the E90 as more engaging and better-handling than mainstream sedans like the Mazda 6, Accord, and Civic, and as having a nicer interior and more fun character than a Mustang V6, while conceding that those cars are cheaper to run and more reliable. Against the Lexus IS350 and Infiniti G37, owners describe the E90 as sharper and sportier but less reliable and more expensive to maintain, with the IS350 singled out as the more sensible reliability choice. The 335i is described as much faster than most rivals but a heavier maintenance burden, while the non-turbo 328i is positioned as the more affordable-to-own alternative within the lineup.
Recommended configurations
Owners recommend the naturally aspirated six-cylinder cars (325i, 328i, 330i) over the 335i for lower running costs, and prefer rear-wheel drive with a manual transmission for the best driving experience. The 2011 328i with the N52 is frequently cited as a sweet spot, and the 2011 335i with the N55 is preferred over earlier N54 335i models. Owners advise avoiding the turbocharged 335i if expensive repairs are a concern, and recommend a pre-purchase inspection plus complete service records on any example.
General recommendations
This generation suits buyers who want a sporty, well-built rear-wheel-drive sedan and are willing to budget roughly $1,000-$2,000 per year for maintenance and stay on top of preventive service. Owners advise preferring later model years and the non-turbo six-cylinder cars, avoiding cheap high-mileage or neglected examples, and always getting a pre-purchase inspection and maintenance history. Buyers are warned that a cheap E90 is often cheap for a reason, and that deferred maintenance surfaces as expensive repairs.
Remarks
Owners emphasize that maintenance history and a pre-purchase inspection matter more than mileage or model year, and that parts and labor for this generation are notably more expensive than for mainstream Japanese cars. Several owners note that the naturally aspirated six-cylinder cars are the safer long-term choice, while the 335i offers strong performance at the cost of higher upkeep. Analysis based on approximately 90 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
Complaints and recalls by model year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 373 | 9 | engine |
| 2011 | 1,920 | 13 | engine |
| 2010 | 548 | 3 | air bags |
| 2009 | 388 | 2 | air bags |
| 2008 | 691 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 1,041 | 2 | electrical system |
| 2006 | 1,243 | 4 | air bags |
| 2005 | 227 | 0 | air bags |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices for this generation
2012 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)campaign 22V119000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 23V707000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 20V017000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 14V627000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
2012 · exterior lightingcampaign 15V520000
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
2012 · service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuumcampaign 13V454000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
2012 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V513000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pumpcampaign 24V608000
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
2012 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 14V176000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fancampaign 12E029000
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)campaign 22V119000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:enginecampaign 23V707000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
10 more recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.