A couple of things should have been mentioned. When you're doing the valve cover gasket, you should also get a bolt kit. Most of the bolts holding the valve cover on are aluminum single use bolts and should be replaced once removed. The other thing is that if you are going to go through the trouble of pulling everything off of the top of the motor to change the valve cover gasket, you should also consider going ahead and changing the the eccentric shaft sensor too. It may be bad even if no lights come on. You can check it with either a scan or just by pulling the connector off and checking the socket for oil. If it isn't bad, it will go bad at some point, so might as well do it while you're in there, unless you enjoy pulling everything off of the top of the motor and doing the valve cover again. Lastly, if you get a code for VANOS solenoids, they are easy to get to. You might want to try cleaning them before paying for new ones. They often just get dirty and will kick back a code. BTW, if you're checking for oil leaks, don't forget the oil filter housing gasket.

Recalls apply to the car, not just the original owner.

I also have a 06 BMW 330i E90. When I bought it I was told it had a recall for the airbags. 3 recalls actually. The first two were done by the previous owner. I called the BMW dealership and they said they will order a new airbag and will install it for free. You should call the dealer.

If you don't know how to work on cars, out of warranty BMWs are a real pain to own.

I bought an 06 330i in 2011 @ 99K miles. The repairs I've needed were Oil Pan gasket ($800), water pump / thermostat ($1100) and transmission pan gasket / sealing sleeve ($545). The leaks could have been found had I inspected it better before purchasing. I recommend you take it to a dealer and let them do the visual inspection (mine does this at no charge). Then you'll know what you're getting into. Love the car and enjoy driving it! The more you can DIY, the more affordable it will be.

I have a BMW 2008 328i for 3 years now, and I can confirm that it did give me a lot of problems. I don't even remember how many services and repairs that I had to do with the car. All I can remember were replacing a starter, a valve cover gasket (twice), Crankshaft Sensor, Camshaft Sensor, Eccentric Shaft Sensor, and ignition coil (1 coil). Those are majors repair and they cost me around $3000+. Not to mention some minors repair that I fix it by myself like replacing a window regulator (rear passenger window). If you are planning on buying a German car, I recommend that you should have at least $3000 in your pocket in case things break down.

Funny I came across this video as my e90 is currently in the shop for the water pump and thermostat issues. Like you said the car does not have a temp gauge and was very surprised when I was left on the side of the road. With the oil change and service, water pump and thermostat, and cylinder #6 misfire, my total is going to be $2500. Hopefully when I go to pick it up, I'll get a complimentary blowjob and ribeye steak.

You don't have to be the original owner to get it fixed through BMW dealer as part of the recall. I recently bought mine used and had this light. I called the dealer they checked the vin and fixed it for free. Give BMW dealer a call and ask, good luck!

I had the same problem for the passenger seat mat sensor. I bought a seat occupation emulator on ebay for about 50 canadian dollars. I plugged it in and reset the light using INPA. It all worked fine. The downside is, if you crash, the passenger seat airbag will deploy, regardless of if there is anyone seating there.

Nice job. I've moved from E46 to E90 and had three of your indicated ones, already. Aftermarket/DIY isn't bad - and definitely suggest a purpose-made (yet inexpensive) OBD-II code tool (C110 or equivalent); ..don't leave home without it ;-)

Engine tick fix is: change oil with 5L Castrol 5w-30 synthetic and 1.5L of Marvel Mistery Oil, and Mann or BMW oil filter. Both can be had at Walmart. Filter can be had at Bavauto. The important thing here is the oil. It has to be thin to fill the small lifters (there around 7mm round by 30mm long) so 10w-30 will give you a tick. 0w-30/0w-40 is fine but hard to get. BMW Owners Manual calls for 5w-30 or 5w-40 Castrol synthetic (depending on ambient temp/winter thinner, summer thicker). The important thing here is the winter rating, the W. Has to be 5W. 0W is ok, but not 10W.

Can you make a video on how to diagnosis and inspect this car when your buying it as a used?

Oil Pan gasket is a PITA to service on these cars. Drop the entire subframe to get to the bolts while you at it might as well do crank seals. Airbag warning light could also be a faulty battery terminal (BST cable) in my case, battery got swapped out and terminals touched and blew the safety fuse (pyrotechnics device) that sets off the airbag warning lights.

Ignition coils, oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket, power window regulators (all 4), door lock actuators, windshield wiper fluid tank leak, adaptive headlights malfunction (don't try to code this out unless you are 100% sure how to do it), water pump and thermostat. These are the issues I had with my 06 325i. Over the 9 years I've owned it. Got it with 40K miles on it. About to hit 100K. I only drove it on the weekends for a few years. I've done a lot of the repairs myself which did save money. But still had to do some stuff via mechanic. Oil filter housing gasket is an easy one that can save you a lot of money. The part costs $15 and maybe an hour and half of time.

Thank you, good stuff man. Straight forward and clear.

The airbag issue is an old one, same with the e46. I fixed mine by using a bypass plug which will tell the ECU that the seat is occupied at all times. I would rather have the airbag deployed at all times. Bought it off ebay, around £10.

It's a 6 hour job for the oil pan gasket, just found out the hard way.

I ran into every single problem beside the airbags light on my e90 before 60k miles.

I had to replace the coolant pump and thermostat. Got an Oem pump on Amazon for $287.

Nice Video. Regarding the front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor (OC3) mat, BMW of North America has extended the warranty for this to 15 YEARS without mileage limitation, as determined by your vehicle's original in-service date. This is warranty is transferrable to any subsequent purchaser of the vehicle. This is a "limited warranty extension" only and not a Recall or Service Action. Bottom line, take it into a BMW dealership and they will replace the malfunctioning sensor. Problem solved.

I had a VANOS problem on my N54. BMW has a 15,000 mile oil change interval. That is too long. I recommend 7,500 mile oil change using Mobile 1 or Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic oil. Once I changed my oil, the new oil rinsed out the crud in the VANOS solenoid. The problem was fixed.

Btw, safety recalls apply to all affected cars, irrespective of the owner.

if you want you can bypass to, buy resistance 3 oms 1watts go back trunk cut little wire its connect to positive battery after stripping the wire,and them connect wire to resistance soldering and taping attach somewhere in the trunk

E92 328i owner just subscribed

The N54 engine is about the same… 110,000 miles water pump failed and needed to be replaced. Very arduous and hard DIY but can be done. Ignition coils: symptom that I experienced with failure of one, was a feeling that the car was going to stall at idle. RPMs would intermittently stutter. Replaced all ignition coil's and everything was fixed. OMG… failure of the Door lock actuator in the front doors were the most common but I've had both front and rear go bad. The most interesting problem… Overheating of the satellite radio unit in the trunk. BMW diagnosed it as a failed digital FM tuner. However, if you get a digital loop that's about $14 on eBay and plug it in to the satellite radio unit it fixes not only the failure of the FM radio but also fixes the passenger side airbag warning light and the SOS system malfunction. Not done there… The starter tends to go bad. Mine went bad at 155k and is a bitch to replace. Warning sign here… When you press the start button you will get every electronic component working at full steam and yet nothing happens to the engine. It's your starter and welcome to an intake manifold removal nightmare. Look on KZfaq there's a great video. I could go on… My recommendation is never to purchase these vehicles over 80,000 miles.

If your xar was recalled for the airbag. Original owner or not they will replace it free of charge. It's a safety recall. Check with your vin number.

'06 330i E90 owner here. I have also had a Vanos Solenoid go, think it was the exhaust one. Bought up 2a99 code which said bearing ledge wear. If this is the case it is a very expensive job. Luckily I replaced the solenoid & it cleared the code.

Great info bro I just got 2007 328i Im looking out for these issues appreciate your help.

Dude I have an e60 530i, I can relate. Oil Pan Gasket $775 and 6 sparks/6 ignition coils and oil level sensor. $1,017. I can honestly do some stuff myself like water pump and thermostat but it was pouring rain and had nowhere to do it plus I have the money for it so my shop did it, found a new one with an $85/hr labor rate. These BMWs are good cars, just needy. If anyone is looking for reliability in a BMW like a Honda, that isn't happening. A BMW is NOT going to leave you stranded, but it's reliable to only a BMW standard. Are they overall reliable? No, not when it comes to avoiding maint &a repairs.

I can't wait to get rid to get rid of my 2008 3 series after $8k in maintenance and repairs in 3 1/2 years. And the value is dropping like a brick....

Damn i had all these problems occur on my e92 except the airbag light.

The sound at 3:45 isn't the water pump. This ticking noise is common in all 6-cylinder BMWs N52 and N53 and is due to the hydraulic lifters. Even mine does have this ticking noise in the first minute after a cold start. Nothing to worry about. Use full-synthetic oil like 0W-40 and the noise should be gone. If not, vent the hydraulic lifters.

I have the exactly problems when I bought my e90 n46, it cost me a lot, but you forget something is the stem seal and PVC valve, having a blue smoke isssues,

I have a 2006 Bmw 325xi wagon and basically what hes saying is 100% true! I replaced the gasket only, replaced all coils and spark plugs, about to do the stinking thermostat and the stuuuupid seat belt and airbag lights!!! I have them too and they bother meeeeeeeeeeeee. But i wont spend anymore on this car, ive done all the work myself and for parts, ive spent about $400 ish dollars

thanks for info mate..really helful for my BMW..same experience.

you can find exactly same model as the dealer uses for the waterpump on ebay!

i just bought a 325i about a year ago with 150k miles from my mother she never drove it hard or anything and had it since it was new and i never push car hard had done that to a v6 mustang and tore trans out but the car is starting to leak oil and needs power streeing pump other then that everything seems fine so far its not leaking oil bad yet but the pump is toast been took it to dealer said itd be 1700$ to fix so orderd the part yesterday going to do it myself for 80$

When the airbag light is on the whole system is disabled. If you are in an accident the airbags will not deploy.

you are spot on @ 65000 miles, water pump failed - changed pump and Thermostat ($900 dealer) 2 weeks later, ignition coil 5 failed I was told about leaky oil pan gasket - postponing that due to cost Might want to add O2 sensor failure BTW - can you add videos where you replaced VANOS solenoid and oil pan gasket Excellent recap of issues to watch out - I second your predictions . I have 2010 328i

These all just sound like common proberlms for any high milage vehicle. the idea is to find a car that has these already fixed

just buckel the seat belt and the warning on the seat belt sensor wont be annoying. Change your oil with 0w-40 to take care of the engine tick. 0w-40 is the best grade that the dealer uses.

2/5 Done ! Now waiting for the others :D

Excellent video . Keep it up 👍🏻

Very helpful content. You really helped me a lot. I also own an E90. Thanks

I had BMW fix my seat mat issue under a recall. I have a 06 330i as well. Im leaking oil too :(

needed this video, thanks a lot bud

FUUUUCK Right when you played the radiator fan video I instantly recognized the sound :/

my 06 325i e90 has the tire pressure light, seatbelt, airbag, and brake light on.

Recalls apply to the car. It doesn't matter if you are the 15th owner of the car or the orignal. If your car has been recalled for this issue yoy can get it fixed for free. I'm the 7th owner of my car and just had a recall done last summer.

I just bought a 2010 BMW 328i and I believe it has the same N52 engine. Right now I have about 70,000 miles on it. Should I be expecting most of these issues also? It's only been about five months but so far no issues.

Rockauto.com bro. I buy all my parts from there for cheap and they're great quality parts and it ships to you within a week, and do the maintenance yourself and you can save huge $$$$

The airbag replacement applies to you as well because it applies to the car not the owner

I bought my 335d May 31th 2016. No big problems so far. Only a warning light saying one of the outer bulbs is burnt. Cant seem to find which light though

About the airbag light and seat belt light in the U.K I bought a bypass basically tells the seat there's someone sat in it and took me 10 minutes to install if you want a link to eBay maybe you can find it where you are cost me £30 so was a cheap fix and the airbags still work

Don’t forget starter and VVT motor

Oil leaking? Der N52 kann Öl verbrauchen, bis zu 1 Liter auf 1000 km oder mehr. Liegt wie man weis an den Abstreifringen oder den Ventilschäften. Hier soll es ein Konstruktionsproblem geben. Das mit dem Thermostat hatte ich auch. Ansonsten ist das Auto aber solide.

You have forgot mention most common gasket leek since E36 . Oil filter housing gasket!

you have to change positive cable battery because it got sensor on it connect to airbag its little two wires on is brown another one is blue something like that

Went to bmw for a complementary diagnostic and they cleared the air bag code and it hasn’t come back in 4 months

I bougt e90 325i 2005, one owner... I don't even have that rattling noise... If you turn on new diesel next to me, you can not hear engine at all... But I do need fill 1L of oil every 4k... Mine has 68.000 miles on it... No problems and runs like crazy...

You can look up your motor temp by using your dash button

I went from a 07 mustang to a BMW 328i of the same year good or no

Where's all the happy stories by satisfied owners?!?

If the airbag light it on - for whatever reason, NONE of the airbags will deploy in an accident. The airbag system is - you might say - on hold, until the problem is resolved.

Replace oil pan gasket, how hard and a good resources video?

actually you have water temperature meter in e9x but its in the driving computer and pain in the ass to get to!

Same problem with my abs light and seat sensor on my vw. Delete code with vag com and it pops back up 3 months later. Passenger seat. Same.

Always call BMW and check for open recalls! That airbag and seatbelt light might be fixed for free even if your car does not have a warranty.

great video very informative keep it up

Get the manual version. Havent had any issues with it yet. Although I replaced the whole cooling system

should have bout Delphi ignition coils instead of the bosch they are garbage there's a bulletin on it

Hey bro I have a 06 330i stick shift and the passenger airbags Are a RECALL so go to the BMW dealership and set your appointment. I'm gonna set mine soon. And I also have a oil leak in the areas you stated and I've also changed 3 misfiring ignition coils lmao all N52s have the same bullshit problems. I love the car tho

Speed sensors always go too so annoying, BM Trouble U

BMW will fix all recalls for free if you take it to a dealership. If you take it to an indy you have to pay and try to work with BMW for a reimbursement. My dealership needed to order the parts so I couldn't get it replaced when I had the driver airbag replaced and will have to return.

I owmn a 2007 302i what would cause it to idle too high and stall out at the lights

I brought my car to bmw, they said the airbags are fine just the lights are on still. How do I just shut off the lights on the dash???

Do these problems apply to all N52 engines or have some been fixed in the LCI's

What is the clicking noise when your showing the water pump issue?

Don't you have to drop the front subframe to change the oil pan gasket?

Does the waterpump completely fail and not cool the engine? I was thinking of buying a E90 but I am concerned many of them overheat or does it still pump fluid just not well?

Good info.Did you change the Valve Cover Gasket by yourself?I saw a KZfaq that mentioned you need a special equipment to adjust the settings afterward. Is this true?

safety recalls apply to the vehicle no matter who owns it.you should contact bmw

Dude do you still own this car? Its now 2023.

Can you show or tell us how to know if thermostat and water pump has gone bad?

My 06 325i steptronic at 100k mls, the water pump failed, had to replace all 6 coils, valve gasket cover, sump gasket cover, propshaft replacement, ignition starter failer, steering column failure all very expensive issues costing in excess $4500. This is what i have learnt, BMW cars are epic cars, beautiful cars that drive wonderfully, you only just have to be financially prepared to maintain them and once you do, they will make you forget what you spend to keep them on the road, the problem with us owners is that we want to own such cars and run them on a Toyota budget or at least expect them to behave like the toyota or a honda which is absurd, we normally buy these cars without applying logic, i dont blame anyone, who in their hey days didnt grow up dreaming of owning a BMW? All we need to do is to work hard and make money and buy these machines and stop complaining and expecting these cars to behave like a honda jazz..

my water pump finally went out at about 130k. should of been replaced when I got the car at about 115k. gonna need to replace some other hoses and the radiator as well; i drove on the overheating light too long... good thing all my buddies drive bimmers too, time consuming but easy fix 😅 ** I DO RECOMMEND ** doing what's advised in this video and not try to drive on a fucked up water pump, shit is not worth the headaches and possible engine damage; which can generally cost between 5-10k to replace. and if that's the case, then you might as well just buy a different N52 of eBay Motors with low miles for like 1-3k

hello there, i just changed the rotor and brakes, while driving for 30-40 minutes and when i slowed down the speed and make a turn it has a sound, i don't know what it is, but after stooping or wait the sounds will go away, any idea?

Can you show me how to change the right rear door lifter got E90 328i my window won’t work

Hello I'm trying to get help with changing out headlights I've had three of my headlights go out all of a sudden on my bmw330i was wondering if you can give me any troubleshooting techniques on the headlights thank you

Hey would you happen to know why all my windows And Moonroof open once I turn on the car, turn it off, then close the door, and it won’t let me lock either sometimes. It takes me waiting a couple minutes of trying to be able to close them.

I like the BMW’s and always wanted one until a friend had an alternator replaced at a BMW dealership and the cost on the alternator alone was over $650! With labor it was almost $900! I guess I’ll just stick with Toyota..

108k is high mileage?

Sup foo, hey real quick-did you get your bmw at a mom and pop dealer or off the street? I'm trying to get one but I hear all this and that bout bmw's just trying to narrow it down to my decision.. thanks.

i just got an 06 330i , it won’t start and it spilled some oil , what do you think it is ?

Couple things to add: -The starter on these cars are garbage, if replace at 100k if it hasn't been replaced yet -There is a way to get a temp gauge. Hard to explain in a comment but just look up how to view temperature on an e90

Hey great video. I have a 2011 BMW 328i xdrive. Your #4 problem is what I have bad sensor clynoid it shut off my BMW while at a red light. It's in the shop now. Any recommendations?

Got Rid off mine , but I loved my 330i 😂

how much did the valve cover gasket and the oil pan gasket cost to fix. Or did you do it yourself?

I know you were talking about the radiator what is that clicking sound is it normal?

Did you find out how to fix the seat as mine is doing the same?