Should I, Shouldn't I, Would You? E90 BMW Content

I'm not sure that I'd want a turbo E90 even if it were a creampuff with a stack of records.

MInd you, I do kinda want a 128i which is similar but less big.  But I also know that when the Valvetronic binds up it can be $10k to repair after it takes out the drivers in the computer in addition to the mechanical work.  So I have been looking at Minis instead because that's a less scary small BMW to own (and that's kinda saying something!) but only the ones that don't have Valvetronic.

Step one: Partial part out.

Step two: Challenge what is left, maybe even using some of that recoup

Step three: Smile

So, this being an 08, isn't it a 3.0 natural aspirated straight 6?  No turbo on these, right?

Edit.  I am wrong.  I was thinking there was a year only 335 that was NA.  Apparently it's not 2008.

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

I'm not sure that I'd want a turbo E90 even if it were a creampuff with a stack of records.

 

MInd you, I do kinda want a 128i which is similar but less big.  But I also know that when the Valvetronic binds up it can be $10k to repair after it takes out the drivers in the computer in addition to the mechanical work.  So I have been looking at Minis instead because that's a less scary small BMW to own (and that's kinda saying something!) but only the ones that don't have Valvetronic.

Have you seen many of those failures? From following these cars over the past year or so the only common failures I see with that system are the eccentric position sensor failing or at least being recommended to change while the valve cover is off. I've got 350,000 km on my 06 330i and I doubt it will be the valvetronic system that takes that car off the road.

adam525i said:

Pete. (l33t FS) said:

I'm not sure that I'd want a turbo E90 even if it were a creampuff with a stack of records.

 

MInd you, I do kinda want a 128i which is similar but less big.  But I also know that when the Valvetronic binds up it can be $10k to repair after it takes out the drivers in the computer in addition to the mechanical work.  So I have been looking at Minis instead because that's a less scary small BMW to own (and that's kinda saying something!) but only the ones that don't have Valvetronic.

Have you seen many of those failures? From following these cars over the past year or so the only common failures I see with that system are the eccentric position sensor failing or at least being recommended to change while the valve cover is off. I've got 350,000 km on my 06 330i and I doubt it will be the valvetronic system that takes that car off the road.

I'm curious about this too, as it's not something I've heard much about. Is it a function of poor maintenance/long oil change intervals or something else?

In reply to 02Pilot :

Same. I've heard very few people complaining about that system failing. Maybe because everything else fails first!

In reply to wvumtnbkr :

Nah, just the 2006 top line was the 330 (N52), 335 was initially a twin-turbo (N54), and in 2011 switched to a single turbo (N55). N52 most reliable, N54 most power potential, N55 inbetween (but far closer to N54).