Nonsense Thread

[McGyver]

The only thing that's been a major pain on my n55 has been replacing the o-ring on a turbo coolant pipe. I went through 4 or 5 o-rings trying to get the thing on, but kept slicing the ring on the sharp edge of the block because I couldn't get the pipe to go in straight.

The annoying thing is that BMWs catalog is not correct for some turbo related things. It'll pull catalytic converter gaskets for a 2013 n55 with a PWG instead of the 2014 updated version with an EWG. There are also some associated turbo coolant pipes that are incorrectly associated with the engine.

Other than that, it's been great. Just minor maintenance and repairs for known issues. I'm really happy that I bought it over another e30.

[MrBurgundy]

n55s are cake to work on.

Great engines

The n54 tho.... different animal for sure.

[McGyver]

F30s (ideally F31) seem like a good pickup, but I know almost nothing about them and I don't think they came manual or at least are exceedingly rare.

I've got an f30 (sedan) with the n55 and a 6-speed. I really enjoy that car.

I'm not 100% sure, but I think all US f31s are 4-cyl turbos with automatics. I've read about timing chain problems on early n20 engines, but the b48 seems to be very reliable. They are really nice cars and have plenty of power for such a small engine, I'd give it a look. I feel like my f30 is built very similar to how an e46 or e90 is put together. So although it's a little different, it's not completely alien to work on.

[Northern]

I agree with the e90 comment. Aesthetically aged well, nice interior, cheap, manual. I think an e91 would make an awesome daily, but there's a price premium over the e90.

F30s (ideally F31) seem like a good pickup, but I know almost nothing about them and I don't think they came manual or at least are exceedingly rare.

I do like having a comfy/newish daily with modern safety BS and bells & whistles, and have had relatively few issues with doing this.
When I do have issues, it's always something stupid, like my XC90's headlight leaking from some stupid locating tab being snapped off, or right now where the rear caliper piston is seized, and anywhere other than the dealer is on intergalactic backorder so I'm forced to either spend $550 on a goddamn brake caliper or take a shot at rebuilding it.

[MrBurgundy]

N52 330i e90 is next to the e39 for ultimate DD IMO

The N52 might be the best non M engine BMW has made. It beats the M54 in my book with the power they make. Their valvetronic system is soooooooooo good. Hardly done any replairs to valvetronic systems in my 13 years at the shop.

Non iDrive e90s are such awesome cars..