E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > General BMW News and Cars Discussion > Most reliable M car?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-10-2014, 06:20 PM   #23
JPH704
Captain
JPH704's Avatar
United_States
26
Rep
767
Posts

Drives: Huracan Performante & 720s
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: South East

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by nebrou View Post
Man. I disagree with what you said. I agree that changing oil is more expensive. Tires might be more expensive and brakes as well. But engine bay are is much more reliable than any 335i. I don't think you had the 335i for long time did you? you haven't done major service which is walnut blast ($900 or more at dealership) and Fuel injector problems which comes every 30k or more...and turbo waste-gates which is covered up to 80k only.

Ohh yeah...regarding gas. My current mpg on car is 16 mpg and I am DRIVING like grandpa so I am not sure how you were getting 23 mpg in city thats really the highest I've seen if it is true. I am not getting that in HW either.
335i more reliable than the M3?

Just going to leave this here. Scroll to the bottom for latest chart. http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2013/...bility-survey/
__________________
2019 McLaren 720s / 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante / 2019 Porsche Macan Turbo / 2016 BMW M3/// IG @jon.hagerty
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2014, 06:52 PM   #24
Ezio
Brigadier General
Ezio's Avatar
United_States
380
Rep
3,934
Posts

Drives: 2023 Alfa Romeo, 2023 m240i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: MI

iTrader: (0)

i would rather run a high revving N/A (E92 M )S65 or (E46 M)S55 engine on a track all day over a tuned 335i.

IMO your going to have less problems with a well made N/A engine in terms of track use. but those tuned 335 are fun as hell on the streets.

Then there the other side, M cars cost more money to repair and mod.
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2014, 07:01 PM   #25
Jamesons Viggen
Brigadier General
United_States
193
Rep
3,780
Posts

Drives: '98 M Roadster stg 2+ S/C
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rochester Hills MI

iTrader: (3)

E36 all the way.

So many 160-200k mile cars and still strong pulling and reliable.

My s52 has a clutch that doesn't slip and its original and holds 13psi, original brakes too, 82k miles.

My stock head gasket held 13psi for 10k miles an never went pop.

Just stay on top of the basics and upgrade the plastic fantastic cooling system and you're golden.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga View Post
e36 m3

/thread
Quote:
Originally Posted by thomas88162 View Post
+1 Seriously, get an S52. Most reliable M
Quote:
Originally Posted by gilly22 View Post
^ what he said.

E36 M3's are very reliable in my experience. Had mine for over 8yrs and aside from a starter going out, I never had an issue. Another plus is that the e36 models are more user friendly to maintain and less expensive when it comes to maintenance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Motorsport.Nick View Post
E36 M3 or M Roadster. No doubt about it.

Mostly in part with what @ezmaass said except in an opposite sense because that the S52 motor represents the simplest M motor to date and is a breeze to maintain.
__________________

'98 Dinan/RMS stage 2+(VAC cams, CES Cutring etc)
'15 Buick Regal "T"(wife)
'06 Saab 9-5 Combi 5mt (full suspension, LSD, clipped turbo etc)
Appreciate 0
      02-10-2014, 09:02 PM   #26
Antetokounmpo
Brigadier General
Antetokounmpo's Avatar
United_States
1550
Rep
3,475
Posts

Drives: E90 6MT FBO; '18 F150 Platinum
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: WI

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by nebrou View Post
Man. I disagree with what you said. I agree that changing oil is more expensive. Tires might be more expensive and brakes as well. But engine bay are is much more reliable than any 335i. I don't think you had the 335i for long time did you? you haven't done major service which is walnut blast ($900 or more at dealership) and Fuel injector problems which comes every 30k or more...and turbo waste-gates which is covered up to 80k only.

Ohh yeah...regarding gas. My current mpg on car is 16 mpg and I am DRIVING like grandpa so I am not sure how you were getting 23 mpg in city thats really the highest I've seen if it is true. I am not getting that in HW either.
Wow, you really have issues then. I get 18mpg driving like a 17 year old... Keeping my revs below 2500 and just accelerating normally I can easily get 23 city, keep in mind this is not stop and go traffic, there I can only get about 18. That's suburb driving 25-35mph speed limits. I really don't open it up unless I need to which isn't that often. I've had my 335xi since Nov of 2012 and have put nearly 20,000 miles on it. The car had one previous owner, zero accidents and the owner was a gentleman in his 50's that took in into the the dealer for all maintenance. It was a CPO from a BMW dealer and I know what exactly has been done regarding maintenance and repairs. Never been walnut blasted, spark plugs once, original turbos, wastegates, injectors. That being said, I've looked and the intake valves really aren't THAT gunked up, still good for some time (car has 80k on it). I'll change the plugs within the next year and the oil within the next three months. Honestly, this is not an unreliable car if and only if the maintenance has been immaculate for the lifetime of the car and if it has not been abused and modded the crap out of. I'm thinking you have an "unlucky" one. I searched for about 8 months to find the perfect car. It was in immaculate condition for four years old and I drove 20 hours to get it. In the end, that was all clearly worth it.
__________________

2008 335xi 6MT | VRSF Catless DP | VRSF 7" FMIC | VRSF CP | TIAL BOV | DCI | MHD 2+
BC Racing BR | Stoptech 600 | Firehawk Indy 500 255 Square | Atric Altimax 225 Sq.
2018 F-150 Platinum 701A | FX4 | 3.5 EcoBeast
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2014, 01:26 AM   #27
bimmerjph
Colonel
bimmerjph's Avatar
United_States
121
Rep
2,023
Posts

Drives: 2005 Z4 3.0
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Tennessee

iTrader: (0)

If you're in the US, then it would certainly be the E36 M3. That being said since the newest E36's are now 16 years old, they aren't exactly low maintenance.
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2014, 08:07 PM   #28
Grizz258
Private
15
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 09 bmw 335i sedan
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

This valuable info to me, thanks! I still got warranty on my engine until 5 years/100k miles. Im driving pretty rough so BMW does maintenance on it. I think I might just go with a e39 M5 or e36 later on in the future.
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2014, 08:17 PM   #29
Racer20
Major
United_States
1030
Rep
1,190
Posts

Drives: F80 M3, 228i THP, E46 ZHP
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Ann Arbor, MI

iTrader: (0)

E36 has cooling issues, E46 has cooling, bearing, and VANOS issues, what major issues does the E9X have? Even the first year cars don't seem to have any stigma to them like the 01/02 E46's.
Appreciate 0
      02-11-2014, 08:30 PM   #30
Ezio
Brigadier General
Ezio's Avatar
United_States
380
Rep
3,934
Posts

Drives: 2023 Alfa Romeo, 2023 m240i
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Racer20 View Post
E36 has cooling issues, E46 has cooling, bearing, and VANOS issues, what major issues does the E9X have? Even the first year cars don't seem to have any stigma to them like the 01/02 E46's.
they have reported rod bearing problems. its not that common though. but when a engine fails its always the rod bearing. usually higher mile engines report it AND there are shops doing rod bearing swaps for people. So its something that should not fail with right care.

but other than that not to many issues. the DCT is worlds better than the SMG also.
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 12:34 AM   #31
335twins
Captain
335twins's Avatar
United_States
142
Rep
737
Posts

Drives: 2020 x3 M40i, 2019 M2Comp
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: AZ

iTrader: (1)

I bought a 2009 335i in 2010, since then I had hpfp, fuel injectors, spark plugs replaced, and that was all covered under CPO. I was trying to find a used M3 with CPO, nothing... You can't buy a used m3 with cpo so to me it's cheaper to own a 335 as I didn't pay a dime for any of the repairs. Not sure how that would go with owning a non CPO m3, I bet that would be much more expensive if things break...
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 02:05 AM   #32
Grizz258
Private
15
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 09 bmw 335i sedan
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Bay Area

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by 335twins View Post
I bought a 2009 335i in 2010, since then I had hpfp, fuel injectors, spark plugs replaced, and that was all covered under CPO. I was trying to find a used M3 with CPO, nothing... You can't buy a used m3 with cpo so to me it's cheaper to own a 335 as I didn't pay a dime for any of the repairs. Not sure how that would go with owning a non CPO m3, I bet that would be much more expensive if things break...
Super true. But is keeping the 335i after warranty ends a huge risk?
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 06:17 AM   #33
Chihuahua
Brigadier General
Chihuahua's Avatar
4011
Rep
3,171
Posts

Drives: E30 329iS, E65 Alpina B7
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ATL

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grizz258 View Post
Super true. But is keeping the 335i after warranty ends a huge risk?
I think anyone on this forum would say yes. I also think this holds true for most BMWs today.
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 09:12 AM   #34
'02onthebrain
Second Lieutenant
17
Rep
259
Posts

Drives: '07 335xi; '00 911 C4
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Wayne, PA

iTrader: (1)

I have owned both the E36 m3 and the E46 m3 and both were very reliable IF they are properly maintained. I took the E46 to 125k before trading it in for an e90 335d. They both needed water pumps and t-stats and a fuel pump on the E46 during my ownership but I considered that normal maintenance items that I could do myself. The E46 checked out for the rtab issues and rod bearing recall before I bought it and was a blast to drive, as was the e36, perfectly weighted and highly tossable. Compared to my 335d, which was in the shop a ton before they sorted everything out, the M-cars were much more reliable. The M-car parts are more expensive across the board. If you find a well sorted e36 or e46 m3 I wouldn't hesitate to buy it, but they are both getting older now and will require normal maintenance. Both engines are superb and will last a long time if maintained. I now have an e90 335xi and I am worried a lot more about reliability in this car than I ever was in my m-cars, for whatever that is worth.
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 09:29 AM   #35
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

03.5+ E46 M3. Lots of improvements primarily in cooling system and bushing electrical component quality over the E36. But, it lacks the electronic complexity and complicated fuel and oil systems that the E92 has.

I have friends who own and work at shops. The N55 is "hell". The S65 is easier to work on but nowhere near as simple to service as the S54.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 09:37 AM   #36
3002 tii
Lieutenant General
3002 tii's Avatar
2272
Rep
12,559
Posts

Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: CT

iTrader: (99)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
03.5+ E46 M3. Lots of improvements primarily in cooling system and bushing electrical component quality over the E36. But, it lacks the electronic complexity and complicated fuel and oil systems that the E92 has.

I have friends who own and work at shops. The N55 is "hell". The S65 is easier to work on but nowhere near as simple to service as the S54.
What's so hellish about the n55 (not that it was ever found in a M car btw)? The motor is still relatively new so I can't see that many failures so early in its life cycle. We are talking about stock cars that don't have aggressive maps correct?
__________________
Follow for latest mods
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 09:48 AM   #37
rjd598
Banned
United_States
1770
Rep
6,696
Posts

Drives: F30 340i
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: San Diego,CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2016 BMW 340i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by techwhiz View Post
+1.

The most reliable BMW I've owned was my e36 M3.
They do have their share of issues, but none as serious as HPFP and cleaning intake valves on the e90 335.

That being said, I would not trade my e90 back for my e36.
It was a fun car, but it's old and feels old compared to an e90.
Performance wise? No way but to each his own. No offense but the e90 isn't anything that special either. It was already outdated before the f30 came out just my opinion. Another vote for the e36 m3. Man I love that car so much
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 10:36 AM   #38
lilyward
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: Ram Charger
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

the Z4M it's my favorite!
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 10:48 AM   #39
Sebringjetta
Brigadier General
Sebringjetta's Avatar
United_States
309
Rep
3,675
Posts

Drives: E46m3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Sacramento

iTrader: (39)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SickFinga View Post
e36 m3

/thread
__________________
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 10:51 AM   #40
KingOfJericho
Major General
KingOfJericho's Avatar
United_States
2452
Rep
7,341
Posts

Drives: Yes
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CT

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2010 135i Coupe  [5.26]
Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
What's so hellish about the n55 (not that it was ever found in a M car btw)? The motor is still relatively new so I can't see that many failures so early in its life cycle. We are talking about stock cars that don't have aggressive maps correct?
In my numerous drives with BMW techs, they always told me that the N55 was relatively simple, especially compared to the N54, which they all thought was an overly complicated motor.
__________________
The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bimmerpost.

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude Hemi | 2010 S4 Sold | 2010 BMW 135i Retired | 2006 Lotus Exige Sold

Last edited by KingOfJericho; 02-12-2014 at 11:05 AM..
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 12:19 PM   #41
Jamesons Viggen
Brigadier General
United_States
193
Rep
3,780
Posts

Drives: '98 M Roadster stg 2+ S/C
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Rochester Hills MI

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan View Post
03.5+ E46 M3. Lots of improvements primarily in cooling system and bushing electrical component quality over the E36. But, it lacks the electronic complexity and complicated fuel and oil systems that the E92 has.

I have friends who own and work at shops. The N55 is "hell". The S65 is easier to work on but nowhere near as simple to service as the S54.
Yes, later cars were less likely to suffer from rod bearing issues. But add the fact that S54s require semi expensive(less expensive now) valve adjustments and the S52 E36 looks a bit better in comparison. Not just reliability, but cost to keep running. The S52 is cheaper than the S14, S54 and S65.
__________________

'98 Dinan/RMS stage 2+(VAC cams, CES Cutring etc)
'15 Buick Regal "T"(wife)
'06 Saab 9-5 Combi 5mt (full suspension, LSD, clipped turbo etc)
Appreciate 0
      02-12-2014, 01:34 PM   #42
BMWnStuff
Private
1
Rep
45
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (0)

It's honestly all about how you maintain the car. My uncle has owned 6 BMW's and the reason he keeps coming back is the quality. Regular oil changes (which sometimes occur more frequently than other cars) and tire rotation and brake pad replacement etc. keeps these cars working well. When you buy used you take a chance, but if you buy new and do appropriate maintenance there's very little reason you should have any problems at all.
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2014, 05:59 PM   #43
stefan
Brigadier General
stefan's Avatar
No_Country
2347
Rep
4,250
Posts

Drives: M2 Comp
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: North

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jamesons Viggen View Post
Yes, later cars were less likely to suffer from rod bearing issues. But add the fact that S54s require semi expensive(less expensive now) valve adjustments and the S52 E36 looks a bit better in comparison. Not just reliability, but cost to keep running. The S52 is cheaper than the S14, S54 and S65.
Well.. not for the HP. For what it does the S54 is great. S52B32 is a strong motor but if you modify it at all to fix the clear power deficit, it can get unreliable in a hurry. AMHIK. I just think the S54 does not introduce significant complexity over the S52B32 and after 03 you're good to go on reliability. The valve adjustments as you point out can now be done easily and the VANOS fix is MUCH easier on the dual vanos system on the E46 vs the single vanos E36 requiring electrical actuation.

Just my experience. I have owned both. Currently have a VF charged E36 M3.
__________________
///M Power
Appreciate 0
      02-13-2014, 06:19 PM   #44
jophish17
Lieutenant
jophish17's Avatar
58
Rep
429
Posts

Drives: Z4MC
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Decatur, GA

iTrader: (0)

I've been very pleased with the reliability of my Z4M (I've had for 3 years and it now has 70k miles). Sure, consumables are expensive, but this car is simple (no fancy electronic gizmos) and solid... and, if things do go wrong, the engine bay is huge and extremely accessible

Of course, now that I said that, my water pump will blow up..
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:14 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST