[RFChas]

Originally Posted by Podunk

a 440i with a B58 may be best bet...

100%... either that or a Supra. But I'm with ya here on the 440i... We're 196k on an N55 X3. 135k on an N55 3351. And 107k on a B58 X3. All the B58 has needed so far was a replaced upper cooling hose connection. I didn't even get around to the spark plugs until after 100k. The N55s? Started with charge pipes, then the OFHG's, then valve cover gaskets, and ultimately around 163k on the N55 X3 was radiator, hoses, water pump, thermostat. The CELs on both N55 cars sometimes pop with waste gate positioning sensor on the turbos at start up. More frequently on the 335i.

We're at 32k and 48k on our N52 cars and expect that these will be fantastic cars to run and maintain reasonably inexpensively and w/o drama. I simply love driving them even though old ladies in modern SUVs can roll away from me at stop lights. Hah...

I'm always watching auctions for the B58 440s and for sure before the mild hybrid motor was inserted into the transmission on the M440s. Can you imagine $$ associated with issues with this set-up? No thanks!

Cheers all.

[nnpa2]

amazing post with good information! It would be great to update the pricing as the waterpump/thermostat, in todays world with parts, I was going to be proactive as well BUT the prices for a new OE thermostat and waterpump is well over 1k. At those prices, I'd rather wait for it to bomb out vs replacing it when it seems to work

[MikeFromFL]

Great writeup. One thing I'd add - always check the underside of the oil cap for milky residue before anything else. Takes 2 seconds and tells you right away if there's a head gasket or cooling system issue. On E90s specifically the water pump and thermostat are the weak points, so factor in $500-800 for that if they haven't been done already. Also worth pulling the VIN history yourself rather than trusting whatever the seller shows you.

[MikeFromFL]

also want to add - if you are buying an E9X sight unseen from another state, run the VIN through a history report first. carfax misses stuff sometimes so i use a cheaper alternative called CarXray from the app store. about 15 bucks and it caught a previous accident on a car that carfax showed clean

[abz260]

Where's everybody finding them these days? I know this site, facebook, and auction sites.