Which 3 series generation have the most problems

ska///235i · 04-30-2007, 07:06 AM

I see that alot e9x owners are having some kind of problem...do you think the e90/91/92/93 are the worst of the 3 series. Was the E46 an overall better built?

E30 (1982-1993)
E36 (1991-1999)
E46 (1999-2006)
E9x (2006-current)

E90Fleet · 04-30-2007, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ska

...do you think the e90/91/92/93 are the worst of the 3 series. Was the E46 an overall better built?

Not close, E46 had WAY more problems

Most "problems" are very minor on the E90

ska///235i · 04-30-2007, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Not close, E46 had WAY more problems

Most "problems" are very minor on the E90

fleet...what do you think of the 335/turbo, seems like alot of issues

E90Fleet · 04-30-2007, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ska

fleet...what do you think of the 335/turbo, seems like alot of issues

Not really

Most oil cooler complaint were/are just people thinking the sky is falling

US fuel pump failures are a concern, but it seems to be limited to early cars so far. ( not counting the one euro failure, hich wasnt a 335i and may be unrelated )

There have been previous models with way more problems

ALPINE6SPD · 04-30-2007, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

Not really

Most oil cooler complaint were/are just people thinking the sky is falling

US fuel pump failures are a concern, but it seems to be limited to early cars so far. ( not counting the one euro failure, hich wasnt a 335i and may be unrelated )

There have been previous models with way more problems

+1
the only cars we have had issues with are the first 2 335i coupes BMW sent us. Both of the problems have been fixed and we have no issues since.

GJR · 04-30-2007, 07:57 AM

Even with the problems I've had with my E90, my old E36 and E46 cars had more.

NFS · 04-30-2007, 07:59 AM

All of my e46's had at least one air con failure, I also had an engine failure on an early 'valvetronic' car.

However, apart from these issues I found the e46 to be very reliable.

e90 build quality seems even better so far.

NaViT · 04-30-2007, 08:07 AM

im sure the 335is will be problematic cause of the turbos.... and i never had ANY problems with the E46...

HyperM3 · 04-30-2007, 09:09 AM

Problem with this poll is it should reference the amount of time per model. As in, the first year that model was released or over the whole run?

The e30 and e36 have been out for well over 10 yrs now so any long time problems will have surfaced by now. The e46 is also getting into a longer time frame. The e90 is way too new to see if theres any long term issues.

Is the fuel pump issue on the 335 equal to the fans catching fire on the e46?

Im not sure what the time frame this poll is considering.

Fraggy · 04-30-2007, 09:16 AM

My E36 was very problematic. My first E46 was somewhat problematic, it was a first year model. My second E46 had virtually no problems at all.

My E90 so far is trouble free.

HyperM3 · 04-30-2007, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fraggy

My E36 was very problematic.

Based on what? I didnt know anyone that had problems with their e36's.

JSpira · 04-30-2007, 09:55 AM

You left out the E21.

I would say that my 2 E21s were, without a doubt, the most trouble free of my BMWs.

I think the type of problem is changing as the cars become controlled more by software and firmware.

JackMac · 04-30-2007, 10:00 AM

My E21 had a failed A/C controller module (very expensive fix), stuck floor vent damper, and the seat springs got worn. That's about it. Not much else there to go bad.

Never had an E30.

My E36 was flawless untill it got totalled.

My E46 escaped most of the common problems (window switches, subframe failure) but did chew through tires (ZSP) an suffered from the uneven idle during cold weather (common early issue with the 2.8L).

So far, our E90 is flawless too.

In general terms, the more options and components that go into a vehicle, then the more opportunity for something to fail.

The Cleaner · 04-30-2007, 11:09 AM

I have had all 3 E36, E46 and now E92 all great cars and virtually all problem free. The worst problem I have had with a BMW 3 since 1992 was a MAF on my E46. All are rock solid cars, less problems that my Toyota or Porsche.

a burrito · 04-30-2007, 01:06 PM

the build quality of the e90 is far more superior than my old e46...44k miles in and the car still looks and feels new. when the e46 had 44k, the leather started discoloring, steering wheel looked fatigued, creaks, etc..

DonBMW3 · 04-30-2007, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Based on what? I didnt know anyone that had problems with their e36's.

Loved my '94 E36, bought new. However it had a few problems, notably a failed a/c condensor. It also develped a severe clutch shudder in stop and go driving, particularly in hot weather, and had constantly creaking door frames. I remember some recalls, too. My '01 E46 325iT was still flawless, except for a couple of minor light bulb replacements, when I recently sold it at 89,000 miles.

F32Fleet · 04-30-2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperM3

Based on what? I didnt know anyone that had problems with their e36's.

E36:

Cooling system issues: #1-Disintergrating plastic h2o pump impellers, #2-plastic radiator.

Engine(early MY): Timing chain guide

Body: Rear subframe failure.

E90330iS · 04-30-2007, 02:35 PM

My E90 does not have major problems which I am very happy about regarding the reputation of BMW.

HyperM3 · 04-30-2007, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Socom

E36:

Cooling system issues: #1-Disintergrating plastic h2o pump impellers, #2-plastic radiator.

Engine(early MY): Timing chain guide

Body: Rear subframe failure.

#1 was only on 04/05 my's

Again this brings up the topic of the thread. Is it all encompassing for the years of that model, or just the first year it was out?

ACZakka325i · 04-30-2007, 03:01 PM

My e90 is rattling and shaking itself apart! Ok, i guess im exagerating, but my e46 seemed to never have any of these issues im having with my e90. I see e46s on the road and get jelous! There is something about that car, its understated good looks, timeless desgin, that i just dont get with my e90.

Im already tired of it!

im disapointed than im already anxious to go shopping for something else. Im interested in the cayman/boxster, CLK, or mabey an ///M

F32Fleet · 04-30-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HyperM3

#1 was only on 04/05 my's

Again this brings up the topic of the thread. Is it all encompassing for the years of that model, or just the first year it was out?

I"m talking E36. E46 never had systemic cooling problems.

voltron1011 · 04-30-2007, 04:34 PM

Like Socom said: E36's had quite a bit of prob's... Mainly the cheap plastic radiator that only lasts 60000 miles and the 'booming' rear-ends.

View Poll Results: Which 3 series have the most problems
E30 (1982-1993)	10	13.33%
E36 (1991-1999)	17	22.67%
E46 (1999-2006)	29	38.67%
E9x (2006-current)	19	25.33%
Voters: 75. You may not vote on this poll

04-30-2007, 07:06 AM	#1
ska///235i ***** noob 1369 Rep 10,479 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	Which 3 series generation have the most problems I see that alot e9x owners are having some kind of problem...do you think the e90/91/92/93 are the worst of the 3 series. Was the E46 an overall better built? E30 (1982-1993) E36 (1991-1999) E46 (1999-2006) E9x (2006-current) __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-30-2007, 07:57 AM	#6
GJR Private First Class 6 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2003 530i Join Date: May 2005 Location: PA, USA iTrader: (7)	Even with the problems I've had with my E90, my old E36 and E46 cars had more. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 07:59 AM	#7
NFS Major General 275 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	All of my e46's had at least one air con failure, I also had an engine failure on an early 'valvetronic' car. However, apart from these issues I found the e46 to be very reliable. e90 build quality seems even better so far.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 08:07 AM	#8
NaViT Banned 69 Rep 3,404 Posts Drives: 04 M3/E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: N.Florida iTrader: (11)	im sure the 335is will be problematic cause of the turbos.... and i never had ANY problems with the E46...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 09:09 AM	#9
HyperM3 Too many Alex's, from now on, call me Beaufort 342 Rep 6,188 Posts Drives: See Sig Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ iTrader: (8)	Problem with this poll is it should reference the amount of time per model. As in, the first year that model was released or over the whole run? The e30 and e36 have been out for well over 10 yrs now so any long time problems will have surfaced by now. The e46 is also getting into a longer time frame. The e90 is way too new to see if theres any long term issues. Is the fuel pump issue on the 335 equal to the fans catching fire on the e46? Im not sure what the time frame this poll is considering. __________________ 13 HD FatBob 17 A4 Glacier/Black 1st Edition/Pre+/Sport/EurocodeTMD/Racechip 16 S6 (gone),14 S6 (gone),14 S6 (gone),13 S6 (gone),10 S4 (gone) 07 335i(gone)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 09:16 AM	#10
Fraggy Brigadier General 193 Rep 3,469 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (11)	My E36 was very problematic. My first E46 was somewhat problematic, it was a first year model. My second E46 had virtually no problems at all. My E90 so far is trouble free. __________________ 2016 Alpine White M3 (gone) 2019 Alfa Romeo Guilia (Totaled) 2020 Car-less 😁 (no more) 2020 M340
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 09:55 AM	#12
JSpira Freude am Fahren 336 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	The E21 - the first 3er Reihe You left out the E21. I would say that my 2 E21s were, without a doubt, the most trouble free of my BMWs. I think the type of problem is changing as the cars become controlled more by software and firmware. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 10:00 AM	#13
JackMac Recovering BMW Addict 151 Rep 1,914 Posts Drives: <OO (\|\|\|)(\|\|\|) OO> Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Southeast PA iTrader: (7) Garage List 2010 MINI John Coop ... [9.66]	My E21 had a failed A/C controller module (very expensive fix), stuck floor vent damper, and the seat springs got worn. That's about it. Not much else there to go bad. Never had an E30. My E36 was flawless untill it got totalled. My E46 escaped most of the common problems (window switches, subframe failure) but did chew through tires (ZSP) an suffered from the uneven idle during cold weather (common early issue with the 2.8L). So far, our E90 is flawless too. In general terms, the more options and components that go into a vehicle, then the more opportunity for something to fail.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 11:09 AM	#14
The Cleaner Thats all you need to know. 43 Rep 1,188 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 , 2016 X5 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Nor Cal iTrader: (2)	I have had all 3 E36, E46 and now E92 all great cars and virtually all problem free. The worst problem I have had with a BMW 3 since 1992 was a MAF on my E46. All are rock solid cars, less problems that my Toyota or Porsche. __________________ - M2 2018 LBB / Black - X5 F15 2016 Mineral White / Black 1981 Delorean number 6489
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 01:06 PM	#15
a burrito Lieutenant Colonel 56 Rep 1,962 Posts Drives: Urus, 958.2 TTS, 997 S Join Date: May 2005 Location: Irvine, CA iTrader: (1)	the build quality of the e90 is far more superior than my old e46...44k miles in and the car still looks and feels new. when the e46 had 44k, the leather started discoloring, steering wheel looked fatigued, creaks, etc.. __________________ Peanut Butter Chunky
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 02:35 PM	#18
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	My E90 does not have major problems which I am very happy about regarding the reputation of BMW. __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 03:01 PM	#20
ACZakka325i Colonel 278 Rep 2,008 Posts Drives: 2 stroke Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: CT iTrader: (2)	My e90 is rattling and shaking itself apart! Ok, i guess im exagerating, but my e46 seemed to never have any of these issues im having with my e90. I see e46s on the road and get jelous! There is something about that car, its understated good looks, timeless desgin, that i just dont get with my e90. Im already tired of it! im disapointed than im already anxious to go shopping for something else. Im interested in the cayman/boxster, CLK, or mabey an ///M __________________ (Waitlist): #1 M2CSL (Current): 2016 F15 X5 3.5xdrive - 2010 997.2 C4S Coupe (Past): 2016 F30 340xi M-Sport -2013 535i xdrive 2008 E92 M3 - 2006 E90 325i 2002 E46 325xi - 1991 E30 325i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-30-2007, 04:34 PM	#22
voltron1011 Colonel 119 Rep 2,909 Posts Drives: 2011 135i, FJR-1300 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wiesbaden iTrader: (2)	Like Socom said: E36's had quite a bit of prob's... Mainly the cheap plastic radiator that only lasts 60000 miles and the 'booming' rear-ends.
	Appreciate 0 Quote