My first BMW - 320d 2009 (e90)

[KingJonesXV]

Hey everyone.

I recently bought a BMW 320d 2009 model (e90) as a second car, and the car is fantastic and drives like dream at ±217000km's. I bought it because I've always wanted one and I'm looking forward to doing DIYs by myself as time goes. I've driven it for 1000kms so far and no major issues.

Mechanical issues:
1. I took it for a major service after buying it as it had no service history but preinspection of the vehicle found no major mechanical issues. Checks found the following issues below.
2. Front shock absorber leak, replaced.
3. Coolant flange replacement.
4. Injector washer replacement (the car had rev hesitation which has now resolved).
5. Battery replaced.
6. Soon: front brake pads and disc replacement (previous owner fitted wrong size disc which is destroying the pad unevenly).

Interior (mostly DIYs which I did myself after watching YT):
1. Sticky door handles as usual - struggling to find the right colour covers (grey).
2. Driver side has no car mat - struggling to find the grey colour mats.
3. Door sill cover was loose on passenger side - resolved.
Otherwise, all looks good.

Exterior:
1. Right headlight is fogging - headlight has a minor crack, needs to be dried and sealed.
2. Green/grey in colour.
3. Factory rims.

Next project:
1. Deal with mechanical issues: Front brake pad and disc replacement - any advice on where I can get good quality ones? Is it easy to learn how to DIY them on YT? Or any quality fitment areas around Edenvale, Gauteng?
2. Anyone selling e90 car mats in grey?
3. Looking to install sequential lights and angel lights - any sellers?
4. Spray paint rims black (rust oleum).
5. Any affordable car detailing services in Edenvale, Gauteng?

From what I've read in this forum for maintenance:
1. What is EGR decat and staging? How do you know if it's done.
2. Oil service every 7500-10000kms (which for me will probably be yearly).
3. Major service every 2 years/20000kms
4. Wheel alignment and balancing every year.
5. Injector cleaner every 5000kms. I used NF diesel boost, is it as good as liquimoly?

I'm happy with the performance and driving, and not trying to make it more of a powerhorse than it already is. I just want to enjoy the standard power, driving experience and reliability of the e90 whilst learning to DIY.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

 

[NikN47]

Hey bud, are you based in JHB? Would be keen to know who your mechanic is. I also have a e90 320d, and I want a timing chain inspection. Everyone seems to avoid the issue but I would rather do preventative maintenance than have it go bang while I'm driving.

 

[MintSauce]

Hey bud, are you based in JHB? Would be keen to know who your mechanic is. I also have a e90 320d, and I want a timing chain inspection. Everyone seems to avoid the issue but I would rather do preventative maintenance than have it go bang while I'm driving.

I have similar concerns, so spent quite a bit of time investigating it. My understanding, which is very much open to correction, is that due to the location of the chain at the back of the engine, there's no way to inspect it.

The telltale sign is supposed to be a very distinct rattle on startup that can be heard for several seconds, and should be more prominent on cold start.

Mine settles into a beautiful diesel purr instantly with not a hint of rattle, but still, every few days I send a prayer to the car gods.

 

[NikN47]

I have similar concerns, so spent quite a bit of time investigating it. My understanding, which is very much open to correction, is that due to the location of the chain at the back of the engine, there's no way to inspect it.

The telltale sign is supposed to be a very distinct rattle on startup that can be heard for several seconds, and should be more prominent on cold start.

Mine settles into a beautiful diesel purr instantly with not a hint of rattle, but still, every few days I send a prayer to the car gods.

Lol, you can say that again. I've watched quite a few videos on Youtube of the chains being replaced on the n47 engines. My gut feel is I need to bite the bullet and get it done. Its either that or a popped motor. I'll get quotes in the meantime.

 

[Juzza93]

Hey everyone.

I recently bought a BMW 320d 2009 model (e90) as a second car, and the car is fantastic and drives like dream at ±217000km's. I bought it because I've always wanted one and I'm looking forward to doing DIYs by myself as time goes. I've driven it for 1000kms so far and no major issues.

Mechanical issues:
1. I took it for a major service after buying it as it had no service history but preinspection of the vehicle found no major mechanical issues. Checks found the following issues below.
2. Front shock absorber leak, replaced.
3. Coolant flange replacement.
4. Injector washer replacement (the car had rev hesitation which has now resolved).
5. Battery replaced.
6. Soon: front brake pads and disc replacement (previous owner fitted wrong size disc which is destroying the pad unevenly).

Interior (mostly DIYs which I did myself after watching YT):
1. Sticky door handles as usual - struggling to find the right colour covers (grey).
2. Driver side has no car mat - struggling to find the grey colour mats.
3. Door sill cover was loose on passenger side - resolved.
Otherwise, all looks good.

Exterior:
1. Right headlight is fogging - headlight has a minor crack, needs to be dried and sealed.
2. Green/grey in colour.
3. Factory rims.

Next project:
1. Deal with mechanical issues: Front brake pad and disc replacement - any advice on where I can get good quality ones? Is it easy to learn how to DIY them on YT? Or any quality fitment areas around Edenvale, Gauteng?
2. Anyone selling e90 car mats in grey?
3. Looking to install sequential lights and angel lights - any sellers?
4. Spray paint rims black (rust oleum).
5. Any affordable car detailing services in Edenvale, Gauteng?

From what I've read in this forum for maintenance:
1. What is EGR decat and staging? How do you know if it's done.
2. Oil service every 7500-10000kms (which for me will probably be yearly).
3. Major service every 2 years/20000kms
4. Wheel alignment and balancing every year.
5. Injector cleaner every 5000kms. I used NF diesel boost, is it as good as liquimoly?

I'm happy with the performance and driving, and not trying to make it more of a powerhorse than it already is. I just want to enjoy the standard power, driving experience and reliability of the e90 whilst learning to DIY.

Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.

Hey Bud, Welcome to the Forum.

I am in the same boat with Pads & Discs. This will be up to you as the Buyer.

I did an enquiry on Europarts who sell Bosch pads and OPTIMASA Disc or on your model MEYLE. Prices are good website attached.

Brake Disc - BMW 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 Series - Various Models - Rear

Brake Disc - BMW 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 Series - Various Models - Rear BMW Part Number: 34 21 6 855 007 / 34 21 6 764 651 / 34 21 6 792 227 / 34 21 6 795 615 Brand: Meyle (German O.E.M) Fitment: Sold...

www.euroautoparts.co.za

Also goldwagen They do FEBI Bilstein and prices for me where like R1000 cheaper than europarts.

Alternatively if you want the Upgraded modified option check for EBC pads and discs but with the name you going to pay.

Trackrecon.co.za

With regards to deletes EGR can be delted on software and physically so if the EGR is still visible doesnt necesarily mean it hasnt been deleted on Software it is hard to tell. Only guys who do software can really tell.

Decat will also be hard most guys these days take entire DPF out and put downpipe or take out the DPF core which will be hard to spot Does the car Soot potentially alot sound abit more pronounced?
Otherwise chat to the guys like RK motion can give you a number or ED tunning or SR tunning very good guys in the tunning busines who will do a stage 1 and do a EGR and swirl flap delete you can also buy the physical deletes DIY it and get someone to delete the sensors of software otherwise your car will throw engine lights.

Regards.
Justin

 

[KingJonesXV]

Hey everyone

Thank you very much for the responses.
I bought front brake pads and discs from Star Brake and Clutch for ±R2000. Then I went to Supaquick who fitted them for R500. This is opposed to R6000 that I was quoted by Michanic. Car drives well, no dust, no noises.

I am based in Edenvale, so I go to SavSpeed.

I'll give RK motion a call and hear what they say.

Currently:
1. My oil sump plug is stripped and I'm being quoted R13 000 to replace the entire oil sump. I currently have the original one which is aluminium. When I checked for parts online, I find steel ones only. Are aluminium sumps superior to steel? What are the differences? Any idea where I can buy an oil sump pan and is it an easy DIY? The oil sump is currently not leaking or giving me any problems so I still have time, just planning ahead.
2. Timing Chains - I should plan to get mine replaced since it's about 200000kms. Many people advise getting it replaced between 120000 - 200000kms to avoid failure and engine damage.

Thank you guys for all your help. Learning a lot on this forum.