Buying a 2012 BMW 323i LCI

[BMW318CI]

Dear All,

I am about to purchase a 2012 BMW 323i, last batch of E90 CKD. Price is about RM85,000, mileage about 70k. Test driven it and should be good to go. Wanted to ask what are the things will go bonkers soon, need to budget in some repair.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[Rick1]

Hi Ken,

Before you buy it I would suggest that you get it checked out by a good BMW specialist, they can hook up their laptop and check if the odometer is correct amongst other things. It is worth the money for the piece of mind. As for what can go wrong, I guess in theory everything. The costs you should be focusing on are consumable items, brakes, engine oil/filters etc. Check out the internet for problems with this model. BMW haven't made a bad car they are just a bit expensive when they do go wrong :-(

 

[BMW318CI]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your reply, yes i will loan a diagnostic device from a friend to hook on that Beemer i am about to purchase. I heard E90 N52 series had notorious water pump premature failure. What is the recommended staggered wheel setup for 323i ?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[kama]

Notorious sounds a bit cruel. Its wear and tear, depends also how u take care of ur car. Replaced my water pump at 185,000 km and now engine still running smooth at 303,000 km.

 

[BMW318CI]

Notorious sounds a bit cruel. Its wear and tear, depends also how u take care of ur car. Replaced my water pump at 185,000 km and now engine still running smooth at 303,000 km.

Hi Kama,

It's because it can go out as early as 85,000 km's on most N52B25/30's, hence it was given that status. I am glad to hear yours UDM still stick around with you. Are yours a N52 engine too ?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[BMW318CI]

Update**

Due to final test drive, i have detected strong knocking issues from the transmission. Hence i am with holding the purchase until the dealer sort that out. Meanwhile if anyone of UDM owners are seling their 323/325 please let me know. Must be LCI model.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[BMW318CI]

Update**

Due to final test drive, i have detected strong knocking issues from the transmission. Hence i am with holding the purchase until the dealer sort that out. Meanwhile if anyone of UDM owners are seling their 323/325 please let me know. Must be LCI model.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[kama]

Hi Kama,

It's because it can go out as early as 85,000 km's on most N52B25/30's, hence it was given that status. I am glad to hear yours UDM still stick around with you. Are yours a N52 engine too ?

Thanks,
Ken

 

[kama]

Hi Ken, yeah mine is N52B25.. its a great engine..Its good to have 1 or 2 mechanic frens that u can rely on.. esp for older car like mine..
Sorry to hear about the transmission jerking issue, scout around, theres plenty more cars

 

[d4ngerz0ne]

iirc, lci's recieved a revised water pump design and don't fail as early. It's more wear and tear as karma mentioned.
Had my pump replaced at 150k km.

 

[BMW318CI]

iirc, lci's recieved a revised water pump design and don't fail as early. It's more wear and tear as karma mentioned.
Had my pump replaced at 150k km.

Hi Danger,

Glad to hear that ! By the way what is the price of the water pump? I tried to follow the E90 parts pages but too many pages to scroll through.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[d4ngerz0ne]

Hi Danger,

Glad to hear that ! By the way what is the price of the water pump? I tried to follow the E90 parts pages but too many pages to scroll through.

Thanks,
Ken

BMW part ranges between 1.4k - 1.8k . Though i'm sure you could get an aftermarket OEM for less than that.

 

[BMW318CI]

BMW part ranges between 1.4k - 1.8k . Though i'm sure you could get an aftermarket OEM for less than that.

Sure , just have to give a call of Bavarian Auto.

Thanks,
Ken

 

[mokhtar818]

Saya ada 323i 2012.new battery and 4 rft new tyres.136k km.3rd car.rm90k.

 

[gendong]

Saya ada 323i 2012.new battery and 4 rft new tyres.136k km.3rd car.rm90k.

PM the TS wld b faster bro

 

[mokhtar818]

My hp 0169621393.Tq Gendong.Lepas pencen i dah move to Kuantan.Dekat dgn Prez tapi belum jumpa dia lagi.Dah 2 kali pergi kedai dia tapi dia tak ada.

 

[schwarz]

Hi Rick,

Thanks for your reply, yes i will loan a diagnostic device from a friend to hook on that Beemer i am about to purchase. I heard E90 N52 series had notorious water pump premature failure. What is the recommended staggered wheel setup for 323i ?

Thanks,
Ken

e90 lci 323i 2010 here. radiator replaced at 120k, among others that would fail requires spark plugs replacement ( 6x ) and components around it, which i've changed twice. there's a lot of minor stuff usually cost 1~2k every time masuk bengkel. wear & tear such as brakes, sensors failure (this car has a lot sensors and 100k+ mileage u will start to feel it), the rest should be manageable. my upcoming fix would be interior, the rubbers are melting no thx to our weather although i always park in basement.