Budget-focused entry to BMW's 3 Series, popular in markets with engine displacement-based taxation. The 316i uses the smaller 1.6L four-cylinder from the 1 Series, making it cheaper to tax but noticeably underpowered in this larger, heavier chassis. The N43 engine (2007+) brought direct injection but also introduced significant reliability problems: timing chain failures, expensive piezo injector issues, NOx sensor faults, and oil consumption. N45 engine (2005-2007) is slightly more reliable but still shares many common E90 issues: oil leaks from valve cover and filter housing gaskets, electric water pump failures, ignition coil problems, and VANOS solenoid issues. Not sold in major markets like UK or Germany—this was specifically an entry model for countries with tax advantages for smaller engines.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€950 - €1,700/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-750
Risk buffer
€500-950
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Timing chain tensioner failure€750 - €2,200
Cold start rattle (1-30 seconds) indicates tensioner valve leak and chain stretch · more· less
The N45 and N43 engines suffer from timing chain tensioner issues. The tensioner has a release valve that weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold start, typically occurring between 60,000-100,000 km. If rattle lasts more than a few seconds, chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets all need replacing. Specialist shops charge €750-1,100 including parts and labor. BMW has updated the tensioner design. Critical: ignoring this can lead to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact causing engine damage. The plastic timing chain guide can also break up and clog the oil pickup pipe on N43 engines.
Direct injection fuel injector failure (N43 only)€500 - €1,600
N43's expensive piezo injectors cause misfires, rough idle, poor fuel economy · more· less
The N43 engine (2007-2012) uses piezo direct injection fuel injectors that are notoriously unreliable and very expensive. Single injector costs around €130-200, but you should replace all 4 for balanced fueling (set of 4: €520-800). Each injector must be coded to the ECU by a BMW specialist after installation. Common symptoms: rough idle, cylinder misfire faults, stalling, poor fuel economy, and check engine light. Revised Index 11 injectors are the current specification. Some owners report needing injector replacement every 50,000-60,000 km depending on usage. This is one of the N43's most significant reliability issues.
Electric water pump failure€400 - €1,200
Electric pump fails between 60,000-100,000 km causing overheating warnings · more· less
E90 models use an electric water pump that typically fails between 60,000-100,000 km. The pump is substantially more expensive than mechanical pumps (€300-500 for the part alone) and requires significant labor to replace due to tight engine bay packaging. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Replacement at specialist shops costs €700-900, while BMW dealers charge €1,000-1,200. It's recommended to replace the thermostat at the same time (add €100-150). Critical: if you see overheating warnings, stop driving immediately to avoid engine damage.
NOx sensor failure (N43 only)€400 - €550
N43 specific issue—sensor fails causing rough running, limp mode, increased fuel use · more· less
The N43 engine uses a NOx (nitrogen oxide) sensor to meet emissions standards. These fail frequently on N43 engines, causing rough idle, misfiring cylinders, increased fuel consumption, poor emissions (MOT/inspection failure), and overall poor performance. The car often goes into limp mode when the sensor fails. Genuine BMW/Continental sensors cost €350-400, aftermarket €130-200. Total repair cost at garages: €500-550. Important: only fit genuine BMW/Continental sensors—reproduction sensors don't work properly. This is a simple DIY job requiring just a 22mm wrench.
Ignition coil failures€150 - €400
Very common failure causing misfires—coils often fail in clusters between 80,000-140,000 km · more· less
Ignition coil failure is extremely common on E90 models. Coils typically fail between 80,000-140,000 km and tend to fail in clusters rather than individually. Symptoms include engine misfire codes and rough running. Individual coils cost €30-40 each, making replacement affordable, but failures are frequent. Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket can contaminate coils, accelerating failure. Most owners replace all 4 coils at once (€120-160 for parts). Labor at shops adds €100-200. This is an easy DIY job taking under 2 hours.
Oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket harden and leak—very common after 80,000 km · more· less
Oil leaks are one of the most common E90 issues. The oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) hardens and cracks with age, causing leaks from the front of the engine. Gasket costs €15-50, but labor is 1-2 hours. Independent shop repair: €200-400; BMW dealer: €400-800. The valve cover gasket also leaks on most E90s over 80,000 km, particularly on the exhaust side. This can contaminate ignition coils. Valve cover gasket replacement costs €650-900 at shops, but can reach €1,400+ if the plastic valve cover itself is cracked or warped and needs full replacement.
VANOS solenoid contamination€300 - €530
Variable valve timing solenoids get contaminated with oil sludge causing rough running · more· less
Early E90 models had issues with VANOS solenoids contaminated by oil sludge. Symptoms include loud ticking/rattling from engine, jerky or slow acceleration, and increased fuel consumption. Common fault codes: P0016, P0017, 2A82, 2A87. BMW updated the ECU software with a VANOS solenoid cleaning cycle. Replacement of both solenoids costs €100-200 for parts plus €100-200 labor (professional shop: €300-530 total). Cleaning and reinstalling with ECU reprogramming is often effective. This is a 20-minute DIY job if you're handy with tools.
Thermostat housing failure€400 - €900
Electric thermostat sticks open or closed causing poor warm-up or overheating · more· less
E90 models use an electrically-controlled thermostat operated by the engine control module (DME). Common symptoms: prolonged warm-up at highway speeds (stuck open), consistent overheating (stuck closed), check engine light with P0128 code, poor fuel economy, and heater blowing cool air. The thermostat is sealed inside the housing and cannot be replaced separately—entire assembly required. Independent shop cost: €475-650; BMW dealer: €850-900. Should be replaced together with water pump for efficiency.
Window regulator motor failure€200 - €680
Window regulators fail leaving window stuck or falling into door · more· less
E90 window regulators are more reliable than E46 but still fail with age. Symptoms: window moving slowly, slight tilt when going up, needing manual help, or window stuck open/closed. Often just the plastic drive dog needs replacing (€75 DIY), but complete regulator costs €200 for the part. BMW dealers charge €450-680 for replacement; independent shops €300-400. Important: inspect window guide and seal when replacing—worn seals increase friction and cause premature regulator wear. After replacement, window must be recoded using diagnostic tool.
DSC/ABS control module failure€200 - €3,500
Very common E90 issue—ABS, DSC, and handbrake lights stay on permanently · more· less
The DSC/ABS hydraulic pump module is a very common failure on E90 3-Series built 2005-2014. Symptoms: ABS, DSC, and handbrake warning lights permanently illuminated. Common fault codes: 5DF0, 5DF1 (hydraulic unit pump motor). The circuit board solder cracks inside the ABS unit. New OEM replacement costs €2,600-3,500 including labor. Better option: rebuild services cost €200-550 and don't require coding. Units are plug-and-play after rebuild. Used secondhand modules are also an affordable option for high-mileage vehicles.
Crankcase ventilation valve failure€350 - €1,500
PCV valve failure causes high oil consumption, burning oil, misfires · more· less
BMW crankcase ventilation (CCV) systems are notoriously failure-prone, leading to high oil consumption, burning oil smell, loss of power, misfiring, and high carbon deposits. The oil separator valve can be replaced on its own (valve cost: €350-575), but complete service includes oil separator hoses and valve cover cleaning. Important: later N43/N45 engines have the oil vent integrated into the valve cover and not serviceable separately—entire valve cover replacement needed (€1,200-1,500+). This significantly increases repair costs.
Not recommended: significant reliability concerns
The 316i combines the worst of both worlds: an underpowered engine in a heavy chassis with above-average reliability problems. The N43 engine (2007-2012) in particular is considered one of BMW's least reliable modern engines, plagued by timing chain failures, expensive injector problems, and NOx sensor issues. The N45 (2005-2007) is slightly better but still shares many E90 common faults. For similar money, a 320d diesel offers better reliability, performance, and fuel economy, while the 6-cylinder 325i/330i models are vastly more reliable and enjoyable to drive.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist service records essential. Verify oil changes were done more frequently than BMW's 18,000 km interval—every 10,000-15,000 km is much better for engine longevity.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Check alloy wheels carefully for hairline cracks if fitted with run-flat tires.
Cold start test
MUST start engine completely cold (overnight). Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. This is the single most important check.
Body condition
Check for rust (rare unless repaired after accident or lived by sea), accident damage, and paint mismatch indicating previous repairs.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Listen for unusual noises, check all electrical functions, test transmission smoothness.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold. Listen for rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates timing chain/tensioner wear (€750-2,200 repair). Walk away if severe.
Check for misfires and rough idle
On N43 engines especially, test for smooth idle. Rough idle, hesitation, or check engine light often indicate injector or coil pack issues (€500-1,600 for injectors).
Look for oil leaks around engine
Check oil filter housing (front of engine) and valve cover (top of engine) for oil seepage. Very common on E90s over 80,000 km but not expensive to fix.
Test all warning lights
Watch for ABS/DSC/handbrake lights staying on (DSC module failure: €200-3,500). Check engine light for NOx sensor faults on N43 (€400-550).
Verify coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump, thermostat, or head gasket issues. Check for overheating warnings.
Check oil consumption
Ask owner about oil consumption between services. BMW says 1L per 1,600 km is "normal" but excessive consumption indicates CCV valve or piston ring issues.
Test drive for power delivery
The 316i is underpowered for the E90 chassis. Test overtaking and hill climbing. Hesitation or severe lack of power may indicate turbo actuator (if fitted) or other issues.
Inspect xenon headlights if equipped
Test adaptive functionality against a wall while turning steering wheel. Error light (yellow headlight with double-sided arrow) indicates fault.
Check iDrive and instrument cluster
Test all functions. Instrument cluster malfunctions (flickering, inaccurate readings) are common on E90s.
N43 timing chain - Quality Enhancement programContact BMW dealer
Various electrical TSBs (Bluetooth, head unit)Check with dealer
Contact BMW dealer with the 17-digit VIN to verify all recalls completed. For N43 engines, ask about the timing chain Quality Enhancement program—if eligible, BMW will retrofit a pressure monitoring sensor and repair timing chain issues for free. Check at official BMW recall page: www.bmw.com/en/footer/recall/recall-en.html
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all E90 316i models
Extended warrantyAvailable from third-party providers
All E90 316i models (2005-2012) are outside their original factory warranty. Extended warranties from third-party providers may be available but often exclude common failure items like timing chains, injectors, and oil leaks. Given the 316i's reliability issues, budget for repairs rather than relying on extended warranty coverage.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.