The entry-level diesel in BMW's E90 3 Series, offering a good balance of economy and rear-wheel-drive driving pleasure. Early 2005-2007 cars use the proven M47 engine, while cars from 2007 to the end of E90 saloon production switched to the N47 with its well-documented timing chain concern. Widely used as a company car across Europe, so well-maintained examples with full service history are common.· more· less
Excellent fuel economy (4.5-5.5 L/100km)Affordable entry to 3 Series ownership
N47 timing chain reliability concernDPF issues with short-trip use
Buy if: You want an economical rear-wheel-drive sedan with a manual gearbox and can verify the timing chain condition or that it has been replaced.
Avoid if: You mostly drive short urban trips (DPF problems) or cannot find one with documented oil change history shorter than BMW's long-life intervals.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€4,800
median asking price, typically 240,000 km
Typical range€3,500 – €6,400
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€850 – €1,650/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €800 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Chain stretches and tensioner bleeds pressure overnight, causing cold-start rattle progressing to potential engine damage · more· less
The most significant issue affecting 2007-2012 318d models with the N47 engine. The timing chain is located at the rear of the engine (against the firewall), making replacement labor-intensive. The tensioner's release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight, resulting in a characteristic rattle on cold start lasting 1-30 seconds. Most severely affected are engines built between March 2007 and January 2009, though all N47 variants up to 2011 are susceptible. BMW made revisions in mid-2009 that reduced but did not eliminate the risk. If the chain skips teeth, it causes catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Replacement at an independent specialist typically costs €1,500-2,500 (engine-in, manual gearbox). If engine damage has occurred, costs escalate to €4,000-6,500 for engine-out repair. Preventive measures include shorter oil change intervals (every 15,000 km maximum instead of BMW's long-life schedule) and using high-quality oil. Pre-2007 M47-engined 318d models have their timing chain at the front and are not affected by this issue.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
€400 - 2,0002 of 8
Diesel particulate filter cannot regenerate on short urban trips, eventually becoming blocked · more· less
The DPF requires sustained driving at highway speeds (above 60 km/h for 20-30 minutes) with coolant temperature above 75 degrees to regenerate. Cars used predominantly for short urban journeys accumulate soot faster than the filter can burn off. A failed thermostat (common on E90s) can keep coolant temperature too low, preventing regeneration even on longer drives. Professional cleaning costs €200-500 and can restore performance. If the filter is beyond cleaning, replacement costs €1,200-2,000 at an independent shop. A stuck-open EGR valve also increases soot loading. Checking the DPF soot level with a diagnostic tool (ISTA, Carly) before purchase is highly recommended.
EGR cooler leak (fire risk recall)
€0 - 8003 of 8
EGR cooler can leak coolant internally, mixing with soot and potentially causing intake manifold to melt · more· less
BMW issued a major recall in 2018, expanded several times since, affecting N47 diesel engines, but its scope is far narrower than the whole production run: the expanded campaign covers vehicles produced from August 2010 onward with model-specific periods, and ADAC gives the relevant four-cylinder period as starting in March 2011, so only late E90 318d cars are potentially in it and the VIN decides. The EGR cooler can leak coolant internally, which mixes with diesel soot to create smoldering particles that can melt the intake manifold and in rare cases cause fire. The recall is free of charge at BMW dealers, who replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold. However, many used cars may not have had the recall completed. If the car is outside the recall scope or the recall work was not done, independent replacement of the EGR cooler costs €400-800. Always verify recall completion with BMW using the VIN before purchase.
Turbocharger failure
€1,200 - 2,5004 of 8
Turbo bearings wear from oil starvation or carbon buildup, causing power loss and smoke · more· less
The turbocharger on the N47 can fail due to oil starvation (clogged oil feed lines), excessive exhaust back-pressure from a blocked DPF, or worn bearings. Symptoms include reduced power, blue or black exhaust smoke, and whining noises from the turbo area. Early N47 versions had issues with insufficient lubrication of the wastegate spring. A replacement turbocharger (OEM-quality rebuild) costs €800-1,200 for parts, with labor adding €400-800 depending on accessibility. Ensuring regular oil changes with quality oil and keeping the DPF healthy significantly reduces turbo failure risk. The M47 engine in pre-2007 cars uses a different turbo: Garrett catalogues the European E90 318d M47TU2D application as part 733701-5009S, from the GTA1749V family rather than the GT1549V often quoted, and it is generally more durable.
Dual mass flywheel and clutch wear
€1,200 - 2,5005 of 8
DMF develops play causing vibration and rattling, typically between 120,000-180,000 km · more· less
The dual mass flywheel absorbs engine vibrations but is a wear item on diesel cars. When it fails, you will notice increasing vibration at idle, rattling when the clutch is depressed, and difficulty shifting smoothly. Replacement always involves doing the clutch at the same time. A LuK DMF and clutch kit costs approximately €500-700 for parts. Labor is 5-7 hours due to gearbox removal, adding €600-1,000 at an independent shop. Total cost at a BMW dealer can reach €2,500. This is borderline between a scheduled wear item and a risk, as failure mileage varies significantly based on driving style. Automatic transmission models are not affected.
Oil filter housing gasket leak
€200 - 5006 of 8
Rubber gasket hardens with age, causing oil to seep and potentially contaminate the cooling system · more· less
The oil filter housing gasket sits between the housing and the cylinder head. Over time and heat cycles, the rubber hardens and shrinks, causing oil to leak externally or, worse, allow oil to enter the cooling system through the oil-to-coolant heat exchanger. External leaks are visible as oil drips under the engine. Internal leaks cause milky discoloration in the coolant expansion tank. The gasket itself costs €15-30, but labor involves removing several components for access, totaling €200-500 at an independent shop. This is one of the most common oil leak sources on any BMW with the N47 engine and should be inspected at every service.
Injector seal leak (black death)
€300 - 1,5007 of 8
Copper injector washers degrade, allowing exhaust gases to escape and create hardened carbon deposits · more· less
When the copper sealing washers under the diesel injectors degrade, exhaust gases leak past and create a hard, tar-like carbon buildup around the injector wells (known as 'black death' in diesel parlance). Symptoms include a ticking or hissing noise from the engine, smell of exhaust gases in the engine bay, and eventually power loss. If caught early, resealing with new copper washers costs €200-400 including labor. If the carbon buildup is severe and has damaged the injector seat in the cylinder head, the repair becomes much more involved at €800-1,500. Replacing the copper washers every time injectors are removed is essential preventive maintenance.
Electronic steering lock (ELV) failure
€100 - 8008 of 8
ELV module fails intermittently, displaying a steering lock warning and preventing the car from starting · more· less
The electronic steering lock module can fail on E90 models, displaying an orange or red steering wheel warning light on the dashboard. An orange light indicates a soft fault that may be resolved by clearing fault codes. A red light means the steering is physically locked and the car cannot be driven, requiring flatbed recovery to a specialist. A BMW software update can sometimes resolve the issue for around €80-100. If the steering column motor or CAS module needs replacement, costs rise to €400-800 at a specialist. This issue is relatively uncommon but can be immobilizing when it occurs.
N47 timing chain is the headline risk, but manageable with maintenance
The BMW 318d E90 shares most reliability concerns with its 320d sibling, centered around the N47 engine's timing chain design. Pre-2007 cars with the M47 engine avoid this issue entirely and are generally more reliable. For N47 cars, shorter oil change intervals and listening for cold-start rattle are key. The 318d's lower power output puts less stress on the engine than the 320d, which is a marginal advantage. With documented maintenance, many N47 318d engines exceed 200,000 km. The diesel emissions system (DPF, EGR) requires regular highway driving to stay healthy.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or independent specialist records essential. Oil change intervals under 15,000 km are a very positive sign.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. Rear tires wear faster on RWD. Size is typically 205/55R16 or 225/45R17.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen carefully for any rattling from the rear of the engine during the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds. Check for vibrations at idle (DMF) and smooth power delivery under load.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle (N47 models 2007+)
Start the engine completely cold and listen for a metallic rattle from the rear of the engine (near the windscreen) during the first 30 seconds. Any persistent rattle beyond 2-3 seconds indicates timing chain or tensioner wear. This is the single most important check on any N47-powered car.
DPF soot level via diagnostic scan
Use a diagnostic tool (Carly, ISTA, or similar) to read the DPF soot loading percentage. Levels above 50% on a warmed-up car suggest regeneration issues. Also check for stored DPF fault codes that may be blocking regeneration.
Coolant level and condition
Check the coolant expansion tank for correct level and clear blue/green color. Brown, milky, or oily coolant indicates a possible oil filter housing gasket leak or head gasket issue. Low coolant may indicate an EGR cooler leak.
+ 3 more checksShow less
EGR cooler recall verification
Contact BMW with the VIN to confirm whether the EGR cooler recall has been completed. This is a fire safety recall and should be considered essential before purchase.
Inspect engine bay for oil leaks
Look around the oil filter housing, valve cover gasket, and injector area. Black tar-like deposits around injectors indicate seal leaks. Oil drips from the filter housing area are very common.
Check for DMF vibration at idle
With the engine warm and in neutral, feel for excessive vibration through the steering wheel and pedals. Depress the clutch and note if vibration changes. A rattle that disappears when the clutch is pressed indicates DMF wear.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler fire risk on N47 diesels (the expanded campaign covers production from August 2010 with model-specific periods; ADAC gives the four-cylinder period from March 2011, so only late E90 318d cars qualify)Critical - verify with VIN
Blower regulator fire risk (E90 campaign, applicable across qualifying 318d production periods)Verify completed
Positive battery cable (E90 campaign, applicable across qualifying 318d production periods)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator replacement (2006-2011 E90 models; applicability by VIN)Verify if applicable
Contact a BMW dealer with the VIN before purchase. The EGR cooler action matters most because of the fire risk, but it does not cover every 318d: the expanded campaign starts with production from August 2010 and the relevant four-cylinder period runs from March 2011, so an early E90 is outside it and a late one needs a VIN check. Two further E90 campaigns are worth asking about across qualifying production periods, one for the blower regulator and one for the positive battery cable, both fire-related. The VANOS bolt campaign sometimes listed here does not apply at all: it concerns the N51, N52 and N55 petrol engines, not the M47 or N47 diesel.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all E90 318d models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired on pre-2014 cars
EGR cooler recallFree repair regardless of age if applicable
All E90 318d models are well outside their original 2-year BMW factory warranty. The EGR cooler recall repair is free at any BMW dealer regardless of the car's age or mileage, provided the VIN is covered by the recall.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
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.
