High mileage 3l owners
- Thread starter Major
- Start date
My 3.0i is only on 112k, so probably doesn't really class as high mileage yet, but the engine is absolutely sweet as a nut. The only engine matter I've had to tend to is the obligatory valve cover (cam cover) gasket replacement that all BMWs seem to require at some point in their life, due to a slow oil leak that develops at the rear of the valve cover.
If you're looking to buy one, you'll hopefully be aware of the common E86/E86 quirks. I've replaced the lollipop bushes up front and resolved the often-encountered 'sticky steering', but haven't had any specific high mileage issues. They're very easy cars to work on too.
If you're looking to buy one, you'll hopefully be aware of the common E86/E86 quirks. I've replaced the lollipop bushes up front and resolved the often-encountered 'sticky steering', but haven't had any specific high mileage issues. They're very easy cars to work on too.
i've owned my 3.0i for two years, from 148,000 to 154,000, and in that time there havent been any major engine problems - it doesnt use any oil between services.
have had some ancillary electrical problems, but nothing major... MAF sensor went (new one for £50 off ebay, fitted myself), couple of ignition coils needed changing, alternator packed in, couple of brake pressure sensors which i changed myself... but they're all easily fixable.
have had some ancillary electrical problems, but nothing major... MAF sensor went (new one for £50 off ebay, fitted myself), couple of ignition coils needed changing, alternator packed in, couple of brake pressure sensors which i changed myself... but they're all easily fixable.
My '04 3.0 is just approaching 156k miles, I purchased at 138k in 2016 and it was the best condition out of all I looked at including some with half the mileage! In my ownership the only engine related things needed outside of usual servicing were replacing the rocker cover gasket, and one replacement coil pack. Apart from that I have replaced the shocks/springs all round and brake pads, and will be getting my rear brake pipes replaced soon as they are looking pretty corroded.
It has generally been a reliable car and never let me down in my ownership (it is my daily/only car) I have no plans to change it any time soon!
It has generally been a reliable car and never let me down in my ownership (it is my daily/only car) I have no plans to change it any time soon!
Bought on 106k, now on 150k.
Engine runs perfectly, I've had to do the following:
New starter motor
Vanos
Disa
Headlight level sensors
Outside of that, it's been upgrades/essentials like brakes, suspension etc.
So really no different to any other car, just a few bits
Engine runs perfectly, I've had to do the following:
New starter motor
Vanos
Disa
Headlight level sensors
Outside of that, it's been upgrades/essentials like brakes, suspension etc.
So really no different to any other car, just a few bits
From what I read on here and my experience I wouldn't be put off by high mileage.
I bought mine about 30 months ago and it was on 64k. I replaced the oil filter housing gasket, rocker cover gasket and did the vanos as soon as I got it. All common issues and easy jobs.
I've done about 30k miles since and other than servicing and tyres, I've done the following:
Ccv replacement, alternator, disa check, stripped wiper motor, lollipop bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, shocks, springs and top mounts.plus a proper alignment afterwards. Had the roof motor relocated as well. Replaced pads and one sticky caliper. Plus cosmetic things. And did a track day without missing a beat.
My point is it was a low mile example and still needed all the usual things doing to get it back into tip top condition. Any 17 year old car will need some tlc to get it just right but the cars are really easy to work on. I think all of the above cost in the ballpark of £1000 (most of which was suspension) plus my time but it's been well worth it. Still puts a smile on my face every day! An
I bought mine about 30 months ago and it was on 64k. I replaced the oil filter housing gasket, rocker cover gasket and did the vanos as soon as I got it. All common issues and easy jobs.
I've done about 30k miles since and other than servicing and tyres, I've done the following:
Ccv replacement, alternator, disa check, stripped wiper motor, lollipop bushes, rear trailing arm bushes, shocks, springs and top mounts.plus a proper alignment afterwards. Had the roof motor relocated as well. Replaced pads and one sticky caliper. Plus cosmetic things. And did a track day without missing a beat.
My point is it was a low mile example and still needed all the usual things doing to get it back into tip top condition. Any 17 year old car will need some tlc to get it just right but the cars are really easy to work on. I think all of the above cost in the ballpark of £1000 (most of which was suspension) plus my time but it's been well worth it. Still puts a smile on my face every day! An
135k on my 3.0i. The engine has been fine. Only issue I've had is the oil consumption, which is most likely the CCV blockage, common issue on these engines. I've replaced the oil filter housing gasket and rocker cover gasket, due to leaks, but that's to be expected on a 17 year old car.
The problems I've had are all the other stuff, such as suspension, bushes, bolts etc that need replacing. Can't fault the engine, it's a peach.
The problems I've had are all the other stuff, such as suspension, bushes, bolts etc that need replacing. Can't fault the engine, it's a peach.
1066 Country
Considering the enthusiasm these engines experience, especially the regular Italien tune ups they receive find it incredible how well they handle such mileage
I seem to remember there's a forum ///M engine on about 160k which gets properly used though also gets pampered
It’s no guarantee the one you’ll get won’t be a lemon, though if it’s a forum car at least you’ll be able to see much of its history here.
I seem to remember there's a forum ///M engine on about 160k which gets properly used though also gets pampered
It’s no guarantee the one you’ll get won’t be a lemon, though if it’s a forum car at least you’ll be able to see much of its history here.
120k here, engine wise cam cover gasket and oil filter housing. Also replaced both starter and altenator as they both failed over the last 3 years, but thats not technically engine parts as theyre ancilliary.
As others, suspension is the main thing that needs looking at around this sort of mileage. Mine has had replacement struts, springs, mounts, track rods, control arms etc, not because the old parts were in need of replacement but I just wanted the car to be the best it could without modifications.
As others, suspension is the main thing that needs looking at around this sort of mileage. Mine has had replacement struts, springs, mounts, track rods, control arms etc, not because the old parts were in need of replacement but I just wanted the car to be the best it could without modifications.
Just hit 150k (bought it at 130k, it was cheap!), ignition coil, expansion tank, pair of Xenon bulbs and battery is all I've had to replace. Sailed through last MOT with no advisories, my indie who I get to service it gives it a thorough check twice a year says he can't see any problems occurring in the near future.
Engine runs like a dream.
I've driven to Gothenburg and back twice with no concerns what-so-ever. The guy I bought it off had the suspension replaced about a year before I got it so that was one potential problem sorted.
Engine runs like a dream.
I've driven to Gothenburg and back twice with no concerns what-so-ever. The guy I bought it off had the suspension replaced about a year before I got it so that was one potential problem sorted.