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Buying guide

BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93 (2007 to 2013): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The BMW M3 E90, E92 and E93 was built from 2007 to 2013 as a sedan, coupe or convertible, with a manual or dual clutch gearbox, rear wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: E90, E92 and E93. Redline has a curated guide to its 5 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2013
Chassis codes
E90, E92, E93
Body types
Sedan, Coupe, Convertible
Gearboxes
Manual, Dual clutch
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the BMW M3 E90 and E92 (2007 to 2013). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. S65 rod bearings

    Rod bearing wear is the main S65 concern, and wear rises sharply if the engine is revved hard when cold. Oil analysis has proved unreliable as a test.

    Where to look
    The bottom end of the V8, and the service records
    How to test
    Ask for proof of a bearing change. Watch how the seller treats the car from cold, and listen for a knock once warm.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost about 1,000 to 1,500 pounds as prevention; up to about 8,000 for a rebuild

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carthrottle.com (opens in a new tab)

  2. Throttle actuators

    The two throttle actuators, one per bank, can fail and send the car into limp mode. They can last to about 60,000 miles but have no set failure point.

    Where to look
    The throttle actuators on top of the engine
    How to test
    Watch for an engine warning and limp mode on the drive, and ask whether they have been refurbished.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost refurbishment about 500 to 600 pounds; new units cost thousands

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carthrottle.com (opens in a new tab)

  3. DCT sump leak

    The plastic DCT sump pan can start to leak in time, though the gearbox itself is proving reliable.

    Where to look
    The DCT sump under the gearbox
    How to test
    Look under the car for oil at the gearbox sump.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost about 600 to 800 pounds with oil and filters

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carthrottle.com (opens in a new tab)

  4. Injectors

    Injectors sticking open have recently been reported as a cause of engine failure.

    Where to look
    The fuel injectors
    How to test
    Ask whether any injectors have been replaced and watch for a misfire warning.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost engine damage

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brakes on track

    The standard brakes are fine on the road but wilt quickly on track.

    Where to look
    The brake discs and pads
    How to test
    Ask about track use and look for worn or blued discs.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost performance pads, hoses or a big brake kit

    Sources: fastcar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 3 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Have the rod bearings been replaced, and is there an invoice?
  • Have the throttle actuators been refurbished or replaced?
  • Is it manual or DCT, and has the DCT sump been resealed?
  • Has it been tracked?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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