Advice needed on potential N53 purchase, couple of issues

[TroubledSoul]

I've been on the lookout for something to use as a basis for a drift vehicle and have seen an E90 with some issues listed this morning. I did own an N52 330i but this one is an N53. He's cleared codes on it and hasn't really driven it since to bring them back, but says he remembers both a code for fuel pressure and a code for NOX. He also says the fans run constantly when the car is switched on and it isn't reaching full temperature, but that it's had a water pump replacement.

It's a few hours away hence asking here and not just going and scanning it myself and taking a look.

I've been looking more at E46 cars but most are so old and rusty now I've had to keep an eye on cheaper E90s just in case... Worst case scenario it needs HPFP and a NOX sensor? Best case perhaps the thermostat should have been replaced with the water pump but wasn't? I can do the work myself so that's not an issue but if I'm looking at a basket case and romanticising it because I'm sick of looking for the right car then please shout up and save me from myself

[g3org3y]

Sounds like a possible hassle.

Injectors also an issue on them, and they are expensive/can be difficult to get hold of.

[bmwmike]

If it's just for drifting presumably that's off road so emissions for MOT etc don't matter, in which case NOX and even leaky injectors won't be a big deal? They rarely stop the engine running, just make it run badly at idle or fail emissions

[Fiedka]

I would stay away. Coming from previous N53 owner.
Nox sensor can be replaced by Noxem and works great.
The other issues can be anything from HPFP,LPFP and injectors, coils.
They are amazing when running great but parts are expensive and diagnosis not easy as few people know them.

[TroubledSoul]

Cheers guys. I'm leaning towards leaving it currently. It's up against a 325ti Compact on the shortlist currently which also needs bit of work but appears fairly tidy. I actually don't mind doing the work itself to sort the N53 it's just the worry that it turns into some kind of long winded ordeal when I essentially want a car I can quickly get into a driving state.

I've noticed HPFPs seem to vary wildly in price. Are there any recommended sources for them besides genuine over-priced BMW?

[Mr Tidy]

I had a 325ti for over 3 years and loved it.

I've got an E90 330i I've had for nearly 6 years so I must love that too, but I made sure I got one with the N52!

TBH the 325ti was more fun although obviously not quite as quick as the 330i, but that just feels too refined.

[twokcc]

Get a 125i (E87)coupe N52 3.0 litre engine(detuned from 265hp in z4 etc.. Dont seem to go rusty. Made from 2008 and early ones reasonably cheap More of a modern car than the E46 Compact

Edited by twokcc on Tuesday 18th February 13:00

[preacherman]

As an N53 owner, I would advise to not bother. As above, there are so many potential issues that you could get bogged down in troubleshooting instead of enjoying. An N52 is much simpler and I'd imagine would suit the use case more, especially as there must be some leggy examples around going cheap.

[TroubledSoul]

Cheers folks, appreciate the input. I can fix stuff, but having adhd and thus multiple projects, I'd rather avoid buying a massive headache. Sounds like the benefits of the N53 are overshadowed by the negatives.

At this rate I will probably get the Compact and get cracking unless a decently priced N52 engined car appears

[jamesbrady50]

Another down vote for the N53 - caused me all sorts of hassle in 330i
Sold and commuting in a B47 now - might now change back to N52 for a bit more petrol fun !

[illmonkey]

Someone I know just spent £3k to replace 6 injectors. Not cheap!

Maybe try to find a car with them done...