BMW Serie 3 E90 (2005–2012)Faults with the ignition coils
Ignition coils and spark plugs of the BMW Serie 3 E90: problems and faults
In the BMW Serie 3 E90 there are 3 documented faults with the ignition coils: injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43) (BMW N43/N46 engine), oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasket (BMW N54/N55 engine) and N53 ignition coils from 2007-2008 (BMW service action) (BMW N52 / N53 engine).
- Medium severity: Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43) · BMW N43/N46 engine
- Medium severity: Oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasket · BMW N54/N55 engine
- Low severity: N53 ignition coils from 2007-2008 (BMW service action) · BMW N52 / N53 engine
Most serious fault: Medium severity
Faults by engine
From most to least important. Check the affected years and versions on each page.
Symptoms these faults cause
Frequently asked questions
What faults with the ignition coils does the BMW Serie 3 E90 have?
In the BMW Serie 3 E90 there are 3 documented faults with the ignition coils: injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43) (BMW N43/N46 engine), oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasket (BMW N54/N55 engine) and N53 ignition coils from 2007-2008 (BMW service action) (BMW N52 / N53 engine). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and how to check for it.
Which engines of the BMW Serie 3 E90 have faults with the ignition coils?
The documented faults affect the BMW N43/N46, BMW N54/N55 and BMW N52 / N53 engines. Check the years and versions on each page: they do not always affect every unit.
Have you had a fault with the ignition coils on your BMW Serie 3 E90? Tell us at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW N43: Bei diesem Benziner ist Ärger vorprogrammiertGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
- BMW N55 Common ProblemsBMW Tuning · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026
- BMW «Serviceaktion»: Zündspulen-ProblemeAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 25 June 2012 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German