The BMW 335xi is the performance version of the BMW 335i. Therefore, it is more powerful and costlier, but less efficient. All in all, the BMW 335xi is an outstanding midsize luxury car with top-notch features. But as expected, it also comes with several problems. So, what are the common problems with the BMW 335xi?
Some of the common problems with the BMW 335xi are oil leaks, turbo failure, engine overheating, wastegate rattle, and cooling system issues. On top of that, the car also records clogged fuel injectors, water pump failure, faulty high-pressure fuel pumps, carbon build-up, and electrical problems.
What are the common problems with the BMW 335xi?
Oil leaks
Whether you drive a BMW 3-series, a 4-series, or a 5-series, this is one of the problems that you should be ready to encounter. The main reason why oil leaks in the BMW 335xi are because of plastic parts like the valve cover gasket that become brittle faster, leading to leakage.
To fix this problem, you will have to replace the damaged or faulty valve cover gasket.
Engine overheating
Another common problem that BMW 335xi users should expect to encounter is an overheating engine. This issue usually occurs because of coolant loss, water pump failure, and a clogged coolant system. If you want to prevent or fix this issue, you will have to maintain the cooling system and ensure everything is working fine.
Turbo failure
Turbocharger failures in this car are usually caused by dirty oil or lack of oil. The manufacturer recommends users change their oil every 12,000 to 18,000 miles. In some cases, turbo failures are caused by foreign objects, but this is not very common. To fix the problem, the user should replace the bad oil or refill the oil tank.
Cooling system issues
The coolant system helps to ensure that the engine runs at an optimal temperature. Thus, if the cooling system is facing several issues, the engine won’t operate optimally. Most cooling system issues are caused by a faulty water pump, clogged cooling system, coolant leak, and wrong coolant.
To fix this issue, you will have to fix the underlying problem.
Faulty high-pressure fuel pump
Many BMW 335xi users have reported having engine problems. If you’re one of those people, then there is a high chance that it is due to a faulty high-pressure fuel pump. The HPFP is in charge of injecting the engine with fuel with the correct pressure. So, if this part is faulty, you may experience sow engine start and other issues. Replace the HPFP part to fix the problem.
Electrical issues
Electrical issues are not very common in this car. However, they are rampant in the 2007 BMW 335xi model year. Many owners have reported headlights causing the car to ignite. In some scenarios, the car had a lot of internal accessories problems. This may be linked to disconnected wires and a dead battery.
Wastegate rattle
This is one of the common problems that BMW 335xi users have reported. The wastegate rattle is normally caused by an arm or rod working improperly due to normal wear and tear. So, to fix this issue, you will have to replace the arm and rod.
Clogged fuel injector
The work of the fuel injector is to atomize and inject fuel into the combustion engine. Hence, if the fuel injectors are clogged, this won’t work properly. Because of this, the user will witness engine misfires, difficulty cold starting the engine, and a rough engine idle. Ensure to clean the clogged fuel injectors and replace them if they are worn out.
Carbon build-up
Carbon build-up is one of the main causes of poor performance from the BMW 335xi models. So, if your car is having carbon build-up, you should have the problem fixed quickly. Signs of carbon build-up are poor performance ad misfires.
If you want to fix this issue, ensure the fuel injectors and valves are cleaned. Additionally, you should drive your car for longer distances to avoid carbon build-up.
Water pump failure
The water pump on the BMW 335xi is in charge of pumping water into the radiator to help cool the engine. It works together with the radiator, engine fan, and water pump. So, if any of the parts are compromised, the engine won’t function optimally. Check and see if the water pump is damaged or worn out and replace it.
FAQ
Is the BMW 335xi a good car?
The BMW 335xi is an outstanding car if you’re looking for a luxurious, high-end, high-performance, and advanced car. On the other hand, it is not ideal for a person searching for a cheap, low-maintenance, and fuel-efficient car.
What BMW 335i model should you stay away from?
BMW 335i has been in production since 2006. As a result, there have been several model years with some performing better than others. While the 2010, 2015, and 2016 BMW 335i are some of the most reliable model years, the 2007, 2008, and 2013 model years should be avoided. This is because they come with lots of issues.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW 335xi?
Of course, it is! Maintaining any BMW is way costlier than most of its rivals in the luxury field. The BMW 335xi will cost about $820 to maintain annually. But if it’s a major service, it may cost between $1000 and $3000, which is way above the industry average for luxury cars.
How long does the BMW 335xi last?
The BMW 335xi is a durable and dependable car. However, since it is a high-performance car, it does not last as long as the base models. All in all, this unit should last between 150k and 250k miles when properly maintained and cared for. Moreover, good driving habits should also be maintained for longevity.
Is it a good idea to acquire a used BMW 335xi?
Yes, acquiring a new or used BMW 335xi is always a good idea. This is because the car boosts several top-notch features and it performs well. Nevertheless, interested buyers should also be ready to deal with the costly repairs and maintenance that the car comes with.
Conclusion
The BMW 335xi is one of the best-performing entry-level luxury cars on the market. This car is also beautifully designed and performs pretty well. As stated above, this car comes with several problems that can be avoided with proper care and good driving habits. Generally, it is an excellent car and it is very practical.