The BMW 340i has been in production since 2015 and it is one of the best-performing BMW 3-series models on the market. This car is fast, elegant, luxurious, and advanced. However, it also comes with several problems that interested buyers should know about. But what are the common problems with BMW 340i?
Common problems with the BMW 340i are oil leaks, coolant loss, PCV valve failure, and Vanos Solenoid problems. In addition, several users have also complained about a faulty water pump, oil filter disintegration, and electrical issues.
What are the common problems with BMW 340i?
Oil leaks
Oil leaks are common in the BMW models because of the brittle parts that BMW cars come with. The BMW 340i is not an exception. Like its siblings, the BMW 340i comes with several plastic and rubber parts. For instance, the valve cover gasket is made of rubber, which deteriorates after some time and leads to oil leakage.
To fix this problem, you will have to replace the worn-out or brittle valve cover gasket with a new one.
Coolant loss
Coolant loss is another common issue that BMW 340i users have complained about in the past. Like oil leaks, most coolant loss is a result of a worn-out thermostat, oil filter housing, or cylinder head gasket. Signs of coolant loss are engine overheating, puddles under the car, and a sweet aroma that you notice from the outside.
To correct this problem, you will have to fix the underlying problem first.
PCV valve failure
The positive crankcase ventilation or PCV valve helps to equalize pressure within the engine’s crankcase. They also assist to relieve the pressure in the crankcase by rerouting it to the intake manifold and back into the engine. However, this valve also fails after some time, which affects the performance of the engine.
If you notice that your PCV valve is failing, it is vital to replace it with a new valve.
Vanos Solenoid issues
Another common and irritating problem that BMW 340i users should be ready to deal with is Vanos Solenoid problems. The main cause of Vano’s problems is the failure of the Solenoid’s O-ring. Since the O-ring is made of rubber, it becomes brittle and seizes to work optimally, leading to several issues.
So, if you’re having Vanos Solenoid problems, you should start by checking and replacing a damaged or worn-out ring.
Oil filter disintegration
This is another worrying problem that BMW 340i owners should know about. While this issue is not very serious or costly to fix, it can lead to catastrophic outcomes if not handled. Like most BMW parts, the oil filter is made out of heap materials that make it disintegrate and unable to trap particles after some time of use.
To avoid and prevent further damage, it is recommended to replace the oil filter during every oil change. But if the oil filter is damaged, it should be replaced immediately.
Electrical problems
Owners of the BMW 340i should also be ready to deal with multiple electrical problems. Some of them include a defective passenger-side blind spot monitor, an ignition switch issue, damaged cables, and alternator issues.
The good news is that most of these problems are straightforward to fix. So, visit a professional technician to diagnose and fix your car’s electrical problems.
Faulty water pump
When your BMW 340i ages, it will start to experience various issues. A faulty water pump is one of those problems. And if the water pump is faulty or ineffective, this will not only affect the performance of the engine but will also cause it to heat up. So, ensure to replace a faulty water pump in time to avoid further damage.
FAQ
What is the most annoying issue with the B58 engine?
The BMW B58 engine may have lots of problems, but some are more annoying than others. One of the most annoying issues with the B58 engine is the Vanos problem. This problem is annoying because it is very cumbersome to fix. So, if you happen to have this issue, you may have to set aside some time when it comes to repair.
Is the BMW 340i worth buying?
It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a luxurious, spacious, practical, advanced, and high-performance entry-level luxury car, then it is worth buying. But if you desire a fuel-efficient, reliable, and low-maintenance luxury car, then you should stay away from this car.
How long does the BMW 340i last?
BMWs may not be as reliable as Mercedes-Benz or Audi, but they can last for a long while if they are maintained properly. On average, a well-maintained BMW 340i should last for at least 200,000 miles. Nevertheless, some users have reported clocking more than 250k miles, which is very impressive.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW 340i?
Yes, it is quite costly to maintain the BMW 340i model. This is because it comes with several problems that the user has to deal with. On top of that, the cost of BMW’s spare parts and services is pretty high compared to those of their competitors like Audi and Mercedes-Benz.
Which engine is fitted in the BMW 340i?
The BMW 340i is fitted with a B58B30M0 Straight-6 engine. This engine delivers a whopping 322 hp at 5,800 to 6,400 rpm and up to 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,380 to 5,000 rpm. Note that the B58 engine is one of the most reliable and durable BMW engines on the market.
Final thoughts
Buying a used car like the BMW 340i is cheap, but it also comes with a price. To ensure that the car runs smoothly, proper care and maintenance are needed. And when it comes to the BMW 340i, the cost of maintenance is slightly higher than that of mainstream cars.
So, before you buy a used car, you should check its history and ensure that the owner took good care of the car. What’s more, whether you buy a used or new BMW 340i model, you should adhere to BMW’s recommended scheduled maintenance service for it to last.
