The BMW 350i is a sleek, powerful, and luxurious car. It is also pretty reliable and boosts several advanced features. However, it also has multiple problems that users ought to know about. But what are the common problems with the BMW 350i?
Common problems with the BMW 350i are oil leaks, poor idling, intermittent stalling, faulty high-pressure fuel lines, and faulty fuel pump. Moreover, other owners have reported having suspension problems, failing timing belts, rust problems, engine overheating, and failing distributor arm and rotor arm.
What are the common problems with BMW 350i?
Oil leaks
The first problem that BMW 350i users should be ready to encounter is an oil leak. Even though most oil leaks in the BMW 3-series models are caused by a worn-out valve cover gasket, stripped threads on this model cause oil leakage. So, it is crucial for the technician to diagnose your car before fixing the problem.
Poor idling
Several users have also reported experiencing poor idling. This can be caused by a sticking idle control valve or vacuum leaks. Nonetheless, it is also crucial to check the spark plugs and ignition coils as they can be the problem. Before you fix the issue, you will also have to inspect the car and correct the underlying issue.
Rust problems
Rust issues are also common with the BMW 350i. The issue is rampant in older models. If you’re buying a used BMW 350i, ensure to check places like the front of the footwells, rear shock towers, sunroof drains, and fuel lines. If you notice that you have rust problems, you should ensure to fix the issue before you get structural issues.
Intermittent stalling
The BMW 350i also comes with multiple engine issues, and intermittent stalling is one of them. This problem is also common in older BMW 350i. It is normally caused by dying relays or dirty wring. Therefore, if your car is experiencing this problem, you should have it fixed ASAP.
Faulty high-pressure fuel lines
One of the reasons BMWs are not so reliable is because of low-quality parts. Most BMW parts are made out of rubber or plastic. The high-pressure fuel lines are one such part. As a result, they tend to wear out faster than their competitors. After some time, the high-pressure fuel lines will become brittle and will have to be replaced.
After around 10 years of use, the high-pressure fuel lines will crack. However, you can replace them before they do.
Faulty fuel pump
Like the high-pressure fuel lines, the fuel pump will also degrade after some time. And when this happens, the fuel pump won’t be able to convey the right amount of fuel to the engine at the needed pressure. Some of the signs of a worn-out fuel pump are difficulty to start, power loss, and low fuel efficiency. Replace the bad fuel pump to correct the problem.
Suspension issues
Suspension problems may not be very common in the BMW 350i, but several users have reported some issues. Most suspension problems on this unit are caused by aging rear subframe rubber bushings. Additionally, you may have to inspect the anti-roll bar links and replace them if they are worn out.
Failing distributor arm and rotor arm
A failing distributor arm can cause problems like idle problems, timing issues, and difficulty starting. One of the major causes of a failing distributor arm is carbon build-up. This is normally caused by high-voltage sparks that can cause erosion and carbon build-up over time.
To fix this problem, you will have to clean the carbon build-up or replace the distributor arm if it’s damaged.
Engine overheating
Another issue that owners of the BMW 350i should be ready to handle is engine overheating. The main cause of this problem is a coolant leak, a faulty thermostat, or a bad water pump. Unlike most issues on this list, this problem should be handled quickly as it can lead to serious problems and costly repairs.
To fix this problem, the owner will have the mechanic inspect the car and fix the underlying problem.
Failing timing belt
BMW recommends changing the timing belt on this model every five to six years. So, if you fail to replace the timing belt, it may wear out and snap out. This can be catastrophic and can cause even more damage. That’s why it is important to replace the timing belt in time.
FAQ
Which engine is the BMW 350i fitted with?
The BMW 350i is fitted with a BMW 7-series/8-series derived 5.0-liter V12 engine. Note that this engine is tuned to deliver up to 350 hp @ 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 470 nm to the rear wheels.
Is the BMW 350i worth buying?
Yes, the BMW 350i is worth buying if you desire a finely tuned engine with great power. It also performs exceptionally well and it is durable. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, affordable, and reliable entry-level luxury car, this is not a suitable choice.
How long does the BMW 350i last?
The BMW 350i may not be the most durable BMW 3-series, but it is pretty durable. If this car is well cared for and maintained, it can easily clock more than 200,000 miles. Besides, some users have clocked more than 250k miles, which is very impressive.
Is BMW more reliable than Mercedes-Benz?
No, Mercedes-Benz is slightly more reliable than BMW. This is because BMW comes with slightly more issues and the cost of repair and maintenance is also quite higher.
Bottom line
Like every car, the BMW 350i also comes with several problems. However, this doesn’t mean that the car is unreliable as it can last for a long while if it is well cared for and maintained. Most of the problems that we’ve highlighted about the BMW 350i can be avoided with proper care and maintenance.
Nevertheless, the BMW 350i is still costly to maintain compared to its rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz. All in all, it is a nice car for comfort and daily driving.