The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is an elegant, fuel-efficient, comfortable, and reliable car. Like most BMWs, it also comes with multiple issues that owners or interested buyers should know about. But what are the common problems with BMW ActiveHybrid 3 sedan?
Common problems with BMW ActiveHybrid 3 are transmission issues, water pump failure, shifting problems, and engine issues. Most of these problems are costly and cumbersome to fix. But with proper care and maintenance, a good number of the problems can be avoided.
What are the common problems with the BMW ActiveHybrid 3?
Transmission issues
The main issue that BMW ActiveHybrid 3 users should be ready to deal with is transmission issues. Some of the transmission problems are grinding during acceleration, car shaking while driving, the whistling sound coming from the hood, shifting delays, and a burning smell. All of these transmission issues are caused by different things.
Shifting delay is common in this car and it is caused by poor maintenance or high mileage. Therefore, you should always change the transmission fluid in the car. But if this doesn’t solve the problem, have the mechanic check the valve body and shift solenoids.
Grinding during acceleration is caused by a faulty or failing planetary gear system. If this system fails, it won’t match the speed of the car’s wheels to match the speed of the engine. Have the mechanic inspect the planetary gear system and fix or replace the damaged parts.
If you hear a whistling sound coming from the hood, this is a sign that your transmission is failing. The main cause of this noise is a thrust bearing failing or a clutch pack slipping in certain conditions. Have the damaged or failing parts replaced to avoid hearing a whistling sound and have the transmission work optimally.
Last but not least, if you notice a burning smell from your car, this is an indication of a failing transmission. The main cause for this is having low or dirty transmission fluid in your car. Secondly, it can occur due to the system burning too hot, causing an increase in friction and corrosive activity in the engine.
Water pump failure
This is a common problem that most BMW users experience. The main cause of water pump failure in BMWs is age and heavy use of the car. Therefore, if your BMW ActiveHybrid 3 has put on several miles, there is a high chance of having a water pump failure. This issue is likely to take place when the car hits over 100,000 miles.
The best solution is to replace the water pump with a new pump. What’s more, you should check other parts in the cooling system and replace them before failing.
Shifting problems
This issue is normally experienced in BMW ActiveHybrid 3 models with a six-speed automatic transmission and not the eight-speed automatic transmission. The shifting in this car is usually caused by low fluid levels, dirty transmission fluid, a faulty transmission pump, or a clogged line.
To fix this problem, you will have the mechanic fix the underlying problem. Nonetheless, you can avoid such problems by ensuring the car has the right fluid level, the fluid is clean or flushed as required, and the transmission pump is working right.
Engine issues
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 does not have lots of engine problems. However, it experiences rattling, which is a cause for concern. This issue is caused by suffering from waste gate problems that become worse with normal driving and more so with harsh driving conditions.
If your car is having this problem, you will have to adjust the wastegate actuator, rebuild the turbocharger, or replace the turbocharger. Some of the common signs of engine rattling are loss of power, rattling at cold start, poor engine performance, and rattling upon deceleration.
FAQ
Is the BMW Activehybrid 3 reliable?
Yes, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a considerably reliable car. It is one of the most reliable BMW 3-Series on the market. Nonetheless, this car does not perform very well and its safety score is somewhat less compared to other BMW 3-series.
Despite being reliable, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is also expensive to maintain and repair.
What is ActiveHybrid BMW?
The ActiveHybrid is an intelligent hybrid drive system that combines a combustion engine and electric motor to improve efficiency and BMW’s ultimate driving experience. Additionally, the ActiveHybrid system improves performance and promotes good fuel economy.
How does the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 work?
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6 engine with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission and a lithium-ion-powered electric motor. The combination of these two delivers a maximum of 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. As a result, the car can accelerate from 0 to 60 in just 5.1 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.
How long does BMW ActiveHybrid 3 last?
The BMW Active Hybrid 3 will last for at least 15 years. This is because it is equipped with a lithium-ion battery that is designed to last for 15-plus years. But after this period, the battery capacity will drop below 70%, which may force the user to replace the battery if they want excellent performance.
Besides, proper care and maintenance of the entire car are needed for it to last for over 15 years. So, users of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 should adhere to BMW’s recommended maintenance service.
Does BMW ActiveHybrid charge while driving?
Yes, BMW ActiveHybrid charges while driving. It is the same case with most plug-in hybrid vehicles. Besides, both BMW hybrid and electric vehicles charge while driving. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 utilizes regenerative braking technology that enables the vehicle to regain a part of its energy during braking and deceleration.
Final thoughts
The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is one of the best BMW plug-in hybrid models on the market. This car is sleek, fuel-efficient, reliable, and luxurious. But before you invest in this car, it is important to know some of the common problems you will come across, as discussed above. Regardless, with proper care and maintenance, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 sedan can last over 15 years.