The BMW M440i is an elegant and powerful coupe. It is also comfortable, fuel-efficient, and easy to drive. But like most luxury cars on the market, it also has several issues that interested buyers should know about. So, what are the common problems with BMW M440i?
Common problems with BMW M440i are coolant loss, faulty valve cover gasket, engine problems, VANOS Solenoids issues, and faulty oil filter. Generally, the BMW B58 is one of the most reliable and durable BMW engines.
What are the common problems with the BMW M440i?
Faulty valve cover gasket
Like most BMW models, the valve cover gasket in the BMW M440i is made of rubber. Therefore, it will wear out between 70,000 and 100,000 miles. Aside from the valve cover gasket, the valve cover is made of plastic, meaning that it will also deteriorate faster.
Some of the common problems of a faulty or worn-out valve cover gasket are low engine oil light, burning oil smell, smoke from the valve cover area, and an oil leak on spark plugs. When the valve cover gasket is worn out, it will leak oil. Replace the bad valve cover gasket to fix the problem.
Coolant loss
Another common problem BMW M440i owners experience is the loss of coolant. Most users have complained their coolant leaked with no significant problem. Nonetheless, some of the things that cause coolant leakage are turbo problems, leaks from gaskets, and water pump failures.
Common signs of coolant loss are engine overheating, coolant mixed with oil, visible leaks, faulty coolant tank cap, and pressurized radiator. To fix this problem, you will have to pinpoint the problem first. And if you fix the underlying problem, you won’t have coolant loss.
VANOS Solenoids issues
VANOS or variable valve timing has been an issue in BMW cars since it was introduced in 1992. Besides, most of the VANOS issues are connected to the VANOS Solenoids. Some of the signs of bad VANOS Solenoids are rough idle, poor fuel efficiency, power loss, engine hesitation, VANOS fault codes, faulty spark plugs, and faulty ignition coils.
Fixing faulty or bad VANOS Solenoids is a daunting task, due to its location. Unlike in the N54 and N55 engines, the VANOS Solenoids in the B58 engine are located in the back of the engine, making access difficult. Therefore, not only will it take time to remove the bad VANOS Solenoids and replace them with good ones, but it will also cost more.
Engine issues
A common engine problem with the BMW M440i is the engine not starting. This is common across BMW models. Some of the causes are battery issues, bad alternator, or bad starter. Have the car inspected by an experienced mechanic to pinpoint and fix the problem.
Faulty oil filter
It was a surprise to have this issue as it is not common on most BMW models. The BMW B58 engine that the M440i is fitted with has an oil filter that is prone to shearing at the bottom. Hence, when it becomes faulty, it leaves a portion of the oil filter stuck in the base of the oil filter housing.
To fix this problem, you will have to replace the whole oil filter housing. If your car is under warranty, you can take the car to a BMW service center and have it fixed. Nevertheless, it is vital to change your oil filter with every oil change.
FAQ
Is the BMW M440i reliable?
The BMW M440i maybe a sleek and powerful car, but it is not reliable. Most reliability agencies give it an average score, which is fair but below most of its competition. However, BMW as a brand has improved over the years when it comes to reliability. The BMW M440i reports more problems than most of its rivals.
After how long does the BMW M440i start having problems?
It depends on how well you care for your car. Like most BMWs, the spark plugs and ignition coils will have to be changed between 30,000 and 50,000 miles. Failure to do so may lead to serious issues. But with proper care and maintenance, this car should start having serious problems after hitting 100,000 miles.
What is the high mileage for BMW M440i?
Even though BMW M440i has been in the market for less than a decade, it comes with a durable engine. As a result, this car can last for more than 200,000 miles if it is well-maintained. Nonetheless, it is still early to know the exact miles that this car can cover as it has been on the market for less than a decade.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW M440i?
Yes, maintaining the BMW M440i is quite expensive. The annual cost of maintaining this coupe is about $645, which is more than the industry average. What’s more, the cost of buying BMW M440i spare parts is also high. And if you add the cost of service, you will find the M440i to be one of the most expensive cars to maintain in its class.
Which engine is more reliable – B58 or N55?
It is somewhat challenging to compare these two engines. While the B58 engine has been in the market for a few years, the N55 engine has been in the market for more than a decade. The N55 was produced in 2009, while the B58 engine started production in 2015 and it replaced the N55 engine.
So, the N55 has reported more problems than the B58 so far. All in all, in the first four years of their production, the N55 reported more problems than the B58. Hence, the B58 is destined to be more reliable than the N55 engine.
Video: Problems after 6 months of ownership of the BMW M440i – Ownership Review
Bottom line
Knowing the problems that you’re likely to face when you acquire the BMW M440i will help you take good care of your car. BMW M440i is fitted with the B58 engine, which is still new but hasn’t reported as many problems as the N54 and N55 in their first few years.
Besides, most of the problems are easy to fix and not very costly. Therefore, if you want to prolong the lifespan of your coupe, ensure to adhere to BMW’s recommended scheduled maintenance service. All in all, the M440i is an excellent car that offers fantastic performance, safety, and comfort.
