BMW Reliability
Discussion
Hi,
BMWs seem to get a lot of stick online for bad reliability, however you see loads out there with mega miles (even N47’s).
Would you say BMWs are reliable and which are the most reliable engines (presumably 6 cyls) and series/which to avoid?
Also what are common issues when buying any BMW (not necessarily engine related)?
BMWs seem to get a lot of stick online for bad reliability, however you see loads out there with mega miles (even N47’s).
Would you say BMWs are reliable and which are the most reliable engines (presumably 6 cyls) and series/which to avoid?
Also what are common issues when buying any BMW (not necessarily engine related)?
I had an e90 325i for four years (it was four years old when I bought it) then an M135i for 3 years from new and currently on a 2018 540i xDrive. As you'd expect there have been absolutely no issues whatsoever with the newer cars. The only issue with the E90 was a defective coil which cost me about £100 to fix (much cheaper if I had done it myself.) I'm not sure about any reliability issues. I think if you have a car long enough and it's done enough miles, it will generate bills but that's pretty much any car.
I have a 2001 330Ci which I've owned from new. That's got the old M54B30 engine. At 210k miles, it's now got head gasket failure which means it's eating coolant and has blown an expansion tank. But nothing went wrong at all until it reached 180k miles. The only things I can remember having to do on before then was the thermostat. And my hedgehog resistor for the heater blower went somewhere around 140k miles. After 180k miles things started happening more regularly and I had to change the power steering pump, the alternator and the fuel pump. It's even on its original clutch and exhaust! I no longer use it as my daily due to the head gasket thing, but it still works for dump runs. Last MOT had a suspension ball joint as an advisory and that was it. I'm now wondering whether it's worth me doing the necessary work considering there's also rust on the rear arches now, but I can't bear the idea of scrapping the car since it's the only car I've ever owned from new and obviously I love it to have kept it for so long.
e60 535d - 20k - 80k, bluetooth failure and started 'hunting' in gear so I sold it.
e53 3.0d - 60k - 120k turbo and m went at 120k. Numerous failed door catches and pano roof failure so I sold it.
e92 M3 - 15k - 30k. Wheel bearing failure but ti did see the track on a few occasions.
e70 40d - 60k - 90k. No issues but sold as the gearbox was starting to feel old and laggy / lumpy.
e53 3.0d - 60k - 120k turbo and m went at 120k. Numerous failed door catches and pano roof failure so I sold it.
e92 M3 - 15k - 30k. Wheel bearing failure but ti did see the track on a few occasions.
e70 40d - 60k - 90k. No issues but sold as the gearbox was starting to feel old and laggy / lumpy.
2001 330d auto: 33k - 73k (2012 - 2015) - Turbo failed, boost pipe failed (unrelated), rear wiper seized several times, rear window demister failed, rear door lock mech failed, MAF went, remote locking keys gave up the ghost, rear dampers went
2005 330d manual: 67k - 155k (2015 - 2019) - MAF failed, front spring snapped, dampers all round, rear wiper seized once (obviously a BMW trait!), remote locking receiver failed, DMF went, clutch slave cylinder failed twice, boost pipe failed
2016 340i: 26k - 39k (2019 - present) - nothing so far (should hope not too!)
Overall I don't think BMWs are any better or worse than other brands for reliability - the notion that they'll go on forever if looked after is (in my opinion) due to the fact that they hold there value better, so people are more likely to repair a fault where with a car with less value for the same age and miles (ie a Ford), it wouldn't be financially viable to do so and it gets sold on/scrapped.
Why do I continue to buy them? Because I like rwd, and as I have a family, they are the most entertaining cars to drive that can also accommodate family duties. Were that not the case, then my money would probably go elsewhere.
2005 330d manual: 67k - 155k (2015 - 2019) - MAF failed, front spring snapped, dampers all round, rear wiper seized once (obviously a BMW trait!), remote locking receiver failed, DMF went, clutch slave cylinder failed twice, boost pipe failed
2016 340i: 26k - 39k (2019 - present) - nothing so far (should hope not too!)
Overall I don't think BMWs are any better or worse than other brands for reliability - the notion that they'll go on forever if looked after is (in my opinion) due to the fact that they hold there value better, so people are more likely to repair a fault where with a car with less value for the same age and miles (ie a Ford), it wouldn't be financially viable to do so and it gets sold on/scrapped.
Why do I continue to buy them? Because I like rwd, and as I have a family, they are the most entertaining cars to drive that can also accommodate family duties. Were that not the case, then my money would probably go elsewhere.
I’ve had 7 BMW’s over the last 20 years aswell as a few other brands.
E36 1992 325i no problems
E36 1999 318is no problems
E46 325i no problems
E60 2004 530d new turbo, rear windscreen, new mask system, parking sensors faulty and exhaust manifold cracked.
E91 2007 320d new abs pump.
E60 2008 525d battery ibs sensor (just disconnected and no further issues )
F10 2011 525d rear door membrane leaking, headlight misting, coolant pipe split.
Overall the newer ones have had more issues but nothing that worry’s me too much as all cars break at some point. I’ve tried moving to other brands but always return to Bmw.
E36 1992 325i no problems
E36 1999 318is no problems
E46 325i no problems
E60 2004 530d new turbo, rear windscreen, new mask system, parking sensors faulty and exhaust manifold cracked.
E91 2007 320d new abs pump.
E60 2008 525d battery ibs sensor (just disconnected and no further issues )
F10 2011 525d rear door membrane leaking, headlight misting, coolant pipe split.
Overall the newer ones have had more issues but nothing that worry’s me too much as all cars break at some point. I’ve tried moving to other brands but always return to Bmw.
E46 330i - normal wear and tear items over the 10 years of ownership (including a new rad). Heater hedgehog, vanos seals and DISA valve rebuild done as precaution / improvements
2 x F10 520d - 150k across the 2 cars with normal servicing and an A/C condenser changed under warranty on 1
G30 520d - 65k with normal servicing. Ad-Blue pump changed under warranty @ 30k
My BMWs have been very reliable. On the 5s I also get 50 mpg, 40k out of a set of tyres and have never changed brakes in the 75k ownership of each car. Obviously driving characteristics play a part in this but they are robust things.
2 x F10 520d - 150k across the 2 cars with normal servicing and an A/C condenser changed under warranty on 1
G30 520d - 65k with normal servicing. Ad-Blue pump changed under warranty @ 30k
My BMWs have been very reliable. On the 5s I also get 50 mpg, 40k out of a set of tyres and have never changed brakes in the 75k ownership of each car. Obviously driving characteristics play a part in this but they are robust things.
2003 320d Touring - Company car that got well used in the 90k miles I did in it. No problems.
2010 325d Convertible - Roof motor mechanism failed at 68k. Out of warranty but BMW paid for the parts.
2011 318d Touring - 110k miles. No problems.
2012 330d Touring - 70k miles. Replacement rear lights and some paint all done under warranty. The rear parking brake use to stick after being sat overnight so BMW replaced the the whole rear brake set up under warranty.
2017 640d - New instrument display under warranty as the original developed a funny haze/fogging type thing in the display panel itself. Also new boot lid seals.
2010 325d Convertible - Roof motor mechanism failed at 68k. Out of warranty but BMW paid for the parts.
2011 318d Touring - 110k miles. No problems.
2012 330d Touring - 70k miles. Replacement rear lights and some paint all done under warranty. The rear parking brake use to stick after being sat overnight so BMW replaced the the whole rear brake set up under warranty.
2017 640d - New instrument display under warranty as the original developed a funny haze/fogging type thing in the display panel itself. Also new boot lid seals.
Edited by curvature on Wednesday 8th April 12:49
I find BMW to be pretty faultless going of all the ones I can remember I’ve had across the model range.
535d estate and saloon(mapped as well), 320d *2, 123d, 135 * 2, E60 M5 just needed replacement clutch and flywheel - warranty covered at near 50k mile, 335d, 335i, 118d, and currently M2
Only ever had a few recalls or consumable service items. Hence why I keep going back to the brand constantly.
Probably cursed myself now!
535d estate and saloon(mapped as well), 320d *2, 123d, 135 * 2, E60 M5 just needed replacement clutch and flywheel - warranty covered at near 50k mile, 335d, 335i, 118d, and currently M2
Only ever had a few recalls or consumable service items. Hence why I keep going back to the brand constantly.
Probably cursed myself now!
1990 E30 320i - alternator went when 14 years old. Now dead.
1995 E36 320i - nothing ever went wrong with it, Sold at 150,000ish miles. Now dead.
1997 E36 316i Compact - exhaust shield detached itself when 8 month old. Exported a few years back (not by me)
2000 E46 330i - ignition switch failed intermittantly, rusty front wings, several suspension bushes, developed a severe oil thirst in later life. Now dead.
2010 E90 320d ed - nothing other than maintenance. Now on 160,000 miles (original mechanical components). Lives on with a family member.
2013 F20 114i - needed a timing chain at 66,000 miles, iDrive screen cracked spontaneously one day, intake pipe split (air filter to turbo). Recently sold & sitting on a forecourt.
2013 F11 525d - nothing to report, now on 144,000 miles
So maybe surprisingly to some, my recent petrol BMWs have been needy children, the diesels less so.
1995 E36 320i - nothing ever went wrong with it, Sold at 150,000ish miles. Now dead.
1997 E36 316i Compact - exhaust shield detached itself when 8 month old. Exported a few years back (not by me)
2000 E46 330i - ignition switch failed intermittantly, rusty front wings, several suspension bushes, developed a severe oil thirst in later life. Now dead.
2010 E90 320d ed - nothing other than maintenance. Now on 160,000 miles (original mechanical components). Lives on with a family member.
2013 F20 114i - needed a timing chain at 66,000 miles, iDrive screen cracked spontaneously one day, intake pipe split (air filter to turbo). Recently sold & sitting on a forecourt.
2013 F11 525d - nothing to report, now on 144,000 miles
So maybe surprisingly to some, my recent petrol BMWs have been needy children, the diesels less so.
E46 needed practically everything made of plastic or rubber replaced during the six years I had it. New shocks new alternator new springs. Hvac control module. Probably other stuff. That was 100k upto 170k. Even had a new boot floor.
F10. N53 engine needed latest injectors but touch wood so far been superb. Car has had new rear springs and new shocks. New front wishbones. Both sides resprayed for corrosion. Bought at 33k now at 70k.
I wouldn't say they are super reliable in my exerience but I like driving them.
F10. N53 engine needed latest injectors but touch wood so far been superb. Car has had new rear springs and new shocks. New front wishbones. Both sides resprayed for corrosion. Bought at 33k now at 70k.
I wouldn't say they are super reliable in my exerience but I like driving them.
March 1998 E36 2.5 I6 petrol (nat. asp.) Plastic water pump replaced. Some suspension bushes, and rear springs broken. 19 years and 149k miles. Rust and the feeling I should replace it, meant I changed it for:-
Feb 2017 F30 335d x-drive. 37k miles no issues.
Both cars from new (well, the 335d was pre-reg’d on 9 miles, and I added 12 miles on the test drive).
Feb 2017 F30 335d x-drive. 37k miles no issues.
Both cars from new (well, the 335d was pre-reg’d on 9 miles, and I added 12 miles on the test drive).
They don't make 'em like they used to.
E30 325i - sold at 190k. Rust was the major issue. Engine solid.
E36 325i - retired at about 150k. Rust again killed this. Waterpump aside, engine solid.
E36 328i - gave to my dad at 214k. Bit rusty. Went through a couple of rads but otherwise engine solid. (this was a Nikasil engine btw).
E46 330Ci - bought last year, currently on 160k. Not owned long enough to make a judgement call but so far needed crank position sensor + MAF. Looks to me that it has had the cam cover gasket done before.
E90 330i (N52) - 130k. Oil leaks but otherwise seems ok.
E30 325i - sold at 190k. Rust was the major issue. Engine solid.
E36 325i - retired at about 150k. Rust again killed this. Waterpump aside, engine solid.
E36 328i - gave to my dad at 214k. Bit rusty. Went through a couple of rads but otherwise engine solid. (this was a Nikasil engine btw).
E46 330Ci - bought last year, currently on 160k. Not owned long enough to make a judgement call but so far needed crank position sensor + MAF. Looks to me that it has had the cam cover gasket done before.
E90 330i (N52) - 130k. Oil leaks but otherwise seems ok.
g3org3y said:
They don't make 'em like they used to.
E30 325i - sold at 190k. Rust was the major issue. Engine solid.
E36 325i - retired at about 150k. Rust again killed this. Waterpump aside, engine solid.
E36 328i - gave to my dad at 214k. Bit rusty. Went through a couple of rads but otherwise engine solid. (this was a Nikasil engine btw).
E46 330Ci - bought last year, currently on 160k. Not owned long enough to make a judgement call but so far needed crank position sensor + MAF. Looks to me that it has had the cam cover gasket done before.
E90 330i (N52) - 130k. Oil leaks but otherwise seems ok.
I don’t think there was ever a problem with a nikasil engine in the U.K./Europe, it was mostly USA sulphurous fuel that was a problem. E30 325i - sold at 190k. Rust was the major issue. Engine solid.
E36 325i - retired at about 150k. Rust again killed this. Waterpump aside, engine solid.
E36 328i - gave to my dad at 214k. Bit rusty. Went through a couple of rads but otherwise engine solid. (this was a Nikasil engine btw).
E46 330Ci - bought last year, currently on 160k. Not owned long enough to make a judgement call but so far needed crank position sensor + MAF. Looks to me that it has had the cam cover gasket done before.
E90 330i (N52) - 130k. Oil leaks but otherwise seems ok.
Many say that the last M52/4 non turbo, non direct injection petrol engines are, being simpler and not weight-reduction obsessed (no EU commission fines to car makers for missing CO2 targets back then), are more reliable. I have an E38 728i with and M52TU and an E39 525i with an M54 engine, both now at 270k miles and have not touched the engines themselves, bar the usual oil leaks, seals etc.
I'm on my 7th and 8th at present and haven't found them anything like as bad as my 70s and 80s Fords, but to be fair post 2000 Fords are probably much better!
My experience of them to date, other than routine consumables like servicing, tyres, etc.
04 plate E46 320td bought in Jan 05 at less than 3,000 miles. Sold it in Jan 08 on 43K miles and it needed nothing.
57 plate E87 123d bought in Jan 08 on delivery miles. Sold it in Jul 14 on 81K miles. It needed a new battery before it was 5 years old and a starter motor before it was 7 years old, but I suspect stop/start killed them early. It was still on original discs, pads and wiper blades!
56 plate Z4 Coupe bought in Jun 14 on 54K miles. Sold it in May 16 on 62K. It needed an electric water pump on it's 9th birthday.
52 plate E46 325ti bought in Dec 14 on 80K miles. Sold it in Mar 18 on 83K. It needed a cooling system refresh soon after I bought it as the radiator bowed and a Power Steering pipe in Nov 16, but then it was 12 years old when I got it!
56 plate Z4 Coupe bought in May 16 on 77K miles. Sold it in Feb 20 on 91K. It had an advisory for corroded rear brake pipes when I bought it so they got replaced in Dec 16. In Jul 19 it needed a new A/C condenser, but it had probably been hit by a stone.
06 plate E91 325i bought in Feb 18 on 132K miles with full BMWSH. Sold it Apr 19 on 139K. at 135K it needed a new electric water pump.
55 plate E90 330i bought in Mar 19 on 107K miles. Still have it on 113K so far and nothing to date.
56 plate Z4M Coupe bought in Dec 19 on 76K miles, now on 77K. Nothing to report so far, but it's early days!
I really don't understand why people seem so keen to slate them, unless they bought bad examples or were just unlucky!
My experience of them to date, other than routine consumables like servicing, tyres, etc.
04 plate E46 320td bought in Jan 05 at less than 3,000 miles. Sold it in Jan 08 on 43K miles and it needed nothing.
57 plate E87 123d bought in Jan 08 on delivery miles. Sold it in Jul 14 on 81K miles. It needed a new battery before it was 5 years old and a starter motor before it was 7 years old, but I suspect stop/start killed them early. It was still on original discs, pads and wiper blades!
56 plate Z4 Coupe bought in Jun 14 on 54K miles. Sold it in May 16 on 62K. It needed an electric water pump on it's 9th birthday.
52 plate E46 325ti bought in Dec 14 on 80K miles. Sold it in Mar 18 on 83K. It needed a cooling system refresh soon after I bought it as the radiator bowed and a Power Steering pipe in Nov 16, but then it was 12 years old when I got it!
56 plate Z4 Coupe bought in May 16 on 77K miles. Sold it in Feb 20 on 91K. It had an advisory for corroded rear brake pipes when I bought it so they got replaced in Dec 16. In Jul 19 it needed a new A/C condenser, but it had probably been hit by a stone.
06 plate E91 325i bought in Feb 18 on 132K miles with full BMWSH. Sold it Apr 19 on 139K. at 135K it needed a new electric water pump.
55 plate E90 330i bought in Mar 19 on 107K miles. Still have it on 113K so far and nothing to date.
56 plate Z4M Coupe bought in Dec 19 on 76K miles, now on 77K. Nothing to report so far, but it's early days!
I really don't understand why people seem so keen to slate them, unless they bought bad examples or were just unlucky!
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