BMWs are an incredibly popular vehicle brand in the United States and even led the luxury car market with around 280,000 car sales in 2020, according to data on Statista. However, while BMWs are known for their performance and luxury, they are often not known for their overall reliability and can often suffer from various issues.
Along with the possibility of issues arising, BMW owners can also expect to pay around $1,000-1,700 a year for maintenance and repairs, according to motor1.com, which is higher than average compared to other vehicles. And without the right warranty protection in place, you could be left paying for expensive repair bills on your own.
To help you be better prepared to avoid this, we’ve taken the BMW models with the most reported issues on CarComplaints.com and broken them down for you below.
Common BMW Engine Problems – By Model
According to CarComplaints.com, the five BMW vehicles with the highest number of reported issues are:
- 2013 X3
- 2011 X5
- 2008 335
- 2007 335
- 2013 X5
Let’s take a look at the engine problems you’re most likely to encounter if you own one of these models.
Model 1: BMW X3 2013
Registering 30 reported issues on CarComplaints.com and 125 on NHTSA, the 2013 X3 also appears on the Consumer Reports list of used cars to avoid.
Issue 1: Broken timing chain guide
Estimated repair cost: $6,290
Issue 2: Engine stalls/shuts down while driving
Estimated repair cost: $320
Issue 3: Engine failure
Estimated repair cost: $0 (although bear in mind the data is limited)
Issue 4: Engine mounts failed
Estimated repair cost: $1,200
Issue 5: Oil leak
Estimated repair cost: $500
BMW X5 2011
The 2011 X5 has seven reported engine-related problems on CarComplaints.com. However, NHTSA data shows 126 complaints.
Issue 1: Excessive oil consumption
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
Issue 2: Shut down while driving
Estimated repair cost: $2,300
Issue 3: Stalled while driving
Estimated repair cost: $7,000
Issue 4: Engine malfunction reduced engine power
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
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Model 3: BMW 335 2008
The 2008 335 registers just five reported engine issues on CarComplaints.com, but 77 on NHTSA.
Issue 1: Serpentine belt broke, ingested into the engine
Estimated repair cost: $3,700
Issue 2: Check engine light on
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
Issue 3: Engine failure
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
Issue 4: Turbo rattle
Estimated repair cost: $4,700
Model 4: BMW 335 2007
The 2007 335 registers just four reported engine issues on CarComplaints.com, but 87 on NHTSA.
Issue 1: Engine overheats
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
Issue 2: Poor gas mileage
Estimated repair cost: $2,300
Issue 3: Running roughly
Estimated repair cost: $2,880
Issue 4: Turbo failure
Estimated repair cost: $4,800
Model 5: BMW X5 2013
Another model that also appears on the Consumer Reports list of used cars to avoid is the 2013 X5. The vehicle has seen only two reported engine issues on CarComplaints.com and 34 on NHTSA.
Issue 1: Engine harness faulty
Estimated repair cost: $900
Issue 2: Hesitation at start
Estimated repair cost: Unavailable
How to Prevent BMW Engine Problems
The best way to combat against car repairs is by preventing the need for them entirely. To do this, vehicle owners should be performing essential routine maintenance throughout the year and at recommended milestones, such as changing your oil every 8,000 miles. Doing so can not only help you to prolong the life of your vehicle, but it can help you to avoid more potentially costly repairs in the future.
For owners of a used BMW especially, the recommended maintenance schedule is determined by your vehicle’s Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system. Essentially, this is part of the onboard computer system that uses data about the components and your driving habits to tailor the maintenance schedule to you.
Some regular maintenance is always recommended, though, and if you want to avoid engine problems, make sure you do the following regularly:
- Check your tires
- Change the engine oil
- Check the engine’s rubber hoses and gaskets for wear or cracks
- Check your spark plugs
- Check your air filter
Remember that if you don’t stick to the vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule, you risk voiding the coverage plan .
Protect Your BMW With an Extended Warranty
No matter the make/model, all vehicles need regular maintenance to run at their best, and BMWs are no exception. In fact, some BMW models are not renowned for their reliability. In contrast, other models and model years tend to suffer from problems that can lead to costly repairs. This is especially true when purchasing a used BMW, as chances are the initial factory warranty has expired (or will be soon).
If your warranty has or will expire soon, it’s important to protect yourself and your BMW from the costs of unexpected repairs with the help of an extended warranty . Along with component protection, you can also receive even more savings with benefits and perks like roadside assistance services and more with the right.
To help you get started on finding the right protection for your BMW, check out our top extended warranty providers .
