When you’re in the market for a reliable car, you can’t go wrong with a BMW 335i. While it may not be the first vehicle that comes to mind when shopping for a used luxury midsize car, its superb comfort and outstanding performance make it a great pick. Its resale value is also good, only depreciating by 37% in five years, according to CarEdge.com.
Is BMW 335i Reliable?
The BMW 335i enjoys below-average reliability, with some of its model years scoring better than others. RepairPal gave it a rating of 2.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 28th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars in its category. Meanwhile, J.D. Power rated the 2015 BMW 3 Series Sedan 4D 335i a 81/100, placing it well within the top 10 luxury midsize cars in its category for that year.
With these figures, it’s apparent that the BMW 335i can easily enjoy a long service life with proper handling and regular maintenance.
Top BMW 335i Problems
Although the BMW 335i is one dependable luxury midsize car, it has its fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported issues for different model years:
Noise and Vibration Due to Low Refrigerant
According to some owners of the 2009 BMW 335i, problems with the A/C system are common for some units of this model year. Droning noises may be heard when the A/C system is operating, and the steering wheel may vibrate excessively. If these issues stop when the A/C system is turned off, the problem may be a low refrigerant charge in the system.
Some owners have reported hearing a “string in the fan” type of noise on the passenger side when they’re idling and feeling vibrations on the steering wheel. The vibrations reportedly stop when the A/C is turned off. Others experienced a steady vibration in the steering wheel for weeks. When they brought their vehicle to the dealer, they were told they needed a new A/C evaporator. Reports show that these issues also affected 2007 to 2011 BMW 335i model years.
Engine Rattle
Many owners of the 2008 BMW 335i have complained about problems like the engine rattling and the check engine light turning on. Their car’s turbo engine developed wastegate issues that became worse over time, more so in harsh driving conditions.
Wastegate rattle or turbo rattle is the result of excessive movement between the wastegate and the wastegate seat. Other symptoms of this issue include rattling during cold starts, rattling during deceleration, loss of power, active check engine light, poor engine performance, and a registered OBD trouble code. Some owners of 2007 to 2015 BMW 335i model years have also reported similar problems.
Broken Serpentine Belt
Faulty serpentine belts are among one of the most common 2008 BMW 335i problems. According to some owners, their serpentine belts broke and melted into their engines. This then caused their vehicle to break down in the middle of the road. Several drivers experienced even worse problems, with their car breaking down without prior warning. Some owners also had to deal with losing their power steering and then the car refusing to start again.
Faulty High-Pressure Fuel Pump
Many owners of the 2007 BMW 335i have complained about problems with its high-pressure fuel pump. The check engine light may also activate and the car may exhibit a lack of power.
According to several owners, their vehicles suddenly lost power and started longer than usual. Others noted that their car lost torque after they stepped on the gas. In some cases, the affected BMW 335is stuttered while ascending steep hills, and their transmission slipped when they’re going down steep inclines. Reports show that some 2007 to 2011 and 2013 BMW 335i model years also had issues with their high-pressure fuel pump.
BMW has released a service bulletin to address this problem.
High Temperatures
According to many owners of the 2007 BMW 335i, problems with its cooling system are common for some units of this model year. Some of them experienced high temperatures in the cabin of their vehicle despite the A/C system being active. Others complained about issues with their car’s water pump, thermostat, and fuel pump.
Engine Problems
Engine issues are among the most reported 2007 BMW 335i problems. Engine overheating, poor gas mileage, running roughly, and turbo failure are typical for some units of this model year. According to some owners, when their car overheats, it automatically goes into limp mode. Others experienced rough idling accompanied by an activated check engine light.
If you’re in the market for a BMW 335i, be prepared to embrace the good and the potential bad. But don’t worry. As long as you know the potential issues with the specific model year you’re planning to get, buying this luxury midsize car should come with little risk. Look up the most common problems that affect the model you’re eyeing, and make sure the seller has cleared everything before taking your BMW 335i home.
Finding Replacement Parts For Your BMW 335i
Driving a BMW 335i with malfunctioning parts can be dangerous, so try not to drive your vehicle until these parts have been replaced. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to find replacements that are compatible with your vehicle thanks to CarParts.com.
You can get your hands on brand-new auto parts without ever leaving your room. To get started, use your mobile phone or computer to visit CarParts.com. Input all of your vehicle’s details such as the year, make, model, and engine with the vehicle selector.
We make it a point to get our components from some of the most reliable names in the industry. In addition, our warehouses are located all over the US, meaning you can receive your order within days.
You can save yourself a lot of trouble if you get replacement parts for your vehicle sooner rather than later. Check out our collection of parts, and order what you need today.
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