11 Shocking BMW Series 3 Most Common Problems: What They Don’t Want You to Know

If you are looking for a car that combines luxury, performance, and style, you might have considered a BMW 3 Series. This iconic model has been around since 1975 and has won many awards and accolades for its design, engineering, and driving experience.

But before you make your decision, you should be aware of the BMW Series 3 Most Common Problems that owners face.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the BMW 3 Series’s most common problems. We will cover the issues that affect all generations of the 3 Series, as well as the specific problems that each generation has.

We will also give you some tips on how to fix or prevent these problems, or how to find a reliable mechanic who can help you.

Our goal is to help you make an informed choice about buying a BMW 3 Series and to help you enjoy your car for as long as possible.

We are not here to bash the BMW brand or discourage you from owning a 3 Series. We are simply here to provide you with honest and accurate information based on our research and experience.

So, if you are ready to learn more about the BMW 3 Series’s most common problems, keep reading. You will find out what the 5 most common problems are for all BMW 3 Series and what the 11 most common problems are for each generation of the 3 Series.

You will also find some frequently asked questions and answers at the end of the article. Let’s get started.

5 BMW Series 3 Most Common Problems

Driving a BMW 3 Series is usually a blast, but there are some issues that can spoil the fun. In this section, we will tell you about the five most common problems that affect all generations of the 3 Series, regardless of the model year or engine type.

We will also explain how to spot, fix, or prevent these problems, or how to find a trustworthy mechanic who can help you.

We are not trying to scare you away from owning a BMW 3 Series. We are just giving you the facts based on our research and experience. After all, knowledge is power, and we want you to enjoy your car for as long as possible. So, let’s get started!

Oil Leaks from Worn-Out Engine Seals or Gaskets

One of the most annoying and common problems with the BMW 3 Series is oil leaks. Oil leaks can happen when the seals or gaskets that seal engine parts become worn out over time.

However, an oil leak may also appear due to faulty maintenance, such as incorrectly installing the oil pan gasket or not tightening the oil cap enough.

Typical places where you will first notice oil leaks include the valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, front and rear crankshaft seal, or oil pan gasket.

If left unaddressed, oil leaks can cause further damage down the line, such as overheating, reduced performance, or engine failure.

Signs that oil leaks are becoming a big problem are when you see oil underneath the car or smell something burning a few minutes after starting the car.

To prevent or fix oil leaks, you should check the oil level regularly, replace the seals or gaskets as needed, and use the right type and amount of oil for your car.

You can also take your car to a reputable mechanic who can diagnose and repair the oil leaks for you.

Rough Shifts on Automatic Gearboxes

The automatic gearbox has become a common feature in many modern cars, including the BMW 3 Series.

However, if you experience any weird, slow, or rough shifts on the automatic transmission of a BMW 3 Series, it may be a sign that there’s an expensive repair coming up.

A BMW 3 Series should change gears quickly and smoothly without noise or hesitation. However, over time, the transmission fluid can get dirty or low, the solenoids can malfunction, or the clutch can wear out.

These issues can cause the gearbox to slip, jerk, or delay when shifting gears.

To avoid or fix rough shifts, you should flush your transmission fluid every 60,000 to 80,000 miles, especially if you want it to last 300,000+ miles.

You should also use the correct transmission fluid for your car and avoid driving aggressively or towing heavy loads. If the problem persists, you should take your car to a professional who can inspect and repair the gearbox for you.

Worn Boot or Hood Struts

Have you ever experienced that the boot or hood of your 3 Series is not lifting as smoothly as it should? Maybe it will even stand still in the middle or fall when you let it go. This is a common problem caused by worn boot or hood struts.

The boot or hood struts are hydraulic devices that support the weight of the boot or hood and keep them open.

However, they can lose pressure or leak over time, making them weak or ineffective. To fix this problem, you should replace the boot or hood struts with new ones. You can do this yourself or hire a mechanic to do it for you.

Clogged Water Drains in the Engine Bay

Another common problem with the BMW 3 Series is clogged water drains in the engine bay. These drains are located under the windshield wipers and are designed to drain water from the windshield and the sunroof. However, they can get clogged by dirt, leaves, or debris, causing water to accumulate in the engine bay.

This can lead to corrosion, electrical issues, or mold growth in the engine bay. To prevent or fix this problem, you should clean the water drains regularly, especially after driving in rainy or dusty conditions.

You can use a wire or a compressed air can to clear the drains of any blockages.

Corrosion on the Alloy Wheels

The last common problem we will discuss is corrosion on the alloy wheels. The alloy wheels are one of the most attractive features of the BMW 3 Series, but they are also prone to corrosion.

Corrosion can happen when the alloy wheels are exposed to salt, moisture, chemicals, or road debris.

Corrosion can make the wheels look dull, rusty, or pitted. It can also affect the performance and safety of the car, as it can reduce the tire pressure, cause vibrations, or damage the brake system.

To prevent or fix corrosion, you should wash and wax the wheels regularly, avoid driving on salty or dirty roads, and use wheel cleaners and protectors that are suitable for alloy wheels. You can also take your car to a wheel specialist who can repair or replace the corroded wheels for you.

11 Most Common BMW 3 Series Problems (Per Generation)

The BMW 3 Series has evolved over the years, with each generation bringing new features, designs, and engines. However, each generation also has its own set of problems that can affect the performance, reliability, and safety of the car.

In this section, we will tell you about the 11 most common problems for each generation of the BMW 3 Series.

We will also give you some tips on how to avoid or fix these problems, or how to find a qualified mechanic who can help you.

BMW 3 Series G20/G21 (2019 – onwards)

The latest generation of the BMW 3 Series is the G20/G21, which debuted in 2019.

This generation offers improved handling, technology, and efficiency, as well as a sleek and modern look. However, it also has some problems that you should be aware of before buying one.

Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the G20 and G21:

• Glitches in the infotainment system: Many owners have complained about glitches, freezing screens, and unresponsive controls in the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system. This system controls many functions of the car, such as navigation, audio, climate, and phone. To fix this problem, you may need to update the software, reset the system, or replace the unit.
• Faulty sensors or cameras: Some owners have experienced problems with the sensors or cameras that assist with parking, lane keeping, or collision avoidance. These features may not work properly or give false warnings. To fix this problem, you may need to clean, adjust, or replace the sensors or cameras.
• Rattling noises from the dashboard or doors: Some owners have noticed rattling noises coming from the dashboard or doors, especially when driving on rough roads or at high speeds. This may be due to loose or poorly fitted parts. To fix this problem, you may need to tighten, lubricate, or replace the parts.

BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 (2012 – 2019)

The previous generation of the BMW 3 Series was the F30/F31/F34, which was produced from 2012 to 2019. This generation introduced new engines, such as the turbocharged four-cylinder and the hybrid, as well as new features, such as the adaptive suspension and the head-up display.

However, it also had some problems that you should be aware of before buying one. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the F30, F31, and F34:

• Worn timing chain mechanism: One of the most common and serious issues seen in the older BMW F30 3 Series is a worn timing chain or tensioner. The timing chain is responsible for synchronizing the movement of the pistons and valves in the engine. If the chain or tensioner becomes loose or breaks, it can cause severe engine damage or failure. To prevent or fix this problem, you should replace the timing chain and tensioner every 100,000 miles or sooner, depending on the condition of the parts.
• Failed thermostat or water pump: A common problem to look out for with this generation of BMW 3 Series is a failed thermostat or water pump. The thermostat regulates the temperature of the engine coolant, while the water pump circulates the coolant through the engine and radiator. If either of these parts fails, it can cause the engine to overheat or leak coolant. To prevent or fix this problem, you should check the coolant level and temperature regularly, and replace the thermostat or water pump as needed.
• Loose tail lights or headlights: Some owners have reported that the tail lights or headlights of their BMW F30 3 Series become loose or fall off. This may be due to faulty clips or screws that hold the lights in place. To prevent or fix this problem, you should check the lights for any signs of looseness or damage and secure or replace them as needed.

BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 (2005 – 2012)

The older generation of the BMW 3 Series is the E90/E91/E92/E93, which was produced from 2005 to 2012. This generation offered a variety of body styles, such as the sedan, wagon, coupe, and convertible, as well as a range of engines, such as the naturally aspirated six-cylinder and the twin-turbocharged six-cylinder.

However, it also had some problems that you should be aware of before buying one. Here are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the E90, E91, E92/E93:

• High-pressure fuel pump failure: One of the most common and costly issues seen in the BMW E90 3 Series, especially the ones with the N54 or N55 engine, is the failure of the high-pressure fuel pump. This pump delivers fuel to the injectors at high pressure, which enables better performance and efficiency. However, if the pump fails, it can cause the engine to lose power, stutter, or stall. To prevent or fix this problem, you should replace the pump with an updated version, which may be covered by a warranty or a recall.
• Cracked valve cover or gasket: Another common problem with the BMW E90 3 Series is a cracked valve cover or gasket. The valve cover is a metal or plastic cover that protects the valves and camshafts in the engine. The valve cover gasket is a rubber seal that prevents oil from leaking out of the valve cover. However, both of these parts can crack or wear out over time, causing oil leaks, misfires, or rough idling. To prevent or fix this problem, you should replace the valve cover and gasket as needed.
• Broken window regulators: Some owners have experienced problems with the window regulators of their BMW E90 3 Series. The window regulator is a device that controls the movement of the window glass up and down. However, the regulator can break or malfunction, causing the window to get stuck, drop, or make noises. To prevent or fix this problem, you should replace the window regulator as needed.

Conclusion

In this article, we have told you everything you need to know about the BMW 3 Series most common problems. We have covered the issues that affect all generations of the 3 Series, as well as the specific problems that each generation has. We have also given you some tips on how to fix or prevent these problems, or how to find a reliable mechanic who can help you.

We hope you find this article helpful and informative. If you are thinking of buying or owning a BMW 3 Series, you should be aware of the potential problems but also the benefits of this iconic car. The BMW 3 Series is a great choice for anyone who loves luxury, performance, and style.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to share them with us. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and happy driving.

FAQS