How reliable has your N55 F30 been?

Vegetable · 03-23-2016, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiA4

The ironic thing is that of the three 6MT vehicles I test drove, TWO had to have their transmissions replaced. Not an uncommon issue with the manuals in the F30 unfortunately.

Could you explain the irony?..

Op. I have a 435i.. No issues as of yet with the N55 engine or 6 MT at 50K miles... Knocks very hard on wood

shivaswrath · 03-24-2016, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pallymore

2013 335i xDrive (built Feb 2013) - 31k miles so far.
everything stock - except for the MPE.
the mechanical parts have been pretty reliable. no issues. (knock on wood)

issues:
1. all kinds of rattles in the cabin - went to dealer like 5 times ... they come and go. hard to fix. sometimes i think maybe it's just because I'm crazy.
2. the top view cameras failed and replaced (invoice shows $1000+, covered by warranty)
3. the side cameras failed - replaced under warranty
4. the parking sensors failed after a snow storm - all sensors replaced.
5. the side cameras failed, again. (after 1 year of previous replacement).
6. passenger side window switch stopped working - fixed under warranty
7. something broke inside the passenger side door (front) - causing rattling - dealer confirmed but needs parts, will need to take it in again after dealer receives parts.

so, yea, BMW electronics are not the best. looking to get extended warranty...

Yeah I don't trust their electronics either, which is why I didn't want any cameras....but I think NHTSA requires reverse cameras on all cars starting in 2017, no?
So basically they need to up their game ASAP since all of their cars will be getting them and it'll cost much more for them to replace them in an endless cycle...

crono06 · 03-24-2016, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polo08816

I had my horn replaced now that I think of it. They changed the design to withstand cold wet weather better.

Oh yeah, forgot about that. My low frequency horn was replaced as well. Something about moisture getting in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by pallymore

I don't even know if my horn works! Never used it :/

What kind of BMW driver are you?!

AudiA4 · 03-24-2016, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vegetable

Could you explain the irony?..

Op. I have a 435i.. No issues as of yet with the N55 engine or 6 MT at 50K miles... Knocks very hard on wood

Ha! Good point. Irony isn't really an accurate term in this case...I suppose a better word would have been "Shockingly."

1967Rod · 02-23-2017, 02:11 PM

Well.. I purchased a CPO 2014 335i x drive with Msport and Mppk about 2 weeks ago.. I live 8 hours away from the Dealer. I had flown to the dealer and picked up the car to drive home.. Right from the start, I noticed that the 1 -2 shift would grind a bit before engaging.. I thought that it was perhaps just me, not being used to the car. I found that if I waited about a second or so as I passed by neutral, I could get it to shift with no issues. Still seemed wrong to me as I had no similar issues with my G35. I spoke with the sales person the day after I arrived home and he indicated that this was normal.... Research on this site revealed that there may be issues with the syncros.. I called him back and explained that there was no way this car should need to be "granny" shifted every 1-2 or 3-2 shift. He then said that after speaking with the service advisor, that it was likely syncros. He relayed that he was sorry it wasn't picked up as part of the CPO process..
So now, I need to drive 6 hours to the closest dealer, or 8 hours to the place I bought it from, have them confirm what the issue is, then make another trip down to have the car repaired.. (Trans replaced from what I understand)
Frustrating that the car was sold this way and that now I'm on the hook for the travel expense, rental, etc...
Ok.. so that was a long story... short version to answer your question was yes... 6mt transmission issue with 54000 km's on the car...

KhanArt · 02-23-2017, 02:15 PM

2013 F30 335i M Sport with around 46k miles no issues really besides drivers side passenger window regulators going bad. Both replaced by BMW no charge.

Gamb1t · 02-23-2017, 02:19 PM

The majority of problems stem from electrical gremlins. These engines are pretty stout. However for reason engine troubles get more attention than Comfort Access or Crazy Door light issues on the forums. Maybe it's just more dramatic and severe if it fails.
Key is to keep up with fluid maintenance.
A good place to check for overall reliability is TrueDelta.

TO 335 · 02-23-2017, 04:06 PM

Have had my 335ixi 2013 68k no issues 8 months of ownership.

ouengineer · 02-23-2017, 04:48 PM

The F30 N55 powertrain might be the most reliable turbo powertrain BMW has made yet. Particularly from 2014 on.

Issues with HPFP, LPFP, Injectors, turbo, turbo wastegate, and water pump all are finally fixed by this year.

E9X N55's still have a plastic water pump housing (along with current X3/X4 N55's...). Some 2011 and 2013 N55's still had some HPFP issues, but should already be fixed by a re-call.

This thread discusses N55 engine failures on a board where almost everyone has an FBO engine:
http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showth...failure&page=2

If you read through it, you'll notice that very few of the posts are about engine failures and there are no common failure points.

AudiA4 · 02-23-2017, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1967Rod

Well.. I purchased a CPO 2014 335i x drive with Msport and Mppk about 2 weeks ago.. I live 8 hours away from the Dealer. I had flown to the dealer and picked up the car to drive home.. Right from the start, I noticed that the 1 -2 shift would grind a bit before engaging.. I thought that it was perhaps just me, not being used to the car. I found that if I waited about a second or so as I passed by neutral, I could get it to shift with no issues. Still seemed wrong to me as I had no similar issues with my G35. I spoke with the sales person the day after I arrived home and he indicated that this was normal.... Research on this site revealed that there may be issues with the syncros.. I called him back and explained that there was no way this car should need to be "granny" shifted every 1-2 or 3-2 shift. He then said that after speaking with the service advisor, that it was likely syncros. He relayed that he was sorry it wasn't picked up as part of the CPO process..
So now, I need to drive 6 hours to the closest dealer, or 8 hours to the place I bought it from, have them confirm what the issue is, then make another trip down to have the car repaired.. (Trans replaced from what I understand)
Frustrating that the car was sold this way and that now I'm on the hook for the travel expense, rental, etc...
Ok.. so that was a long story... short version to answer your question was yes... 6mt transmission issue with 54000 km's on the car...

Yep. I had the SAME issue at 25,000 miles and the transmission was replaced under warranty. It is NOT normal and reflects a faulty transmission. The shocking part is that of the 3 6MT cars I drove, 2 of them had bad synchros!

JJS · 02-24-2017, 02:28 AM

Nothing problematic in the last 3.5 years and 65,000km except for the 6MT box. The 2nd gear synchro has gone and I'm getting a new transmission in a couple of weeks. I really hope the new/reconditioned box has tougher synchros so I won't have to face this again when my warranty has expired.

Firaxis · 02-24-2017, 06:36 PM

> Heated seats only cooks one side of me.
> Parking sensors didn't actually improve my parking.
> Sport mode didn't encourage me to do any sport.

Apart from that it has been the picture of reliability, not a creak / rattle or anything interesting to report.

JJS · 02-25-2017, 03:32 AM

I don't think the 335D has N55 engine ...

F32Fleet · 02-25-2017, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJS

I don't think the 335D has N55 engine ...

Correct. It was the M57 for E9x and N57 for current F-Series.

Soot buildup was a problem with the M57.

Tyresian · 02-25-2017, 09:35 AM

I've been loving the car for the past year and a half. Though it is not my favorite car, that is by far my 2010 Audi TTS but that thing had a number of problems, just was really fun to drive and listen to the turbo. Very little comfort or tech in that care compared to almost any other I've owned.

As for my 2015 335i xdrive. I baby the thing for the most part. I think I'm just around 11k miles on in, try to stick to ethanol free premium (sometimes difficult if I'm traveling).

My first issue was during the first winter where I got the battery discharge message. As far as I'm told I don't need to worry about this, it is just the huge drop in temp causing the battery capacity to drop but not to dangerous enough levels. Only thing about that is, if there IS a problem I won't know.

My second issue was that my car's computer totally freaked out and seemed to "forget" what car it was. I received warnings for almost everything my car had and some things it didn't (Retractable top?). I spent a full day at the dealer while they reprogrammed / reset everything and haven't had an issue like that since, though it did leave a nasty taste in my mouth.

Since thing I got the MPPK installed, AFE Dry Filter, and JB+. I've had no issues since any of the mods.

Still of the group that wishes the steering was better, and I have stock xdrive suspension which is not great... Probably my biggest complaint is the suspension, the dealer here tried to tell me they don't get any M Adaptive 3 series in. (I'd believe it, we haven't had one M240 in and I don't EVER recall seeing a 340 in stock and I check all the time, really want to test drive them). FYI this is the only dealership within 100 miles of me. The dealer knows they are the only one around and it really sucks.

235T435 · 02-25-2017, 10:17 AM

Not a single issue with 35k mi on a 15 235i

Firaxis · 02-25-2017, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJS

I don't think the 335D has N55 engine ...

I don't have a 335D anymore, just not updated it yet.. It's the B58 in mine which shares quite a bit with the N55 (Twin scroll, direct injection, dual vanos, valvetronic).

The major differences are a water to air intercooler on the intake plenum, engine encapsulation to retain heat (for wear purposes) and a slightly larger cubic capacity (2998cc). There has been a few changes to the turbo (slightly larger) and there's a new crankcase design shared with the B57.

Not exactly like for like, but holistically not worlds apart either. Then again I can't say I was paying too much attention to the N55 bit either

..

1967Rod · 03-21-2017, 08:30 PM

Well, after speaking with the service advisor about my gearbox issue, they agreed to meet me half way (a 4 hour drive each way). They gave me a new X1 as a loaner when we exchanged cars. After just over a week, they again met me half way and returned my car with a new gearbox AND a new clutch, pressure plate and flywheel !! ALL covered under warranty !!
The car now shifts fantastic and the 1-2 and 3-2 grinding is gone. While the new x1 was nice, there is no comparison... the 335i is an absolute dream to drive. Hopefully the new gearbox has upgraded internals and no other issues show up. I can't believe how quickly this N55 engine revs up... I can see how paddle shifters might be nice, but still love having the 3rd pedal !!

Blubaron79 · 03-21-2017, 11:40 PM

I had a N54 335 E92 up to 130k miles. My current F30 N55 (2015 with the update that has the larger DP and Power kit) is faster and bullet proof through 2 years and 39k miles.

madmonkey · 03-25-2017, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firaxis

> Heated seats only cooks one side of me.
> Parking sensors didn't actually improve my parking.
> Sport mode didn't encourage me to do any sport.

Apart from that it has been the picture of reliability, not a creak / rattle or anything interesting to report.

I see what you did there...

AGONXF30 · 03-25-2017, 10:36 AM

I have not read the entire thread, but I see most of you have a lack of reading comprehension.

Questions was about the reliability of the N55 and not that if the F30.

65K on mine, technically 25K on the long block (dealer screwed up the oil cap and engine lost oil). Other than the harmonic balancer on the front pulley actually failing. No other issues.

NotMy335 · 03-28-2017, 10:27 AM

72k miles. Replaced leaking valve cover gasket, 2 leaking oil filter housing gaskets (one was the oil cooler gasket), and 2 pieces of the intake piping.

The plastic intake piping is my biggest complaint. There are 4 separate pieces making the route from air cleaner to intake, and each piece costs $600 to replace. The charge pipe that goes to the intake is a matter of when it is going to break, not if.

The above issues aside, there have been no major problems and the engine continues to run as strong and smooth as ever.

02-23-2017, 02:11 PM	#27
1967Rod Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xdrive m sport Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario iTrader: (0)	Well.. I purchased a CPO 2014 335i x drive with Msport and Mppk about 2 weeks ago.. I live 8 hours away from the Dealer. I had flown to the dealer and picked up the car to drive home.. Right from the start, I noticed that the 1 -2 shift would grind a bit before engaging.. I thought that it was perhaps just me, not being used to the car. I found that if I waited about a second or so as I passed by neutral, I could get it to shift with no issues. Still seemed wrong to me as I had no similar issues with my G35. I spoke with the sales person the day after I arrived home and he indicated that this was normal.... Research on this site revealed that there may be issues with the syncros.. I called him back and explained that there was no way this car should need to be "granny" shifted every 1-2 or 3-2 shift. He then said that after speaking with the service advisor, that it was likely syncros. He relayed that he was sorry it wasn't picked up as part of the CPO process.. So now, I need to drive 6 hours to the closest dealer, or 8 hours to the place I bought it from, have them confirm what the issue is, then make another trip down to have the car repaired.. (Trans replaced from what I understand) Frustrating that the car was sold this way and that now I'm on the hook for the travel expense, rental, etc... Ok.. so that was a long story... short version to answer your question was yes... 6mt transmission issue with 54000 km's on the car...
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02-23-2017, 02:15 PM	#28
KhanArt Clean & Simple 21 Rep 44 Posts Drives: F30 335i M Sport, E46 M3 Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: DC/MD/VA iTrader: (0)	2013 F30 335i M Sport with around 46k miles no issues really besides drivers side passenger window regulators going bad. Both replaced by BMW no charge. __________________ F30 335i M Sport Black Sapphire/Coral Red E46 M3 Jet Black/Cinnamon
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02-23-2017, 02:19 PM	#29
Gamb1t Major 598 Rep 1,343 Posts Drives: 330i,X1,Z4,Solstice GXP, RX-8 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Canukistan iTrader: (0)	The majority of problems stem from electrical gremlins. These engines are pretty stout. However for reason engine troubles get more attention than Comfort Access or Crazy Door light issues on the forums. Maybe it's just more dramatic and severe if it fails. Key is to keep up with fluid maintenance. A good place to check for overall reliability is TrueDelta.
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02-23-2017, 04:06 PM	#30
TO 335 Private First Class 31 Rep 129 Posts Drives: EB 335xi Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Have had my 335ixi 2013 68k no issues 8 months of ownership.
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02-23-2017, 04:48 PM	#31
ouengineer Second Lieutenant 120 Rep 233 Posts Drives: 2015 335xi, 97 Silvia Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	The F30 N55 powertrain might be the most reliable turbo powertrain BMW has made yet. Particularly from 2014 on. Issues with HPFP, LPFP, Injectors, turbo, turbo wastegate, and water pump all are finally fixed by this year. E9X N55's still have a plastic water pump housing (along with current X3/X4 N55's...). Some 2011 and 2013 N55's still had some HPFP issues, but should already be fixed by a re-call. This thread discusses N55 engine failures on a board where almost everyone has an FBO engine: http://www.n54tech.com/forums/showth...failure&page=2 If you read through it, you'll notice that very few of the posts are about engine failures and there are no common failure points. __________________
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02-24-2017, 02:28 AM	#33
JJS Lieutenant 123 Rep 441 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wellington, NZ iTrader: (0)	Nothing problematic in the last 3.5 years and 65,000km except for the 6MT box. The 2nd gear synchro has gone and I'm getting a new transmission in a couple of weeks. I really hope the new/reconditioned box has tougher synchros so I won't have to face this again when my warranty has expired. __________________ EBII 335i Touring M-Sport (Munich built July 2013) \| 6 Speed Manual \| 2VF Adaptive M Suspension \| 2VL Variable Sports Steering \| 403M wheels \| M-Sport brakes \| 688 Harman Kardon \| 494 Heated Seats \| 610 HUD \| 322 Comfort Access \| 5AC High-Beam Assist \| 609 Navigation Professional \|
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02-24-2017, 06:36 PM	#34
Firaxis Captain 266 Rep 658 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: None iTrader: (0)	> Heated seats only cooks one side of me. > Parking sensors didn't actually improve my parking. > Sport mode didn't encourage me to do any sport. Apart from that it has been the picture of reliability, not a creak / rattle or anything interesting to report. Last edited by Firaxis; 02-24-2017 at 06:46 PM..
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02-25-2017, 03:32 AM	#35
JJS Lieutenant 123 Rep 441 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wellington, NZ iTrader: (0)	I don't think the 335D has N55 engine ... __________________ EBII 335i Touring M-Sport (Munich built July 2013) \| 6 Speed Manual \| 2VF Adaptive M Suspension \| 2VL Variable Sports Steering \| 403M wheels \| M-Sport brakes \| 688 Harman Kardon \| 494 Heated Seats \| 610 HUD \| 322 Comfort Access \| 5AC High-Beam Assist \| 609 Navigation Professional \|
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02-25-2017, 09:35 AM	#37
Tyresian Private First Class 69 Rep 151 Posts Drives: 2018 230xi Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (0)	I've been loving the car for the past year and a half. Though it is not my favorite car, that is by far my 2010 Audi TTS but that thing had a number of problems, just was really fun to drive and listen to the turbo. Very little comfort or tech in that care compared to almost any other I've owned. As for my 2015 335i xdrive. I baby the thing for the most part. I think I'm just around 11k miles on in, try to stick to ethanol free premium (sometimes difficult if I'm traveling). My first issue was during the first winter where I got the battery discharge message. As far as I'm told I don't need to worry about this, it is just the huge drop in temp causing the battery capacity to drop but not to dangerous enough levels. Only thing about that is, if there IS a problem I won't know. My second issue was that my car's computer totally freaked out and seemed to "forget" what car it was. I received warnings for almost everything my car had and some things it didn't (Retractable top?). I spent a full day at the dealer while they reprogrammed / reset everything and haven't had an issue like that since, though it did leave a nasty taste in my mouth. Since thing I got the MPPK installed, AFE Dry Filter, and JB+. I've had no issues since any of the mods. Still of the group that wishes the steering was better, and I have stock xdrive suspension which is not great... Probably my biggest complaint is the suspension, the dealer here tried to tell me they don't get any M Adaptive 3 series in. (I'd believe it, we haven't had one M240 in and I don't EVER recall seeing a 340 in stock and I check all the time, really want to test drive them). FYI this is the only dealership within 100 miles of me. The dealer knows they are the only one around and it really sucks. Last edited by Tyresian; 02-25-2017 at 09:43 AM..
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02-25-2017, 10:17 AM	#38
235T435 Enlisted Member 18 Rep 30 Posts Drives: M550I Xdrive Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Not a single issue with 35k mi on a 15 235i
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03-21-2017, 08:30 PM	#40
1967Rod Registered 2 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2014 335i xdrive m sport Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario iTrader: (0)	1 to 2 shift resolved Well, after speaking with the service advisor about my gearbox issue, they agreed to meet me half way (a 4 hour drive each way). They gave me a new X1 as a loaner when we exchanged cars. After just over a week, they again met me half way and returned my car with a new gearbox AND a new clutch, pressure plate and flywheel !! ALL covered under warranty !! The car now shifts fantastic and the 1-2 and 3-2 grinding is gone. While the new x1 was nice, there is no comparison... the 335i is an absolute dream to drive. Hopefully the new gearbox has upgraded internals and no other issues show up. I can't believe how quickly this N55 engine revs up... I can see how paddle shifters might be nice, but still love having the 3rd pedal !!
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03-21-2017, 11:40 PM	#41
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1432 Rep 4,724 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	I had a N54 335 E92 up to 130k miles. My current F30 N55 (2015 with the update that has the larger DP and Power kit) is faster and bullet proof through 2 years and 39k miles. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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03-25-2017, 10:36 AM	#43
AGONXF30 Captain 271 Rep 740 Posts Drives: 2012 335i S-Line/Melbourne Red Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Upstate iTrader: (0)	I have not read the entire thread, but I see most of you have a lack of reading comprehension. Questions was about the reliability of the N55 and not that if the F30. 65K on mine, technically 25K on the long block (dealer screwed up the oil cap and engine lost oil). Other than the harmonic balancer on the front pulley actually failing. No other issues.
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03-28-2017, 10:27 AM	#44
NotMy335 Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2012 335i Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	72k miles. Replaced leaking valve cover gasket, 2 leaking oil filter housing gaskets (one was the oil cooler gasket), and 2 pieces of the intake piping. The plastic intake piping is my biggest complaint. There are 4 separate pieces making the route from air cleaner to intake, and each piece costs $600 to replace. The charge pipe that goes to the intake is a matter of when it is going to break, not if. The above issues aside, there have been no major problems and the engine continues to run as strong and smooth as ever.
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