5349 messages,
Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM
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#4517 of 5349 Mr. Shiftright--are 2010 328i models prone to failure?
by ursamajor
Jan 22, 2010 (8:48 pm)
I am in the midst of a negotiation with N.A. to cancel my 36mo. lease on a 2008 335xi after HPFP replacements in Dec. 2008 and Dec. 2009, with low mileage. After considering Audi A4, Infiniti G37 and Acura, I returned to the possibility of replacing the lemon with a non-turbo engine 2010 328i, as the turbo may be the primary source of most of the HPFP problems. One owner on this thread, however, reports HPFP problems on his 2010 328i. I am confused. Two "trusted" mechanics working for BMW dealers in LA assure me that the 328 is highly unlikely to have HPFP problems, and one of them owns one and has had zero problems with reliability in two years. A phone rep at N.A., in response to my original complaint and inquiry, responded that the problem with the HPFP is present in the entire 3 series. I love the performance of my present car, and the 328i is 70HP less, but will handle similarly, but I am torn between patronizing a company that has created a three-year engineering blunder and been cavalier about it. Is there anyone on this thread who can vouch for the newest 328s as "safe" and should I even consider replacing the 335xi with a new 328 or am I a glutton for punishment? I am inclined to go Audi A4. I believe the 3's are all redesigned for 2011, in any case, and by then, the line may be trouble free. But again, the issue of integrity and openness arises, and I have a big problem with that. Apparently, there will not be a 3-series recall until someone is dead from an accident caused by a BMW coming to a rapid stop on a freeway, or dying on a winding highway with blind curves.
#4518 of 5349 Re: Mr. Shiftright--are 2010 328i models prone to failure? [ursamajor]
by ponytrekker
Jan 23, 2010 (4:29 am)
There is no HPFP problem on a 328 because a 328 doesn't have a HPFP. The TSB only refers to the turbo engines.
#4519 of 5349 Re: Mr. Shiftright--are 2010 328i models prone to failure? [ponytrekker]
by romboggie
Jan 23, 2010 (8:46 am)
There may not be a HPFP on the 328 but I had a fuel issue that sounds very similiar to ursamajor. I was driving my 2009 328i and the engine went into limp mode. The shop told me that it was a fuel issus and a part had to be replaced.and that it is a common defect on the 328i. The fact that we are having a conversation about new BMW cars is alarming. I love my BMW and will probably lease another one but I no longer consider the BMW as a super reliable car.
#4520 of 5349 Re: Mr. Shiftright--are 2010 328i models prone to failure? [ursamajor]
by MrShift@Edmunds HOST
Jan 23, 2010 (10:05 am)
The idea of going to Audi to solve problems doesn't strike me, on the face of it, as a strategy that's likely to pan out.
I thought it was just the N54 engine that has this problem?
#4521 of 5349 battery warranty
by tborchman
Jan 23, 2010 (2:12 pm)
we have a 2006 330xi which is still under warranty. we had it serviced as the battery was weak. as we work close to home we do not put a lot om milage on it the dealer told us that we had to pay for the battery replacement because we didn't drive sufficient miles to recharge it. we put only 6,000 a year on it. i find it preposterous that it is not covered. it is a no win situation if we put too much on it wouln't be covered either. does anyone have any info on this.
#4522 of 5349 Re: battery warranty [tborchman]
by lehrer1
Jan 23, 2010 (10:28 pm)
Dear tborchman,
I have 2006 325i bought in August 2005, still very little miles-5000. Last winter I did not drive the car for a month.
It started only on the second attempt and I saw lots of signals that everything was wrong with the car. The dealer told me that the battery is low and recommended to idle the engine for two hours to charge the battery. It worked and all wrong signals disappeared. Later I checked the battery and it was OK. Now I use the battery tender (a small charger to keep the battery charged) when I do not drive the car for several weeks. It works beautifully. But now I am in the fifth year and plan to replace the battery in the fall of 2010.
Lehrer 1
Jan 23, 2010 (10:29 pm)
My Mom actually has an '08 328xi that she despises (too small,tiny trunk,terrible ride...nothing major). Anyway, she is thinking about a leftover E60 5 series. I spoke to my service advisor (who's the assistant service manager) about the N54 engine and its HPFP problems. He said too many have been brought in for fuel pump issues. If she likes the 528, then go with that.
#4524 of 5349 Re: Mr. Shiftright--are 2010 328i models prone to failure? [Mr_Shiftright]
by blueguydotcom
Jan 24, 2010 (12:40 am)
No HPFP on a 328i. That engine is fantastic compared to the N54. I still can't trust the N55.
As for Audi. We've had both and I'll stick with BMW when it comes to reliability and maintenance. With our BMWs everything gets fixed. With our Audi they refuse to fix anything under warranty always claiming the problems as normal wear and tear.
#4525 of 5349 Any feedback on the 2010 328i? Romboggie and Mr. Shiftright-please note
by ursamajor
Jan 24, 2010 (3:19 am)
One disconcerting occurrence: I had an annual service, with the "full computer scan" 20 days prior to the engine light warning coming on Jan 1. Amazing that the BMW dealer couldn't detect the longer crank time, and other early waning signs. They seem to be totally dependent upon what the computer tells them. Yes, they replaced the fuel pump promptly the next morning, but do any of the authorized garages really know what they're doing?
If my 2008 335xi is "repurchased" (actually the lease would be terminated early), I am considering a 2010 328xi, which I would have to order. There are no xi s in Los Angeles, although after recent heavy rains, the AWD is very comforting, and more rain is on the way. The comment by Romboggie refers to his 2009 328i, not a 2010. I wonder if BMW has cured the fuel problem R refers to in the newest model. Can't seem to get an answer except that the 328 clearly doesn't have a HPFP and twin turbo, so if the car limps in 2010, the undiagnosed problem hasn't been reported.
My understanding is that the 2010 3s were not introduced until about three months after the normal Sept.-Oct. rollout. I would like to stay with a reliable BMW, as I agree, the driving experience is superior. I will shelve the Audi idea for now. I would like a defintive answer to this series 3 fuel issue, however. Remember, a rep at N.A. told me that ALL of the 3s have a fuel delivery problem--that in response to my thought about getting out of the 2008 335xi, a flawed car, and into a new 2010 328xi lease. It's too early to have any data on the 2010s, I'm certain, so perhaps this question cannor be answered yet.
I'm going to check prices and MF on the 2010 tomorow to see what a scale-down to a 328xi, nicely equipped, would cost, leaaed..
Any input here is appreciated.
#4526 of 5349 Re: battery warranty [tborchman]
by srs_49
Jan 24, 2010 (6:24 am)
we do not put a lot om milage on it the dealer told us that we had to pay for the battery replacement because we didn't drive sufficient miles to recharge i
That sounds like a lot of crap to me. I have no problems with the battery discharging on any of my low annual miles vehicles. How often do you drive it?