5349 messages,
Last post on Apr 30, 2013 at 3:31 PM
You are in the
BMW 3-Series Forum.
What is this discussion about?
BMW 3 Series, Sedan
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153
#4971 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [carchick67]
by roadburner
Feb 01, 2011 (9:04 pm)
The price is a bit high in my opinion; check out the CPO section of the BMW NA web site to get some comps. The main problem on the N54 motor is the failure of the high pressure fuel pump(HPFP). BMW recently issued a recall and the fix seems to have solved the problem- in any case the HPFP is warranted for 10 tears or 100,000 miles. Depending on how long you want to keep the car, I would have the ATF, transfer case fluid, and differential oil changed at around 50,000 miles, which should cost $500-$750. Other than that you are basically looking at oil changes, filter replacements, as well as brake fluid flushes every two years(less than $200) and coolant flushes every four years(ditto). Dealer service on my wife's 2004 X3 costs
$500 year, although that number can vary based on location.
As I mentioned in my previous post, I would buy a RWD stick to maximize my driving pleasure and remove two potential expensive repairs in the bargain- although I would be extremely surprised if the automatic or the transfer case died before 150,000 miles.
#4972 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [roadburner]
by busiris
Feb 02, 2011 (10:49 am)
The main problem on the N54 motor is the failure of the high pressure fuel pump(HPFP). BMW recently issued a recall and the fix seems to have solved the problem- in any case the HPFP is warranted for 10 tears or 100,000 miles.
Maybe, but I would say the jury is still out on the HPFP "fix". Many owners will tell you they have heard the issue was fixed many times, only to have it resurface. There have been many generations of "fixed" HPFP's to date...
#4973 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [busiris]
by roadburner
Feb 02, 2011 (11:56 am)
Maybe, but I would say the jury is still out on the HPFP "fix".
Note that I said "seems"- in any event, my comment was based on information from inside BMW NA, BMW SAs, and tech people outside of BMW. As you know, the recall also includes testing the injectors as well as software revisions. It's also well known that the majority of cars have never suffered HPFP failure while others are on their fourth or fifth HPFP. So yes, There have been prior "fixes"- but the latest fix seems to have worked.
#4974 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [roadburner]
by rfl
Feb 02, 2011 (2:57 pm)
3 strikes and you're out. I had 3 HPFP failures (2 of them dangerous one's at high speed) on my 2008 335XI. Let's just say that BMW stepped up to the plate in a big way. The N54 is a DOG ! What's unfortunate is that BMW knows it, knew it and it took them years to offer a recall which DOES NOT NECESSARILY FIX THE PROBLEM. It just replaces the HPFP with another one that doesn't have a great reliability factor. Why do you think it's now the N55 with a single Turbo charger. From a 40 year- 12 BMW owner....get rid of the car. The fix is undependable. Down right a possible lethal hazard. I still own 2 new BMWs and am thrilled with both of them. Good old 240-260 HP naturally aspirated tried and true engines. Besides...I'm getting too old for a turbo...even one that works.
#4975 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [rfl]
by busiris
Feb 02, 2011 (4:38 pm)
3 strikes and you're out. I had 3 HPFP failures (2 of them dangerous one's at high speed) on my 2008 335XI.
The problem has been continuing for over 4 years now. Now, immediately after a network news expose' showing the issue over national network TV, an immediate fix/recall was announced.
That might be good enough for some, but before I dropped 50+ Large on a new 335, I would want a little more evidence showing the fix is indeed a "fix".
This is not the small, insignificant issue that some would like to believe.
BTW, I own 3 BMW products... A MINI convertible, Z4 Coupe and a 328I convertible, so I am definitely not anti-BMW...
#4976 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [roadburner]
by busiris
Feb 02, 2011 (4:46 pm)
Note that I said "seems"- in any event, my comment was based on information from inside BMW NA, BMW SAs, and tech people outside of BMW. As you know, the recall also includes testing the injectors as well as software revisions. It's also well known that the majority of cars have never suffered HPFP failure while others are on their fourth or fifth HPFP. So yes, There have been prior "fixes"- but the latest fix seems to have worked.
I disagree with your conclusion, simply because the fix hasn't seen enough real-time & real-world testing.
It may indeed be the permanent fix, but for a company that has denied the issue for 4+ years to then state its been fixed simply isn't good enough for me personally.
And, yes, while the majority of owners may not have experienced the problems, what would you say would be an acceptable number?
1 out of 100? 2,3, 5 or 10 out of 100? That's still not a majority.
Do you know how many different versions of HPFP's have been involved?
If YOU have one of the 1,2,3, 5 or 10, then you would most likely feel its a much larger issue.
I would...
#4977 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [busiris]
by roadburner
Feb 03, 2011 (2:41 pm)
If YOU have one of the 1,2,3, 5 or 10, then you would most likely feel its a much larger issue.
I would...
Well, I'm currently considering the purchase of a 335i, so I guess you could say I'm willing to back up my words with action.
#4978 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [roadburner]
by busiris
Feb 04, 2011 (12:38 pm)
Its a nice car, and if you take the plunge I hope you don't see any of the problems associated with the HPFP.
As you said, 100% of the cars don't have the problems.
#4979 of 5349 Re: 2006 E90 steering wheel locked [Firebird_EOU]
by spx921
Feb 04, 2011 (2:01 pm)
Unfortunately, welcome to the club. My car had this happen when I was leaving to work. Had the vehicle towed to the dealer yesterday. Thankfully still has CPO. Unfortunately, they said they had to reprogram the car to see if this resolved the issue. Honestly, I do not think so. Probably needs whole new steering column. Contacted attorneys suing for minicooper Class Action to see if they want to take this up. I would file a complaint with NHTSA to make sure your issue is documented. Particularly since I called BMW and they state their is no investigation by the NHTSA. They are treating it as an isolated problem when there are many posts for E46 and E90 models, I believe X3 as well. Here is the link to file a NHTSA complaint: http://www.safercar.gov/link">
#4980 of 5349 Re: 2008 335xi Twin Turbo [busiris]
by carchick67
Feb 04, 2011 (6:29 pm)
I think I'm going to get a Pontiac G8 GT instead... it's serviced locally at a chevy dealer, the reviews are raving,, replacement parts won't be that expensive,,, although it's a Pontiac (never thought I would even think about it),, it's supposed to be an awesome sport sedan. Thanks ya'll!!