[devtec]

Hello all,

I know there are a ton of threads on reliability, but I haven't seen one specific to the N55 LCI E9Xs. We know BMW ironed out a lot of the pre-LCI problems, which are well-documented on this forum, but I was just curious if the supposed improved reliability has continued to be true a few years out.

What problems have 2011+/LCI/N55 E9Xs been experiencing out there? What should we all look out for specific to these cars as they age?

__________________________________________________ ___________________

ISSUES MENTIONED SO FAR:

30-40k
Replaced warped rotors


35k
Replaced water pump, HPFP, lower control arms due to failed bushings

[335m]

Subbed, haven't seen many n55 threads that cover more than one issue.

[bad karma]

Subbed as well. Quite curious. Ostensibly, BMW took all of their engineering knowledge of the development and subsequent issues of the N54 and rolled that into the N55, making it a better, more reliable engine. We're three years out from its release now so it may still be too early to tell.

[chatch10]

From what I've read the issues still seem to be the same ones as the n54 like HPFP failure, wastegate rattle, and everything else, but it is at a much lower rate.

I have a n55 with about 30k on it and the only issues I've had are warped rotors and a vibration issue that I suspect is a bad wheel bearings from a pothole. No problems engine-wise though.

Otherwise this car has been perfect to me for the last 3 years. Look around the n55 section just to get some idea of what is going on.

[335m]

Originally Posted by chatch10

I have a n55 with about 30k on it and the only issues I've had are warped rotors and a vibration issue that I suspect is a bad wheel bearings from a pothole.

Warped rotors @ 30k, is that normal?

[chatch10]

Originally Posted by 335m

Warped rotors @ 30k, is that normal?

I think I've seen a couple others mention it at low mileage, but the Service Advisor who is a friend of mine said that's the earliest he's seen it at his dealership.

[raisingAnarchy]

Most of the used 3 series that I've driven have had warped rotors, usually with 30k - 40k miles. It just depends on the driver and how much they ride their brakes down a hill.

[335m]

I'm not sure if this thread has ever been done before, but if it hasn't you should edit the first post asking for people to post a template such as:

Model and Year:
Mileage:
Mods: (Include when they were installed)
Issues: (Include when it occurred)

[bad karma]

Originally Posted by raisingAnarchy

Most of the used 3 series that I've driven have had warped rotors, usually with 30k - 40k miles. It just depends on the driver and how much they ride their brakes down a hill.

People need to learn how to downshift.

[miker2013]

Originally Posted by bad karma

People need to learn how to downshift.

this x2

downshifting seems to be a lost art these days

when i don't downshift, to me it just feels weird like i don't have control of the car and i it just feels unnatural and feels like i am wasting brakes... but so many drivers coming from automatics never learn the how to use engine braking to control the vehicle... too bad, they are missing out

[jakuum]

Had the coolant expansion tank replaced at about 34k miles as it had developed a leak. Took two trips to the dealership for them to find the cause of the low coolant warning.

[Delta0311]

At 35k had following done already
Car is a 2011 e92. Except for rims car is bone stock and don't plan on modding it.

Replaced water pump
Replaced hpfp
Replaced rotors
Replaced lower control arms due to bushings going bad

And there is a vanos bolt recall but still waiting on final letter.

[devtec]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

At 35k had following done already
Car is a 2011 e92. Except for rims car is bone stock and don't plan on modding it.

Replaced water pump
Replaced hpfp
Replaced rotors
Replaced lower control arms due to bushings going bad

And there is a vanos bolt recall but still waiting on final letter.

Delta, why did you get all that replaced?

Could you describe the symptoms for each that brought you in to the dealer? Also approximately how many miles when you encountered each?

Thanks.

[devtec]

To all, will keep this thread organized and updated with all responses.

Hope to keep hearing from more people.

Thanks.

[Bob Shiftright]

Scanning the Consumer Reports reliability charts (they claim to include questionnaires covering 1.1 million vehicles), the post-LCI 335i looks a little better than the pre-LCI 335i, but is not up to the pre-LCI 328i.

After 2012 (F30) the cycle looks like it's beginning to repeat.

The 335i is no longer in the CR "used cars to avoid" list after MY 2009.

(BMW knows exactly how much of what breaks for every model year, but they ain't sayin'.)

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by devtec

Delta, why did you get all that replaced?

Could you describe the symptoms for each that brought you in to the dealer? Also approximately how many miles when you encountered each?

Thanks.

Rotors caused wheel to shake when braking. Control arm caused a vibration at around 65mph. Hpfp, got long cranks during cold start and scanned for codes. Water pump, radiator fan kicked on right as the car would start and would run at very high speeds, again scanned for codes.

Dealer replaced everything under warranty.
Rotors replaced at 26k. Hpfp at 30k. Water pump at around 33k. Control arms just now at 35k.

[335m]

Had to hunt down this thread.

At 25k miles my Chargepipe just cracked. I have had Cobb Stage 1 Aggressive with no other significant mods for about 3000 miles.

I highly recommend upgrading the plastic OEM chargepipe if you plan on running any boost above stock levels, even then I would recommend the upgrade because they have been prone to crack on stock levels.

I have not received the product yet but I would recommend the VRSF CP ($169) and install it yourself <30min.

[335m]

Originally Posted by Delta0311

Control arm caused a vibration at around 65mph.

Dealer replaced everything under warranty.
Control arms just now at 35k.

Any known cause for the Control Arms? Is that normal? I just installed BC Coilovers so if my Control Arms go bad the dealer probably wouldn't cover it.

[Delta0311]

Originally Posted by 335m

Any known cause for the Control Arms? Is that normal? I just installed BC Coilovers so if my Control Arms go bad the dealer probably wouldn't cover it.

It's normal.