The BMW M235I is fun to drive as it comes with excellent steering and handling. Its sports design is also appealing, making it a nice car to own. But like most luxury cars, the M235I also comes with several problems. But what are the common problems with the BMW M235I?
Common problems with BMW M235I are engine failure, VANOS Solenoid failure, water pump failure, bad brake pads, transmission issues, valve cover oil leak, electrical issues, and leaking oil filter housing gasket. Note that most of these problems can be avoided with proper care and maintenance.
## What are the common problems with BMW M235I?
### Engine failure
BMW M235I is fitted with the N55 engine, which is one of the most reliable engines on the market. Users have reported their engines failing because of different reasons. One of the main causes of engine failure is dirty, damaged, or old spark plugs. This also causes the engine to misfire.
Another major issue that causes the N55 engine to fail is bearing failure. Bearings usually fail because of a lack of lubrication or oil change. What’s more, fixing bearings is somewhat costly as you may have to spend at least $8,000. What’s more, you may have to replace the bad spark plugs to fix engine failure.
### Water pump failure
A water pump is a vital part of the engine. It is responsible for circulating coolant throughout the cooling system to cool the engine temperatures. However, a water pump also fails after being used for some time. Additionally, a water pump can fail because of a bad thermostat. Some of the signs of a bad water pump are engine overheating and fan running at full speed.
To fix this issue, you will have to replace both the water pump and thermostat. It is important to install a quality water pump if you want it to last over 40,000 miles.
### VANOS Solenoid failure
The VANOS or variable camshaft timing system helps to improve idling and smooth power. Nonetheless, this part fails because of wear and tear after covering several miles. Some of the signs of VANOS Solenoid failure are rough idle, limp mode, and loss of power and torque. You can fix this issue properly by replacing the failed VANOS and not just cleaning it.
### Transmission issues
It is easy for the transmission in the BMW M235I to spoil or fail. This is because there are several things that contribute to Transmission failure, including engine overheating, slipping, lack of fluids due to leaks, and symptomatic noise. Signs of a bad transmission are whining, clunking, and humming noises.
To fix transmission issues, you will have to pinpoint the issue and replace the affected part or parts.
### Valve cover/ Valve cover gasket oil leak
This is one of the common problems that BMW M235I users have complained about. The rubber valve cover gasket and the plastic valve cover are among BMW parts that degrade faster. So, when these parts crack, they will start to leak oil. However, they can be fixed by replacing the bad valve cover and valve cover gasket.
### Leaking oil filter housing gasket
Even though this problem is common in the BMW M235I model, it is not very serious or expensive to fix. However, the bad oil filter housing gasket should be replaced in time to avoid damaging other engine parts. The oil filter housing gasket leaks because of wear and tear. Replace the bad oil filter housing gasket to fix the problem.
### Bad brake pads
Brake pads are some of the first parts to wear out on the NMW M235I. They have to be inspected every 30,000 miles to ensure they are working properly. If the brake pads are damaged or worn out, they will slip and fail, which is dangerous to the driver and passengers. Change the bad brake pads with new ones.
### Electrical issues
The main electrical problem that BMW M235I owners experience is wire burning. This happens because the ground wire can’t handle the current and end up burning at the pin connector, making warning lights on the brake turn on reverse lights. Note that this takes place in the right tail light harness.
To fix this issue, you will have to attach a second ground wire. Take the car to the mechanic if your car has this problem.
## FAQ
### Is it expensive to maintain the BMW M235I?
Yes, the BMW M235I is quite more expensive to maintain than an average car. This is because it reports more issues than an average car and the cost of repair and maintenance services is also high. What’s more, BMW parts are costlier than most of its rivals, which also increases the cost of maintenance.
### After how many miles does the BMW M235I start developing issues?
The BMW M235Ii comes with one of the most reliable engines on the market. If the car is well-maintained, it may not experience any major issues before hitting over 100,000 miles. However, the user may start experiencing minor problems as early as 30,000 miles.
### What is the high mileage for BMW M235I?
Any used BMW M235I with over 100,000 miles has high mileage. This is because M235I models start developing serious problems after hitting 100k miles. Nonetheless, some cars are properly maintained and driven, hence they last longer and have fewer problems, even in the long run.
Nevertheless, if you’re buying a used BMW M235I car, it is vital to buy one with less than 100,000 miles so that you don’t encounter a lot of serious issues after a few years of ownership.
### Is the N55 engine durable?
Despite most BMW engines not being very reliable, the BMW N55 is one of the most reliable engines in its class. If you maintain the engine well, it will last over 150,000 miles. Nonetheless, some users have reported their engines clocking over 250,000 miles.
## Conclusion
The BMW M235I may be a fantastic and elegant coupe to drive, but it has several issues that buyers should be aware of before investing. Regardless, most of the BMW M235I problems can be avoided by taking good care of the car.
