BMW 3 Series 2004 - 2013 - The most common problems and breakdowns

What are the most common problems and failures of the BMW 3 Series and how to solve them?

BMW Series 3 - ALL MODELS 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. The engine shuts off after a cold start.
CAUSE - Injector internal fault.
REPAIR - Install a new injector (one or more). Program when injecting in the engine computer (ECM).

BMW 3 Series - ALL MODELS 
PROBLEM - Humming or buzzing from the engine compartment with air conditioning on. Power steering vibration between 900-1100 rpm with air conditioning on. Poor operation or malfunction of the air conditioning system.
CAUSE - Improperly charged air conditioning system.
REPAIR - Fill the air conditioning system with the correct amount of refrigerant.

BMW Series 3 - MODELS WITH CODE N52 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. Low heater limit.
CAUSE - Bad version thermostat (only applies to Behr thermostats). Internal engine coolant radiator coolant leak.
REPAIR - Let the engine idle for 5 minutes. Check the coolant temperature (ECT) sensor readings 1 and 2. If the temperature difference between the ECT sensors 1 and 2 is less than 20 ° C, install a new engine coolant cooler. If the temperature difference between ECT sensors 1 and 2 is greater than 20 ° C: Check the production date on thermostat 1. If the date code is before 25-11-05, install a new thermostat.

BMW 3 Series - MODELS WITH CODE N52 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. The engine starts poorly and works poorly.
CAUSE - The camshaft position (CMP) oil pressure valve is stuck or blocked. Engine Computer Software (ECM) Error.
REPAIR - Remove the camshaft position (CMP) oil pressure valve. Thoroughly clean the CMP oil pressure valve. Carefully clean the components to avoid damage. Install the CMP oil pressure valve. Reprogram the engine computer (ECM) with the updated software.

BMW 3 Series - MODELS WITH CODE N51 / N52 / N52K 
PROBLEM - Tapping from the top of the engine after a cold start or frequent short trips.
CAUSE - Air in hydraulic lifters.
REPAIR - Check that the oil level is correct. Start the engine and allow it to warm up to operating temperature. Proceed as follows up to 5 times: increase the engine speed to 2000-3000 rpm and hold for 3 minutes. Let the engine idle for 15 - 30 seconds. Check that the engine is pounding. If the thumping is completed after the above procedure: increase the engine speed to 2000-3000 rpm and hold for 15 minutes.

BMW 3 Series - MODELS WITH CODE N43 / N53 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. Restless operation and occasional engine shutdown under load.
CAUSE - One or more injectors defective.
REPAIR - Test the injectors and replace if necessary.

BMW 3 Series - MODELS WITH CODE N54, FROM 04/08. 
PROBLEM - Auxiliary drive belt broken.
CAUSE - PAS pump pulley or auxiliary drive belt in contact with the subframe when driving over lying cops.
REPAIR - Inspect the PAS pulley pulley for damage. Replace damaged components (subframe, bracket, pulley).

BMW 3 Series - MODELS 335 D, CODE 30 6D 5 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. Engine oil leakage.
CAUSE - Gasket on the pipe between the turbocharger (TC) and the intercooler.
REPAIR - Install a new gasket on the pipe between the turbocharger (TC) and the intercooler.

BMW 3 Series - MODELS M3 4.0 
PROBLEM - Engine Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminates. The engine runs incorrectly and occasionally loses power and goes into forced operation mode.
CAUSE - Inside the idle air adjustment valve (IAC) intake manifold.
REPAIR - Test electronics and mechanics components (as needed) to eliminate other possible causes. Check that the IAC idle air control valve is clogged and clean if necessary. Clean debris from the suction system, replace parts if necessary.

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Mladen

Hi there, I am Mladen and I am an auto enthusiast. I started this blog years ago to help like minded people share information about latest cars, car servicing ideas, used car info, exotic cars, and auto technology. You will find helpful articles and videos on a wide variety of cars - Audi, Mercedes, Toyota, Porsche, Volvo, BMW and much more. Ping us if you have anything cool to share on latest cars or on how to make older cars more efficient, or just want to say hi!