Any minor or major issues with F15 35i?

Honda · 03-26-2020, 09:45 AM

I am looking to buy one within couple of months and checking with owners if there are any reliability concerns with F15 35i. Engine, transmission, waterpump, fuel pump, suspension components..etc

The car has been out for 6-7 years now and usually you would not notice any issues until you hit 100K+ miles after 6 years of ownership. I realize many of the owners would jump ship once they hit this mark so I am looking for feedback who owned it enough and put alot of miles on it.

turboawd · 03-26-2020, 11:31 AM

35i is pretty reliable. Go for it. No real common issues. I have around 120k miles with no repairs, just maintenance.

The Libertine · 03-26-2020, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turboawd

35i is pretty reliable. Go for it. No real common issues. I have around 120k miles with no repairs, just maintenance.

Agree. F15 35i is a reliable, well-built platform.

Mega-Ken · 03-26-2020, 02:04 PM

Since were on this topic considering picking up an x4 for my kom any opinions?

Honda · 03-26-2020, 03:25 PM

so there is not water-pump issues anymore? Or High pressure fuel pump going out?

turboawd · 03-26-2020, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda

so there is not water-pump issues anymore? Or High pressure fuel pump going out?

Not really. I don't recall anyone on here reporting those issues.

Honda · 03-26-2020, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turboawd

Not really. I don't recall anyone on here reporting those issues.

I am surprised to hear this as waterpump was still an issue on e70 N55 engine

turboawd · 03-26-2020, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda

I am surprised to hear this as waterpump was still an issue on e70 N55 engine

Yeah, big problem on older models.
Certain oil leaks may occur with age. Overall the 35i is pretty reliable.

jiggz · 03-26-2020, 10:39 PM

I've owned a lot of BMW's over the years that have required full cooling system replacement well before 100K miles - not preventative, but due to failure or on the verge of failure.

If you really treasure driving these vehicles, are you really worried about a few fixes here and there before 100K miles? Even if it's a water pump or bigger ticket item? To be expected on a higher end vehicle IMO.

I've owned 2 50i's and an M3 in the last year - I would have to believe a 35i would be a piece of cake to maintain.

jayy178 · 03-26-2020, 10:55 PM

I had the N54 on my 335i and it was a disaster with 2 fuel pump replacements, O2 sensors failing prematurely, and wastegates starting to get wonky. since then I've had 2 N55 engines and haven't had any issues thus far.

HydroStream6 · 03-27-2020, 09:17 AM

The N55 (at least on the E90 platoform) has an electric water pump that is known to fail anywhere between 60k and 120k. Mine died around 80k. Typically, when it dies, it dies, and you're stranded. It is a good idea to replace it before it fails if you can.

RedBent · 03-27-2020, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HydroStream6

The N55 (at least on the E90 platoform) has an electric water pump that is known to fail anywhere between 60k and 120k. Mine died around 80k. Typically, when it dies, it dies, and you're stranded. It is a good idea to replace it before it fails if you can.

Are there any noticeable symptoms/signs when it starts going bad?

Mega-Ken · 03-27-2020, 05:47 PM

By girlfriend’s e90 went out at 110k. All remembered car fan was loud.

HydroStream6 · 03-28-2020, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBent

Are there any noticeable symptoms/signs when it starts going bad?

Yes. The engine gets very hot, the fans roar, and you get a warning on the DIC. Some folks have made it home, some don't.

momoboy · 03-28-2020, 08:57 AM

I wouldn't be overly worried about the water pump. I had one fail at 43,000 miles. The car goes into limp mode and you can safely get off the road. I drove about 10 miles. Since it can fail at 40k or 120K it's your call if you want to be proactive. I would rather wait until it fails. Other than that the other common N55 issue is a leaking oil filter housing.

Honda · 03-28-2020, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoboy

I wouldn't be overly worried about the water pump. I had one fail at 43,000 miles. The car goes into limp mode and you can safely get off the road. I drove about 10 miles. Since it can fail at 40k or 120K it's your call if you want to be proactive. I would rather wait until it fails. Other than that the other common N55 issue is a leaking oil filter housing.

Which year model is your car?

bmwx3805 · 03-29-2020, 01:19 PM

Get the transmission fluid , front & rear diff , transfer case fluid change done as most people don't think about getting that stuff done . Especially the transmission. ZF recommendation is to change fluid between 60-70,000 miles

turboawd · 03-29-2020, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by momoboy

I wouldn't be overly worried about the water pump. I had one fail at 43,000 miles. The car goes into limp mode and you can safely get off the road. I drove about 10 miles. Since it can fail at 40k or 120K it's your call if you want to be proactive. I would rather wait until it fails. Other than that the other common N55 issue is a leaking oil filter housing.

Does the e90 even use the same water pump as the f15?

Honda · 03-29-2020, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turboawd

Does the e90 even use the same water pump as the f15?

Thats what I am wondering about as well

Honda · 03-29-2020, 04:39 PM

I have made more reseach and found some earlier models get engine failure due to rod bearings or connecting rod issues. Is really something I should be worried about if I get into 2014 model with more than >90k miles ?

RedBent · 03-29-2020, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Honda

I have made more reseach and found some earlier models get engine failure due to rod bearings or connecting rod issues. Is really something I should be worried about if I get into 2014 model with more than >90k miles ?

I'm in a similar boat as you - researching the F15; I came across a few threads about this as well related to the N55. I only skimmed a few, but sounds like some had the issue after the oil filter gasket housing replacement for some reason.

Seems to happen fairly indiscriminately to older/newer MYs and high/low mileage engines. I'm sure you've read a lot of the same threads from the various message boards as well though.

Honda · 03-29-2020, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RedBent

I'm in a similar boat as you - researching the F15; I came across a few threads about this as well related to the N55. I only skimmed a few, but sounds like some had the issue after the oil filter gasket housing replacement for some reason.

Seems to happen fairly indiscriminately to older/newer MYs and high/low mileage engines. I'm sure you've read a lot of the same threads from the various message boards as well though.

Yes I spent my day researching this topic. I am almost steered away from N55 due to this issue and sticking to the M57 diesel engine lol.

I am not convinced the issue is related to oil filter gasket. I believe this is just purely coincident as what does oil filter gasket has to do with rod bearing issue.

I also did search other websites and it mentions an issue with oil starvation when making a turn at high speed (or while revving car at higher RPMs) but of course there is not "yet" a proof to this theory

03-26-2020, 09:45 AM	#1
Honda Lieutenant Colonel 289 Rep 1,535 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: US iTrader: (25)	Any minor or major issues with F15 35i? I am looking to buy one within couple of months and checking with owners if there are any reliability concerns with F15 35i. Engine, transmission, waterpump, fuel pump, suspension components..etc The car has been out for 6-7 years now and usually you would not notice any issues until you hit 100K+ miles after 6 years of ownership. I realize many of the owners would jump ship once they hit this mark so I am looking for feedback who owned it enough and put alot of miles on it.
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03-26-2020, 11:31 AM	#2
turboawd Banned 1636 Rep 2,995 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 35i Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	35i is pretty reliable. Go for it. No real common issues. I have around 120k miles with no repairs, just maintenance.
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03-26-2020, 02:04 PM	#4
Mega-Ken Private First Class 77 Rep 118 Posts Drives: BMW 88 M3, BMW 2015 X6 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	Since were on this topic considering picking up an x4 for my kom any opinions?
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03-26-2020, 03:25 PM	#5
Honda Lieutenant Colonel 289 Rep 1,535 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: US iTrader: (25)	so there is not water-pump issues anymore? Or High pressure fuel pump going out?
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03-26-2020, 10:39 PM	#9
jiggz Brigadier General 2140 Rep 3,647 Posts Drives: E90 M3\|F15 X5 50i Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Seattle iTrader: (2)	I've owned a lot of BMW's over the years that have required full cooling system replacement well before 100K miles - not preventative, but due to failure or on the verge of failure. If you really treasure driving these vehicles, are you really worried about a few fixes here and there before 100K miles? Even if it's a water pump or bigger ticket item? To be expected on a higher end vehicle IMO. I've owned 2 50i's and an M3 in the last year - I would have to believe a 35i would be a piece of cake to maintain.
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		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Any minor or major issues with F15 35i?

03-26-2020, 10:55 PM	#10
jayy178 Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 240 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe / 2014 535i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (7)	I had the N54 on my 335i and it was a disaster with 2 fuel pump replacements, O2 sensors failing prematurely, and wastegates starting to get wonky. since then I've had 2 N55 engines and haven't had any issues thus far.
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03-27-2020, 09:17 AM	#11
HydroStream6 Second Lieutenant 88 Rep 276 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Upstate New York iTrader: (0)	The N55 (at least on the E90 platoform) has an electric water pump that is known to fail anywhere between 60k and 120k. Mine died around 80k. Typically, when it dies, it dies, and you're stranded. It is a good idea to replace it before it fails if you can. __________________ 2014 X5 50i, M-Sport, Bootmod3 Stage 1, JB4
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03-27-2020, 05:47 PM	#13
Mega-Ken Private First Class 77 Rep 118 Posts Drives: BMW 88 M3, BMW 2015 X6 Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Socal iTrader: (0)	By girlfriend’s e90 went out at 110k. All remembered car fan was loud.
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03-28-2020, 08:57 AM	#15
momoboy Private First Class 69 Rep 162 Posts Drives: F15 35i 2017 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	I wouldn't be overly worried about the water pump. I had one fail at 43,000 miles. The car goes into limp mode and you can safely get off the road. I drove about 10 miles. Since it can fail at 40k or 120K it's your call if you want to be proactive. I would rather wait until it fails. Other than that the other common N55 issue is a leaking oil filter housing.
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03-29-2020, 01:19 PM	#17
bmwx3805 Lieutenant 306 Rep 409 Posts Drives: 14 cruze diesel and 2019 430I Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: SC iTrader: (0)	Get the transmission fluid , front & rear diff , transfer case fluid change done as most people don't think about getting that stuff done . Especially the transmission. ZF recommendation is to change fluid between 60-70,000 miles
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03-29-2020, 04:39 PM	#20
Honda Lieutenant Colonel 289 Rep 1,535 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: US iTrader: (25)	I have made more reseach and found some earlier models get engine failure due to rod bearings or connecting rod issues. Is really something I should be worried about if I get into 2014 model with more than >90k miles ?
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