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2010 BMW 335i xDrive

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2010 BMW 335i xDrive is a popular luxury sports sedan known for its blend of performance and comfort. The 335i xDrive came equipped with the N54 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline-six engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2010 3 Series included the naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-six in the 328i and the diesel 2.0L inline-4 in the 335d. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners generally praise the car’s engaging driving dynamics, powerful engine, and upscale interior. Common complaints revolve around the car’s reliability, with the N54 engine being prone to several issues. Maintenance costs can also be high, and some find the ride to be a bit firm for daily driving.

Engine

N54 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Six

  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Long crank times, rough idle, engine hesitation, and possible complete engine stall. The car may go into limp mode or throw a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacing the HPFP with a revised version. BMW issued several recalls and extended warranties related to this issue.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wastegate Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise, especially during cold starts or when the turbochargers are spooling up. Caused by worn wastegate actuators within the turbochargers.
    • Solution: Replacing the turbochargers or rebuilding the wastegate actuators (less common).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $4000+ (turbocharger replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks (Valve Cover Gasket, Oil Filter Housing Gasket, Oil Pan Gasket)
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level. Leaks can occur from various gaskets due to age and heat cycling.
    • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per gasket (depending on location and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy. The N54 engine uses direct injection, which can lead to carbon buildup on the valves and injector issues.
    • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the fuel injectors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per injector (including labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (GM GA6L45R)

  • Slipping and Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: The transmission slips between gears or has harsh, jerky shifts, especially when cold. This can be caused by worn valve body components or low fluid level.
    • Solution: Replacing the valve body, performing a transmission flush and fluid change, or in severe cases, rebuilding the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1500+ (depending on the severity and repair)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Cracked/Broken Control Arm Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Reduced handling precision.
    • Solution: Replacing the control arm bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Failed Struts/Shocks
    • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll.
    • Solution: Replacing the struts and/or shocks.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+ per axle (depending on brand and labor).
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Faulty ABS Wheel Speed Sensors
    • Description/Symptoms: ABS light illumination, traction control malfunction, and potentially impaired braking performance.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty wheel speed sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per sensor.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently dies, especially after the car has been sitting for a few days. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from a faulty module or component.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw, which may involve replacing a faulty module or component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies widely depending on the cause; $100 - $500+.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Rust on Wheel Arches/Fenders
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible rust bubbles or actual rust formation on the edges of the wheel arches, especially in areas with harsh winters.
    • Solution: Rust repair, bodywork, and repainting the affected areas.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+ per panel depending on severity.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sticking iDrive Controller
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive controller knob becomes sticky or difficult to turn.
    • Solution: Cleaning or replacing the iDrive controller.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Pixelated or Dim iDrive Screen
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive screen displays pixelation, flickering, or becomes dim, making it difficult to read.
    • Solution: Replacing the iDrive screen unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2010 BMW 335i xDrive, while offering a thrilling driving experience, is known for its potential reliability issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the N54 engine, particularly the HPFP, wastegate rattle, oil leaks, and fuel injector issues. These engine problems can lead to substantial repair costs. Other common problems include transmission issues, suspension component wear, and electrical malfunctions. While some of these issues can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly, making thorough pre-purchase inspection and diligent maintenance crucial for prospective buyers.

BMW, 335i xDrive
BMW 335i xDrive 2010
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