2012 BMW 335i xDrive

The 2012 BMW 335i xDrive is a popular luxury sport sedan known for its blend of performance and practicality. The “xDrive” designation indicates that it is equipped with BMW’s all-wheel drive system. The most common engine in the 2012 335i xDrive is the N55 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 engine, producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 2012 BMW 328i xDrive is another trim that features a 2.0L N20 turbocharged inline-4 engine, producing 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. Owners generally praise the 335i xDrive for its powerful engine, responsive handling, and luxurious interior. However, common complaints often revolve around reliability, particularly regarding the engine’s complex systems and the cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

N55 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6

• Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the top of the engine, often dripping onto the exhaust manifold causing a burning smell. Visible oil residue around the oil filter housing.
  • Solution: Replacement of the oil filter housing gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Cover Gasket Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak along the edges of the valve cover, often dripping onto the exhaust manifold causing a burning smell. Visible oil residue around the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Wastegate Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: A rattling noise from the turbocharger area, especially during cold starts or low RPMs.
  • Solution: Replacement of the turbocharger, or in some cases, adjusting the wastegate actuator arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2500+ (turbo replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Direct Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, loss of power, check engine light with codes related to fuel injectors.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per injector
  • Recalls: None Found
• High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, stalling, reduced power, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500
  • Recalls: None Found

N20 2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4

• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, especially during start-up. Check engine light, misfires, or engine failure in severe cases.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting gears, clutch pedal sticking or feeling spongy.
  • Solution: Replacement of the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throwout bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1200 - $2500
  • Recalls: None Found

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Vibration in the steering wheel.
  • Solution: Replacement of the front control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Subframe Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or creaking noise from the rear suspension, especially when accelerating or decelerating. Vague handling.
  • Solution: Replacement of the rear subframe bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1200
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the parasitic draw (e.g., faulty module, improperly shut down system) and repair or replace the affected component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the source)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Window Regulator
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not operating properly, slow or erratic movement, or window falling into the door.
  • Solution: Replacement of the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Sticking iDrive Controller
  • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive controller knob sticks or is difficult to rotate, making it hard to navigate the system.
  • Solution: Replacement of the iDrive controller.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof not opening or closing properly, making unusual noises, or leaking.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, rails, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 335i xDrive, while offering a desirable driving experience, can suffer from a range of issues, particularly related to the engine and electrical systems. The N55 engine is known for potential oil leaks and turbocharger issues. The N20 engine is known for timing chain issues. Repairs can be costly, especially for engine and transmission-related problems. Potential buyers should carefully inspect the car for any signs of these issues and factor in the potential for higher maintenance costs.