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2012 BMW 335is

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2012 BMW 335is is a high-performance variant of the E92 3 Series coupe, known for its enhanced power and sporty driving dynamics. It came equipped with the N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. An overboost function temporarily increased torque to 370 lb-ft. This engine was available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). Owners often praise the 335is for its powerful engine, sharp handling, and distinctive styling. Common complaints include the cost of maintenance, the complexity of the turbocharged engine, and the potential for electrical issues.

Engine

N54 Twin-Turbocharged 3.0L Inline-Six

  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Long cranking times, rough idling, hesitation upon acceleration, and a possible check engine light. The car may stall unexpectedly.
    • Solution: Replacement of the HPFP. Often upgraded to a newer revision.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1200+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, fuel smell, reduced performance, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replacement of faulty injectors. It is often recommended to replace all injectors at once to ensure balanced performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per injector. (Considerably higher if all 6 are replaced.)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Wastegate Rattle
    • Description/Symptoms: A rattling or buzzing noise, especially noticeable during acceleration or deceleration. This is caused by worn wastegate bushings within the turbochargers.
    • Solution: Replacement of the turbochargers or rebuild them with aftermarket wastegate flappers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+ (Turbocharger replacement is costly. Aftermarket solutions can be cheaper but require more labor.)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks, burning oil smell, low oil level warnings. Common leak points include the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and a check engine light. Direct injection engines like the N54 are prone to carbon buildup on the intake valves.
    • Solution: Manual cleaning of the intake valves (walnut blasting).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, and a possible warning light. The N54 engine uses an electric water pump that is known to fail.
    • Solution: Replacement of the electric water pump and thermostat.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, high RPMs without acceleration.
    • Solution: Clutch Replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $2000+
    • Recalls: None Found

7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifting, delayed engagement, transmission malfunction warnings, and difficulty shifting into certain gears.
    • Solution: Replacement or repair of the mechatronic unit, including software updates and adaptation resets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000 - $4000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • DCT Clutch Wear
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping during gear changes, jerky acceleration, and a DCT malfunction warning.
    • Solution: Replacement of the DCT clutch packs.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2500 - $5000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Cracked Rear Subframe Mounts
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the rear, imprecise handling, and visible cracks in the rear subframe mounts. This is more common in higher mileage or track-used cars.
    • Solution: Reinforcement or replacement of the rear subframe mounts. Reinforcement plates are often welded in to prevent future cracking.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $3000+ depending on the extent of the damage and the chosen repair method.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibrations, clunking noises, and imprecise handling.
    • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings, and possibly the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per control arm.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, warning lights, and electrical malfunctions.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of parasitic drain, which can be caused by faulty modules, sensors, or aftermarket electronics.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not leveling or turning properly, error messages on the iDrive display, and non-functional headlights.
    • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the adaptive headlight system, which may involve replacing faulty motors, sensors, or control modules.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+ per headlight, depending on the part needing replacement.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • No Issues Found

Interior

  • iDrive Controller Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The iDrive controller knob becomes unresponsive or erratic, making it difficult to navigate the iDrive system.
    • Solution: Replacement of the iDrive controller.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, difficulty opening or closing, rattling noises, and water leaks.
    • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the specific issue.
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 BMW 335is is a thrilling car to drive, but it is not without its potential issues. The N54 engine is prone to several common problems, including HPFP failures, fuel injector issues, wastegate rattle, oil leaks, carbon buildup, and water pump failures. The DCT transmission can also experience mechatronic unit issues and clutch wear. Suspension issues like cracked rear subframe mounts can also be a concern, especially on higher mileage vehicles. Electrical problems, such as battery drain and adaptive headlight malfunctions, are also possibilities. These issues can be costly to repair, so prospective buyers should be aware of the potential maintenance expenses associated with owning a 2012 BMW 335is. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified BMW mechanic is highly recommended.

BMW, 335is
BMW 335is 2012
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