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2013 BMW 335i

The 2013 BMW 335i is a popular luxury sports sedan known for its performance and handling. The 335i came standard with the N55 3.0L turbocharged inline-six engine, producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2013 3-series were the 320i with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, 328i with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-four engine, and the 328d with a 2.0L turbocharged diesel inline-four engine. Transmission options included a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. Owners often praise the 335i for its engaging driving experience, powerful engine, and stylish design. Common complaints revolve around reliability issues, higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury brands, and some electrical gremlins.

Engine

N55 3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak is observed around the oil filter housing. Burning oil smell may be present. Low oil light could illuminate in extreme cases.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak is observed down the side of the engine, particularly near the exhaust manifold. Burning oil smell is common.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Fuel Injector Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, and a check engine light. Diagnostic codes will point to a specific injector.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty fuel injector. It’s often recommended to replace all injectors on the same bank for optimal performance.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500 per injector (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

ZF 8HP 8-Speed Automatic

  • Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak observed near the transmission pan. Can lead to slipping or harsh shifting if fluid level gets low.
    • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and fluid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $700
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, delayed engagement, slipping between gears, and transmission malfunction warning lights.
    • Solution: Replacement of the valve body may be required.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (depending on whether it is rebuilt or new)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Cracked Thrust Arms Bushings
    • Description/Symptoms: Vibration during braking, especially at higher speeds. Can also cause a clunking noise over bumps.
    • Solution: Replace the thrust arm bushings or the entire thrust arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Subframe Bushings Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or thudding noise from the rear of the vehicle, especially when accelerating or decelerating. Vague handling.
    • Solution: Replace the rear subframe bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800-$1500
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Faulty Comfort Access Door Handles
    • Description/Symptoms: Comfort access (keyless entry) system malfunctions. Door handles may become unresponsive.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty door handle(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600 per handle (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Car battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven for a few days. Can be caused by various modules not shutting down properly.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic drain and repair/replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the cause, diagnosis can be time-consuming)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Cracked Charge Pipe
    • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, check engine light. Whistling or hissing sound from the engine bay.
    • Solution: Replace the charge pipe with an aftermarket or OEM part.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 (depending on part and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sticking iDrive Controller
    • Description/Symptoms: iDrive controller becomes sticky or difficult to rotate and press.
    • Solution: Clean the controller mechanism or replace the controller.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2013 BMW 335i, while offering a sporty and luxurious driving experience, is prone to certain issues. Engine oil leaks, fuel injector problems, and transmission issues are the most significant concerns. Electrical gremlins with comfort access and battery drain also occur. Suspension components like thrust arm bushings can wear out. The severity of these issues ranges from minor annoyances to potentially costly repairs. Prospective buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the potential maintenance costs when considering this vehicle.

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