2014 BMW 535i GT
Introduction of the Vehicle
The 2014 BMW 535i GT is a luxury grand tourer with a distinctive liftback design. It is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine that produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 535i GT comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all-wheel drive is available as an option.
Owners praise the 535i GT for its comfortable ride, spacious interior, and powerful engine. However, some owners have reported experiencing various issues with the vehicle.
Engine
3.0L Turbocharged Inline-Six Engine
- Timing Chain Failure: The timing chain can stretch or snap, causing the engine to lose power or fail completely. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced engine power, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by replacing the timing chain and related components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Turbocharger Failure: The turbocharger can fail due to a variety of reasons, including oil leaks, bearing failure, or a damaged wastegate. Symptoms include decreased engine power, increased fuel consumption, and a whistling noise from the engine. This issue can be fixed by replacing the turbocharger. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Fuel Injector Failure: The fuel injectors can clog or fail, causing the engine to run rough or misfire. Symptoms include decreased engine power, increased fuel consumption, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by replacing the fuel injectors. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Coolant Leak: The coolant system can develop leaks, leading to overheating and engine damage. Symptoms include low coolant levels, steam from the engine, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by repairing or replacing the leaking components. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic Transmission
- Transmission Slipping: The transmission may slip, causing the vehicle to hesitate or lose power when shifting gears. Symptoms include a lack of power, rough shifting, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by repairing or replacing the transmission. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
- Mechatronic Unit Failure: The mechatronic unit is a complex electronic component that controls the transmission. It can fail due to a variety of reasons, including electrical problems or software issues. Symptoms include rough shifting, difficulty shifting gears, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by replacing the mechatronic unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Torque Converter Failure: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to lose power or overheat. Symptoms include shuddering, slipping, and the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by replacing the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
Suspension
- Strut Mount Failure: The strut mount can fail, causing the strut to become loose or detached. Symptoms include noise from the suspension, decreased handling, and a misaligned steering wheel. This issue can be fixed by replacing the strut mount. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Air Suspension Compressor Failure: The air suspension compressor can fail, causing the air suspension system to lose pressure. Symptoms include a lowered ride height, decreased handling, and a warning light on the dashboard. This issue can be fixed by replacing the air suspension compressor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Sway Bar Link Failure: The sway bar links can fail, causing the vehicle to lean excessively or handle poorly. Symptoms include noise from the suspension, decreased handling, and a misaligned steering wheel. This issue can be fixed by replacing the sway bar links. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
Electrical
- Electrical System Failure: The electrical system can develop various issues, including parasitic battery drain, electrical shorts, or module failures. Symptoms may vary depending on the specific issue, but can include battery drain, electrical malfunctions, or the Check Engine Light illuminating. This issue can be fixed by diagnosing and repairing the underlying electrical problem. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Xenon Headlight Ballast Failure: The xenon headlight ballast can fail, causing the headlight to dim or fail completely. Symptoms include a dim or non-functioning headlight, and a warning light on the dashboard. This issue can be fixed by replacing the headlight ballast. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Power Seat Control Module Failure: The power seat control module can fail, causing the power seats to malfunction or become inoperable. Symptoms include unresponsive seat controls, seat movement issues, and electrical faults. This issue can be fixed by replacing the power seat control module. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
Exterior
- Paint Peeling: The paint on the body panels can peel or chip, especially around the front bumper, hood, and side mirrors. Symptoms include visible peeling or chipping of the paint. This issue can be fixed by repainting the affected areas. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Door Lock Actuator Failure: The door lock actuator can fail, causing the door lock to malfunction or become inoperable. Symptoms include difficulty locking or unlocking the door, and a warning light on the dashboard. This issue can be fixed by replacing the door lock actuator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Power Window Motor Failure: The power window motor can fail, causing the power window to malfunction or become inoperable. Symptoms include difficulty opening or closing the window, and electrical faults. This issue can be fixed by replacing the power window motor. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
Interior
- Climate Control Malfunction: The climate control system can malfunction, causing the temperature or airflow to be inconsistent or inoperable. Symptoms include a lack of heat or air conditioning, erratic temperature control, and a warning light on the dashboard. This issue can be fixed by diagnosing and repairing the underlying electrical or mechanical problems. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Navigation System Failure: The navigation system can malfunction, causing the screen to freeze or become unresponsive. Symptoms include a blank or flickering screen, difficulty using the navigation functions, and electrical faults. This issue can be fixed by updating the navigation system software or replacing the navigation unit. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Radio/Audio System Malfunction: The radio or audio system can malfunction, causing the sound to be distorted or inoperable. Symptoms include no sound, poor sound quality, and electrical faults. This issue can be fixed by repairing or replacing the faulty components in the audio system. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
Summary
The 2014 BMW 535i GT is a luxurious and powerful grand tourer, but it has experienced some reliability issues. The most common problems reported by owners include engine issues (timing chain failure, turbocharger failure, etc.), transmission issues (slipping, mechatronic unit failure, etc.), and electrical issues (electrical system failure, headlight ballast failure, etc.). These issues can be costly to repair, ranging from $500 to over $5,000. While the 535i GT offers a comfortable and high-performance driving experience, potential buyers should be aware of the potential costs associated with these repair issues.