2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 3

Introduction

The 2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a luxury sedan that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 340 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The ActiveHybrid is available with either a six-speed automatic transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offers an impressive blend of performance and fuel efficiency, but it is not without its issues.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Four-Cylinder

• Intake Valve Carbon Buildup
  • Description/Symptoms: Over time, carbon deposits can build up on the intake valves, which can reduce engine power and performance. The symptoms of carbon buildup include rough idling, decreased acceleration, and increased fuel consumption.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the intake valves must be cleaned.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A faulty timing chain tensioner can cause the timing chain to skip or break, which can result in catastrophic engine damage. The symptoms of a failing timing chain tensioner include a rattling noise from the engine, rough idling, and reduced engine power.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the timing chain tensioner must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Six-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Fluid Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid leak can occur due to a faulty seal or gasket. The symptoms of a transmission fluid leak include a low transmission fluid level, slipping gears, and difficulty shifting.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the faulty seal or gasket must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Eight-Speed Automatic

• Mechatronic Unit Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: A faulty mechatronic unit can cause a variety of transmission problems, including slipping gears, delayed shifts, and loss of power.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the mechatronic unit must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn or damaged control arm bushings can cause a variety of suspension problems, including excessive tire wear, poor handling, and a rough ride.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the control arm bushings must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Electrical System Fault
  • Description/Symptoms: An electrical system fault can cause a variety of problems, including starting difficulties, flickering lights, and power window failure.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the faulty component must be identified and replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Condensation can build up inside the headlights, which can cause the headlights to fog up or become cloudy.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the headlights must be resealed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation System Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system can malfunction, causing it to become unresponsive or display incorrect information.
  • Solution: To fix this issue, the navigation system must be updated or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a well-rounded luxury sedan that offers impressive performance and fuel efficiency. However, it is not without its issues. Some of the most common problems reported by owners include engine carbon buildup, timing chain tensioner failure, transmission fluid leaks, control arm bushing failure, electrical system faults, headlight condensation, and navigation system malfunctions. While some of these issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, others can be more serious and costly to repair.