2016 BMW 528i xDrive
The 2016 BMW 528i xDrive is a mid-size luxury sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. The 528i xDrive comes standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Other engine options available for the 2016 5 Series include a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six in the 535i (300 hp, 300 lb-ft), a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 in the 550i (445 hp, 480 lb-ft), and a diesel option in the 535d (255 hp, 413 lb-ft). All of these engines are paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners generally appreciate the 528i xDrive for its smooth ride, spacious interior, and agile handling. Common complaints include some reliability concerns and higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury vehicles.
Engine
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20)
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various locations, including the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks under the car, oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs, and a burning oil smell.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty gasket or seal is the typical solution.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak and labor costs.
- Recalls: None Found
- Timing Chain Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The N20 engine is known for potential timing chain issues. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, particularly during cold starts, and potential engine misfires. In severe cases, timing chain failure can lead to significant engine damage.
- Solution: Replacing the timing chain, guides, and tensioner is necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ depending on labor and if any further engine damages occurred.
- Recalls: None Found
- Turbocharger Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The turbocharger can fail, leading to a significant loss of power, abnormal noises (whining or screeching) from the engine bay, and potential engine misfires.
- Solution: Replacing the turbocharger is the standard repair.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,800 - $3,500+ depending on if its OEM or aftermarket.
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (8HP45)
- Rough Shifting/Hesitation
- Description/Symptoms: Some owners report rough shifting between gears, particularly during acceleration or deceleration. Hesitation or delays when shifting gears can also occur.
- Solution: In some cases, a transmission fluid flush and software update can resolve the issue. More severe cases may require valve body replacement or a complete transmission rebuild.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid flush and update) - $4,000+ (transmission rebuild).
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit, which controls the transmission’s shifting functions, can fail. This can cause erratic shifting, transmission slipping, and complete loss of gear engagement.
- Solution: Replacing the mechatronic unit is usually required.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Adaptive Drive Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: If equipped with the adaptive drive system, the shocks can wear causing the car to not be able to adjust to the different driving modes and can cause a rough ride.
- Solution: Replacing the shocks with non-OEM shocks will be cheaper but will require coding to delete the adaptive drive.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $6,000
- Recalls: None Found
- Broken Springs
- Description/Symptoms: Springs can break from stress/wear which can cause a clanking sound when going over bumps.
- Solution: Replace all of the springs for the front or rear, depending on which ones are damaged.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- iDrive System Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive infotainment system can experience various issues, including screen freezing, system reboots, and connectivity problems with Bluetooth devices.
- Solution: Software updates can sometimes resolve these issues. In other cases, the iDrive control unit may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (Software Update) - $1,500+ (Control Unit Replacement).
- Recalls: None Found
- Battery Drain
- Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur, leading to difficulty starting the car or a completely dead battery. This can be caused by a faulty alternator, parasitic draw from electronic components, or a failing battery.
- Solution: Diagnose and address the source of the battery drain. This may involve replacing the battery, alternator, or identifying and repairing the component causing the parasitic draw.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (Battery Replacement) - $800+ (Alternator Replacement or parasitic draw diagnosis).
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Door Handle Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The comfort access feature can fail which can cause the door handle not to open or close properly and the car can think the door is open when it isn’t.
- Solution: Replacing the comfort access sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Sunroof Malfunction
- Description/Symptoms: The sunroof mechanism can fail, causing the sunroof to get stuck open or closed, or to operate erratically.
- Solution: Repairing or replacing the sunroof motor or mechanism.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2016 BMW 528i xDrive can be a rewarding vehicle to own, but potential buyers should be aware of the common issues. Engine problems like oil leaks and timing chain issues can be costly to repair. Transmission problems can also arise, particularly with the mechatronic unit, leading to rough shifting or complete failure. Electrical gremlins can affect the iDrive system and cause battery drain. Addressing these potential issues proactively with regular maintenance and inspections can help mitigate the risk of major repairs. Overall, while some issues are relatively minor, others can be quite expensive, reflecting the higher maintenance costs associated with luxury vehicles.