2017 BMW 320i

The 2017 BMW 320i is an entry-level luxury sedan known for its sporty handling, comfortable ride, and upscale interior. The 320i comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque. Other engine options available for the 2017 3 Series include a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter inline-4 in the 330i, a 3.0-liter inline-6 in the 340i, and a diesel engine in the 328d. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. Many owners appreciate the 320i for its fuel efficiency and engaging driving dynamics. Some common complaints include the base engine feeling underpowered compared to the other engine options, and the cost of maintenance and repairs associated with owning a BMW.

Engine

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20)

• Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gasket
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaking onto exhaust manifold, burning smell, visible oil residue around the valve cover.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve cover gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise upon startup, especially when cold. This is a known issue with the N20 engine. Could lead to engine damage if the chain breaks.
  • Solution: Replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (GA8HP45Z)

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifts, delayed engagement, or hesitation when accelerating. Sometimes exacerbated when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: Transmission fluid flush/replacement can sometimes help, but more often requires valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush $300 - $500, Valve Body $1,500 - $2,500, Rebuild/Replace $4,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps. Steering may feel loose or vague.
  • Solution: Replacement of the worn control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car battery drains quickly, even when the car is not in use. The car may have trouble starting or may not start at all.
  • Solution: Identify parasitic drain (often caused by faulty modules or aftermarket accessories) and repair the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Faulty Comfort Access System
  • Description/Symptoms: The comfort access system (keyless entry and start) may become intermittent or stop working altogether.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and replacement of faulty door handles, antennas, or control modules related to the comfort access system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per door handle or component
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles failing to open the doors properly, particularly in colder weather. Can be related to comfort access, but also mechanical linkage issues.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 per door handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• iDrive Screen Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: iDrive screen flickering, freezing, or going completely blank. Can be intermittent or permanent.
  • Solution: Software update may resolve some issues, but more severe cases may require replacement of the iDrive screen or the head unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 BMW 320i, while generally a reliable car, has a few common issues to be aware of. Engine oil leaks and timing chain issues are prevalent, especially with the N20 engine. These can be expensive to repair. Transmission problems, particularly with the 8-speed automatic, can also be a significant concern. Suspension issues like control arm bushing failures are more typical as the car ages. Electrical issues, such as battery drain and comfort access malfunctions, are not uncommon. Overall, prospective buyers should be aware of these potential problems and factor in the cost of maintenance and repairs when considering purchasing a 2017 BMW 320i. It is recommended to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to identify any existing or potential issues.