2017 BMW M140i

2017 BMW M140i

The 2017 BMW M140i is a high-performance compact car that slots in the lineup between the M135i and M2. It is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that produces 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The M140i is available in both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The M140i has received praise for its impressive performance, sharp handling, and luxurious interior. However, it has also been criticized for its firm ride and limited rear-seat space.

Engine

• 3.0L Inline-Six (B58)

  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and potentially damage the engine. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, reduced power, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: The timing chain and tensioner assembly must be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump can fail, causing the engine to lose power or stall. Symptoms include difficulty starting the engine, reduced power, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: The high-pressure fuel pump must be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• Six-Speed Manual

  • Gear Synchronizer Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The gear synchronizers can wear out, causing difficulty shifting gears. Symptoms include grinding noises when shifting gears and difficulty finding specific gears.
    • Solution: The transmission must be rebuilt or replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

• Eight-Speed Automatic

  • Mechatronic Unit Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit is an electronic control unit that manages the transmission. It can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all. Symptoms include delayed or harsh shifting, loss of power, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: The mechatronic unit must be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: The front lower control arm bushings can wear out, causing the front end of the vehicle to become unstable and handle poorly. Symptoms include excessive tire wear, misalignment, and a clunking noise from the front suspension.
  • Solution: The front lower control arm bushings must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ per side
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Shock Absorbers
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear shock absorbers can fail, causing the rear end of the vehicle to bounce excessively or bottom out over bumps. Symptoms include a rough ride, reduced handling performance, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: The rear shock absorbers must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ per pair
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely due to a parasitic draw from the electrical system. Symptoms include difficulty starting the vehicle, dim lights when the engine is running, and a dead battery after the vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time.
  • Solution: The source of the parasitic draw must be identified and repaired or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the source of the parasitic draw
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation System Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system can fail, causing the screen to go blank or freeze. Symptoms include loss of navigation functionality, inability to select destinations, and a reboot notification.
  • Solution: The navigation system software may need to be updated or the hardware may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture can build up inside the headlight housings, causing them to become foggy or impaired. Symptoms include reduced light output, condensation visible inside the headlight, and a decrease in visibility at night.
  • Solution: The headlights must be sealed properly and the moisture removed.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per headlight
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate Control Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: The climate control system may malfunction, causing the temperature to be inaccurate or the airflow to be inconsistent. Symptoms include difficulty adjusting the temperature, excessive noise from the climate control system, and condensation on the inside of the windshield.
  • Solution: The climate control module or related components may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sunroof Rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: The sunroof may rattle or make noise when it is open or closed. Symptoms include a persistent rattling sound coming from the roof of the vehicle, especially when driving over rough roads or inclines.
  • Solution: The sunroof seals or guide rails may need to be adjusted or replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 BMW M140i is a high-performance car that offers impressive performance, sharp handling, and a luxurious interior. However, it is important to be aware of the potential issues that can arise with this vehicle.

The most severe and costly issue is the timing chain tensioner failure, which can lead to catastrophic engine damage if not addressed promptly. Other issues, such as the gear synchronizer issues in the manual transmission and the mechatronic unit failure in the automatic transmission, can also be costly to repair.

Overall, the 2017 BMW M140i is a reliable vehicle, but it is important to consider the potential costs of repairs before purchasing one.