2018 BMW M3
2018 BMW M3
The 2018 BMW M3 is a high-performance sports sedan that comes with a turbocharged 3.0L inline-6 engine that produces 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The M3 is known for its sharp handling, responsive steering, and powerful engine. It is a popular choice among driving enthusiasts, but it has some issues that owners should be aware of.
Engine
- S55B30 3.0L I6
- Possible Vanos Solenoid Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The Vanos solenoid controls the timing of the intake and exhaust valves. A failure of the solenoid can cause the engine to run rough, lose power, or stall.
- Solution: Replace the faulty Vanos solenoid.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 19V742000
- High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The high-pressure fuel pump delivers fuel to the engine’s injectors. A failure of the pump can cause the engine to lose power or stall.
- Solution: Replace the faulty high-pressure fuel pump.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Possible Vanos Solenoid Failure
Transmission
- 6-Speed Manual Transmission
- No Issues Found
- 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Automatic Transmission
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
- Description/Symptoms: The mechatronic unit controls the shifting of the transmission. A failure of the unit can cause the transmission to slip, jerk, or refuse to shift gears.
- Solution: Replace the faulty mechatronic unit.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Mechatronic Unit Failure
Suspension
- No Issues Found
Electrical
- Battery Discharge
- Description/Symptoms: The battery can discharge prematurely, leaving the vehicle unable to start.
- Solution: Replace the faulty battery or diagnose electrical/parasitic draw.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+
- Recalls: None Found
- Electrical Harness Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The electrical harness can experience issues such as shorts or damaged connections, leading to various electrical malfunctions.
- Solution: Diagnose and repair the affected electrical harness section.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- No Issues Found
Interior
- iDrive System Malfunctions
- Description/Symptoms: The iDrive system is the vehicle’s infotainment and navigation system. It can experience issues such as freezing, crashing, or losing functionality.
- Solution: Update or reinstall the iDrive software, or replace faulty components if necessary.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
- Steering Wheel Vibration
- Description/Symptoms: The steering wheel can vibrate excessively at certain speeds or while braking.
- Solution: Diagnose and replace the affected component(s), such as the brake rotors or steering shaft.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary
The 2018 BMW M3 is a high-performance sports sedan that offers exhilarating driving dynamics. However, it has some known issues that owners should be aware of. The most common issues include Vanos solenoid failure, high-pressure fuel pump failure, mechatronic unit failure, battery discharge, electrical harness issues, iDrive system malfunctions, and steering wheel vibration. The severity and cost of these issues can vary, but some can be quite expensive to repair. Potential buyers should consider these issues when making a purchasing decision or budgeting for maintenance costs.