2014 BMW 335I problems

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After the car is shut off, the coolant pump will stop with the car but after a min the car will stay off but the coolant pump will kick on. Runs until battery is drained. I do understand there is a feature to circulate the coolant so help mitigate burn/hot spots but this continues until the battery is disconnected by ECU. Then it won't start because the battery is too low. Ongoing issue for the past 2 years now, happens intermittently. Frequency is random but happens more when it's cold out. But average happens a few times a week when cold out, sometimes it runs well for a few weeks then starts happening again. We had tried to troubleshoot by BMW but no luck. They have replaced battery, alternator, have tried to diagnose about 4 times now but they haven't fixed it since they can't replicate at the BMW Shop. I can hear the coolant pump running as well as feel the water moving. Also tested by Fluke Meter, it drains at about 40 amps (at 12 volts) when this happens, with the car off. Doing anything (opening doors, trunks, locking, unlocking, stops it for a minute but then pump starts again). No errors pop up for it except when the battery is low and then error battery had high discharge pops up.

NHTSA complaint #11629527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

After the car is shut off, the coolant pump will stop with the car but after a min the car will stay off but the coolant pump will kick on. Runs until battery is drained. I do understand there is a feature to circulate the coolant so help mitigate burn/hot spots but this continues until the battery is disconnected by ECU. Then it won't start because the battery is too low. Ongoing issue for the past 2 years now, happens intermittently. Frequency is random but happens more when it's cold out. But average happens a few times a week when cold out, sometimes it runs well for a few weeks then starts happening again. We had tried to troubleshoot by BMW but no luck. They have replaced battery, alternator, have tried to diagnose about 4 times now but they haven't fixed it since they can't replicate at the BMW Shop. I can hear the coolant pump running as well as feel the water moving. Also tested by Fluke Meter, it drains at about 40 amps (at 12 volts) when this happens, with the car off. Doing anything (opening doors, trunks, locking, unlocking, stops it for a minute but then pump starts again). No errors pop up for it except when the battery is low and then error battery had high discharge pops up.

NHTSA complaint #11629527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

After the car is shut off, the coolant pump will stop with the car but after a min the car will stay off but the coolant pump will kick on. Runs until battery is drained. I do understand there is a feature to circulate the coolant so help mitigate burn/hot spots but this continues until the battery is disconnected by ECU. Then it won't start because the battery is too low. Ongoing issue for the past 2 years now, happens intermittently. Frequency is random but happens more when it's cold out. But average happens a few times a week when cold out, sometimes it runs well for a few weeks then starts happening again. We had tried to troubleshoot by BMW but no luck. They have replaced battery, alternator, have tried to diagnose about 4 times now but they haven't fixed it since they can't replicate at the BMW Shop. I can hear the coolant pump running as well as feel the water moving. Also tested by Fluke Meter, it drains at about 40 amps (at 12 volts) when this happens, with the car off. Doing anything (opening doors, trunks, locking, unlocking, stops it for a minute but then pump starts again). No errors pop up for it except when the battery is low and then error battery had high discharge pops up.

NHTSA complaint #11629527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

The backup camera flipped upside down. It's not a physical malfunction, but a software or computer issue. This is a known problem with BMW 3 Series from 2014 and other years. This is not considered a recall. The image on the camera is now reversed, which is a safety hazard. BMW will only inspect and fix the issue for hundreds if not thousands of dollars. There have been no warning lamps, messages or otherwise.

NHTSA complaint #11584112 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

THE SYMPTOM: THE CAR MISSES OR SHUTTERS UNDER LOAD. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE HAS 80K MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN MY OPINION FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE WITH AVERAGE MILES AND CONTINUALLY SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND DRIVEN BY TWO PEOPLE. TODAY I READ ABOUT A RECALL FOR A 2014 MODEL 328D THAT REQUIRES REPLACE THE CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT AND INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. I SUSPECT THE SAME FAULTY PART COULD ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF MY NOW FAULTY TRANSFER CASE.

NHTSA complaint #11534907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

On Sunday, 6/18/2023, a little after 9pm, I was STOPPED at a traffic light outside the Shell station at 600 S Michigan St, Seattle, WA. Whilst waiting for the traffic light to turn green, the sunroof exploded from the inside out! (Traffic camera should confirm the sudden hole in my sunroof) It was an EXTREMELY loud bang and initially I thought someone threw a large rock at my cars' window. However, I didn't see anyone on the street. My second thought was that I was being shot at - and quickly made the right turn onto 6th Ave. S. I then got out because I was confused that I could hear glass pieces. Once I got out of the car I could see that the sunroof had exploded outward! Thankfully I had the shade above my head closed, otherwise I would have been showered in EXTREMELY sharp glass bits. WEATHER: it was in between rain showers. The road was dry. The temperature was normal cool weather; maybe 65F. It was overcast. WARNING INDICATORS: There were no warning indications prior to the explosion. The car was running great. Service of the car was up-to-date! OTHER INFO: I had the car serviced January 4th ~ 5th; EVERYTHING that BMW suggested, I agreed to! To the tune of over $5000! SAFETY: Just a moment before the sunroof exploded, I was travelling on I5 - had it happened on the freeway, the sunroof might have been pulled out into traffic behind me. It would have caused a serious accident, especially if a Motorbike was behind me. Thankfully I was stopped and other drivers were not affected.

NHTSA complaint #11528196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was driving on the highway when my sunroof exploded. I thought someone shot at me.

NHTSA complaint #11520526 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Climate control safety defect. TSB SI B64 06 13 was completed, defect still exists. It happens in both recirculate and fresh air settings. Upon driving in humid conditions climate control becomes inop. Evaporator ices over and fan makes loud noise but no air comes out of vents. This creates a dangerous situation as defrost/fog setting is inop and you can’t clear the windshield or see to drive.

NHTSA complaint #11474641 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

EVERY TIME I GO FROM I93 MASS TO I90 HWY ON THE EXIT MY CAR SHUTS OFF FOR 3SEC AND RESTARTS THE ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE WHAT DEFECT OR SENSORS ARE IN THE AREA THAT CAUSES THIS MALFUNCTION. BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE THE SAME EXACT EXIT EVERY SINGLE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11362496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

EVERY TIME I GO FROM I93 MASS TO I90 HWY ON THE EXIT MY CAR SHUTS OFF FOR 3SEC AND RESTARTS THE ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE WHAT DEFECT OR SENSORS ARE IN THE AREA THAT CAUSES THIS MALFUNCTION. BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE THE SAME EXACT EXIT EVERY SINGLE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11362496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

EVERY TIME I GO FROM I93 MASS TO I90 HWY ON THE EXIT MY CAR SHUTS OFF FOR 3SEC AND RESTARTS THE ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE WHAT DEFECT OR SENSORS ARE IN THE AREA THAT CAUSES THIS MALFUNCTION. BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE THE SAME EXACT EXIT EVERY SINGLE TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11362496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WAS READING THAT IT HAD GAS, THEN SUDDENLY IT CAME TO A STOP, ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR HAD DIED MAKING THE CAR THINK IT HAD GAS WHEN IT IN FACT HAD NONE. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TANK FOR $2700, THIS ISSUE IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN LEAVE ANYONE STRANDED ANYWHERE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND THIS ISSUE CAN BE FOUND ON BMWS MUCH OLDER THEN THAT. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, THEY KNOW IT IS DANGEROUS AND THEY CHOOSE TO CONTINUE MAKING CARS WITH THIS IS ISSUE. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE DRIVERS OF ITS CARS AND ONLY CARES ABOUT MAKING MONEY BY SELLING DEATH TRAPS TO PEOPLE. IF YOU WANT TO BE LEFT STRANDED AND RISK GETTING KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY OR GETTING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, BY A BMW. IF NOT, BUY A MERC OR AUDI. THIS ISSUE CAN HAPPEN IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AS WELL. ANY BMW THAT USES THE GAS TANK FROM THE F30 3 SERIES IS EFFECTED, AS WELL AS BMWS AS FAR BACK AS THE E46.

NHTSA complaint #11331264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

THE SYMPTOM: THE CAR MISSES OR SHUTTERS UNDER LOAD. THE PROBLEM STARTED AS INTERMITTENT BUT IS BECOMING WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME TODAY THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE IS A JUST OVER 6YRS OLD WITH 82K MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN MY OPINION FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE WITH AVERAGE MILES AND CONTINUALLY SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND DRIVEN BY TWO OLD PEOPLE. TODAY I READ ABOUT A RECALL FOR A 2014 MODEL 328D THAT REQUIRES REPLACE THE CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT AND INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. I SUSPECT THE SAME FAULTY PART COULD ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF MY NOW FAULTY TRANSFER CASE.

NHTSA complaint #11329053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

THIS PROBLEM CONCERNS THE DOOR LATCHES ON THE BMW 335I (F30 GENERATION). THE PROBLEM I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT ONCE IN A WHILE, THE DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK WHEN PULLING THE LATCH. TYPICALLY, YOU WOULD PULL THE DOOR HANDLE ONCE, UNLOCKING THE CAR, AND ONCE AGAIN TO OPEN THE DOOR. WHEN THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF, PULLING ON THE HANDLE DOES NOT UNLOCK THE CAR. ONLY THE ELECTRONIC BUTTON CAN BE USED TO UNLOCK IT. IT PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DANGER IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING AND COULD LEAVE ONE TRAPPED INSIDE OF THEIR CAR. THE PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE ONLY NOTICED THE PROBLEM HAPPEN WHEN PARKED. I BELIEVE THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS THE FAULTY COMPONENT HERE. EVEN WHEN USING THE ELECTRONIC BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE DOOR, YOU CAN SEE THAT THE LOCK INDICATOR (THAT SMALL THING ON THE SIDE OF YOUR DOOR) GOES UP MUCH SLOWER THAN THE OTHER UNAFFECTED DOORS.

NHTSA complaint #11325452 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE COMPARTMENT, WHICH THEN SPILLED ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF FREMONT (LOCATED AT 5720 CUSHING PKWY, FREMONT, CA 94538, (510) 224-4820) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL GASKET OIL PAN HOSE AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE RISK OF A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,800.

NHTSA complaint #11204422 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

REAR TAIL LIGHT CONNECTORS MELT JUST LIKE A RECALL OF PREVIOUS 3-SERIES BMW'S. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000. GETTING NOTIFICATION OF BLINKER FAILURE, DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT THE CONNECTOR HAD MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. THE LIGHT BULBS ARE STOCK AND HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED.

NHTSA complaint #11163589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,800.

NHTSA complaint #10914255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.