BMW 3 Series Engine problems
65 of the 219 complaints about the BMW 3 Series (29.7%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.3× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Analysis
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (20, 38% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2022 model (1). 30 Engine complaints were filed in the last 12 months versus 15 in the 12 months before — the pace is rising.
Owners most often describe: “fire”, “engine starter”, “oil filter”, “housing” and “coolant”. 13 of these reports (20.0%) describe a crash or fire, with 4 injuries and 0 deaths mentioned.
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
By model year
When complaints were filed
Last 12 months: 30 · Previous 12 months: 15
Common terms in reports
- fire21
- engine starter8
- oil filter10
- housing11
- coolant16
- overheating10
What owners report
The contact owned a 2019 BMW 330I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence in the driveway, there was an abnormal cracking sound coming from outside the residence. The contact checked and became aware that the vehicle was on fire.
My car was parked at home and hadnt been driven in hours. My neighbor contacted me, saying that my car was on fire. I went outside, and it was on fire, and the fire department was called.
I am getting error code 21A50A and 216115 which Starter Overheating that can cause fire. Similar error code were coming on other cars and BMW have recalled it the recall number is 26V056.
On XXX approximately 2:02am my car was seen on fire parked in driveway on [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The left hydraulic engine motor mount (P/N 22117581621) completely collapsed and failed at 6 years and only 24,811 miles. The right mount was also replaced at the same time (P/N 22117581622).
Vehicle threw code 21A50A (Starter Pinion Timeout) and a Drivetrain Malfunction warning. Car still starts and drives. This is the exact mechanical failure described in Starter Recall 26V-438 / 26V-441, but my 2022 330e VIN is currently excluded.
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Related recalls
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.
Problem areas · BMW 3 Series
Related reading
- Why modern engines burn oil, and what owner complaints revealThe design choices that make many recent engines consume oil, the warning signs owners describe, what counts as normal, and which tracked models draw the most engine complaints right now.
Frequently asked questions
How common are Engine problems on the BMW 3 Series?
65 of the 219 complaints about the BMW 3 Series (29.7%) concern Engine, making it the model's largest problem area. That share is 1.3× the Engine share across all tracked vehicles.
Which BMW 3 Series model years have the most Engine complaints?
By model year, Engine complaints peak with the 2020 model (20, 38% of that year's complaints) and are lowest for the 2022 model (1).
Is there a recall for BMW 3 Series Engine problems?
No recall campaign addresses Engine for the tracked model years.