BMW 335i: best & worst years

Here is every BMW 335i model year we cover (2007–2016), ranked by our reliability verdict, with the owner-reported problems behind each one.

Every BMW 335i year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2016 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 5 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 5 Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.; Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.; Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.; Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.; Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 4 High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.; Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 4 High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.; Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.; Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall. Full report ↗

BMW 335i problems by year

2016 BMW 335i Caution

2016 335i is the Gran Turismo hatchback only (the sedan became the 340i); the mature N55 turbo inline-6 is quick and versatile. Typical N55 wear, water pump, oil leaks, charge pipe, applies, and premium fuel plus BMW service keeps ownership expensive.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2015 BMW 335i Caution

2015 335i (final F30 335i sedan, N55): the most sorted of the run, engaging to drive with a premium interior. Watch the usual N55 items, water pump, gasket oil leaks, charge pipe and VANOS. Premium fuel and BMW upkeep are the main ownership cautions.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2014 BMW 335i Caution

2014 335i (F30/N55): fast, polished and reasonably reliable for a turbo BMW. Budget for the electric water pump, oil-leak gaskets, charge pipe and VANOS solenoids over time. Premium fuel and BMW parts and labor make running costs higher than mainstream rivals.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2013 BMW 335i Caution

2013 335i (F30/N55): one of the better used picks in the range, strong inline-6, sharp handling and a quality cabin. Common wear items are the electric water pump, valve-cover/oil-filter-housing leaks, charge pipe and VANOS. Expect premium fuel and above-average upkeep.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2012 BMW 335i Caution

2012 launches the F30 335i with the N55 turbo inline-6, quick, refined and more dependable than the N54. Still watch for electric water-pump failure, gasket oil leaks and a cracking plastic charge pipe. Premium fuel and BMW service keep ownership pricey.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2011 BMW 335i Caution

2011 335i moves to the more reliable N55 single-turbo (the 335is keeps the N54). Fewer fuel-pump dramas than the N54, but electric water pump, oil leaks and the Takata airbag recall apply. Quick and engaging, with typical BMW premium-fuel and upkeep costs.

  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects the early E9x coupe and convertible years of this generation; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.
  • Electric water pump and thermostat failure on the N55, the composite-impeller pump can fail abruptly without warning, sometimes well before 100,000 miles, risking overheating.
  • Plastic OEM charge pipe cracks and can split even at stock boost, causing a sudden loss of power and a boost-leak fault; a known weak point on the F30 N55.

2010 BMW 335i Caution

2010 335i (final N54 years): improved but still maintenance-heavy, wastegate rattle, fuel injectors, carbon buildup and water-pump failures are well documented, plus the Takata airbag recall. A great drive for buyers prepared for premium fuel and out-of-warranty bills.

  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.
  • Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.
  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.

2009 BMW 335i Caution

2009 335i: the N54's HPFP problems eased under BMW's extended warranty, but wastegate rattle, fuel injectors, carbon buildup and cooling-system wear remain common. Strong performance and tuning appeal offset by high running costs and premium-fuel needs.

  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.
  • Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.
  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.

2008 BMW 335i Caution

2008 335i (N54 twin-turbo): a fast, tunable car with a rough reliability record. HPFP and injector failures, wastegate rattle, carbon buildup and water-pump issues are common out of warranty; a Takata airbag recall applies. Rewarding but expensive to keep healthy.

  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.
  • Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.
  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.

2007 BMW 335i Caution

First-year N54 twin-turbo 335i: thrilling to drive but the most trouble-prone year. Owners report high-pressure fuel pump and fuel-injector failures, turbo wastegate rattle, carbon buildup and cooling issues, plus a Takata airbag recall. Budget for costly repairs and premium fuel.

  • High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the N54 twin-turbo, long cranking, hard start, misfires or limp mode; the defect was widespread enough to prompt a class action and an extended BMW warranty.
  • Turbocharger wastegate rattle, a knocking noise under load from worn wastegate linkages that can progress to turbo failure; repair often means replacing both turbochargers.
  • Takata passenger-airbag inflator recall affects these model years; the inflator can rupture and must be replaced under the safety recall.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all BMW models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.