BMW Problems

Are you having problems with your BMW? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest BMW issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the BMW in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

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What is the difference between the BMW M3 and M4?
Answered by CarsGuide team · 20 Nov 2024

The M3 is based on the four-door three series sedan/wagon, while the M4 is based on the two-door 4 series coupe/convertible. There is a four-door M4 Grand Coupe.

What engine is in the BMW M2?
Answered by CarsGuide team · 20 Nov 2024

The G87 M2 carries the same engine as the M3, M4 and X3 M, a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line straight six, which is good for 353kW/600Nm at the top end of the range.

How long does a BMW 330e PHEV's battery pack last?
Answered by David Morley · 04 Mar 2025

The 330e is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), so it has a petrol engine and a smaller battery pack than a full EV (which runs exclusively on battery power). That means the BMW’s battery should be less expensive to replace if it ever needed to be.

At the moment, the world is waiting to find out how long EV batteries last, but it’s looking like between 10 and 20 years is going to be the magic number. A lithium-ion battery like this one will last longer if it’s never over-charged and is cycled regularly rather than left sitting for long periods.

Why is BMW XM so expensive?
Answered by CarsGuide team · 26 Nov 2024

The BMW XM is BMW's flagship SUV, and a standalone M model. It also carries a plug-in hybrid V8 powertrain.

What engine does a BMW M4 have?
Answered by CarsGuide team · 20 Nov 2024

The BMW M4 has a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged in-line straight six, which is good for 405kW/650Nm.

When did the BMW M2 come out (release date)?
Answered by David Morley · 20 Nov 2024

The BMW M2 is a relative new release for the brand, having only been introduced to the market in 2015. The second generation arrived in 2021, while the G87 facelifted grade arrived in 2023.

15,000-plus cars recalled for fire risk
By James Cleary · 09 Oct 2025
The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication, Sport and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 15,352 BMWs across multiple models sold new in Australia from 2016 to 2020.It confirms that in examples of the 320d, 320i, 330i, 420i, 430i, 520d, 520i, 530i, 620d, 630i, X3, X4 and Z4, “Due to a manufacturing defect, inadequate sealing of the starter motor may allow moisture to enter into the unit. If this occurs, corrosion may result in the engine not starting.”The department said, “In rare cases, it could also cause a short circuit leading to overheating of the starter motor and in the worst case, to a vehicle fire while parked or driving.“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users, bystanders and/or damage to property,” it said.Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment immediately with their preferred authorised BMW dealer to replace the starter motor free of charge.Alternatively, BMW Australia can be contacted on a dedicated Recall Hotline (1800 243 675), via email (info@bmw.com.au) or through a recall-specific website (https://www.recall.bmw.com.au).
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Tens of thousands of BMWs recalled for fire hazard fault: Multiple popular luxury cars exposed to 'reduction of engine power and potential fire while driving'
By James Cleary · 09 Mar 2026
The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 24,122 BMWs and Mini derivatives sold new in Australia from 2010 to 2022.It confirms that examples of the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 Series (F0x, F1x, F2x, F3x, G1, G3x), the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6 (F48, F39, F1x, F2x, G0x) as well as the Mini Cooper (F5x) and Countryman (F6x) have been impacted.The notice said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) cooler may develop an internal coolant leak. “If this occurs, the leaking coolant and recirculated exhaust gas may combine, which may result in a reduction of engine power and potentially a fire while driving,” the notice said. The department added, “A reduction of engine power whilst driving and/or a vehicle fire could increase the risk of an accident, causing injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models sold from 2010 to 2022 are potentially included and the department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for replacement of the EGR cooler, free of charge.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675, through email info@bmw.com.au or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. This recall comes on the back of another large scale recall alert last month impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.In that case, examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) were found to have been exposed to a potential manufacturing defect which means the starter motor solenoid switch could experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit and in a worst case scenario “a fire during vehicle operation”.
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BMW recalls almost 3000 more cars in Australia due to faulty Takata airbags, owners told to stop driving immediately
By Jack Quick · 02 Jun 2025
BMW Australia is currently recalling 2947 examples of the E9x-generation 3 Series as they are fitted with defective Takata airbags.
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'Risk of injury to vehicle occupants' as over 16,000 BMWs recalled for potentially hazardous electric fault
By James Cleary · 24 Feb 2026
The Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts has issued a safety recall notice impacting 16,578 BMWs sold new in Australia from 2020 to 2023.It confirms that examples of the 2,3,4,5,7 Series (G12, G2x, G3x, G42) , X3 (G01) , X4 (G02), X5 (G05) and Z4 (G29) have been impacted and said, “Due to a manufacturing defect, the starter motor solenoid switch can experience increased wear that could cause an internal short circuit.“If this occurs, the driver may be unable to start the engine, and in the worst case, the overheating can lead to a fire during vehicle operation,” the notice said. The department added, “A vehicle fire or the driver being unable to restart the engine could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants, and/or damage to property.”All grades of the nominated models are included, although for reference, close to 65,000 vehicles across those BMW model groups were sold in Australia during the recall period.The department says owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by BMW requesting they schedule an appointment with their preferred authorised BMW dealer for the free of charge starter motor replacement.Alternatively, BMW can be contacted on 1800 243 675 or via www.recall.bmw.com.au. 
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Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
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