The BMW brand is among the easiest to recognize in the world and on our roads. The brand is often linked with luxury, quality as well as status. It is not surprising, therefore, that many BMW buyers go for the brand due to its reputation. But what are the 2015 BMW 328i Problems?
Sure, BMW is a luxury brand but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have its fair share of problems. If you have decided to get yourself a BMW, then knowing these problems can help you in choosing the right model for you.
when it comes to the 2015 BMW 328i, it is known for several main problems which include issues with the power steering, problems with the cooling system as well as issues with the gaskets which tend to leak.
Let’s take a closer look at the 2015 BMW 328i problems to see if it is worth your money…
- BMW 328i
- 2015 BMW 328i
- 2015 BMW 3 Series
- Most Reliable BMW
- Reliable BMW Engines
- Frequently Asked Questions
BMW 328i
The BMW 328i is part of the 3 series which is a line of cars that has been built by BMW since 1975. The 3 series BMW succeeded the 2 series and has spanned 7 generations.
When the 3 series BMW first came out, it was only available as a 2-door sedan. Over the years, this has changed to include a 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 5-door liftback, 5-door estate, and 4-door saloon. You can also get the BMW 3 series as a 3-door hatchback with 2 different body styles.
That said, starting from 2013, BMW started marketing the convertible as well as the couple as part of the 4 series line. This, therefore, means that the BMW 3 series doesn’t now feature the coupe and the convertible.
Something worth noting is that the BMW 3 series is the company’s most successful lineup and accounts for a significant part of its overall sales. 30% to be exact. Over the generations, the 3 series BMW has also managed to win several awards.
2015 BMW 328i
BMW was the pioneer of the compact sports sedan segment and one that it has continued to uphold over the years. In fact, it is regarded by many as the epitome of this car segment by many car enthusiasts around the world.
Sure the F30 has tended to give up its sporty designs and features and take on a more luxurious feel. The 3 series, however, has remained the standard of the segment
Some of the 328i series features a 6-speed manual transmission. There were those models that also featured an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Other features that you get with the 328i BMW include alloy wheels that are 18 inches, sports seats, coral trim, brushed aluminum trim, an anthracite headliner, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. There was also the rearview camera, adaptive M suspension on some trims, and moonroof to mention a few.
Before talking about the 2015 BMW 328i problems let’s find out what comes with the package. The 2015 BMW 328i came with a 2-liter engine that could produce 240 hp as well as 255 pound-feet of torque. It also has an 8-speed automatic transmission connected to the engine with the power sent to the rear wheels.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – Performance
From a standing stop, the 2015 BMW 328i could reach 60 mph in about 5.4 seconds. Furthermore, this model was capable of crossing the quarter-mile mark in just under 14.1 seconds. Going back to a standing stop from 60 mph would take 116 feet.
But how about comparing this to the 2012 model of the 328i? Well, this one could move from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and would cross the quarter-mile mark in 14.1 seconds. It would also take 113 feet for the car to break from 60mph to a standing stop.
Clearly, the 8-speed automatic transmission will help the vehicle move much faster than if it rocked a 6-speed manual. That said, the only downside is the lack of driver involvement.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – The Handling
One thing that you are definitely going to notice with the 2015 BMW 328i is how smooth the ride feels. This is even after switching over to sports mode. Thanks to the sports steering as well as the rear-wheel drive system, this car handles well even in the corners.
Drivers of the 3 series are well aware of how scary things can get in those sharp corners. But this one handles everything smoothly. The front power seats are super comfy to sit in and the driver’s seat has a lumbar which you can adjust resulting in comfortable sitting and enhanced lower back support.
The brakes, which come in blue, will definitely stand out against a much brighter body color paint such as white. Inside the car, you can get the leather seats that come in a Coral Red Dakota which will also nicely contrast with the bodypaint. everything considered, the color code and the trim of the 2015 BMW 328i looks and feel premium.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – Fuel Efficiency
But how about that all-important question- fuel efficiency? You’ll be pleased to know that the 2015 BMWi does pretty well. It can do 23 miles per gallon in the city as well as 35 miles per gallon on the highway. Combined this model can average 27 miles per gallon.
The automatic transmission is more efficient than the manual transmission by around 1 mile per gallon on both the city and the highway.
2015 BMW 3 Series
Let’s take an even closer look at the BMW 3 series. Drivers can expect a powerful engine, excellent handling, and a nice and comfortable interior.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – Is It A Good Car
Yes the 2015 BMW 3 series is a good car with impressive performance. This car can come in a variety of body styles which include the wagon, hatchback, gran turismo, and sedan. Furthermore, the 2015 3 series also offers drivers several engine options.
This series features good acceleration as well as a comfortable ride.
Okay granted, the BMW 2015 3 series may offer a good driving experience, but there are drivers who say that it could do better with more responsive steering. This is one of the 2015 BMW 328i problems that drivers were hoping would improve with the later models. Moreover, there are other brands that offer a much better and plush interior.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – The Price
According to multiple listings on car websites, the average price of the BMW 2015 3 series is about $22,800. The prices of these vehicles will range between $17,300 and $30,500.
Such prices will vary widely as a result of differences in the vehicle’s condition, features, mileage as well as location.
But buying the car is one thing, how about the maintenance costs?
You can expect to pay around $29,880 for 3 years of maintenance. For the BMW 2015 3 series. These costs include insurance, repairs, maintenance, and gas. This would translate to around $5,976 in annual maintenance costs. This is around the average cost that you would expect to pay for a small car.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – Insuring A BMW 3 Series
There are several factors that will go into the costs of insuring your 2015 BMW 3 series. These will include the level of insurance coverage, your deductible, and your type of insurance.
Your motor insurers could also consider your age, credit score, occupation as well as your location, among others. They may also include your past driving records.
Should You Buy A New Or Used BMW 3 Series
There is no denying the fact that more modern car models will come at a higher price than a used vehicle. For Instance, a 2019 BMW 3 series will cost anywhere between $40,250 and $50,500. If you were to compare the price of a 2015 BMW 3 series, you would end up saving a lot of money.
That said, the 2019 model of the 3 series will come with extra features that you will not find on the 2015 models. Some of these features include a rearview camera, iDrive infotainment system, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a user-friendly interface, and a larger screen.
You also get a stronger engine with the 2019 BMW 3 series base model, and the steering wheel is much more responsive. If it’s something that you can afford, then going for a newer model is always the better choice. If you are looking to get performance while also saving on the price, then the 2015 3 series will also be a great daily driver.
Which Is The Best BMW 3 Series
The 2015 BMW 3 series, including models from 2012 to 2017 were part of the same generation. You could get an all-wheel drive 3 series with the 2013 model. This was also the year the 320i first came out.
In 2014, the 3 series also featured a newly redesigned Gran Turismo hatchback, and Sports Wagon. This was also the year that the 3 series convertible and coupe became the 4th series. It was also in 2014 when the 3 series came out with a diesel engine.
In 2017, the 3 series introduced more features such as wireless charging, as well as Apple CarPlay. If you don’t mind a model that doesn’t come with all these features then you will be just fine with the 2015 MW 3 series. Even with the 2015 BMW 328i problems, you will still get a good bang for your buck.
Most Reliable BMW
Granted the BMW brand is synonymous with quality and German top-notch design. That said, this hasn’t always been the case with all BMW vehicles.
There are some models such as the E60 M5 which came with plenty of engine issues. Many owners of the models described such engine issues as catastrophic.
Other models such as the E46 M3 may be highly popular with users but they are also known to come with high running costs.
That said, there are those BMW models that are also highly reliable and have proven to be durable and great cars to own such as the 3 series E90 Model. The 2015 BMW 328i problems were also easy to fix and occurred less frequently making it a reliable model year.
Let’s find out more.
The E90 3 Series
Sure the E90 3 series will not come with a turbocharged engine. However, they are still considered by many to be the most reliable BMWs.
The 3 series first came out in 2006 with the 325i being the base model. The 2006 models of the E90 featured a 2.5-liter engine with a six-cylinder that could produce 215 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque.
The 2008 model year saw a completely new design that phased out the 325i and replaced it with the 328i. This one came with a 2.8-liter six-cylinder engine that was able to produce 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque.
BMW would later offer the 320i which came with an engine that earned the model the reputation of being among the most powerful naturally aspirated six-cylinder you can get on the market. It could offer 268 horsepower.
Some other highly powerful and fun BMWs to drive included the M3 which had a 4.9 liter 400 horsepower V8 and the 335i which featured a turbocharged six-cylinder engine that could produce 302 horsepower.
Reliable Engines
Both the 2008 328i as well as the 325i came with the N52 engine from BMW. Many sources tend to agree that this engine is among the best that BMW made.
The BMW 335i however, came with the N54 engine. This one wasn’t as reliable as the N52. Sure, the M3 V8 engine is one of those powertrains that will always be considered an icon. Still, this V8 engine wasn’t as reliable as the N52. One of the main issues was that the V8 was highly prone to rod bearing failure.
As per other sources, sure there were few engines that experienced such problems. However, if it was not promptly checked and designed, it could result in total damage and loss of the engine.
Back to the E90 3 series and it’s not just about the model being a reliable car. It also comes with plenty of interior cabin space. Furthermore, it is super comfortable to drive.
Compare this to the F30 series which was not as comfortable to drive and came with less plush interior materials. There was also more noise from the engine.
That said, the F30 was even more fuel efficient than the 3 series E90.
The 2006 E 90 3 series still feels modern and not at all outdated in any way. You would still get it with satellite navigation as well as traction control and stability control. That is more than you would have gotten with similar models from the time.
Issues With The BMW E90
There is general consensus with BMW fans that the 525i and the 318i are two of the most reliable BMWs that you could get on the market. However, these are not free of issues.
First off, let’s talk about that N52 engine. It came with VANOS. This feature worked to regulate the engine valves and create better fuel efficiency.
The solenoids which were responsible for the modulation were known to fail when the vehicle reached 70,000 miles. That said, VANOS was available in other BMW engines such as the N54.
With the models that came before 2009, especially with the MY 90, there was also another issue with the valve. This occurred when the hydraulic lifters failed to receive sufficient oil which caused it to clatter. It’s worth noting however that in 2009, BMW would install a new engine head which would essentially get rid of the problem.
Another common issue that occurred with the N52 engine as well as other BMW engines is a faulty water pump. Even while the pump didn’t operate via a belt system, it was electric and prone to cracks.
Furthermore, the BMW thermostat was also prone to failure at around the same time as the water pump. The good thing with the thermostat is that it would fail in a way that wouldn’t cause any overheating.
Finally, as you can expect with other vehicles on the market, the BMW E90 3 series is prone to the effects of wear ad tear and depreciation. This could be anywhere from a damaged valve cover gasket to an oil filter housing gasket.
Other good BMWs
Granted the BMW E90 3 series is a great car plus its only 12 years old. While it is a good choice to buy used, you can also find some great BMWs that are much older than this.
The E38 7 series from 1994 to 2001 was also a reliable car to own and drive. It features an engine that was also known to be very reliable the M60 V8. Furthermore, you could also get the BMW E38 7 series with a V12 engine. This one, however, came with electronics that were too complicated and often proved a headache.
While the 7 series can be considered a much older BMW, the thing is that the automaker built it as the flagship sedan. This generation came with traction control as well as power-adjustable seats as standard. You could also opt for rear parking sensors and heated steering. Even today the 7 series sedan feels robust and well built.
For drivers who are searching for a sportier ride, a great option is the BMW E46 3 series from 1997 to 2006. You may even tint windows for an enhanced look. There are many car enthusiasts and BMW fans who still believe that the E46 came with the best handling of any BMW to date. The great thing is that these aren’t the hardest drivers to come across as many units were built.
2015 BMW 328i Problems – VANOS System
The E46 engine is the N54 which also comes with VANOS. This also means that it is prone to the issues that the VANOS is associated with. Still, the N54 engine is considered a reliable engine.
If you opted to go for the other 3 series models that came before 2003, then it’s important to note that these were prone to cracks in the subframe.
There was also a notion going around that the transmission fluid wouldn’t need replacement or refilling. This caused many drivers to fail to change their transmission fluid. In turn, it resulted in issues with the transmission.
Most Reliable BMW Engine
If you want to get a used luxury BMW, then you should always consider it a luxury model even while used. This means that repairing these vehicles will still cost you quite the sum.
That said, BMW engines are quite reliable as well. Not all however will be good engines. It is important that you know what to look for.
1. N52 Inline-6
One of the engines that we’ve become familiar with in this post is the N52. Sure the engine didn’t feature a turbocharger but it didn’t come with the same problem as you would get in the N54 engine. For instance, it wasn’t affected by the rod bearing problem.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you are searching for a 3 series BMW with the N52 engine, ensure it comes after 2009. This is because there was a new cylinder head that fixed some 2015 BMW 328i problems with the N52 namely issues with the hydraulic lifters.
2. N54 Inline-6
Another reliable engine that you may want to go for is the M54. This one is available with the E46 BMW from the 2000 model year to the 2006 model year. It was also available in the Z3 and Z4 roadsters.
One of the main things that the M54 engine was known for was its durability. The engine continued to be reliable even after the car had done thousands of miles. That said the M54 engine also came with VANOS. This means that it was also prone to degraded seals and solenoids.
3. M44
There was also the M44 engine that was available in the BMW Z3 models from 1996 to 1999. This engine was also available in the E36 318it. This one was also known to be a highly durable and reliable engine with few faults.
The faults were also easy to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are BMWs Reliable
Many different rating sites and experts clearly show that BMWs are reliable cars. Ratings by Consumer Reports on different models of BMWs are above average. The most reliable BMWs are the BMW i electric models and the X6.
How Long Do BMW Last
Under careful driving and good service and maintenance, BMWs could last well over 200,000 miles. There have been car owners who have reported their BMWs going above the 250,000-mile mark. There are also outliers that could go beyond this.
Are BMW Good Cars
Yes, BMWs are good cars. They get much higher ratings than other luxury brands such as Acura, Mercedes, and Porsche. BMW also gets above-average scores on reliability.
