BMW

BWM 3-series, 5-series and 7-series are great driving, great performing cars, but they are relatively high maintenance, with the V8 powered cars being the worst of the breed. At 40-60k miles, some of the more common problems include failure and replacement of the entire cooling system, camshaft position sensor(s), and leakage of the power steering lines. At 80-100k miles, common problems include leaking camshaft cover gaskets, failure of the valley pan gasket, vacuum leaks due to leaking intake manifold gaskets, bad crankcase ventilation valves, wheel shimmy due to worn-out thrust arm bushings, and one or two bad window regulators. At 100-120k miles, you’re looking at new oxygen sensors, new catalytic converters, new struts. Other problems include the VANOS system on the 6-cylinder cars. These are just the better known, recurring or more expensive problems. Electrical problems are definitely problem areas on most late model BWM’s, this involves replacing navigation system, central computer module, anti-lock brake system, window motors, wiper motors, lock switch relays, leaking engine seals, crankshaft failure, rear differential failure and various smaller items like faulty fuel pumps and powersteering pumps, speed sensors and spark plug boots.