Premium sports coupe/convertible powered by BMW's excellent B58 engine - widely regarded as one of BMW's most reliable modern powerplants. Popular with enthusiasts for performance tuning potential and the silky ZF 8-speed automatic. Main concerns center on the PCV valve (BMW extended warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles), coolant system leaks, valve cover gasket aging, and steering rack knocking on early F-chassis models. The xDrive transfer case has known issues with clutch system defects. Overall a solid performer if maintained properly with shortened oil change intervals (5,000-7,000 miles recommended despite BMW's 10,000-mile interval).
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve is one of the B58's known weak points. BMW's own service bulletin states the rubber diaphragm can fail, causing insufficient oil separation. Symptoms include blue/white exhaust smoke, shuddering, reduced power, and a high-frequency whistling noise at idle. On early B58 engines the PCV can be replaced separately (€200-400 parts + labor), but on B58TU1 engines (2019+) the diaphragm is integrated into the valve cover requiring full valve cover replacement (€850-1,200). BMW extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles on 2017-2020 F32/F33 440i models - check if your car qualifies before paying.
Valve cover gasket oil leak€850 - €1,350
Rubber gasket degrades from heat cycles, typically fails 60,000-100,000 miles · more· less
Like all modern turbo BMW engines, the B58 valve cover gasket is rubber and degrades over time from heat cycling. Expect replacement around 100,000-160,000 km. Symptoms include burning oil smell, oil-soaked spark plugs, visible leakage around the gasket, and oil pooling on top of the engine. If left unaddressed, oil can drip onto coolant hoses causing them to soften and eventually burst. The gasket itself is inexpensive (€50-100), but labor is 3-4.5 hours due to removing injectors. Dealership quotes run €1,000-1,350; independent BMW specialists charge €850-1,000.
Coolant leaks (expansion tank, water pump)€600 - €1,250
Plastic expansion tank cracks, electric water pump fails prematurely · more· less
B58 owners frequently report coolant loss even at low mileage. Common culprits include cracked plastic expansion tanks, failed coolant tank caps/seals, and premature electric water pump failure. In a 2016 Bimmerpost poll, 63% of 228 B58 owners reported coolant consumption or leaks. The electric water pump typically fails between 110,000-160,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. Water pump replacement costs €1,100-1,250 (parts €400-500, labor 6+ hours). Expansion tank replacement is cheaper at €600-800. Always inspect the entire cooling system when addressing coolant issues.
Steering rack knocking/clunking€130 - €3,000
Electric power steering rack develops play, causes knocking over bumps · more· less
Very common issue on F-chassis BMWs (F30/F32/F33) built 2012-2014, though later models can also develop this. Excessive play between internal gear components causes knocking sounds when turning or driving over uneven surfaces. Most noticeable when reversing on full lock or hitting speed bumps at an angle. DIY adjustment fix: locate the adjuster bolt on top of the rack (driver's side) and turn 1/4 turn clockwise, test drive, repeat if needed. BMW repair kit costs €130. Professional adjustment at specialist shops runs €50-70. If adjustment doesn't work, full rack replacement costs €2,500-3,000 at dealers.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€400 - €1,000
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, needs walnut blasting every 50,000-60,000 miles · more· less
This isn't a "failure" but rather an inevitable maintenance item on all direct injection engines including the B58. Carbon deposits accumulate on intake valves reducing airflow, causing rough idle, sluggish throttle response, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. Walnut shell media blasting is the proper cleaning method. Independent specialists charge €400-725 (includes intake manifold gaskets). Dealers charge €900-1,000+. Service interval: every 80,000-95,000 km for stock cars, every 50,000-65,000 km for tuned/modified engines. This is preventive maintenance - not doing it will progressively worsen performance.
ZF 8-speed transmission fluid service€350 - €600
BMW says "lifetime fill" but ZF engineers recommend service every 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
Despite BMW marketing these as "lifetime fill," ZF themselves (the manufacturer) recommends fluid service every 50,000-75,000 miles (80,000-120,000 km). Per FCP Euro's conversation with ZF engineers: "transmissions are tested to 100,000 miles with an acceptable rate of failure on original fill - that's BMW's definition of lifetime." Neglecting this service leads to harsh/delayed shifting especially when cold, and premature mechatronics/torque converter failure. Service costs €350-600 at independent shops. This is essential preventive maintenance to avoid €3,000-5,000 transmission repairs later.
Oil filter housing gasket leak€400 - €1,000
Gasket ages and becomes brittle, allows oil seepage from housing · more· less
Super common oil leak on most BMW 4 and 6-cylinder engines. Heat and age cause the gasket to become brittle and lose sealing ability. If only the gasket and oil cooler seal need replacement, cost is around €150-200. More involved repairs requiring removal of various components run €500-1,000 depending on labor rates. Book time is 1-3 hours. The gasket itself costs €20-140 for DIY. This leak is almost inevitable on high-mileage B58s, but it's straightforward to fix at an independent shop.
Internal seals/diaphragm wear, fuel contamination accelerates failure · more· less
The B58's high-pressure fuel pump is less problematic than older BMW engines (N54/N55), but failures still occur. Symptoms include metallic ticking/knocking from engine, misfires under load, poor cold start performance, and fault codes P0087 (fuel pressure too low) or P0191. Symptoms worsen dramatically under heavy acceleration. Causes include normal wear (high-precision component under extreme pressure) and fuel contamination - especially water in fuel from ethanol exposure. Parts cost €600-1,500 for genuine BMW, €400-1,000 OEM equivalent. Labor adds €700-1,000 (1.5-4 hours). Total dealer cost €1,300-2,500+. Use quality fuel and avoid running tank too low.
Turbo wastegate rattle€100 - €4,850
Wastegate actuator develops play, causes rattling at idle and light throttle · more· less
The B58's twin-scroll turbocharger is generally reliable, but wastegate rattle can develop on older/high-mileage engines (160,000+ km). This is caused by excessive play in the wastegate mechanism. Some owners report minor rattle that doesn't affect performance - this can often be ignored. If boost loss or oil seal leaks occur, turbo replacement is needed (€4,600-4,850 at dealers, €3,800+ OEM turbo parts alone). Heat and oil quality are critical to turbo longevity. Follow 5,000-7,000 mile oil change intervals and always let turbo cool before shutdown (no hard driving then immediate engine off).
Charge pipe failure (plastic OEM)€150 - €500
OEM plastic charge pipe cracks/breaks even at stock boost levels · more· less
The OEM charge pipe connecting the turbo to throttle body is plastic and prone to cracking/breaking, especially on tuned cars but also on completely stock examples. When it fails you'll experience immediate loss of boost pressure and limp mode. Aftermarket aluminum charge pipe upgrades (VRSF, ARM Motorsports, BMS) cost €150-350 and are significantly more durable with lifetime warranties. They also increase throttle response and decrease turbo lag. This is a highly recommended upgrade for any 440i, especially before tuning. Installing aluminum charge pipe prevents being stranded roadside from OEM plastic failure.
Transfer case failure (xDrive models only)€7,000 - €13,000
Clutch system defect causes jerking/shuddering, catastrophically expensive to replace · more· less
xDrive 440i models can suffer transfer case failures due to defective clutch systems that improperly transmit torque between front/rear wheels. Symptoms include jerking or shuddering during cornering or acceleration from low speeds, especially with low-medium throttle loads. BMW SIB 27-02-20 acknowledges this issue. Contributing factors include uneven tire wear, non-BMW Star tires, wheel spacers, and lowering, but failures occur even without these. Transfer case fluid change costs €250-1,300, but replacement is €7,000-13,000. A class action lawsuit alleges BMW marketed fluid as "lifetime fill" but didn't include service intervals. RWD 440i models don't have this issue.
Suspension control arm bushings€270 - €1,225
Front bushings wear causing squeaking, knocking, alignment issues · more· less
BMW F-chassis models have failure-prone front thrust/control arm bushings. As rubber bushings age they harden and shrink, allowing excess play. Symptoms include squeaking over bumps, knocking sounds (metal-to-metal contact), uneven tire wear, and vehicle pulling to one side. Worn bushings place stress on other suspension components reducing their service life. Replacement typically needed approaching 160,000 km. Bushing-only replacement costs €270-430. Full control arm replacement (BMW often recommends replacing arms when changing bushings) costs €960-1,225. OEM Lemforder parts run €40-80 per corner; performance polyurethane upgrades cost €175-275.
Parasitic battery drain€100 - €1,200
Faulty modules prevent proper sleep mode, battery dies overnight · more· less
F32/F33 electrical complexity can lead to parasitic draw issues. Normal draw should be 30-50 mA after the car enters sleep mode (16 minutes after shutdown). Common culprits include faulty Harman head unit, comfort access door modules, trunk lights, and aftermarket accessories. One symptom is battery dying overnight or within hours. Diagnosis requires BMW ISTA software and is time-consuming. Some owners resolve it by disconnecting the head unit. Proper diagnosis costs €100-200. Repairs vary widely: simple fixes (unplugging accessories) cost nothing; module replacement (door handles, head unit) costs €350-800; alternator replacement €350+ parts/labor. Always test charging system first.
iDrive screen issues (no signal, freezing)€0 - €1,500
Software glitches cause "no signal" message, screen freezing, or blackout · more· less
F-chassis BMWs (F30/F32/F33) commonly experience iDrive screen issues including "NO SIGNAL" in red text, complete blackouts, freezing, or color distortion. Usually caused by software bugs in iDrive rather than hardware failure. First solution: reset by pressing and holding the iDrive volume knob for 30 seconds while car is running. This doesn't erase settings. If that doesn't work, try turning car off, open/close driver door, leave for 10+ minutes, restart. Many issues resolve themselves. Software updates from dealer can help (€100-200). If APIX cable between head unit and display is faulty, repair costs €200-400. Head unit replacement is last resort at €800-1,500.
Good engine reliability, but high maintenance expectations
The B58 engine is one of BMW's best modern powerplants - significantly more reliable than the N54/N55 it replaced. However, this is still a complex German performance car with premium maintenance requirements. Budget for preventive maintenance (transmission fluid, walnut blasting, oil changes every 5,000-7,000 miles). The PCV valve has a 15-year/150,000-mile extended warranty on 2017-2020 models. xDrive transfer case is the biggest financial risk. Overall: solid choice if you're prepared for BMW ownership costs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes - should be every 5,000-7,000 miles despite BMW 10,000-mile recommendation.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. xDrive models require all four tires within 3/32" tread difference to prevent transfer case damage.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for white/blue smoke from exhaust (PCV failure).
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Convertibles: test roof operation multiple times.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds, hard acceleration, and highway driving to get transmission up to temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for PCV valve symptoms
Listen for high-pitched whistling at idle. Check for blue/white exhaust smoke. Ask if PCV has been replaced under BMW's extended warranty (2017-2020 models covered to 15 years/150,000 miles).
Inspect for oil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing)
Look for oil residue around valve cover edges and oil filter housing. Smell for burning oil. Check engine bay for oil-soaked areas.
Check coolant level and for leaks
Coolant should be at proper level when cold. Look for stains under expansion tank and around water pump. Check coolant reservoir for oil contamination.
Test steering rack for knocking
With ignition off, move steering wheel side to side - listen for knocking. Drive over speed bumps at angle and reverse on full lock - any clunking indicates rack issue.
Verify transmission fluid has been serviced
Ask for documentation of ZF 8-speed fluid service. If car has 80,000+ km and no service, budget €350-600 immediately.
xDrive models: test for transfer case issues
Drive at low speeds with light throttle. Accelerate gently while turning. Any jerking, shuddering, or vibration indicates potential transfer case problem.
Check for carbon buildup symptoms
Does engine idle smoothly? Is throttle response crisp? Any hesitation suggests carbon buildup. Ask if walnut blasting service has been done.
Test iDrive system thoroughly
Verify screen works properly, no "NO SIGNAL" message, all features function (navigation, Bluetooth, backup camera, climate controls).
Scan for fault codes with BMW-specific scanner
Generic OBD2 won't read all BMW systems. Need ISTA or equivalent to check all modules for stored faults.
Inspect charge pipe (if visible)
If engine cover is removed, check plastic charge pipe for cracks. Ask if upgraded to aluminum aftermarket pipe.
Check suspension bushings
Listen for squeaking over bumps. Check for play in front control arms. Inspect bushings visually for cracking/deterioration.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EVAP system purge valve (2017-2019 B58 models)Check with dealer
PCV valve extended warranty (2017-2020 F32/F33 B58M)15 years / 150,000 miles
Transfer case jerking/shuddering (xDrive) - SIB 27-02-20Technical bulletin
Contact BMW dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Most importantly, check PCV valve extended warranty eligibility - can save you €850-1,200 if valve cover needs replacement. Transfer case SIB is not a recall but documents known issue with xDrive models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (4 years / 50,000 miles)Expired on all 2016-2019 models
PCV valve extended coverage (2017-2020 B58M only)15 years / 150,000 miles
BMW Ultimate Protection (extended warranty)Available - Platinum or Powertrain
All 2016-2019 440i models are outside factory warranty. Extended warranty through BMW (Ultimate Protection Program) available with Platinum (comprehensive) or Powertrain (drivetrain only) coverage. Typical cost €2,000-3,500/year depending on coverage level and mileage. Third-party warranties also available. Note: extended warranties typically have €50 deductible per service visit and may not cover all issues (like oil leaks on some policies).
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.