[WildWest]

I'm strongly considering buying a low mileage 2016 M235i.

What is the code name for this 3 liter 6 cylinder engine and what are the known problems with this engine series and this model year car?

Is the timing chain located toward the front of the car?

Thanks for the help Folks!

[wichitagreg]

N55 and I have heard that it is very reliable.

Biggest problem I have is deciding if I want to drive my M235 or my Harley.

[p912guy]

The N55 is a very mature engine and 2016 was the last year for it in the 2 Series. I am not aware of any "known issues" with it. I believe timing chain and Vanos access is in the front. We have several experts who can discuss the N55 vs B58 on this forum and if you do a search you'll find several threads.

[wt888]

The N54 engines before this N55 engine generation were well known for being unreliable in multiple areas. The N55 fixed most of the issues but I plan on doing the water pump before 100k miles. It's a BMW thing.

I also considered getting a BMW M3 before I picked up a M235i. The M3 had more customization and better options, but I want a compact car and it felt like a boat compared to the M235i, despite being only a little heavier. They use a S55 engine which is based off the N55 engine we have. There are a few M3/M4 which have spun their crankshaft sprocket because the bolt holding it down loosens, which messes with the timing chain, which is bad news. It appears modified cars, cars that were money shifted, or the DCT autos are more susceptible, but stock cars have had it happen too, even with newer end of production cars.

I haven't heard of this happening to any M235i, even modified ones. Maybe it's the lower stock power, but this is pure speculation. The newer M240i uses the B58 engine which moved the timing gear and chain to the rear of the engine, which probably fixed this issue. This is the same basic engine that's being used in the Supra but the cars are too new to know long term problems, but I suspect they did this to stop the spun crank hub gears.

[siwo]

Owned my M235i since July 2016. I've got only 30,000 km (18,600 miles) and I am the original owner, factory ordered w/3 month wait for delivery. My M235i was one of the last N55 builds (June 15th production) and I have no major issues with it.

So far the only few minor things I have come across are as follows:
1. The exhaust "fixing bow" which is like a pin that connects the actuator and the actual flap has snapped.
2. The front driver side wheel will throw a false low tire pressure error (CDN model with tire sensor via ABS and not TPMS) only during a snowy day. I guess the tire slip is throwing the sensor off and returning the message indicating it's low as it measures rotation.
3. Harmon Kardon system in car, occasionally the amp would kick itself out and would provide no sound from the subwoofer. Only way around it is to shut the car off (when at destination) and leave it off for about 15 minutes and then next startup would be normal.
4. NAV system set as split screen would occasionally reset to the fully zoomed out mode. I'd have to re-zoom it back in to my preference now and then.

[koston]

Similar to siwo for me. Purchased new in 2016 and have low milage (12k miles).

Issues:
1. Minor infortainment issue after purchase. Dealer updated the software and no issues since.
2. Exhaust fixing bow rattle. This is likely due to the new aftermarket exhaust I had installed recently. It only rattles once a month, at certain ambient temperatures, so I haven't bothered changing the $8 part.

Let me know if you want the N55 service manual the BMW techs use. IIRC it has labour times for most maintenance items and engine diagrams etc.

Based on previous experience, once a BMW hits 6-7 years things start getting expensive so I think we are good till 2022/3.

Also see this ranking: https://www.jdpower.com/cars/ratings...s-convertibles

[dretchswatter]

I recently got a 2016 m235i and so far it's been a blast! Only 30k miles on it, and a manual so hopefully I'm in luck with maintenance.

Can you send me that service manual? I haven't been able to find anything online for doing your own maintenance or cost estimates. I do have a local Euro shop that has fantastic ratings so hopefully they can help me out if things go wrong.

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by dretchswatter

Can you send me that service manual?

https://www.bimmerpost.com/goodiesfo...BIMMERPOST.pdf