Bmw M235i problems
The first generation of the coupé and convertible range of the BMW 2 Series subcompact executive car consists of the BMW 2 Series (F22) for the coupé version and BMW 2 Series (F23) for the convertible version. The F22/F23 was in production from November 2013 through 2021 and is often collectively referred to as the F22.
The F22 was released as the successor to the E82 1 Series coupé and E88 1 Series convertible. It is currently produced in Leipzig, previously alongside the F20 1 Series hatchback range.
The high-performance F87 M2 model was produced in the coupe body style. It is powered by the BMW N55 and BMW S55 turbocharged inline-six engines.
The United States was the most popular market for the 2 Series, accounting for one-third of all sales, followed by Germany and Great Britain.
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Bmw M235i model years
Common Bmw M235i problems
The BMW M235i has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the engine, indicators, horn, and transmission.
One of the most common problems reported with the M235i is related to the N55 engine. The valve cover and its gasket often develop oil leaks as they age, with the gasket starting to leak first. The rubber oil pan gasket is also prone to leaks. Signs of an oil leak can include engine smoke, engine overheating, and dark puddles under the engine. The repair cost depends on the leak's extent and location, but the average cost of a car fluid leak repair when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar is £67.16.
Another common problem reported with the M235i is indicator problems. M2s are known for sometimes developing indicator problems, with the rear right indicator malfunctioning and resulting in an intermittent warning message. Other symptoms may include the turn signal blinking rapidly, turning light bulbs not working at the front or rear, and the turn signal indicator coming on and staying on. Several things, such as a bad turn signal switch, bulb, flasher relay or wire, can cause faulty indicators.
The horn of the M235i has also been reported to fail to make any noise when pressed. A bad relay, blown fuse, broken clockspring, faulty horn or broken wire may cause this problem. These potential issues fall under the category of an electrical repair, which, on average, costs £65.51 when booked through WhoCanFixMyCar.
The dual-clutch transmission (DCT) unit of the M235i has been reported to be strong but not the most reliable, especially since it's considerably more complex than most standard transmissions. Common DCT issues include shaking/shuddering, transmission overheating, and hesitation/delayed shifting. Some driving habits are known to decrease the life of this kind of transmission, such as putting the vehicle in neutral while idling at traffic lights, which isn't necessary. The average quote for transmission repairs on WhoCanFixMyCar is £367.52.
Water pump failure is also a common problem in the M235i. This component is responsible for circulating coolant around the engine and radiator; if it breaks or malfunctions in any way, this is an urgent issue that needs repairing. Look out for the following symptoms of a failing water pump: coolant leaks, the engine overheating, and the temperature gauge rising.
It is important to note that while these problems are common, not all M235i owners will experience them. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent some of these issues, and it is always recommended to address any problems as soon as they arise to prevent further damage.
Are M235is reliable?
This M235i offers all of that and then some. The affordability is outstanding as well as the reliability.
Will M235i hold value?
BMW M235i Gran Coupe - 48.0 Percent Retained Value
The 301-hp M235i is projected to retain 48.0 percent of its initial value after five years of ownership. Still, though, there are better options than this frumpy little oddball.
Is the BMW M235i fast?
Top speed is still 155mph.
Is the M235i faster than the M2?
The BMW M2 also received an upgraded cooling and oil sump system. All of this adds the extra power to the M2 engine, making it more than just the M235i engine with some added turbo boost. All of this allows the BMW M2 to get from 0-60 a couple of tenths of a second faster than the M235i.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw M235i years
We have researched Bmw problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw M235i cars and compiled the top 4 most problematic Bmw M235i model years:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw M235i model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw M235i years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Bmw M235i car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Bmw M235i , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Power train problems
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Air bags problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Bmw M235i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw M235i . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Bmw M235i vehicles.
List of Bmw M235i complaints
Bmw M235i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- Date Complaint: 2024-06-13
- VIN: WBA1J9C53FV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The seat belt failed due to a short. I am not sure if my safety was really at risk but the car said it was. There was warning on startup on the large display in the middle of the car and a constant warning in the gauge cluster. The fault has been confirmed at the dealership. The seat belt was inspected at the dealership and they are suggesting a replacement for $662.74. The warning did not cause any drivability issues.
Bmw M235i 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2022-12-15
- Date Complaint: 2022-12-17
- VIN: WBA13AL0XN7
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: According to the dealer, a transmission sensor underneath the gear shifter got wet due to a liquid spill from the cupholders. While driving on the highway returning from scheduled dealer maintenance on the car, the informations screen showed a warning that there was a drive train malfunction and that the car would not be drivable after the current drive ended. The cupholders were not in use at this time so the spill must have occurred earlier, the fault apparently did not occur at the same time as the spill. I was able to drive to a safe place where I turned off the car. When I turned on the car, it would not shift into drive mode. If the car had shut down for any reason I could have been stranded in an unsafe place unable to move the car again. The car was towed to the dealer who reproduced the problem that the car would not shift into drive mode, and diagnosed the liquid intrusion. The dealer has shared a video recording showing the liquid intrusion. The area with the liquid intrusion contains a number of wires and other components in addition to the failed sensor. A liquid spill from a cupholder should never cause the car the become inoperable.
Bmw M235i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-09
- Date Complaint: 2022-02-28
- VIN: Wba1j9c50fv
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: I purchased 4 new Pirelli P zero tires a year and half ago since then I’ve replaced 5 tires where the sidewalls have blown out in that year and half time frame. I’ve only kept two of the tires and I’m not sure if the other tire has a different DOT # but it is the same brand and size. I gave the dot from the most recent tire. Pirelli has a road hazard warranty but will not honor it and swears their is no recall on p zero tires but it states on their website that size r19 have a recall. Mine are size 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-zeros. The last picture is of another tire about to blow out its sidewalk.
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-13
- Date Complaint: 2022-01-19
- VIN: WBA1M5C5XGV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Our M235I has a transmission leak "thru the wall of the case" (i.e. THROUGH THE METAL CASE) as determined by a local BMW Dealer. They are not able to provide any Technical Service Bulletins or etc. from BMW for this "leaky case" issue. But they are saying this is a KNOWN problem with the transmission cases. They are advising a new transmission for $10K. Only alternative is to install used transmission and take old electronic valve module out of existing trans and place into used transmission and hope for the best. Loss of transmission fluid could cause unit to malfunction or fail!!!
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-09-24
- Date Complaint: 2021-10-28
- VIN: WBA1M5C50GV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BMW 2 series cars from about 2015-2018 have faulty wiring and brake light assemblies. BMW has admitted this design flaw in the harness and light - they extended the warranty for one year. As you know, brake light failures represent a real risk. It is unreasonable for BMW to charge $900 per light to fix a safety issue caused by a design flaw that they have admitted. THE CONSUMER STATED THE PASSENGER TAIL LIGHT HAS FAILED, ALSO.
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-08-03
- Date Complaint: 2021-08-17
- VIN: WBA1J7C52GV
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Rear brake light failure due to faulty wiring. Identical to the details located in this article (https://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/01/bmw-recalling-241-000-3-series-models-over-faulty-tail-lights/) for which the NHTSA had issued a recall for older BMW models in the past. This issue is common and wide-spread amongst bmw models produced between 2014 - mid 2016. After which BMW modified the wiring harness for the brake lights to fix the electrical shorting failures. This failure renders the entire housing inoperable - Brake light, turn signal and reverse lamp. Summary: OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING. Consequence: INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. I have attached a BMW TSB (SI_B63_05_17) which outlines that BMW was aware of this issue as early as October 2017 but did not issue a voluntary recall for an issue that warranted a recall in the past. My brake light housing failed as a result of the faulty ground wire 8 months after the extended warranty on these parts lapsed resulting in an estimated $1140 in repairs for a critical safety component for which I cannot operate the vehicle safely without. The vehicle is currently with a BMW dealership for inspection and repair. Warning messages appeared after the component had completely failed while driving. Incident occurred in early August 2021.
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-05
- Date Complaint: 2021-03-25
- VIN: WBA1J7C5XGV
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT IS SLOW TO RETRACT AND KEEPS GETTING TWISTED WHEN RETRACTING. YOU HAVE TO CAREFULLY HELP FEED THE BELT INTO THE B PILLAR FOR IT NOT TO DO THAT. IF NOT, IT WILL ALMOST GET JAMMED IN THE B PILLAR AND GET STUCK AND BECOMES NON-FUNCTIONAL. IT TAKES A LOT OF STRENGTH AND EFFORT TO PULL TO PULL IT BACK OUT. VERY UNSAFE BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO BE ALWAYS AWARE OF THIS DEFECT WHILE DRIVING. SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO UNFASTEN OUR BELTS WHILE DRIVING TO REACH OR ADJUST SOMETHING. AND IT USUALLY GETS JAMMED AND STUCK IN THE B PILLAR AND BECOMES NON-FUNCTIONAL. OWNED AND DRIVEN SEVERAL CARS. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE WITH ANY OTHER CAR. NEVER WITH THIS REGULARITY.
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2020-11-13
- VIN: WBA1J7C53GV
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 BMW M235I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE THE ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL TANK HAD CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGED FUEL TANK WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 28,000. *LN *AS
Bmw M235i 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2020-09-29
- Date Complaint: 2020-10-02
- VIN: WBA1J7C50EV
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DUE TO THE POORLY DESIGNED OILING SYSTEM IN THE N55 ENGINE. WHEN THE CAR IS SUBJECTED TO HIGH G FORCES FROM THINGS SUCH AS TRACK DRIVING OR SPIRITED DRIVING. THE OIL SLOSHES IN IN THE PAN AND THE OIL PICK UP DOESN'T GET ANY OIL. THEREFORE THE ENGINE OIL STARVES AND MY CASE PRODUCES ROD KNOCK. WHICH BASICALLY MEANS THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON TRACK WHEN THIS HAPPENED. THE CAR HAD FRESH OIL AND WAS FILLED TO THE MAX. GOT A DRIVETRAIN WARNING, COOLED THE CAR DOWN. WOULDN'T RESTART UNLESS A JUMP BOX WAS USED TO GET ENOUGH CRANKING POWER. ONCE RESTARTED THE ENGINE HAD DEVOLPED A ROD KNOCK.
Bmw M235i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-10
- Date Complaint: 2019-10-10
- VIN: WBA1J7C58FV
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, WINDOWS UP, SUNSCREEN CLOSED, AND SUNSCREEN SHADE CLOSED AS WELL. I HEAR WHAT CAN ONLY BE DESCRIBED AS A SHOTGUN BLAST ABOVE MY HEAD AND THEN PIECES OF GLASS BOUNCING OFF THE TOP OF MY CAR. THE EXPLOSION WAS EXTREMELY LOUD, OBVIOUSLY STARTLING, AND CAUSED ME TO SWERVE MY CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WAS NOT PASSING UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WERE NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME EITHER. I SLOW DOWN AND LOOKED UP THROUGH THE VENTS IN THE SUNSCREEN SHADE AND I NOTICED A GAPING HOLE IN THE GLASS OF MY SUNSCREEN. THERE WAS A CAR BEHIND ME WITH A MAN AND A WOMAN IN THE FRONT SEATS WHO PULLED UP ALONGSIDE ME WITH THEIR WINDOWS DOWN. I ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW AS WELL AND WE BOTH SLOWED TO A SPEED WHERE WE COULD HEAR EACH OTHER. I ASKED WHAT HAPPENED AND THE WOMAN SAID IT JUST EXPLODED OUTWARDS MAKING HAND GESTURES OF AN EXPLOSION. I ASKED IF THEY SAW ANYTHING HIT MY ROOF AND THEY SAID NO. I GOT OFF THE INTERSTATE AND PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE DAMAGE AND SURE ENOUGH THE REMAINING GLASS AROUND THE HOLE WAS DRAMATICALLY BOWED OUTWARDS AWAY FROM THE CAR. NO FOREIGN OBJECT WAS FOUND COLLECTED IN THE SUNSCREEN SHADE BESIDES GLASS FROM THE EXPLOSION.
Bmw M235i 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2019-02-01
- Date Complaint: 2019-02-10
- VIN: WBA1J9C52GV
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: IN LATE FEBRUARY 1, 2019, THE SUNROOF ON MY 2016 BMW M235I XDRIVE EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. I WAS NOT GOING UNDERNEATH ANY OVERPASS, AND NOTHING HIT THE GLASS. THE EXPLOSION WAS UNPROVOKED. THE SUNSHADE WAS NOT CLOSED, AND THE GLASS FELL ALL OVER ME, LARGE AND SMALL SHARDS. I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65MPH IN HEAVY MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, AND PIECES OF GLASS FLEW OFF THE CAR AND LIKELY HIT OTHER CARS. IT WAS VERY ALARMING AND SCARY. I WAS ABOUT 5 MILES FROM A BMW DEALER AND DROVE RIGHT TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CAR IS STILL SITTING WAITING TO BE FIXED. BMW IS REPLACING THE GLASS AND SUNROOF ASSEMBLY UNDER WARRANTY. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND WITH THE GLASS FALLING ALL OVER ME COULD HAVE RESULTED IN INJURY TO ME, OR SOMEONE ELSE IF THERE WERE OTHERS IN THE CAR, OR OTHER SURROUNDING VEHICLES WITH THE EXPLODED GLASS FLYING EVERYWHERE.
Bmw M235i 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-17
- Date Complaint: 2018-06-18
- VIN: WBA1J7C55EV
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: WHEN CAR IS PARKED, DRIVER SIDE DOOR OCCASIONALLY WILL NOT UNLOCK WHEN PULLING ON DOOR HANDLE. THE LOCK ON THE DOOR WILL COME UP, BUT WILL NOT STAY AND RETURNS TO LOCKED POSITION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, DOOR CAN ONLY BE UNLOCKED BY USING THE DOOR LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON OR UNLOCK BUTTON ON KEY.
Bmw M235i 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-15
- Date Complaint: 2018-03-18
- VIN: WBA1J7C57EV
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEATS
- Summary: WHILE PARKED I WAS MOVING THE DRIVER SEAT BACK ALL THE WAY BACK AND THEN TRIED TO MOVE IT FORWARD AGAIN AND IT WOULD NOT MOVE. IT WAS STUCK IN THE POSITION. THE SEAT WOULD NOT RESPOND AND AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS AND RESTARTING THE CAR IT FINALLY RESPONDED. AFTER THIS THE AIRBAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND SAID 'DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION'
Bmw M235i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-08
- Date Complaint: 2017-08-17
- VIN: WBA1M1C58FV
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: JUST RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE MAY APPLY TO ME
Bmw M235i 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2017-03-01
- Date Complaint: 2017-03-02
- VIN: WBA1J7C55FV
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: AS I WAS MERGING ON TO THE EXPRESSWAY (TRYING TO GET TO 70MPH) THE CAR SUDDENLY WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND A WARNING FLASHED UP SAYING "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION: DRIVE MODERATELY". I HAVE ATTACHED A PICTURE. AFTER WHICH I WAS RESTRICTED TO 50MPH AND AROUND 1700RPM. CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND SLOW AND WAS DANGEROUS CONSIDERING I WAS ON AN EXPRESSWAY.
Recalls Bmw M235i
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the Bmw M235i.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw M235i 2014
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-24
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD:INFLATOR
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed the end of October 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw M235i 2015
- Report Received Date: 2024-04-24
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:HEAD:INFLATOR
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed June 20, 2024. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed the end of October 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Model: Bmw M235i 2014
- Report Received Date: 2015-03-31
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Are you having problems with your Bmw M235i?
