N55 Problems

[Brandon26pdx]

Originally Posted by CMSS2000

I take it you have DCT and meant you were in manual mode. Did you open the door by any chance or was it possibly not closed all the way?

I like to open my door when backing up sometimes to get a better idea how close I am and the first time I did this in my DCT it started going backwards and then suddenly jammed into park. It was so abrupt I thought I hit something. I don't remember it shutting off though.

I think BMW needs to address this. Since when did cars start parking themselves when you open the door? This is the first vehicle I've owned that ever did this.

Oh Jesus. This is why I tend to avoid the fancy transmissions in favor a standard manual

[FDfranklin]

I have the annoying clicking problem on my car, it runs fine though.. need to find time to take it in and have it looked at

[SinCalgary]

Originally Posted by CMSS2000

I take it you have DCT and meant you were in manual mode. Did you open the door by any chance or was it possibly not closed all the way?

I like to open my door when backing up sometimes to get a better idea how close I am and the first time I did this in my DCT it started going backwards and then suddenly jammed into park. It was so abrupt I thought I hit something. I don't remember it shutting off though.

I think BMW needs to address this. Since when did cars start parking themselves when you open the door? This is the first vehicle I've owned that ever did this.

First time this happened to me my door was not quite closed and I was trying to pull into the garage to park it. I couldn't figure out what was wrong until about the 5th try, thought the car was broken! Don't know why they let you shift into D or R with a door open if they aren't going to let the car move that way.

[CMSS2000]

Originally Posted by Brandon26pdx

Oh Jesus. This is why I tend to avoid the fancy transmissions in favor a standard manual

Oh, it has it's quirks and will never exactly replicate what you can do with a manual, but on the other hand if there's a reason you can't use a clutch or just don't want to all the time, it is a fantastic alternative.

Programming should be able to fix the "open door" quirk and I recommend BMW do it or at least make it over-rideable at the dealership or through a menu.

I just got over break in and was not really using the sport button very much even in sport mode and I was a little disappointed how slow it responds when starting off, but since I've been using the sport button I've noticed it is not only quicker to engage from a stop, but also the shifts are very very fast and maybe even a little too fast when going slow with sport mode and sport button engaged. I was switching lanes the other day at a slow pace and it shifted to second and I thought somebody bumped into me

Anyway, after living with the DCT for 1500 miles, I drove a 328i with regular auto/manumatic and was really disappointed. It was just as slow to engage from a standstill and it was whiny and not as smooth shifting or enjoyable as the DCT.

The DCT isn't perfect and won't replace a manual for some people and it does take away some driver involvement , but it is really a nice alternate choice with the different modes and fast, smooth shifting with matched revs on downshifts, and is certainly better than a regular automatic. It is nice to be able to blast the radio and let it shift for you, but when you want to play, it is ready and is very responsive and enjoyable.

If you like a manual and want maximum driver involvement and don't mind working a clutch "all the time", get a manual for sure.

But if you've ever wished you could have a manual sometimes and an automatic at other times, and you still like to be involved in the action and hear the revs and shifts (especially the matched revs on downshifts) that only comes from a real 7-speed transmission, then DCT is for you.

Even though there are times when I would still like to do my "own" shifting, there are many times when I don't. If I had to do it all over, I would not hesitate to get the DCT again.

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by 3onDubs

good thread....this has never been done before

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395610

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by CMSS2000

I take it you have DCT and meant you were in manual mode. Did you open the door by any chance or was it possibly not closed all the way?

I like to open my door when backing up sometimes to get a better idea how close I am and the first time I did this in my DCT it started going backwards and then suddenly jammed into park. It was so abrupt I thought I hit something. I don't remember it shutting off though.

I think BMW needs to address this. Since when did cars start parking themselves when you open the door? This is the first vehicle I've owned that ever did this.

Sounds like a dangerous habit. On the flip side, I don't like this auto park feature myself.

[schmeah]

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3onDubs
good thread....this has never been done before

Originally Posted by JB135MDCT

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=395610

Ummm ... ever heard of sarcasm?

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by schmeah

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3onDubs
good thread....this has never been done before

Ummm ... ever heard of sarcasm?

Ummm ... ?

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by maxnix

I don't either, but it does prevent a lot of bonehead moves.

Now if BMW could just understand the benefit of a tilting driver's side mirror like I have on my 16 year old Infiniti Q45!

So, I wonder and fear that driving at speed and accidentally hitting the P(ark) button will immediately lock up the transmission and destroy it. Anyone know?

No. The switch only works below a certain speed, like when switching between D & N in a low speed coast.

[MikesBMW]

Bumping this old thread to see if 4-5yrs later there are any N55 issues to watch out for

[Cavpilot2k]

A week ago just before I turned in my 2012 lease (43k miles), the heater fan started making a noise - like it was out of balanvce or something. I didn't bother having it checked because I was turning it in. It was a minor issue though - only one I've had in 43k miles - and would be covered under warranty.

But that car (2012 Blk/blk Msport 6MT Prem) has been replaced with a new and improved car:

A 2012 BSM/blk Msport 6MT Prem with only 23k miles plus nav and other goodies my lease didn't have. Traded "up" because there's not another car out there I'd rather have.

[Silenus]

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

[MikesBMW]

Originally Posted by Silenus

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

Yikes, sounds like some potential pricey issues. I've got 13k miles on my 2012, but only 1yr of warranty left. Hope I don't face many problems in the 30-70k mileage range.

[Solo_M_Tech]

25k miles on mine with mods: 0 issues. Couldn't be happier!

[JB135MDCT]

Originally Posted by Silenus

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

Thanks for the info. Are you a mechanic?

[Noel911]

39k miles on mine. It's had a number of issues.

16,398 Replaced the High Pressure Fuel Pump
18,854 replace two fuel injectors, valvtronic actuator and DME unit
30,408 replaced the radio and rear parking brake assembly because of dragging
31,632 replaced the transmission clutch assembly (defective pressure plate)
32,964 replaced left window motor and eccentric shaft
37,000 replaced manual tranny (couldn't get it into reverse)
38,000 replace valvtronic motor and eccentric shaft (again)

All above replaced under warranty/CPO.

[Worra]

Originally Posted by Silenus

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

This is the kind of post that is awesome to see.


9000 miles on my N55. Only complaint is I don't like the wastegate rattle after startup and at low speed. Dealer told me its "within tolerance".

[ejm3]

32k miles on my 2012 N55 and knock on wood no problems other than very minor stuff covered by warranty.

1) The plastic power seat controller broke off.

2) The seatbelt of the driver's side was rubbing against the side of the seat and marking it up pretty badly. They tried to do some cosmetic stuff but it didin't really work. Then maybe a year later I notice a seam in the seat was separating. They replaced all the leather and it resolved both issues.

[davis449]

Originally Posted by Silenus

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

This is pretty much what I've been told to expect as far as the N55's "common problems" (very close friend of mine owns a shop that works on a lot of BMW's, etc.). The only exception is spun bearings, he hasn't seen any of that (which backs up your claim of something you wouldn't worry about).

Sheared VANOS bolts are really only a problem if you don't go and get the recall done. Since they are a recall, no real expense on the consumer there.

Bought mine last year with ~27K (now at ~35K) and no real issues outside of the DCT software update I had done (that one I would add to the list of issues, though not directly related to the "N55", per se). Overall, I would say a hell of a lot more reliable than the N54.

[turbowolfe]

Originally Posted by Silenus

N55 oil filter housing gasket leaks are really common after 40k miles (standard BMW stuff). Seem to see more rear main seal and oil pan gaskets with the 55. I've seen them spin bearings at low mileage very frequently compared to the N51/2/4 (but this isn't something I'd be concerned about). DCT transmission mechantronic sealing sleeves are leaking around 30-40k miles.

Had a 135i in with 48k miles that sheared its VANOS bolts and blew the engine (timing off). The valves at 48k had definite carbon buildup, but I'd say they'd make it to 100k without needing a cleaning.

So at 40K miles, with a 2011 n55, I have replaced much of what you listed:
- Rear main seal
- Oil filter housing gasket
- Vanos recall

* All under warranty.

Other than that she's been solid. Plan on keeping the e82 as long as possible!

[fcman]

Bought mine at 29k, now at 43k miles. Had a water pump a couple months ago, other than that no issues to report. I drive it hard.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by fcman

Bought mine at 29k, now at 43k miles. Had a water pump a couple months ago, other than that no issues to report. I drive it hard.

I know I could look it up, but I'm tired. What are signs of impending water pump failure? Unusually high temps?