BMW Knowledge Base

Technical articles, diagnostic guides and deep dives into problem BMW components.

951 articles in the base · updated regularly

All Cooling System 22 OBD-II Diagnostics 34 Transmission 16 Buying Guide 60 Engine Mechanical 377 Car Overview 327 Maintenance 47 Suspension 1 Electrical System 24

Model:

All 3-er G20 3-er F30 5-er G30 5-er F10 5-er E60 X3 G01 X3 F25 X4 G02 X5 G05 X5 F15 7-er G11/G12

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BMW E90 (2004-2013): The Complete Buyer’s Guide to Versions, Engines, and Problem Areas

A complete guide to buying and maintaining the BMW E90 (2004-2013): gasoline and diesel engine breakdown, common problems, a buyer's checklist, and where the real repair money goes.

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BMW X3 F25: The Complete Guide to Buying, Ownership, and Common Problems

The complete guide to the BMW X3 F25: generation overview, common problems, maintenance advice, and a buyer's checklist. What to know about timing chains, diesel versions, and trim levels.

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BMW M3 F80: The Complete Guide to Reliability, Maintenance, and Buying the Legendary Sedan

A complete guide to the BMW M3 F80: key technical details, common problems, maintenance intervals, and a pre-purchase checklist. Find out how to extend the life of the legendary sedan and avoid expensive mistakes.

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BMW 4 Series (G22/G23/G26) 2020–2025: The Complete Guide to Ownership, Problems, and Maintenance

A complete guide to the 2020–2025 BMW 4 Series (G22/G23/G26): model overview, common suspension and electronics problems, the maintenance schedule, a buyer's checklist, and tips for a longer service life.

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The Complete Guide to Common BMW Problems: From Shimmy to Navigation

A complete guide to common BMW problems, from highway shimmy to navigation faults. Causes and fixes for the cooling system, engine, electrical, and electronics—plus prevention tips to extend the life of your BMW.

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BMW X3 (F26, G02): Complete Owner’s Guide, Common Problems, and Maintenance

Complete guide to the BMW X3 (F26, G02): generation overview, common problems of the B48, N20, N55, and B58 gasoline engines and the B47, N47, and B57 diesels, transmission and xDrive maintenance, a used-car buyer's checklist, and tips on saving money at the shop.

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BMW X6 E71 (2008–2014): The Complete Buyer’s and Owner’s Guide

A complete guide to the BMW X6 E71 (2008–2014): interior and electrical weak spots, a gasoline vs. diesel engine comparison, transmission and suspension longevity, the service schedule, and a used-car buying checklist.

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BMW iX3 (G08): Hidden Problems, Recalls, and Real-World Owner Experience

The BMW iX3 (G08) is BMW's first electric crossover, based on the X3. This article uncovers its hidden problems: winter range loss, Vitesco valve failures, battery defects, and recall campaigns. Includes maintenance advice and a checklist for buying a used one.

Car Overview Overview

BMW 3 Series G20/G21 (2019–Present): Generation Overview

The BMW G20 is the seventh generation of the 3 Series and has been on the market since spring 2019; the Touring (G21) followed in fall 2019. With the G20, BMW moved entirely to the modular B47/B48/B57/B58 engine family. The line is technically more mature than the F30 predecessor, but new topics come to the fore.

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The Complete BMW E36 Reliability Guide: Weak Spots and Prevention

The complete BMW E36 reliability guide: weak spots in the cooling system, engine, suspension, and electronics. Prevention tips and a buyer's checklist.