At Prestige and Performance, we specialise in the repair and maintenance of BMW vehicles — and through years of hands-on experience, we’ve become familiar with a wide range of recurring faults. From oil leaks to electrical issues, here are some of the most common problems we address across the BMW range.
1. Oil Leaks (Valve Cover & Oil Filter Housing)
Oil leaks are a well-known issue in many BMW engines, particularly around the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing. These can lead to low oil levels and long-term engine damage if left unresolved.
Common in:
BMW 3 Series (E90–E93), 5 Series (E60), X5 (E70), X6 (E71)
2. iDrive System Malfunctions
BMW’s iDrive infotainment system is sophisticated but can sometimes suffer from freezing, blank screens, or complete failure.
Reported in:
BMW 5 Series (E60, F10, G30), 3 Series (F30, G20), 7 Series (E65, F01), X5 (E70), X6 (E71)
3. Battery Drain & Electrical System Faults
Unexplained battery discharge is often linked to faulty modules, keyless entry systems, or software issues.
Seen in:
BMW 3 Series (E90, F30), 4 Series (F32–F36), 5 Series (E60, F10), X5 (E70), X6 (E71)
4. Ignition Coil Failure
Faulty ignition coils are a frequent cause of engine misfires, poor performance, and check engine lights. Sometimes these issues are mistaken for transmission problems.
Common in:
BMW 3 Series (E90, F30), 4 Series (F32–F36), 5 Series (E60), X5 (E70), X6 (E71)
5. Transmission Issues
Problems such as harsh shifting, delayed gear engagement, SMG pump failure, or fluid leaks can affect driving comfort and gearbox lifespan.
Most frequently seen in:
BMW 3 Series (E90, F30, F34), 5 Series (E60, F10), X3 (F25), X5 (E70, F15), X6 (E71, F16)
6. Air Suspension Faults
BMW models fitted with air suspension may experience issues like sagging suspension, compressor failure, or electronic faults.
Typically seen in:
BMW X5 (E53, F15), X6 (E71, F16)
7. DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) Issues
Clogged DPFs can lead to power loss, poor fuel economy, or dashboard warnings if regeneration doesn’t occur as expected.
Found in:
BMW 3 Series (E90–E93), 1 Series (E81–E88), X3 (E83), X5 (E70/E71)
BMW Technicians You Can Trust
While these faults represent some of the more common issues we resolve, they’re only part of what we handle daily. At Prestige and Performance, we’re equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and extensive experience working on BMW models from all generations.
Got a fault not listed here? Contact us today — our technicians will identify the root cause and offer tailored solutions to get your BMW running at its best.
