[Theycallmemrr]

I am looking really hard at a used 2017-2020ish 540i. I have a 2015.5Volvo S60 w/ the twin charged motor which has not been very reliable. Changed evaporator, motor mount, cooling hoses and thermostat, fuel pressure sensor, rings and pistons all before 75k miles. I am looking for my next vehicle that I would like to keep to 150K+ miles. Lexus is always recommended but when I drove the ES350 it was soul less and did not feel premium. I also drove an E300 but high maintenance costs, low reliability and not as nice as the BMW.

• What are some things to look out for when shopping one?
  
• How is the long reliability of these? I get very reliable and unreliable from my research.
  
• Are there any years to absolutely avoid?
  
• Do you need a special adapter/program to maintain it? My Volvo needs a USB adapter and program (VIDA) to scan the computer.
  
• My Volvo would need about $500-1K a year to keep everything in tip top shape. Is this also the case for the 540?
  

Many thanks for your input.

[G30 B58]

Have you driven one?

[ppointer]

I have a '22 540i that I picked up in June. Very happy with it. I own several other BMW's that are quite a bit older. Tough to answer your questions about the B58 since I have not had one for a year yet. I current own at least one S54, N52, N54, and N55. All have been pretty good to me.

I plan to own the G30 for at least a dozen years and perhaps much longer. Based on my experience with the three turbo cars I own, I am just not worried about the B58 for the long haul.

I own both the Carly and Bimmercode apps. The current Carly app does very little for the '22 G30, and I do all of my G30 coding through the Bimmercode app. Do you "need" the app? The things I wanted to code were important to me. I can scan for error codes, but ultimately I am going to take to the dealer if it needs major repairs.

On a side note, I put quite a few miles on dad's ES350. Certainly a nice car, but definitely not one I would buy for myself.

[Mosaud1998]

I'd try to get a CPO one. That way at least you're backed up by some kind of warranty for a little bit. Unless, you can get a crazy good deal on a used one with low miles.

1.What are some things to look out for when shopping one?
The usual stuff you'd look out for on a used car.
2. How is the long reliability of these? I get very reliable and unreliable from my research.
From my research, the B58 is pretty reliable. Some say it's up there with the N52 in terms of reliability. There are some coolant leak issues though. But, that is usually BMW crap. Possibly when you're closer to 100k~ miles the VCG might start to leak along with MAYBE OFHG and MAYBE OPG.
3. Are there any years to absolutely avoid?
Probably the ones that were produced during covid. Those models will be missing features such as the kick-up truck etc.
4..Do you need a special adapter/program to maintain it? My Volvo needs a USB adapter and program (VIDA) to scan the computer.
ISTA/bimmer-code
5.My Volvo would need about $500-1K a year to keep everything in tip top shape. Is this also the case for the 540?
I've owned my 540 for almost a year. I don't drive much (maybe 4k miles a year). So far 0 issues. I'll be taking the car in next week for an "end of warranty" inspection. We'll see what the dealership finds if anything.

At the end, you really can't beat Lexus in terms of reliability. But, you only live ones. Get a BMW and learn to work on it

[AP]

One issue that has been seen here ( and affected myself) are coolant leaks
In my case it was the reservoirs, a very small leak so you don’t expect to see puddles under the car.
With a torch you may be able to see residue in the engine compartment

[Theycallmemrr]

Originally Posted by G30 B58

Have you driven one?

Yes I have. It was scary how much power that it has. Loved very moment, subdued when I was cruising driving like the 530 and a beast when I stepped on it.

[Theycallmemrr]

Originally Posted by ppointer

I have a '22 540i that I picked up in June. Very happy with it. I own several other BMW's that are quite a bit older. Tough to answer your questions about the B58 since I have not had one for a year yet. I current own at least one S54, N52, N54, and N55. All have been pretty good to me.

I plan to own the G30 for at least a dozen years and perhaps much longer. Based on my experience with the three turbo cars I own, I am just not worried about the B58 for the long haul.

I own both the Carly and Bimmercode apps. The current Carly app does very little for the '22 G30, and I do all of my G30 coding through the Bimmercode app. Do you "need" the app? The things I wanted to code were important to me. I can scan for error codes, but ultimately I am going to take to the dealer if it needs major repairs.

On a side note, I put quite a few miles on dad's ES350. Certainly a nice car, but definitely not one I would buy for myself.

I would like to scan error codes and be able to change the oil and do the maintenance myself if I decide to. On my Volvo it has electronically actuated rear brakes that needs VIDA to retract them for service.

What are your complaints on the ES350?

[Theycallmemrr]

Originally Posted by AP

One issue that has been seen here ( and affected myself) are coolant leaks
In my case it was the reservoirs, a very small leak so you don’t expect to see puddles under the car.
With a torch you may be able to see residue in the engine compartment

I plan to get an extended warranty or at least a CPO. I will make sure to get that fixed if I get one. Another issue I saw was the active radiator vents and crushed oil filter which seems to be have been rectified with a redesign of the oil filter.

[BMW012]

there is a thread here which has tally of issues by year. hopefully it doesnt scare you away.

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by Theycallmemrr

I would like to scan error codes and be able to change the oil and do the maintenance myself if I decide to. On my Volvo it has electronically actuated rear brakes that needs VIDA to retract them for service.

What are your complaints on the ES350?

Ah, you'll be able to scan the codes with Bimmercode. No problems there. I believe there is similar functionality you describe for the parking brake, but I haven't had a need to try it.

I cannot really complain about the ES350. It just isn't what I would call a fun, sporty sedan. The car doesn't engage me like my BMWs. It certainly was competent, with plenty of power and good brakes, and it was quiet. It rode well once we got rid of the run flats. Perfect for my dad.

[Theycallmemrr]

Originally Posted by BMW012

there is a thread here which has tally of issues by year. hopefully it doesnt scare you away.

Do you happen to have a link or title of the thread?

[overcooked]

I have a 2018 XC90 T6 Inscription with 58K miles that I bought new, it had 1 CEL every 10K in the first 30K miles and have since been trouble free.
I've only had 1000 miles with my new to me CPO 2021 540i and so far it's reliable, very smooth and fuel efficient. I feel like it's better built than the Volvo as it has more solid feeling.
You can reuse your Volvo's enet cable for the BMW, coding and scanning wise, BMW has way more choices than Volvo (well Volvo only has one option, which is VIDA, and every time you use it you have to pay for 3 day subscription).
I also have a W212 facelift E350, definitely nowhere as nice as 540i, but it's pretty reliable with that NA V6, with blizzak ws90, it's my winter beater. She just had an oil change and transmission flush today, drives pretty smooth and rides well.

Overall I think you will be happy with G30, it's an incredible car that I am planning to keep long term. It does everything very well.

[spiderman1982]

The 540 will be expensive to maintain and repair unless you do the work yourself. If the car has over 50k on it, then an extended warranty would be advised. The 540 is a bit slow on acceleration. I don't understand why this car isn't being produced with 400 hp. However, you can tune the car, but your extended warranty won't pay if the tune can be linked to the needed repair.

[BMW012]

Originally Posted by Theycallmemrr

Do you happen to have a link or title of the thread?

here you go!

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...issues+by+year

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by ppointer

Ah, you'll be able to scan the codes with Bimmercode....

BimmerCODE doesn't read codes; BimmerLINK does.

[ppointer]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

BimmerCODE doesn't read codes; BimmerLINK does.

Interesting. I read codes with it off our G30. At least I thought I did. Could I be mistaken?

[Theycallmemrr]

Originally Posted by spiderman1982

The 540 will be expensive to maintain and repair unless you do the work yourself. If the car has over 50k on it, then an extended warranty would be advised. The 540 is a bit slow on acceleration. I don't understand why this car isn't being produced with 400 hp. However, you can tune the car, but your extended warranty won't pay if the tune can be linked to the needed repair.

I am comfortable wrenching especially for routine maintenance. The cars I am looking at have ~30k on the clock.

I was not disappointed in the acceleration of the car and plan to keep it stock. The only thing I would possibly change might be an intake but even then probably won't.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by ppointer

Interesting. I read codes with it off our G30. At least I thought I did. Could I be mistaken?

I meant engine codes. Bimmerlink is the diagnostic app.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Theycallmemrr

I am comfortable wrenching especially for routine maintenance. The cars I am looking at have ~30k on the clock.

I was not disappointed in the acceleration of the car and plan to keep it stock. The only thing I would possibly change might be an intake but even then probably won't.

Short sample period but I bought a 2018 about 14 months ago with about 30k miles on it. It’s been great - the issues I had repaired were still under warranty and you can find them in the aforementioned thread. The only significant repair was the A/C. Not engine or powertrain related but would’ve been pricey out of warranty. The engine and transmission are silky smooth. It’s a joy to drive. I’ve never had a sedan, much less BMW, with a V8. So I’m looking to have that before they’re extinct. Otherwise, I could drive the 540 for a decade. If I could afford to have two cars, I’d probably keep it.