[SomeRandomer123]

UPDATED UPDATE:New problem! In addition to the list, I have just noticed my 2 front left parking sensors are not working. Good job it's in for service tomorrow!!

UPDATE:Car booked in for service 24th and 25th so they can keep it for 2 days due to the work that needs to be done. Will get a 520i M Sport loaner so that's nicer than a 114i!! That means I can have my car back for Silverstone at the end of the month
So far, I've been one of the fortunate ones who have not had any real issues (worth mentioning), but they've recently all built up with the addition of a few others. In comparison to RobUK's 2012 328i Luxury, my problems aren't really comparable, but probably worth mentioning now.
I'm at 25,000mls with 1500mls indicated to go until first service.

1) Coolant Level Low. Had 2 iDrive alerts recently, so came to check the coolant level today and indeed it was low - actually below the top of the minimum triangle. I have attached pictures below to illustrate. I also took a picture of the coolant temperature just for your information.
I have added a little water to just bring it slightly above the minimum level but didn't add any more because I didn't want to dilute the solution.
Any ideas why?

2) Recently, when warm, the engine has not idled completely smoothy and has been somewhat uneven. This is intermittent but is becoming slightly more frequent. I couldn't show service the issue - it just wouldn't do it!. What
could be causing this?

3) Knocking sound from front right suspension over bumps. Again, what could be the cause?

4) Squeaky Folding Mirrors

5) Interior fan noisy at higher speeds

6) Auto wipers are a bit shit, but always had this on BMW's.

7) Seat bases are only showing just slight rust patches but it's quite minimal so I'm not concerned, plus it's not visible.

Thoughts and diagnosis please!

[Alkidrew]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

So far, I've been one of the fortunate ones who have not had any real issues (worth mentioning), but they've recently all built up with the addition of a few others. In comparison to RobUK's 2012 328i Luxury, my problems aren't really comparable, but probably worth mentioning now.
I'm at 25,000mls with 1500mls indicated to go until first service.

1) Coolant Level Low. Had 2 iDrive alerts recently, so came to check the coolant level today and indeed it was low - actually below the top of the minimum triangle. I have attached pictures below to illustrate. I also took a picture of the coolant temperature just for your information.
I have added a little water to just bring it slightly above the minimum level but didn't add any more because I didn't want to dilute the solution.
Any ideas why?

2) Recently, when warm, the engine has not idled completely smoothy and has been somewhat uneven. This is intermittent but is becoming slightly more frequent. I couldn't show service the issue - it just wouldn't do it!. What
could be causing this?

3) Knocking sound from front right suspension over bumps. Again, what could be the cause?

4) Squeaky Folding Mirrors

5) Interior fan noisy at higher speeds

6) Auto wipers are a bit shit, but always had this on BMW's.

7) Seat bases are only showing just slight rust patches but it's quite minimal so I'm not concerned, plus it's not visible.

Thoughts and diagnosis please!

I'm no expert but here's what I'd do....

1 top it up
2,5,6 ask the service centre to look into it
3 lots of comments on this suggesting it needs a new steering rack. Complain and make a tech come out with you. Mention this is a known problem etc
4 wd40
7 again, known common problem. Get them to sort it

Get a loan car from them while they sort it all out

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

I'm no expert but here's what I'd do....

1 top it up
2,5,6 ask the service centre to look into it
3 lots of comments on this suggesting it needs a new steering rack. Complain and make a tech come out with you. Mention this is a known problem etc
4 wd40
7 again, known common problem. Get them to sort it

Get a loan car from them while they sort it all out

Am I okay to top the coolant up with just water? The blue solution is just anti-freeze isn't it?

[Alkidrew]

A little water is fine to get you home if your worried but you should just buy some antifreeze from a garage and mix as it says on the label. A 10 sec job.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by Alkidrew

A little water is fine to get you home if your worried but you should just buy some antifreeze from a garage and mix as it says on the label. A 10 sec job.

Yeah anti-freeze won't be a problem for now - cracking the flags ain't it!

I'll get some distilled water and top it off - service can do whatever they need then in 1500mls (which for me is 2 weeks or so depending on when the car makes the call).

[pete18]

Think I would ensure the correct type of antifreeze.
Pete

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by pete18

Think I would ensure the correct type of antifreeze.
Pete

Good call. I'm gonna leave the antifreeze for now and just get it some distilled water. Service in 2-3 weeks so they can sort it then.

[RichardM]

A number of these are known issues. For the auto wipers apparently a software update helps.

How do you get that temperature display up?

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by RichardM

A number of these are known issues. For the auto wipers apparently a software update helps.

How do you get that temperature display up?

Ah is that right? That's good then! Hopefully that will help. I assume that's part of the "Quality and Enhancement" update.

Yeah it's good that isn't it! Right here

[RobUK]

Sorry to hear you've started to have a few issues, hopefully your dealer will be on the ball and get things sorted pronto. As far as the things you've listed, my two pence worth...

1) I haven't had any coolant alerts, but then I'm on about half the miles you are. I'll check my level today and report back, but I'd guess topping up with BMW antifreeze is safest. Could be that your system was slightly low to start with and that natural evaporation/seepage has made it reach the MIN mark ahead of your first service when they'd normally top it up anyway?

2) Once or twice the car has idled a bit roughly but the problem went away and hasn't been an issue.

3) I have that exact same problem, on certain bumps/depressions in the road there is a distinct knock from the from o/side suspension. Not sure if it's steering rack or suspension top mounts but seems to be a known issue. Dealer is going to be taking a look at mine on it's next visit. Problem is it's intermittent so half the battle is convincing them it's there!

4) I've had the squeaky folding mirrors, but I did a DIY fix by thoroughly cleaning them, including blasting the area with an air gun then taking some dental floss too it, then lubing with a touch of teflon spray. Haven't squeaked since thankfully.

5) Mmm, fan seems a bit noisier than I'd expect at most speeds but I just put it down as one of those things. Would be interested to hear if your dealer has a view.

6) Most of the time my auto wipers seem ok. Sometime they seem a bit dozy but a quick off/on seems to wake them up.

7) Yep, mee too only I've got a lot of rust, even if it is hidden. Going to get the dealer to fix, only concern is that if removing/refitting the front seats I'll end up with rattles & squeaks. Thankfully my car is near silent, doesn't rattle or squeak at all which is good cos that sort of thing drive me nuts.

Best of luck and hope you mange to get all the issues sorted. Despite the problems I've had with mine I still think the F30 328i is a great (and somewhat underrated) motor

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

Am I okay to top the coolant up with just water? The blue solution is just anti-freeze isn't it?

Take it in, there is a problem, these cars do NOT use coolant!!. Do not top it up just get them to look at it.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Sorry to hear you've started to have a few issues, hopefully your dealer will be on the ball and get things sorted pronto. As far as the things you've listed, my two pence worth...

1) I haven't had any coolant alerts, but then I'm on about half the miles you are. I'll check my level today and report back, but I'd guess topping up with BMW antifreeze is safest. Could be that your system was slightly low to start with and that natural evaporation/seepage has made it reach the MIN mark ahead of your first service when they'd normally top it up anyway?

2) Once or twice the car has idled a bit roughly but the problem went away and hasn't been an issue.

3) I have that exact same problem, on certain bumps/depressions in the road there is a distinct knock from the from o/side suspension. Not sure if it's steering rack or suspension top mounts but seems to be a known issue. Dealer is going to be taking a look at mine on it's next visit. Problem is it's intermittent so half the battle is convincing them it's there!

4) I've had the squeaky folding mirrors, but I did a DIY fix by thoroughly cleaning them, including blasting the area with an air gun then taking some dental floss too it, then lubing with a touch of teflon spray. Haven't squeaked since thankfully.

5) Mmm, fan seems a bit noisier than I'd expect at most speeds but I just put it down as one of those things. Would be interested to hear if your dealer has a view.

6) Most of the time my auto wipers seem ok. Sometime they seem a bit dozy but a quick off/on seems to wake them up.

7) Yep, mee too only I've got a lot of rust, even if it is hidden. Going to get the dealer to fix, only concern is that if removing/refitting the front seats I'll end up with rattles & squeaks. Thankfully my car is near silent, doesn't rattle or squeak at all which is good cos that sort of thing drive me nuts.

Best of luck and hope you mange to get all the issues sorted. Despite the problems I've had with mine I still think the F30 328i is a great (and somewhat underrated) motor

Cheers for that! And yeah, it's a cracking engine and car combination!!

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Take it in, there is a problem, these cars do NOT use coolant!!. Do not top it up just get them to look at it.

I've just added a little water to bring it slightly above the minimum mark so will let service sort it in 2-3 weeks.

[JOHNBMWM5]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

I've just added a little water to bring it slightly above the minimum mark so will let service sort it in 2-3 weeks.

Ok keep an eye on it.

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by johnbmw6

Ok keep an eye on it.

Okay cheers, will do!

[RichardM]

Originally Posted by SomeRandomer123

Ah is that right? That's good then! Hopefully that will help. I assume that's part of the "Quality and Enhancement" update.

Yeah it's good that isn't it! Right here

Thanks! I remember doing that in my e60 now to adjust the mpg to be more accurate. I'll have a play.

[RobUK]

Regards your noisy fan, just spotted this...

WhatCar? Our cars: BMW 3 Series farewell

"Sadly, that wasn't the only dealer visit. I noticed that the air-con and heater blower was getting noisy and after mentioning it on whatcar.com several of you emailed saying you'd had a similar problem and needed a new control unit. That was, indeed, the issue and it was painlessly replaced under warranty by Coopers of Thames Ditton. "

So, looks like a known problem with a warranty fix

[SomeRandomer123]

Originally Posted by RobUK

Regards your noisy fan, just spotted this...

WhatCar? Our cars: BMW 3 Series farewell

"Sadly, that wasn't the only dealer visit. I noticed that the air-con and heater blower was getting noisy and after mentioning it on whatcar.com several of you emailed saying you'd had a similar problem and needed a new control unit. That was, indeed, the issue and it was painlessly replaced under warranty by Coopers of Thames Ditton. "

So, looks like a known problem with a warranty fix

Ah cheers for that! Hopefully a nice easy fix then

[SomeRandomer123]

Car booked in for service 24th and 25th so they can keep it for 2 days due to the work that needs to be done. Will get a 520i M Sport loaner so that's nicer than a 114i!!

[SomeRandomer123]

New problem! In addition to the list, I have just noticed my 2 front left parking sensors are not working. Good job it's in for service tomorrow!!