The BMW 335d is known for its blend of performance and fuel efficiency. However, some owners have reported issues with injectors and carbon buildup. This article details one owner’s experience with these problems in their 2010 335d. Purchased in June 2010, the car was primarily used for a 160-mile round trip daily commute. A 100,000-mile extended warranty was purchased to cover potential issues due to the high mileage.
Initial Trouble-Free Period and Subsequent Issues
The first year and a half of ownership were uneventful. The car performed flawlessly and provided a comfortable driving experience. The initial 50,000-mile warranty expired without any issues.
Problems began at 57,000 miles. While accelerating onto a motorway, the engine suddenly lost power and entered limp mode. Restarting the engine cleared the immediate problem, but the check engine light (SES) remained illuminated. The dealer was unable to diagnose the root cause despite stored fault codes. Rough idling started around 67,000 miles, leading to frequent visits to the repair shop, averaging every 5,000 miles.
Repeated Injector Replacements and Other Repairs
Multiple injector replacements were necessary, with some injectors failing more than once. In addition to injector issues, the car underwent the EGR and metering valve recall and carbon cleaning. Despite these interventions, the injector failures persisted. Finally, in November, the Digital Diesel Electronics (DDE) unit was replaced. This seems to have resolved the issues, although only a few thousand miles have been driven since the replacement.
Driving Style and Fuel Considerations
The owner’s driving style is characterized by aggressive acceleration, but 90% of driving involves highway cruising at around 2,000 RPM using cruise control. Occasional spirited driving on backroads pushes the engine over 4,000 RPM, but this is infrequent. The combination of low RPM and low load driving might contribute to injector failures.
Initially, a mix of Koch and BP diesel fuel was used. After the injector problems began, the owner switched to Shell diesel. No fuel additives were used initially, following BMW’s recommendations. However, additives were introduced recently based on community feedback.
Uncertainty and Future Concerns
Despite enjoying the car, the owner expresses uncertainty about its reliability. The extended warranty covered most of the $8,000 repair costs incurred last year. However, the 100,000-mile mark and the expiration of the warranty are approaching within weeks, raising concerns about future repair expenses.
Conclusion: The 335d Injector Dilemma
This owner’s experience highlights the potential for injector problems in the BMW 335d. While the DDE replacement seems to have provided a temporary solution, the long-term reliability remains uncertain. The high cost of repairs and the approaching warranty expiration underscore the importance of understanding and addressing potential 335d Injector issues. Frequent maintenance, careful fuel selection, and potentially the use of fuel additives may help mitigate these problems.
