Welcome to Tech Talk, where our resident BMW tech Nick Owen answers all your pressing BMW technical questions, frustrations, and issues. Have a question for Nick? Email him at techtalk@roundel.org. Let’s get into it.
540i Reliability
Now looking at the 540i; it seems some are hybrid and some are not. Is it better to avoid the hybrid for long-term ownership?
Best Regards,
Scott M. Cunningham
Tough to say, I cannot predict long term. They’ve only been out a few years and they’re not hitting the independent shops in droves yet.
Personally, I think the 540 (G30) is a fantastic spec. Hybrid or not they’re my favorite go-to sedan. Hybrid is for some, may not be for all. I’m not sure how to advise you since you haven’t had one before.
If you wanted: rent one on Turo for a day and see how you like it?
Keep in mind some BMWs are “mild hybrids” in which they have a 48v system that helps get the car going up to maybe 2-3 mph? It’s basically a fancy torque converter that helps the car move from a dead stop to reduce emissions.
M240i Transmission Whine
I recently acquired a 2018 M240i xDrive with 41,000 miles, automatic transmission. It was a one-owner car well serviced by BMW Louisville. I’ve noticed a whining sound from the transmission especially when I push the engine above 4000 RPMs. It seems that BMW doesn’t necessarily recommend a transmission fluid change, but ZF does at 50,000 miles or eight years. Do you think a fluid change might address this, or could it be something else?
Mason Collins
St. Louis, MO
It’s best to have the issue confirmed before proceeding with a transmission fluid change. It’s very possible there is something else in the drivetrain causing the noise so flushing the transmission would be guessing at best.
Service History Lookup
Hi Nick,
I’m looking at a 2012 650i with 85,000 miles on it. How can I check the service history?
Best Regards,
Scott M. Cunningham
Carfax will get you something if the services were reported through some kind of customer management system at a shop. But in my opinion, they’re vague and don’t give much of a description of what exactly was performed.
A dealership may show you the DCS records but technically you’re not allowed to take them if they’re not yours. There’s private and personal information on the prior service history and new owners are not really entitled to it. You would need to ask a service advisor at your local BMW dealership to possibly get this information.
