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moderate Owners of the 2020 BMW M340i have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the engine at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 M340i (this page) | 31 |
| 2021 M340i | 6 |
Of the 31 engine complaints filed for the 2020 BMW M340i, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a "Remote Engine Start."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗In hot ambient conditions, if the engine was running for a prolonged time while the vehicle is stationary, a jolt may be experienced while lightly accelerating.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32 F (0 C) or lower. The noise goes away as the vehicle/driveline reaches operating temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗There is a howling or whistling noise from under the vehicle at 30 -37 mph (50 -60 km/h) when driving after a cold start, when the outside temperature is 32F (0C) or lower.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The 2020 BMW M340i equipped with the B58TU engine has a critical oil pump defect. The pump contains an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring that fractures from repeated heat and cold cycling, causing sudden loss of oil pressure. Owners cannot rely on electronic oil level readings—the display typically fails to read above 18–21%—and the vehicle has no physical dipstick as backup.
Failures begin as early as 5,000 miles and escalate without clear warning. Owners report the engine stalls during highway driving or fails to start after cold starts. When the pump fails, symptoms include thick white exhaust smoke, loud engine noise, and metal debris visible inside the engine. One owner's engine developed a sizable hole in the block.
The fix is expensive: $2,500–$8,000 to replace the pump, which requires extensive disassembly. BMW switched to an all-metal pump design in 2021 model year vehicles but has not issued a full recall for 2019–2020 models. One owner's vehicle failed again after NHTSA Campaign 24V576000 recall service. BMW reportedly removed the plastic part number from dealer systems, making it unclear which vehicles still have the defective pump installed.
The B58TU engine's variable-displacement oil pump contains an internal thermoplastic adjusting ring or component that fractures due to repeated thermal cycling (heating and cooling). This failure causes sudden loss or erratic regulation of engine oil pressure, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage from oil starvation.
When: Cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures; failures reported as early as 5,000–20,000 miles, with some occurring at 28,162, 46,500, 55,000, 59,015, and 82,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of electronic oil level reading (fails to display above 18–21%); Abnormal oil pressure behavior (erratic or unstable readings); Sudden low oil pressure warnings; Thick white smoke from exhaust pipes; Abnormal ticking or loud banging sounds from engine; Engine hesitation or failure to start; Engine stall during highway driving or acceleration; Metal debris visible after pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pump replacement costs range $2,500–$8,000 depending on labor and whether engine damage has occurred. Replacement part uses metal internals instead of thermoplastic. Repairs require extensive engine disassembly.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling) was issued; however, at least one owner reported the recall repair failed and the failure reoccurred. BMW updated the design to metal components in 2021 and newer model years but has not issued a blanket recall for 2019–2020 vehicles. BMW reportedly removed the plastic part number from dealer networks and VIN-based parts information.
The electronic oil level measurement system in the instrument cluster fails to display oil level accurately. The sensor stops reading above a certain threshold (typically 18–21%), preventing owners from gauging actual oil quantity. This often precedes or accompanies oil pump failure.
When: Reported across various mileages; one case at approximately 46,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic oil level display frozen at 18–21% and will not increase; Unable to measure oil electronically with no physical dipstick as backup; Measurement failure prior to or concurrent with oil pump fracture
Repairs/costs cited: Typically resolved by replacement of the oil pump assembly, though some owners report uncertainty whether oil pump replacement alone solves the issue. Repair cost $2,500–$6,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue is tied to oil pump failure; some report BMW NA directed them to remove and inspect the oil pump.
When oil pump failure results in sustained loss of oil pressure, insufficient lubrication of critical engine components (cam plate, bearing surfaces) causes rapid mechanical wear and engine seizure. One owner reported a sizable hole in the engine block and visible metal damage to the cam plate and oil pump area.
When: Can occur suddenly during or shortly after vehicle operation once oil pump has failed; one case noted at 59,015 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sizable hole in engine block; Metal debris visible inside engine; Loss of engine propulsion without warning; Metal filings or shavings found upon inspection; Potential for engine to seize if pump failure is not immediately halted
Repairs/costs cited: Catastrophic damage may render engine unrepairable; costs for engine replacement not detailed in narratives. One owner reported metal falling out of engine with visible damage to cam plate.
Owners report sudden warning messages indicating low oil pressure and urgent shutdown commands appearing while driving. In severe cases, the engine stalls without prior illuminated warning lights, creating an immediate hazard in traffic conditions.
When: Reported during highway driving and acceleration; no specific mileages provided for this failure mode alone
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden 'low oil pressure' warning message; Drivetrain malfunction warning light; Engine stall during highway driving or acceleration; No illuminated warning lights prior to stall in some cases; Vehicle loss of power steering assist following engine loss; Inability to restart or multiple failed start attempts
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed a thick white smoke coming out of the exhaust pipes. In addition, the contact stated that there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine while idling. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be…
Unable to read oil measurements Above 18% many 2020’s have a had a oil pump replacement
Oil level won’t read. Can cause engine issues. Car has no dipstick to check for oil
The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that while merging onto the highway and accelerating, there was an abnormally loud banging sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast forward. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact removed the panels, and there was metal falling out. The contact stated that there was a sizable hole…
Oil doesn’t read correctly Might be issue with oil pump
I am reporting a premature oil pump failure on my 2020 BMW M340i xDrive with 42 thousand miles. The vehicle has been well maintained and has not experienced any oil pressure warning lights. However, the electronic engine oil level measurement repeatedly fails to complete once the engine is fully warmed up. I have also received stored BMW fault code 21B2C7 relating to engine oil pressure…
Component Involved:Engine Mechanical / Variable-Displacement Engine Oil Pump (Part #11418635032 / Updated #11419895359) Description of Safety Hazard / Defect:The early-generation B58TU engine features a variable-displacement oil pump equipped with an internal thermoplastic (plastic) adjusting ring. Due to continuous thermal cycling and mechanical stress, this plastic ring is prone to cracking and…
Safety Hazard: Oil Pump Failure Leading to Sudden Engine Stall (BMW B58TU engines) Description of Defect: The oil pump module in the 2020 BMW M340i (G20) and many other models between 2019-2020 contains internal plastic components that are prone to thermal degradation and premature failure. These plastic parts can crack or disintegrate, causing a sudden loss of oil pressure. BMW corrected this…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 31 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Based on the 31 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 54,044 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.