2014 BMW M235I: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 5 owner complaints on record; most reports concern power train.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2025
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 5 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Due to the poorly designed oiling system in the n55 engine. When the car is subjected to high g forces from things such as track driving or spirited driving. The oil sloshes in in the pan and the oil pick up doesn't get any oil. Therefore the engine oil starves and my case produces rod knock. Which basically means the engine is destroyed. I was driving my car on track when this happened. The car had fresh oil and was filled to the max. Got a drivetrain warning, cooled the car down. Wouldn't restart unless a jump box was used to get enough cranking power. Once restarted the engine had devolped a rod knock.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“When car is parked, driver side door occasionally will not unlock when pulling on door handle. The lock on the door will come up, but will not stay and returns to locked position. When this happens, door can only be unlocked by using the door lock/unlock button or unlock button on key.”Owner report · Structure · Jun 2018
“While parked I was moving the driver seat back all the way back and then tried to move it forward again and it would not move. It was stuck in the position. The seat would not respond and after several attempts and restarting the car it finally responded. After this the airbag sensor light came on and said 'driver restraint system malfunction'”Owner report · Seats · Mar 2018
Show 1 more owner reports
“As I was merging on to the expressway (trying to get to 70mph) the car suddenly went into limp mode and a warning flashed up saying "drivetrain malfunction: drive moderately". I have attached a picture. After which I was restricted to 50mph and around 1700rpm. Car was sluggish and slow and was dangerous considering I was on an expressway.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2017
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2014 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Check your exact M235I by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2014 BMW M235I reliable?
NHTSA has 5 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2014 BMW M235I. The most complained-about area is power train.
Does the 2014 BMW M235I have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.