2020 BMW M340i Problems

VIN Decoder

Premium Report

Complaints Reported

Complaints by Component

ENGINE

22 complaints

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) 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. Increasing wear on internal engine components and even leading to irreversible engine damage. Safety Risk: A failure of the oil pump leads to insufficient lubrication of critical engine components, which can result in a sudden and complete engine seizure while the vehicle is in motion. This causes an immediate loss of propulsion and power steering assist, significantly increasing the risk of a high-speed collision or being stranded in dangerous traffic conditions. Additional Note: This is a known mechanical defect where a critical engine component (oil pump) relies on non-durable plastic materials, creating an unreasonable safety risk for drivers and passengers due to potential catastrophic engine failure without prior warning. BMW is aware of this defect as they chose to update the design in future models, switching from the brittle plastic to more metal components in the updated design. This shows clearly that this design is compromised and was a risk to continue implementing.

Apr 10, 2026

I’ve been doing research for this particular issue on the 2020 bmw m340i (B58 engine). There is a plastic housing on the oil pump that seems to completely collapse due to consistent heat cycles (starting the vehicle). As far as I know that common symptoms include not being able to read oil levels and this is what commonly shows a faulty or unreliable oil pump that could potential cause a oil leak into engine where it gets hot and cause a fire. This is extremely dangerous and only the vehicles made from 2019-2020 have this plastic part that should be recalled from factory.

Mar 27, 2026

Oil pump failure

Mar 27, 2026

Engine failed suddenly while driving on a highway. While driving at highway speed, warning lights and messages appeared indicating oil pressure is low and to turn off the engine immediately. The vehicle was towed to the shop where it was discovered that the oil pump, which was made out of plastic, had suffered a catastrophic failure. Was told if the engine continued running any longer it would have seized which could pose a very serious safety issue when at highway speeds. The vehicle had 55,000 miles at time of failure. Repairs totaled nearly $6,000 including towing and rental with a month of lost vehicle use. The failed oil pump was retained.

Mar 23, 2026

I am reporting a safety concern involving BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update (B58TU) engine, commonly found in model years 2019–2021. These vehicles utilize a variable-displacement engine oil pump containing an internal thermoplastic adjusting component responsible for regulating oil pressure. Field failures are increasingly being reported in which this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. The failure frequently occurs during cold-start operation in low ambient temperatures. When the component fails, oil pressure regulation becomes erratic or is lost entirely. In many cases, drivers receive little or no actionable warning prior to engine damage or vehicle disablement. Reported precursor symptoms include inability to electronically measure engine oil level, abnormal oil pressure behavior, or sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings. Failures may rapidly progress to engine shutdown or severe mechanical damage caused by oil starvation. Loss of lubrication can cause the vehicle to become disabled without warning while driving or shortly after startup. This creates a safety hazard, particularly when vehicles become immobilized in active traffic or during winter conditions the cold is when they fail the most, where occupants may be exposed to freezing temperatures while awaiting assistance. Replacement of the oil pump requires extensive disassembly of the vehicle and repairs commonly exceed $6,000–$8,000 for just the pump, assuming the motor is unharmed. Owners are currently unable to determine whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic oil pump design or a later revised version utilizing metal internal components, as VIN-based parts information now identifies updated components in the car even when no replacement has occurred and the old components are actually in the car. Also, BMW has actively removed the plastic part number out of all dealer networks as well.

Mar 18, 2026

+ 17 more complaints for this component

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

4 complaints

Oil pump in B58 BMW engines 2019-2022 has been a major safety concern that results in catastrophic failure while driving the vehicle. All because of BMW using a plastic component and quietly changed it, meanwhile hundreds of people had a major oil leak and engine seizures on hwy and $5k+ repairs.

Feb 28, 2026

Oil pump common issue of made out plastic cause miss interpretation of oil pressure. Developing engine issues under 50k miles

Sep 29, 2025

Hi. I’d like to point out I have not had an incident YET thankfully. However, I want to highlight that the early M340i production releases (2019 and 2020) are HIGHLY likely to experience catastrophic engine failure due to an oil pump being made of plastic on some models. Of the 20 or so complaints listed under this vehicle on NHTSA, I’ve already seen PLENTY of complaints regarding this issue and people actually experiencing this issue. I believe if a car has a fair chance of causing catastrophic damage to its engine on its own, it poses as a safety risk for anyone in or around the car. The fix is to spend $6000-$7000 to have the oil pump replaced with the new 2021 oil pump, but most normal people cannot afford that easily and are driving around with plastic pumps still hoping for the best. I don’t understand how so many complaints of the same safety issue on this website for this vehicle (and other vehicles, which have the same B58 engine) have not resulted in a recall. Hopefully this can change because a car destroying itself shouldn’t be taken lightly and I’d like to second what everyone else on here is saying about the oil pump issue.

Sep 23, 2025

Oil pump failure, causing inability to read oil level. Also flickering oil light on and off. After some research noticed it was happening to a lot of others as well due to oil pump being made with plastic internals. BMW has since updated to a new pump with metal internal the next year however never recalled old pumps.

Jul 25, 2024

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

3 complaints

The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that after an oil change was performed by an independent mechanic, there was a large amount of gray smoke coming from the exhaust pipe while accelerating from a complete stop. There was no warning light illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to various independent mechanics, and the failure was associated with the PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve cover. The contact stated that there was a recall on other model vehicles for the failure; however, neither the VIN nor the model vehicle was included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,500.

Jan 30, 2026

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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,500.

Dec 29, 2025

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 in the engine, and metal was showing from the cam plate and oil pump. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding recalls and warranty coverage but it was recommended that the contact call the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 59,015.

Sep 12, 2025

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 complaints

Oil pump on 2020 models is a constant issue. They fail after about 15k miles and BMW refuses to recognize this as a recall issue.

Apr 21, 2023

THE FRONT COLLISION SYSTEM DOES NOT WORK. EARLY WARNING RARELY COMES ON, AND IN A RECENT NEAR CRASH ON THE DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY, IT NEVER CAME ON. EVERY NOW AND THEN, THE EARLY WARNING FRONT COLLISION WARNING WILL COME ON FOR A SECOND, BUT THERE IS NO REASON FOR IT. I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP (CLASSIC BMW) AND THEY SAID IT IS OPERATING AS NORMAL ,ALTHOUGH TO PROVE IT THEY HAD TO TAILGATE CARS AT 75 MPH TO SIMPLY GET THE EARLY WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE A FEW TIMES. THEY NEVER GOT THE IMMINATE CRASH WARNING TO COME ON. THIS SYSTEM IS UNSAFE AND DOES NOT PROVIDE THE PROTECTION IT ADVERTISES. I'VE DRIVEN SEVERAL OTHER MAKES THAT HAD THIS SYSTEM, AND THE EARLY WARNING COMES ON VERY EARLY, WHEN YOU ARE BARELY NEAR THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU.

Sep 13, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE POSTED LIMIT, WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. IT SOUNDED LIKE A GUNSHOT AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. LUCKILY THE HEADLINER WAS CLOSED SO THE GLASS DID NOT ENTER THE CABIN. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF US FOR AT LEAST 1 MILE AND NO OVERPASSES OR ROCKS THAT I SAW OR HEARD HITTING THE VEHICLE. IT IS A STOCK VEHICLE WITH 5200 MILES ON IT.

Jul 16, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

2 complaints

The ignition start is not clean and delayed. There is already a recall 25V-644. There is "No remedy available" for this model per inquiry with local BMW dealer in Buffalo NY 14221 made 3 weeks ago. I am fearful of an electrical fire from overheating. I do smell an intermittent burning smell but it may in the outside environment rather than from under my hood.

Feb 15, 2026

The starter malfunctioned causing electrical damage to the motor and related components. Although there is literature that exists that this is a potential problem for this vehichle, BMW refuses to fix the problem and is asking me to pay. My warranty is expired by 4 months, but I have only 37,800 miles. The fact that there are 105K vehicles with this potential problem is evidence that this problem exists. They should be paying for what is an obvious manufacturer defect.

Dec 16, 2024

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

2 complaints

My vehicle doesn’t read the oil level since the fuel pump that BMW used to manufacture the car is made out of plastic material. There has been hundred of complaints about the same issue with the oil pump not working properly due to the fact that BMW used plastic instead of metal etc. I would like for the NHTSA to take a look at this issue and please consider making it a recall for the users that are having this “Oil Pump” issue please thank you.

May 05, 2025

Oil pump appears to have failed. Told plastic components inside pump. BMW issued a new part number and changed pump to all metal internals. This is standard on later production dates now. Pump failure causes engine failure and oil gauge failure to read out. Head gasket replacement which may or may not be related.

Apr 19, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

Engine starter was faulty resulting in repeated attempts to start the engine using excessively long starting attempts and warnings from my car of overheating. At a traffic light, my car went into auto-off and then shut down and I was unable to restart the car leaving me stuck at a busy intersection. I received police support and a tow to the BMW Buena Park dealership. The dealership informed me the issue could be related to an open recall (B120524) which relates to the starter. The dealership replaced the starter but claims the issue is not related to the recall. I have sought for over a month information from the dealership to explain how they determined the faulty starter and recall are not related and have not received anything.

Dec 06, 2024

Starter went bad which lead to shortage within the lithium ion battery and regular battery. Car came to a stop and did not move in an intersection, blocking both lanes of traffic. Furthermore, car could not be put into neutral as it could not be started. There was smoke emanating from the engine on further restart attempts. Car had to be towed where it was determine this was the problem. Warning message during re-start "engine overheated" though temperate guage suggested it was still cold.

Aug 26, 2024

TIRES

2 complaints

I have owned my 2020 BMW m340iX for 2 years. During that time I have had 5 tires blow out, including 3 in the past 3 months alone. The tires are "run flat" and need to be completely replaced if they develop any issues. The dealer I use for service, who is owned by the manufacturer, says it is simply wear and tear - but this pattern is concerning and a potential safety issue for the car and tires.

Dec 10, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 BMW M340I, EQUIPPED WITH PIRELLI TIRES, TIRE LINE: P7 CINTURATO, TIRE SIZE 225/40/R19, DOT NUMBER: NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR SUSPENSION INSPECTION, THE MECHANIC BECAME AWARE OF BUBBLES IN THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT TIRES. THE PASSENGER FRONT TIRE ALSO EXHIBITED A SPLIT. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.

Apr 28, 2020

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS

1 complaint

Component: Front differential / xDrive drivetrain system. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Description: My 2020 BMW M340i xDrive has exhibited a persistent whining noise from the front drivetrain since approximately 38,000 miles. The noise varies with speed and load and appears to originate from the front differential. A BMW dealership inspected the vehicle and acknowledged the noise but declined repair under warranty. This condition is consistent with premature wear of internal differential components such as gears or bearings, or improper lubrication. Differentials should not produce whining noises at this mileage, indicating a potential defect. Safety Risk: The front differential is critical to torque distribution in the all wheel drive system. Progressive failure could result in drivetrain binding, uneven torque delivery, or loss of AWD functionality. In a worst case scenario, partial or full differential seizure could occur, leading to sudden resistance, instability, or loss of control. These risks are heightened at highway speeds or in low traction conditions such as rain or snow. The vehicle provides no warning lights or messages despite the abnormal condition, meaning failure could occur without advance notice. Inspection: Issue confirmed by BMW dealership. No repair or corrective action performed. Warnings/Symptoms: No warning lights or system messages. Only symptom is a persistent whining noise from the front drivetrain. Additional Information: I am aware of similar complaints from other BMW xDrive owners reporting drivetrain whining, grinding, and vibration, suggesting a broader pattern of premature differential wear.

Apr 14, 2026

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

1 complaint

My oil pump went out causing Low pressure codes and resulting in me paying over 2 grand to get it repaired, They super seeded the oil pump they used to use with a new one and theirs many other reports online etc of the 2020 bmw m340 oil pump going out due to plastic internals which can lead to engine failure .

Nov 03, 2025

SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

Electronic parking brake malfunction, disengage ineffective. Ongoing 2020 BMW mechanical issue, multiple dealer submissions, BMW refuses to open active recall. BMW requires $3,000 center panel replacement, out-of-pocket.

Sep 03, 2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2020 BMW M340I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V576000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the repair failed to prevent the failure from occurring. The contact stated that shortly after the recall repair was completed, the vehicle hesitated to start. The contact stated that several employees at the local dealer attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle started; however, several months later, the failure reoccurred. An appointment with the dealer was scheduled to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and needed to be towed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 28,162.

May 08, 2025

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

1 complaint

Brought my car in for a starter recall picked it up next day and drove home then came out to turn my vehicle on again and it wouldn’t start. Burning smell from engine bay as well. Returned the car they inspected it and told me a faulty starter. When I brought the car in it was in perfect working condition I only brought it for the recall. I was then held accountable for 25% of repair costs.

Aug 21, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

Unable to read oil level, high or unusually alarming oil pressure. High oil pressure codes

Apr 21, 2023

4.9/5.0

68 reviews

BMW M340i VIN Decoder — Free VIN Check Video Guide

Watch our quick BMW M340i VIN decoder walkthrough. Learn how to decode any BMW M340i VIN number to get full vehicle history, recall alerts, specifications, fuel economy (MPG), safety ratings, and known problems — completely free on ForCar.org.

Where to Find VIN for Problems Check

To check for problems and complaints on your 2020 BMW M340i, you'll need the VIN number. Find your VIN in one of these 4 common locations.

Where to Find VIN Number on 2020 BMW M340i for Problems Lookup - Dashboard, Door Jamb, Engine Bay, Documents

Understanding VIN Structure for Problem Reports

Each character in your 2020 BMW M340i 17-digit VIN helps identify specific complaints and problems affecting your vehicle model.

2020 BMW M340i VIN Structure for Complaint Verification - WMI, VDS, Check Digit, Model Year, Plant Code

How to Check 2020 BMW M340i Problems in 3 Steps

Locate Your VIN

Find the 17-character VIN on your 2020 BMW M340i dashboard (visible through windshield), door jamb, engine bay, or vehicle documents.

Review by Component

Browse owner-reported complaints organized by vehicle component (engine, transmission, brakes, electrical) to identify common issues and problem patterns for this model year.

Check Safety Issues

Review crash and fire incidents for each component to assess safety concerns. Contact your BMW dealer or report problems to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2020 BMW M340i have?

The 2020 BMW M340i currently has 46 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2020 BMW M340i?

The most common problems reported for the 2020 BMW M340i are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2020 BMW M340i problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2020 BMW M340i comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

How do I report problems with my 2020 BMW M340i?

You can report safety problems with your 2020 BMW M340i directly to NHTSA at SaferCar.gov or call 1-888-327-4236. Your complaint helps identify patterns and may lead to recalls or investigations.

Where can I find my VIN to check problems?

Your 2020 BMW M340i VIN is located in 4 places: (1) Dashboard near windshield on driver's side, (2) Driver's door jamb sticker, (3) Engine bay, (4) Vehicle registration and insurance documents.

Is the 2020 BMW M340i reliable?

Reliability can be assessed by reviewing the number and severity of owner complaints for the 2020 BMW M340i. Check complaints by component, crash reports, and fire incidents above to evaluate potential issues and problem patterns.