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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 BMW M340I Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
27%of 11 total for the year
Median mileage
4,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 BMW M340I, 27% of the 11 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,000 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Here’s a strong version that sounds frustrated but still credible and harder to dismiss: I’ve owned many vehicles over the years, and this BMW has been, without question, the most problematic car I’ve ever had. The list of issues has been absurd for a vehicle in this price range and from a brand that markets itself as a premium luxury manufacturer. …”

NHTSA complaint #11738468, filed 2026-05

“The contact owns a 2021 BMW M340I. The contact stated while driving various speeds, the vehicle independently shifted from reverse(R) to drive(D) to park(P). The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH and attempting to stop the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brake failed to operate as designed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who diagnosed that the vacuum pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that an unknown transmission repair was performed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11491782, filed 2022-11, 4,000 miles

“While driving through an intersection and making a left turn, a failure of the engine water pump pulley caused the pulley to break apart. This led to damage to the coolant line and tensioner, sudden coolant loss, and the serpentine belt slipping off. The failure occurred mid-turn, causing the vehicle to skid and momentarily lose steering control. I narrowly avoided a collision with an oncoming vehicle that was stopped at a red light. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop, where mechanics confirmed that the water pump pulley had failed and caused the resulting damage. …”

NHTSA complaint #11656393, filed 2025-04

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2022114%
2021327%
202024%

Other parts of the 2021 BMW M340I

Engine
7 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW M340I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology