WHAT DOES SULEV MEAN REGARDING BMW'S 3 SERIES SEDANS?

super ultra low emissions vehicle.

Also means it has a special engine (M56) with more expensive parts. E.g. the PCV valve is built into the valve cover. So to replace it, I was quoted $1500. The fuel pump is integral to the gas tank. The tank must be replaced if the fuel pump goes out. Look it (M56) up on line. If considering buying one, especially an older one look for the non-SULEV engine.

The original question was about the 2012 3-series BMW, which doesn't have an M56 engine. The 2.5L M56 ended in 2005. Since then, the 3- series SULEV engine has been the N51 3.0L, which has just a few parts different from the standard N52 but the same torque and HP and doesn't have the fuel pump and PCV valve repair costs of the M56.

I just ordered a 328xi and they ordered it this sulev. Is that bad ? Should i ask for a change ? Does it change preformance im leasing so repairs are all covered for 4 years so no repair cost issue just worried about pep preformace etc

The sulev feels more like a regularly asperated engine than the non- sulev. I had a 2013 non-suluv and when it was totaled I replaced it (unknowingly) with a sulev (which was also a South Africa build- which I also didn't know). I much preferred the non-sulev. Under full throttle the non-sulev feels like it rev's easier and I could feel the turbo kick in... not so with the sulev. Also the sulev takes premium gas and the non-sulev regular

Is a 2009 328 SULEV motor the one with the expensive parts ???

Avoid getting any 2003-2006 bmw sulev car. I sold my 04 325i California model for $1200 after my fuel pump went at 160,000 miles. The cars have solid engines but seriously avoid the sulev, the pump/tank is a dealer only part for about $6000 for a new one. After further searching i found the tank for $5500 but i had to pay for shipping and had to install it myself. Or chance a used one from a junk yard for around $2500 but it will be a 2003-2006 year old part so who knows how long that pump will run. I miss my bmw...

what about a 2011 328xi SULEV? Should I avoid that?

Is the SULEV option ok on a 2009 328xi? What is the rated horsepower of this engine> Do I have to run high test or can I use mid grade (91 Octane) Michael

I;m looking to buy a 2013 328XI which is SULEV.... the listing says, FACTORY WARRANTY UP TO 150K MILES OR 10 YEARS FROM ORIGINAL DATE OF SERVICE (SULEV).... any thoughts?

here is the link to the posting http://www.bostonforeignmotor.com/detail-2013-bmw-3_series- 328i_xdrive-used-15428246.html

Considering buying a 2008 BMW 328i SULEV... I am a college student and Im not sure if it would be a smart idea to get it. Also for this type of BMW, with 98,000 miles, do they have a lot of engine problems?

I have to add my 2 cents even though questions are dated. I just got my 2010 328xi (51k) out of dealer service. They replaced the valve cover gasket. Clearly says its covered to 8yr/100k miles but since it is a California warranty they wont cover it in NJ That's BMW for you. Do not depend on BMW warranty unless you are a good attorney. The SULEV vehicles are a nightmare after dealer service warranty is over. Avoid SULEV. Jaymie O'Brien from BMW NA is very good at not being able to read the printed warranty in the back of your owners Manuel but then your not in California. They call it the cylinder head cover gasket. Normal people call it the valve cover gasket (same thing) , and that's what's on your bill for $1000. SULEV too expensive to buy used, avoid. BMW got nice tax credit for selling you one but does not honor warranties.

I have a 2008 328i SULEV with 97,000. The emissions warranty is 15 years/150,000 miles. Needed to replace coils, plugs, head gasket also needed valve adjustment. Repairs cost more than the car is worth, did not cost me a penny. Just about all the major components of SULEV engine are covered. Not all states honor this warranty. I live in NY which does, Google it and find out.

I have a 2009 328i Convertible SULEV. It's at the dealer now under the 15 year 150K warranty for catalytic converters and valve cover getting all replaced for free. I should have found out about this warranty earlier and saved on repairs for replacing coils, and cam position sensor...better late than never I guess. Bottom line...if in California at least LOOK for a SULEV if you're ok with not having the extra power of the 335 engine. For a long term hold on the car this coverage is well worth it. Probably saved about $3500 on cats alone...

Lol everyone spoke of the SULEV repairs only. The original question re: 1) what is the SULEV and 2) I believe there were performance questions. I'd like to know too. Emissions systems are intricate on most or all BMW's thus making a 15 year warranty / 150,000 miles quite suitable in regards to owning a bmw. However, these things gotta lack in performance right? I'd like to know more about the positives, if any, of a SULEV other than the obv lower gas costs and 150,000 miles warranties. Went I think of performance and super emissions I think of the current 2017...vajayjay.. turbo boost motors rocking 1.5 and 2.0 L engines where turbos are now designed to save gas . Not like my N54 but I'd like to get a 2nd daily driver Bimmer and interested in a diesel or one of these SULEVs. Any good things about these??? Thanks in advance Bryan 08' 335xi Coupe 04' 525i

GuruDSBY my 2011 328i warranty book on page 48 says your car is under warranty for that repair in New Jersey even though it's the California Emission Warranty. You can see the 2011 Warranty Book on the BMW website. You should be able to get a refund from the dealer if the dealer did the repair.

I have a 2015 bmw 328i. It is a SULEV vehicle, and anything that causes a check engine light is covered. I live in New Jersey. If you are in Nj near the shore go to circle BMW and see svc mgr. Bob Datri. He knows all about it and is extremely helpful. They have covered my car when it was unexpected by me.....

Does SULEV make the engine quieter?

SULEV -super ultra low emissions vehicle , it means you have an extended warranty for any problems with the emissions equipment. If your are having problems getting your warranty to cover what it is suppose to call ;CARB California Air Resource Bar or the EPA . I have a blog on the steps to take, the parts covered, and more info on your warranty rights. I have a 2007 SULEV(PZEV) 328i BMW, and failed a smog test due to carbon buildup , I had to park my car for 4 months and get CARB involved to get my warranty coverage. Ended up with a new cylinder head staightt from the factory, my money returned for the diagnostic cost and my car runs great. Warranty Enforcer

Not in all states. Although. I bought my car in ct and the warranty applied . As I registered car in Florida. Sulev warranty is not valid .Florida is one of the few states that don’t have emission inspections so bmw says as long as car is registered in fka they don’t have to honor the warranty. Despite me buying car with the understanding it had the warranty no matter where I moved.

My 2004 SULEV 325Ci Convertible has had one "expensive" problem in 16 years of service. I had to replace the DME, and did not want to take a chance with a "factory rebuild" so I bought new with my CCA discount was still over $1,000. Other than normal wearable parts like brakes, oil, filter, tires, it's never left me stranded and runs solid.

I don’t think sulev makes a difference. My 2011 328i was a lot slower than the 2014 I recently purchased with only 33k miles. I LOVE my 2014 it drives so quiet you can whisper to the passenger and have a convo like that. The electronic steering is a HUGE HUGE difference also. I shattered my elbow a few years back and with power steering pump cars my elbow would get sore after long drives, not with my 2014 electric steering I drove it to LA FROM UTAH a few weeks ago in one day and my arms were fine! Best car I’ve owned so far. Still in college and the car is paid off! Thankful to own one of these beasts

I have a question. I don’t understand cars that much. I live in newyork so over here all 328i has to have a sulev engine ? Or non sulev engines are also accepted for 328i in newyork ???

No, BMW makes a certain amount of SULEV cars for the tax break they get. Most people when buying their cars, don't know if it is an SULEV car or not. You can tell if it is by looking under the hood for the sticker. It will state if it is or not. To the best of my knowledge you can drive either a SULEV or a regular BMW in New York,

I own a 2005 BMW M56 Engine SULEV, Just in case anyone who owns a SULEV BMW which covers the vehicle 15yr/150,000 miles here is a website that will help you to know what parts are covered https://batxcr1.bmwcenternet.com/lib/EmissionsPortal/SULEV_PZEV_Emissions_Coverage. pdf