2009 BMW 135i

Routine

Owners filed 29 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the fuel system. It has been recalled 4 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
9,000 milesMedian miles at failure

25 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2009 BMW 135i problems

14 of the 29 complaints (48%) are about the fuel system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system12
000
Air Bags · airbags3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system2
000
Electrical System2
000
Unknown or Other1
000
Structure › Body · body and frame1
000
Service Brakes · brakes1
000
Fuel System, Other · fuel system1
000
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump · fuel system1
000
Exterior Lighting · headlights1
000

4 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V017000
Filed Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring19V579000
Filed Aug 6, 201941,981 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.

Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module16V071000
Filed Feb 5, 2016840,000 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses and Circuit Breakers13V044000
Filed Feb 7, 2013516,791 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 18, 2022GA

Glass sun roof exploded spontaneously while driving at freeway speeds.

Structure › Body
Filed May 5, 202157,000 milesPA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE FOR SERVICE AT OTTO'S BMW (1275 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER, PA 193820) HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROLL OVER CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WHICH HE DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. I TOOK MY CAR TO OTTO'S BMW FOR A STATE INSPECTION, NOT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, AND OTTO'S DID NOT INFORM ME THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED. I FOUND OUT THE MODULE HAD FAILED BY USING MY CODE READER. WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR TO TAKE IT FOR THE STATE INSPECTION, I FOUND THE BATTERY HAD DIED. WHEN I REPLACED THE BATTERY, I FOUND THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED JUST BECAUSE MY CAR BATTERY DIED. THE ROC MODULE IS A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE, THAT EXTENDS THE HEAD PROTECTION IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. THIS MODULE SHOULDN'T FAIL SIMPLY BECAUSE YOUR CAR BATTERY DIES. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS MANY OWNERS OF BMW'S EXPERIENCE THIS MODULE FAILURE JUST BECAUSE THEIR BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR THEIR BATTERY HAD FULLY DISHARGED. I HAVE NEVER OWNED ANY OTHER CAR THAT A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE FAILED JUST BECAUSE THE BATTERY DISCHARGES. EVERY OTHER CAR, I WOULD SIMPLY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING STILL WORKED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS MODULE FAILS, AS THE ROLL OVER PROTECTION DEVICES WILL NOT ACTIVATE IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT, AND

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 20, 202180,000 milesNJ

TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT AND REQUIRE ENTIRE HOUSING TO BE REPLACED INSTEAD OF JUST BULBS. LED'S BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY, CONTRARY TO TYPICAL LED'S AND ARE COSTLY TO REPLACE

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 23, 2019142,000 milesTX

THE WIRING OF MY 2009 BMW HEADLIGHTS, BOTH SIDES, HAS ITS INSULATION DISINTEGRATE, EXPOSING BARE COPPER WIRE (AS IT IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL) TO THE POINT WHERE MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE SHORTED OUT AND THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL ON THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT IS STUCK AT AN ANGLE THAT IS TOO HIGH. AS THESE ARE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS, A SHORT HERE CAN RENDER THE CAR'S HEADLIGHT IN A BLINDING STATE. LOCAL SHOPS WANT TO CHARGE $900+ PER LIGHT HOUSING TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 8, 201893,000 milesTN

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS BAD IN CAR. THE CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE ON HIGHWAY WHEN PASSING CAR LEAVING YOU NO POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF CAR GOING 75 MPH. BMW KNOWS IT BAD BUT WILL NOT HELP!

Electrical System
Filed Nov 3, 201770,000 milesOH

WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS INSUFFICIENTLY INSULATED WIRING. THE WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF DUE TO HEAT EXPOSURE FROM NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. FIRE POTENTIAL. LIGHTS COULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 24, 2017PA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SUN MOTOR CARS, INC. 6677 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 (717) 691-3333) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED WITH THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS IN PRIORITY GROUP 5 AND PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 3, 2017CA

THERE IS A RECALL AND IT IS INCOMPLETE DUE TO IT NOT BEING REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER NO INCIDENT AS OF NOW BUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2016NJ

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ UPDATED 07/14/16. *JB

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Apr 13, 20158,500 milesAR

AT 8,532 MILES MY BMW 135I HAD A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO DECELERATE BELOW THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. AT 24,384 MILES THE CAR ILLUMINATED A ENGINE CAUTION FOR OVER TEMPERATURE. THE ONLY GAUGE AVAILABLE WAS FOR OIL TEMPERATURE WHICH DID NOT INDICATE HOT. THERE WAS NOT A SHOULDER TO PULL OVER FOR 3 MILES. *TR

Engine
Filed Jan 22, 201565,000 milesGA

I HAVE A WELL MAINTAINED 2009 BMW 135I WITH 65000 MILES. YESTERDAY, 1/21/15, WHILE TRAVELING AT 75MPH IN 6TH GEAR IN THE LEFT LANE OF GA400, THE CAR ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING OVERHEATED AND LOST ALL POWER. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING 100% NORMAL, OIL TEMPS WERE NORMAL, AND HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECENT OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION TWO WEEKS PRIOR WITH NO SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST ACROSS CROSS 4 LANES OF HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER. WHEN I CALLED TWO DIFFERENT BMW SERVICE CENTERS FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT SEE THE CAR UNTIL FEBRUARY 3RD (TWO WEEKS) AND WERE BACKED UP ON LOANERS AND RENTALS AS WELL. I CALLED BRAXTON AUTOMOTIVE ((404) 367-4767), AN EXPERIENCED REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY, FROM MY BRIEF OVER-THE-PHONE DESCRIPTION, INSTANTLY IDENTIFIED THE ISSUE AS A WATER PUMP FAILURE, A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS N54 ENGINE. WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE CAR, THEY CONFIRMED A CATASTROPHIC WATER PUMP FAILURE AND A CONSEQUENTLY CRACKED RADIATOR. I CALLED BMW USA THE NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT AND LEARNED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN IN PLACE. THEY WERE APOLOGETIC BUT REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE UNLESS I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THIS WAS UNREASONABLE BECAUSE OF THE TIME LAG AND BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY TOWED THE CAR TO BRAXTON, WHO HAD ALREADY IDENTIFIED AND BEGUN REPAIR ON THE PROBLEM. I HAD SWORE OFF BMWS WHEN I HAD MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THIS 2009

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Sep 21, 201011,100 milesWV

I OWN A 2009 BMW 135I WITH THE N54 TWIN TURBO ENGINE. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND SUDDENLY DECELERATED. A WARNING LAMP ON THE DASH CAME ON INDICATING THE CAR WAS ONLY OPERATING AT HALF ENGINE POWER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGHLY AND SHOOK AND SHUDDERED VIOLENTLY WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR....I WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A VEHICLE SPEED ABOVE 50MPH. I FINALLY HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND LET TRAFFIC PASS. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT WAS STILL SHAKING AND HEAVING. I REPORTED THIS IMMEDIATELY TO THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. WHILE I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, I WAS TOLD THAT BMW WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY RESOLUTION AT THIS TIME. SINCE THEN, THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES, EACH TIME IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I FEEL THAT THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND IS LIKELY GOING TO RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND YET SEEMS TO BE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE 135I, 335I AND 535I HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR INSTANCES. WILL YOU PLEASE ENCOURAGE BMW TO RECALL THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEBODY IS HURT OR KILLED? *TR

Electrical System
Filed Sep 20, 20102,500 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING CERTAIN BMWS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND REPROGRAMMING THE VEHICLE IF A WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 26, 20109,000 milesMD

2009 BMW 135I HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THIS HAS BEEN A BAD PROBLEM WITH 3 MODEL YEARS (2008, 2009, AND 2010) OF BMW 135I CARS. LUCKILY MY CAR WAS FIXED DUE TO LONG START CRANKS BEFORE THE COMMON SYMPTOM OF ENGINE DYING DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 26, 201015,000 milesCA

MY 2009 BMW 135I BEGAN EXPERIENCING "LONG CRANKS" WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE COLD. WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE CAR BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTENSE VIBRATION WHEN ACCELERATING. FOLLOWING THE VIBRATION, THE CAR EXPERIENCED LACK OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SHOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM WITH BMW'S HPFP. THE DEALERSHIP UPDATED THE CARS SOFTWARE AND REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Mar 31, 201010,000 miles00

VEHICLES AFFECTED: BMW 135I, 335I, 535I...ANY BMW USING THE N54 ENGINE WILL HAVE A PART CALLED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. MINE HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE, THE FIRST TIME THE PUMP FAILED I WAS STATIONARY. SECOND TIME THE PUMP FAILED I WAS DRIVING AT 60KM/H AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO OVERTAKE...THE PUMP FAILED AND VEHICLE HAD SHUT OFF AND INSTANT LOSS OF POWER CAUSING CARS TO RAPIDLY BRAKE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND CAN BE DANGEROUS IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTED. BMW HAS TRIED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BY ISSUING NEW PARTS...I HAVE OBTAINED NEW PARTS AND I AM ON MY 3RD PUMP AND THIS IS SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE.

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Mar 22, 201018,000 milesPA

CAR RUNNING ROUGH, MISS-FIRING, AND LOSS OF POWER WHILE IN TRAFFIC. NOVEMBER 2009 OCCURRENCE, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. JANUARY 2010 OCCURRENCE, DEALER REQUESTED PERMISSION TO REPLACE PARTS CALLED FOR UNDER THE FAULT CODE, BMW NA REFUSED TO GRANT PERMISSION. MARCH 2010 OCCURRENCE, DEALER REQUESTED PERMISSION TO REPLACE PARTS CALLED FOR UNDER THE FAULT CODE, BMW NA REFUSED TO GRANT PERMISSION.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 27, 20106,500 milesVA

EVEN THOUGH IT SHOWS A BMW 135 ON THE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION THIS IS FOR 2009 BMW 335I, IT DOES NOT HAVE THAT CHOICE ON THE MENUS. ALSO I DID NOT INCLUDE THE VIN NUMBER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN GERMANY AND HAS NEVER BEEN REGISTERED IN THE USA.. AT LEAST UNTIL THIS APRIL WHEN I GET BACK THERE IF I DON'T GET RID OF IT BEFORE THEN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON ANY SURFACE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD GO ON "SAVE MODE" LOOSING POWER. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN ALL THE TIME... THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AFTER A WEEK OF TROUBLESHOOTING AND CONTACTING BMW IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HP FUEL PUMP WAS THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS REPLACED. THREE MONTHS LATER THE CAR STARTED TO TAKE TOO LONG TO START WHEN COLD SO BACK TO THE DEALER AND IT'S BEEN THERE FOR OVER A WEEK AND THE LAST UPDATE I RECEIVED WAS THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR BUILT IN APRIL 2009 WHICH I PICKED UP AT BMW HERE IN GERMANY WITH US SPECS. THE CAR HAS AROUND 7K MILES.*CW *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 22, 201027,056 milesMI

THERE IS NO MODEL OPTION FOR A 335I OR 335 XI FOR 2009. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON HIGHWAY. I WAS SURROUNDED BY OTHER VEHICLES INCLUDING TRUCKS DOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. I CAME CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED WITHOUT ANY BRAKE LIGHTS AND I COULD NOT GO FASTER THEN 40 MPH. THIS IS THE THIRD FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, (HPFP) ON THIS 2009 BMW 335I. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HPFP AGAIN BUT EXPECTS THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE AS BMW HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY RESOLUTION FOR THE HPFP FAILURES AND SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SAME DESPITE THIS PROBLEM EXISTING FOR FOUR MODEL YEARS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 21, 2010500 milesCO

MY 2009 BMW 335 I WITH XDRIVE EXHIBITS SLOW STARTING, TURBO LAG, DECREASED FUEL ECONOMY AND PERFORMANCE. THIS HAS LED TO A FEW INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO QUICKLY MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, MERGE WITH QUICKLY MOVING TRAFFIC, ETC. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. ON TWO THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. RECENTLY, THE CAR STARTED EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND I WAS FORCED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE OUTCOME. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 8, 20101,500 milesCA

I HAVE 2010 BMW 135I WITH A FUEL PUMP ISSUE. IT IS BEING REPLACED RIGHT NOW. THIS MODEL IS KNOWN FOR HAVING A FUEL PUMP ISSUE SINCE IT WAS DEBUTED AND BMW HAS YET TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. PEOPLE HAVE REPLACED THIS PUMP 3 OR 4 TIMES WITH NO PERMANENT RESOLUTION. LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE ARE LONG CRANKS, ODD IDLING AND ENGINE LIGHTS. IN CERTAIN SCENARIOS, THE CAR WILL GO TO "LIMP" MODE LEAVING IT PRACTICALLY UN-DRIVABLE AND COULD CAUSE A DANGER IF YOU ARE IN TRAFFIC. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 26, 20097,000 milesAE

WHEN THE WEATHER STARTED TO CHANGE THIS WINTER MY CAR HAD PROBLEMS STARTING. THE COLDER THE WEATHER BECAME THE LONGER IT TOOK FOR THE CAR TO START. THE CAR SEEMED TO BE BOGGED DOWN. WHEN REVVING AT HIGH SPEEDS THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS TURNED ON AND ALSO THE ENGINE PICTURE CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO BMW FOR A DIAGNOSTIC THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A FUEL REGULATOR PROBLEM AND THAT THE INFORMATION HAD TO BE SENT TO BMW TO FIND OUT WHAT EXACTLY IS THE PROBLEM TWO WEEKS LATER THE CAR GOT WORSE AND TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ON THE BMW. THEY REPLACED IT WITH AN AFTERMARKET ONE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT SHOULD NOT GIVE ME ANYMORE PROBLEMS. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Dec 7, 20095,785 milesFL

I HAVE A 2009 BMW 335I COUPE (NO 335I OPTION WAS AVAILABLE IN THIS FORM). I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAS AT A SLOW PACE DUE TO TRAFFIC (AROUND 35MPH), ONCE IT CLEARED I ACCELERATED AGGRESSIVELY AND IMMEDIATELY WENT INTO LIMP MODE (POWER REDUCTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT). I WOULD PRESS THE ACCELERATOR ALL THE WAY DOWN ONLY TO HEAR THE ENGINE REVVING WHILE I WAS GOING NOWHERE. I PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN BACK ON. I GOT NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE CAR SEEMED FINE. I DROVE TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP). THEY TOLD ME THAT THE HPFP WAS REPLACED WITH AN UPDATED ONE BUT I DON'T BELIEVE THIS ONE BIT DUE TO FRIENDS HAVING UP TO 3 HPFP FAILURES OF THE SAME YEAR (OR NEWER) OF THE SAME CAR. *TR

Fuel System, Other
Filed Dec 7, 20096,500 milesCA

WHILE DRIVING, MY CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST POWER AND BEGAN TO SHAKE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON AND THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP MODE". I TOOT THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THE FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAS ONLY 6500 MILES AND IS 4 MONTHS OLD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED. THE FIRST TIME OCCURRED AT TWO MONTHS OLD WITH 2500 MILES. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS BEING THAT IT HAPPENED ON THE FWY WITH NO WARNING, I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND THEN BACK ON. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A NEW VEHICLE. I HAD MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WHEN IT HAPPENED THE SECOND TIME AND NOW FEEL THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE FOR MY FAMILY. PLEASE MAKE BMW RECALL THIS PROBLEM. EXTENDING THE WARRANTY ON THE FUEL PUMP IS NOT SUFFICIENT AND THE PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Nov 13, 20093,800 milesTX

THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AND VIOLENTLY SHAKES. IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. (THE CAR IS ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND HAD LESS THAN 4,000 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS BEGAN.) THE DEALER SWITCHED THE SPARK PLUG, IGNITION COIL AND INJECTOR. DESPITE THE DEALER BELIEVING THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM IT OCCURRED AGAIN. THE DEALER THEN REPLACED THE INJECTOR AND AGAIN BELIEVED THIS FIXED THE PROBLEM BUT IT DID NOT. THE DEALER THAN REPLACED THE DME. THE DEALER THINKS THIS NOW FIXES THE PROBLEM, BUT I AM NOT CONVINCED. (THIS IS A 335I, WHICH IS NOT AN OPTION I CAN CHOOSE FOR A BMW CAR.) *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Nov 6, 20093,000 milesCO

1) CAR WAS SLOW TO START UP THE DAY BEFORE THE INCIDENT (CRANKED FOR 5-6 SECONDS). NO INDICATOR LIGHT OR OTHER WARNING. 2) HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED, CAUSING CAR TO LOSE POWER ON A BUSY STREET. CAR BECAME NEARLY UNDRIVABLE, WITH VERY LITTLE POWER AND ON THE VERGE OF STALLING. IF THIS OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A STEEP HILL, A CRASH LIKELY WOULD HAVE RESULTED. PUMP FAILED WITH 3,000 MILES ON THE CAR. OTHER OWNERS REPORT PUMP FAILURES AS EARLY AS 1,000 MILES AND AS FREQUENTLY AS EVERY SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES. 3) FUEL PUMP REPLACED WITH A PUMP UNIT THAT HAS THE SAME DESIGN AND/OR MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Oct 29, 20092,500 milesMD

2009 BMW 335XI (TWO MONTHS OLD) WITH 4000 MILES EXPERIENCED LONG STARTING TIMES AND A "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT. CAR STALLED IN BUSY UNCONTROLLED INTERSECTION AS WAS DIAGNOSED BY BMW AS A FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) - A KNOWN ISSUE THAT RESULTED IN A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THAT FAULT TO 2006-2008 CARS AND WAS "CORRECTED" FOR THE 2009/2010 CARS. THIS CAR IS A JULY '09 (ACCORDINGLY A LATE '09 MODEL YEAR) BUILD. REPORTS INDICATE THAT SOME OWNERS HAVE HAD MULTIPLE HPFP REPLACEMENTS, BUT THE FACT THAT THESE CARS STALL DURING ACCELERATION MAKES THIS A SAFETY HAZARD RATHER THAN AN INCONVENIENCE. *TR

Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System
Filed Sep 29, 20094,500 milesCO

I WAS DRIVING MY 2009 335I BMW ON HIGHWAY 92 AT RALSTON AVE EXIT, AND MY CAR LOST POWER WHEN I STEPPED ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE MALFUNCTIONING ENGINE WARNING. I FELT VERY FRIGHTENED THINKING I WOULD HAVE. *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Aug 25, 200912,000 milesCA

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH HE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION IN THE FUEL PUMP. HE DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES BEFOREHAND. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 12000. BL THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE NEW FUEL PUMP WILL FAIL WITHIN 20,000 MILES. UPDATED 09/14/09.*JB

All 29 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2008
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
201312210Routine
201219600Routine
201127620Routine
201015400Routine
2009 — this page29400Routine
200851420Routine
20071000Routine

Compare every 135i year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.