2008 BMW 3 Series

Routine

Owners filed 68 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 3 times.

Not among the BMW 3 Series years to avoid. Which BMW 3 Series years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
55,000 milesMedian miles at failure

51 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.

Most common 2008 BMW 3 Series problems

16 of the 68 complaints (24%) are about the engine.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System15
030
Engine12
000
Air Bags · airbags10
000
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine4
000
Wheels3
000
Tires3
000
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000
Unknown or Other2
000
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system2
000

3 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)22V119000
Filed Mar 2, 2022917,106 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan12E029000
Filed Aug 10, 2012585 vehiclesValeo

Defect. This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.

Risk. This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.

Remedy. Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Seat Belts › Front09V257000
Filed Jul 8, 20092,350 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC

Defect. BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.

Risk. IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.

All 3 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jun 14, 2019140,000 milesNY

WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY GOING 80 AND THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN, WAS UNABLE TO STEER, LEFT ME AND MY 9 YEAR OLD STRANDED FOR ABOUT 30 MINUTES UNTILL IT STARTED BACK UP, EVERYDAY EVERYTIME I DRIVE IT NO MATTER WHAT THE SPEED IT SHUTS DOWN AND HAVE TO PRAY THAT I DON'T GET HIT BY A CAR OR AM ABLE TO GLIDE TO SAFETY, VERY UNSAFE NOT KNOWING WHEN THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN ON ME, TOOK TO MECHANIC THERE WERE NO CODES NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING, THEREFORE COULDN'T BE FIXED, SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT WITH CAR, CAR ONLY STARTED DOING THIS FROM APRIL 2019 TO PRESENT,IT DOESN'T MATTER IF I'M ON HIGHWAY, STREET, STOPPED HAS ALWAYS HAPPENED, LIKE I SAID I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN.IM GOING TO GET KILLED ONE OF THESE DAYS OR SERIOUSLY INJURED

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jun 3, 201942,000 milesWI

MY 2008 BMW 335XI WITH 42000 MILES WAS STORED IN MY HEATED SHOP. THE CAR STARTED ON FIRE AND DESTROYED THE CONTENTS OF MY SHOP AND THE CAR. BMW SENT AN INSPECTOR TO CHECK THE DAMAGE AND TOOK HUNDREDS OF PICTURES. CLEARLY THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL THE FRONT OF THE CAR, WINDSHIELD AND INTERIOR WAS DESTROYED. CONTENTS IN MY SHOP WERE DESTROYED AND THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING HAD TO BE GUTTED TO THE STUDS. BMW OFFERED NOTHING. DAMAGES TOTALLED MORE THAN $150,000. I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM BMW 3 WEEKS AFTER THE FIRE. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT)

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Dec 13, 2018160,000 milesMA

I RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER TELLING ME TO STAND BY FOR ANOTHER RECALL LETTER TO THEN TELL ME TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED. THE CAR BLOWN UP PARKED OUTSIDE OF MY HOUSE IT HAS NOT BEEN USED FOR 24 HOURS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. I HAVE JUST NOW RECENTLY RECIEVED THE SECOND RECALL LETTER MONTHS LATER NO. 17V-676

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Nov 30, 201880,000 milesCA

I OWN A 2008 335I TWIN TURBO BMW 3 SERIES, WHILE DRIVING I STARTED SMELLING A FRESH GAS SMELL IN THE BACK OF MY CAR INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, REALLY STRONG SMELL SO MUCH I HAVE TO KEEP MY WINDOWS DOWN AND IT GIVES ME A HEADACHE AND I FEEL LIKE MY CAR IS GOING TO CATCH ON FIRE WITH ANY GIVEN SPARK AND IT COULD, THE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SAID MY FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY IS FAULTY SO I WENT ONLINE AND THERE IS A RECALL ON THE 2008 335I TWIN TURBO BUT FOR SOME REASON WHEN I CALLED BMW THEY SAID MY CAR IS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST SO THEY WONT FIX IT! MY CAR HAS THE PROBLEM, MY CAR HAS APX 80,000 , EIGHTY THOUSAND MILES ONI IT. WHY IS MY CAR NOT COVERED WHEN IT HAS THE PROBLEM OF ALL THE OTHER CARS? THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION I HAVE. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 2018109,234 milesFL

THE WIRES ON THE INSIDE OF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE CRACKED, AND HAVE A LOT OF BARE COPPER SHOWING. THE PLASTIC SHEATHING (CABLE JACKET) HAS BECOME BRITTLE FROM THE HEAT, AND IS FALLING APART, EXPOSING THE CONDUCTOR. THIS IS CREATING THE RISK OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND THE ANGEL LIGHTS OF MY CAR IS NOT WORKING IT WHEN OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION - ALL IT TAKES IS TO TOUCH A CABLE WITH YOUR FINGERS AND THE COOPER WILL BE EXPOSE. I'M REQUESTING IMMEDIATE RECALL FROM BMW - SEVERAL CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ELECTRICAL AND FIRE HAZARD ISSUES. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY GET'S HURT.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 30, 2018WY

A RECALL WAS ISSUE FOR BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. IT HAS ALMOST BEEN A YEAR AND EVERY TIME I INQUIRE WITH THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE REMEDY AVAILABLE. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE CATCHING FLAMES WHILE IN MY GARAGE?

Electrical System
Filed Aug 28, 2018FL

MANUFACTURER HAS NOT REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANNER AS IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE THE RECALLS AND THERE ARE STILL NO PARTS/FIXES AVAILABLE. THERE ARE 2 RECALLS FROM OCT 2017 AND AS OF TODAY AUG 2018 THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES: POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER AND BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. SAFETY RISKS: OVER TIME, IT COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING. AND CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WIRING AND THIS SYSTEM COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 11, 2018PA

UNREASONABLE TIME TO REMEDY

Engine
Filed Jun 29, 2018107,000 milesSC

ABOUT A MONTH AGO, MY 2008 BMW 3 SERIES ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED 45 MPH. I RECEIVED NO WARNING BEFORE THE ENGINE STALLED. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER A LANE AND GET OFF THE ROAD BEFORE AN IMPACT FROM OTHER VEHICLES. THIS OCCURS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, MULTIPLE TIMES AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. IT'S VERY DANGEROUS BECAUSE I RECEIVE NO WARNING BEFORE IT HAPPENS. THE VEHICLE IS ALWAYS IN MOTION WHEN IT HAPPENS AND AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, ON HIGHWAYS, STREETS, ANYWHERE WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT, TURNING AND ANY OTHER MANEUVERS.

Engine
Filed May 15, 2018CA

BLOWER MOTOR WIRING AND PCV RECALL ISSUED NOV. 2017 REMEDY UNAVAILABLE

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 29, 2018151,864 milesMO

THERE ARE (3) CURRENT RECALLS FOR THIS MODEL, 2008 BMW 328I. ONLY (1) RECALL HAS A 'REMEDY' AVAILABLE. ACCORDING TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP, THE 'REMEDIES' FOR THE OTHER (2) RECALLS, BOTH OF WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A FIRE EVEN IN A NON-RUNNING PARKED SITUATION, ARE 'NOT YET AVAILABLE'. THESE RECALLS ARE: NHTSA #17V76 AND NHTSA #17V683. BMW USA HAS 'RECOMMENDED' THAT THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ALWAYS BE 'PARKED OUTSIDE'. I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS AN ACCEPTABLE SOLUTION TO THESE <POSSIBLY> DANGEROUS AND SERIOUS RECALL ISSUES, AS I LIVE IN A 'MARGINAL' NEIGHBORHOOD PRONE TO AUTO THEFT AND WEATHER DAMAGE. MY QUESTION IS, WHEN/HOW SOON WILL NHTSA (FEDERAL GOVERNMENT) FORCE THIS AUTO MFR (BMW) TO QUICKLY AND ADEQUATELY ADDRESS AND PROVIDE PERMANENT MECHANICAL SOLUTIONS FOR THESE (2) RECALLS. IN FACT, JUST RECENTLY (4/28/18) A HOUSE WAS DESTROYED BY A FIRE <LIKELY CAUSED> BY ONE OF THESE BMW MODEL RECALLS, PARKED IN THE GARAGE AND NOT RUNNING. BMW SAID THEY WOULD CONTACT OWNERS OF ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WHEN A SOLUTION HAS BEEN FOUND, BUT 'HAVE NO IDEA WHEN THAT WILL BE'. NOT ACCEPTABLE. THESE ARE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUES THAT AFFECTS ONE MILLION+ VEHICLES AND THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF MILLIONS OF AMERICAN FAMILIES. PLEASE ADVISE WHAT YOU INTEND TO DO TO PROTECT THESE CAR OWNERS?

Air Bags
Filed Apr 24, 2018CA

TAKATA RECALL. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO HAVE THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS REMOVED. I CALL MY LOCAL DEALER AND ALL THEY SAY IS THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE BACKORDER. WHEN THEY RECEIVE THEM THEY WILL CALL ME. I HAVE WAITED OVER ONE YEAR AND NO ANSWER.

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 8, 2018NY

HELLO THERES TWO RECALL FOR BMW 3 SERIES THAT NEED TO DONE ASAP BUT WHEN I CHECK THE PARTS ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEED TO FIX IMMEDIATELY

Engine
Filed Apr 3, 2018140,000 milesMI

WHILE THE CAR WAS TRAVELLING AT A RATE OF ABOUT 45 MPH, IT DID SOMETHING I NEVER EXPERIENCED BEFORE. IT STARTED TO SHAKE, SPUTTER AND LOSE POWER WHILE ASCENDING A ON A PAVED CITY STREET THAT HAD ABOUT A 20 DEGREE UPHILL GRADE. THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME DIDN'T EXPECT MY SUDDEN SPEED CHANGE AND NEARLY REAR ENDED ME.. THE ENGINE ICON APPEARED ON THE DASH AND I SPUTTERED ALL THE WAY HOME.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 26, 201869,500 milesCT

THIS IS FOR 2 NHTSA RECALLS ISSUED 10/25/17 AND 10/30/17 NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 AND NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V683. IT IS NOW 3 MONTHS LATER AND BMW OF NORTH AMERICA STILL HAS NO REMEDY AVAILABLE! BOTH RECALL STATEMENTS CAUTION THAT "OVER TIME" THE PART COULD DETERIORATE, LEADING TO THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. SINCE THE CAR IS 10 YEARS OLD, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE BMW DEFINITION OF "OVER TIME" HAS BEEN MET, AND THEREFORE WE ARE LEFT WITH A NON-DRIVEABLE CAR DUE TO THEIR WARNINGS. HOW LONG SHOULD ONE WAIT WITH NO COMPENSATION, EITHER MOBILITY OR FINANCIAL?

Electrical System
Filed Dec 7, 2017PA

RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL ISSUES, THEY GAVE A BIG LIST OF OTHER THINGS, WHICH I DID NOT EVEN ASK FOR, AND THEY CHARGED ME AROUND 170 DOLLARS(ATTACHED COPIES). I AM BRINGING THIS TO YOUR NOTICE FOR SOLELY ONE REASON, AND THAT IS THERE ARE MILLIONS OF UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THIS MALPRACTICE WHO WILL BE FALLING INTO THIS KIND OF TRAP. BMW IS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OUT OF THIS SITUATION TOO. I AM ATTACHING ALL THE COPIES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND PLEASE MAKE THEM REALIZE THERE IS AN AUTHORITY WATCHING. I FELT LIKE SOMEBODY STOLE MONEY FROM ME. HOPE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2017CA

TAKATA RECALL 1. BMW SENT ME RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016, WITH NO FOLLOW UP REPAIR IMPLEMENTATION AS OF NOV. 2017 = 1.5YRS SINCE THE INITIAL RECALL NOTICE = UNREASONABLY LONG? 2. WHEN I GO TO SAFERCAR.GOV / AIRBAG RECALL.COM & CHECK MY VIN, MY CAR DOES NOT SHOW UP W/ AIRBAG INFLATOR RECALL (IT SHOWS UP FOR BLOWER MOTOR WIRING RECALL, BUT THAT'S IT). MAYBE I'M MISSING SOMETHING?

Air Bags
Filed May 19, 2017FL

TAKATA RECALL IT HAS BEEN 15 MONTHS SINCE I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, AND BMW HAS YET TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS REASONABLE.

Air Bags
Filed May 12, 2017TX

TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED FIRST NOTIFICATION ON 02/2016, NO RESPONSE TILL NOW. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR, NEED TO KNOW IF THIS WILL BE FIX OR WHAT IS THE RISK OF KEEP DRIVING WITH THIS ISSUE, BMW WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IF SOMETHING HAPPEN TO ME OR WHO EVER DRIVES THE VEHICLE?

Air Bags
Filed Feb 8, 2017FL

TAKATA RECALL I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A SECONDARY LETTER FROM BMW ADVISING THEY ARE READY TO REPLACE MY DEFECTIVE AIRBAG INFLATOR. I HAVE BEEN WAITING A FULL YEAR FOR THIS ISSUE TO BE RESOLVED.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 2016CA

NO PROGRESS ON RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071 SINCE NOTIFICATION 7+ MONTHS AGO. GIVEN THE YEAR OF MY BMW SERIES 3 SPORTSWAGON (2008) AND MY COASTAL LOCATION, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE RECALL NOTICE DIRECTS THE CONSUMER TO CONTACT WWW.SAFECAR.GOV "IF YOUR BMW CENTER IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT ... WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME."

Electrical System
Filed Aug 2, 2016160,000 milesTX

MY CAR ABRUPTLY LOSSES ALL POWER. IT'S LOST POWER ON THE FREEWAY (3 TIMES), AT STOP LIGHTS (TOO MANY TO COUNT) AND AFTER THE CAR SITS; EITHER AT WORK, OVER NIGHT OR EVEN IF I'M OUT RUNNING ERRANDS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE POWER FAILURE CANNOT BE DUPLICATED, IT HAPPENS RANDOMLY (MY CAR IS UNABLE TO START AS I TYPE THIS!!). NEEDLESS TO SAY MY LIFE AS WELL AS MY FAMILIES SAFETY HAVE BEEN PUT TO THE TEST SEVERAL TIMES. ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR LOST POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I COULDN'T MOVE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AND ENDED UP STALLING IN THE SLOW LANE. AFTER SPENDING A SMALL FORTUNE TRYING TO FIX THIS DILEMMA A FRIEND SENT ME THIS LETTER THAT THE NHTSA SENT TO BMW IN 2013 REGRADING A POWER FAILURE THAT MANY CARS WERE EXPERIENCING AT THE TIME. HERE'S THE LETTER: HTTP://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/ACMS/CS/JAXRS/DOWNLOAD/DOC/UCM433921/RCAK-13V044-6848.PDF I'VE ALSO DRAFTED BMW THIS LETTER I SENT THEM YESTERDAY: (IN PART) TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, I AM WRITING TO VOICE GRAVE CONCERN REGARDING MY M3, WHICH HAS: 1). LOST POWER SEVERAL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND HAS ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH ON 2 SEPARATE OCCASIONS (NEAR REAR END COLLISION) 2). LOST POWER AT STOP LIGHTS AND SEVERAL TIMES AS I STARTED TO ACCELERATE 3). CONSISTENT FAILURE TO START THE CAR (NO POWER) OR IT TRIES TO START AND IMMEDIATELY TURNS OFF AFTER A BRIEF SECOND IN ADDITION TO THE IMMINENT DANGER TO MY FAMILY AND OTHERS, THIS HAS COST ME THOUSANDS OF DOLLA

Air Bags
Filed Jul 7, 201667,500 milesCA

TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH FOR MY 2008 BMW 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, [XXX] STATING THAT THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT I WOULD BE NOTIFIED WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. I HAVE RECENTLY PURCHASED ANOTHER CAR (NOT A BMW) BUT THE TRADE IN ON THE BMW IS BLOCKED BY THE PENDING RECALL REPAIR. MY LOCAL DEALER, WEATHERFORD IN BERKELEY, CA INFORMS ME THAT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE PARTS AND HAVE NO INFORMATION ON WHEN THEY MAY BECOME AVAILABLE. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AND FOR AN EVENTUAL BUYER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 12, 2016130,200 milesNJ

CURRENTLY I HAVE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN MY 335I (2008). I HAVE MY "SERVICE ENGINE SOON ENGINE MALFUNCTION. REDUCED POWER" LIGHT ON - IT JUST CAME ON YESTERDAY. ORIGINAL WARRANTY WAS 4 YEARS 40,000 MILES. WHICH ACCORDING TO BMW WAS EXTENDED 10 YEARS 120,000. SO I AM OUT OF WARRANTY BECAUSE I ALREADY HAVE 130K, MY CAR WAS BROUGHT TO BMW SEVERAL OCCASION, IT WAS NEVER BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE MAY A POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

Air Bags
Filed May 4, 2016IN

TAKATA RECALL

Engine
Filed Feb 15, 201670,000 milesCA

I EXPERIENCED A BREAK DOWN WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET. MY CAR WAS THEN TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER AND DEALER DISCOVERED WATER PUMP WAS BAD SO IT WAS THEN REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. 3 YEARS LATER MY CAR BROKE DOWN AGAIN AND WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER AN AGAIN THE WATER PUMP WAS DETERMINED BAD AND REPLACED. I CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA TO SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP CONSIDERING THE WATER PUMP HAS BROKEN TWICE BUT NO HELP FROM THEM.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 4, 201560,500 milesNY

PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 29 2015. ON SEPTEMBER 15 2015 AFTER FUELING AND TURNING ON CAR THE BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE VEHICLE OUT OF GAS STATION PARKING LOT. LIGHTS WENT AWAY BUT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD COME ON WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED SUDDEN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT CANNOT SWITCH AND GEAR AND IS BEING PUSHED BACK.WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE RESR LIGHTS STOP WORKING SO DRIVERS BEHIND COULD CRASH INTO ME BECAUSE OF SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED.TOOK TO DEALER SEPTEMBER 22. SAID THEY FIXED CONTROL MODULE. BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES

Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 24, 2015160,000 milesCA

CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD. BROKE THE WINDOW TO GET THE CAR OPEN, TURNED THE GARDEN HOSE ON TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR FROM BURNING. CALLED 911 FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE TRUCK OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SIZZLING. FIRE DEPT CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH. GLOVE BOX AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT WAS COMPLETELY CHARRED. AFTER 22 DAYS, A BMW ENGINEER AND ALLSTATE INS CALLED IT A TOTAL LOSS. BMW ENGINEERS REPORT STILL HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED. TOTAL LOSS ON A PARKED VEHICLE; CLEARLY THIS VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND A DESIGN FAULT. MANUFACTURERS ARE SUPPOSE TO ENGINEER CARS TO WITHSTAND FIRES.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 20, 201552,000 milesCA

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 60 MPH SPEED AND SUDDENLY MY CAR COULDN'T SPEED ANY FURTHER AND LUCKY FOR ME I WAS DRIVING NEXT TO CENTER DIVIDE AND COULD PULL IT, I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY ACCIDENT. IT WAS PEAK TRAFFIC TIME ( EARLY MORNING COMMUTE ). SO I BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO LOOKED INTO THAT IF THERE WAS A RECALL WHICH WAS NOT APPLIED TO ALL THE MAKE, MODELS. AFTER DIAGNOSIS IT WAS FOUND THE ISSUE WAS WITH FUEL PUMP ON WHICH THERE ARE CERTAIN RECALLS ON THE NEWER MODELS BUT FOR 2008 MODEL THEY WAS NONE I CONFIRMED WITH THE CUSTOMER SERVICE.

Engine
Filed May 4, 201572,000 milesOR

DRIVING CAR AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE, MAKE RUMBLING NOISE AND FEELS SLUGGISH WHEN ACCELERATING. DOESN'T FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE WITH SLUGGISH, ENGINE POWER INTERMITTENT. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Mar 11, 201579,000 milesSC

DOOR LOCKS FAILED. CAN ONLY OPEN DOOR WITH KEY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jan 28, 201542,000 milesCT

BLACK MOLD FORMED ON REAR SEATS, DASHBOARD INTERMITTENTLY WORKED (1/2 OF DASHBOARD ACTIVE, 1 FUSE POWERS THE DASH), 6" OF WATER POOLED IN REAR BACK PASSENGER FOOTWELL (LOCATION OF MAIN ELECTRICAL UNIT); WATER WAS DRIPPING ON MY FOOT WHEN RESTING ON PETAL OF MY 42000 MILE, $50,000, 2008 BMW 328XI COUPE. I CONTACTED BMW OF NA WHO ADVISED ME NOT TO USE THE CAR BECAUSE IT WAS DANGEROUS. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO WORK WITH BMW OF NA & BMW DEALERSHIP (PLACE OF PURCHASE) A VAPOR BARRIER LEAK WAS FOUND BUT MORE WAS BELIEVED TO BE AT CAUSE. THE DASH NEEDED TO BE REMOVED, FOR $1800. I REFUSED TO PAY; REQUESTED BMW OF NA TO PAY. REQUEST DENIED. THE DEALER SAID BMW OF NA WOULD ONLY PAY VAPOR BARRIER REPAIR COSTS. I ASKED FOR NO REPAIRS; TOWED THE CAR HOME. FINALLY REACHING LINDA VITALE, EXEC. CUSTOMER SERVICES OF BMW NA, NJ, SHE TOLD ME THE DEALER DID DO THE REPAIRS. THIS WAS AGAINST MY EXPRESSED WISHES. I WANTED THE CAR INVESTIGATED ELSEWHERE TOO. IN A LATER CONVERSATION, [XXX] CLAIMED THE REASON FOR THE WATER WAS FROM A LEAK FROM A 3RD PARTY WINDSHIELD INSTILLATION. NOTE: MOLD, WATER, AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS EXISTED PREVIOUS TO 3RD PARTY WINDSHIELD INSTALLMENT. [XXX] , PROVEN WRONG, DUE TO DATES, STATED, IN A SUBSEQUENT RECORDED CONVERSATION, PER THE DEALER, THE WATER ENTERED THE CAR BECAUSE THE DOORS WERE DISMANTLED AND INCORRECTLY PUT BACK. NOTE:[XXX] HAS PROOF THAT THE DOORS WERE NEVER REMOVED. [XXX] TOTALED THE CAR DUE TO BLACK MOLD CONTAMINATION, HEALTH RISKS; RISK OF INJURY TO ME

Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 201555,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 318I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

Air Bags
Filed Oct 14, 201468,000 milesAZ

HI, I AM QUITE FRUSTRATED WITH BMW. THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED WIDESPREAD ISSUES WITH THEIR PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEMS HAVE MULTIPLE RECALLS OUT, HOWEVER MY CAR AT THIS TIME IS NOT PART OF IT BUT MY PASSENGER AIRBAGS ARE FAULTY. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE ME $150 DIAGNOSIS INSTEAD OF ENSURING THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS. I'M WRITING YOU AS THIS IS VERY SCARY TO ME THAT BMW IS WILLING TO RISK TEH SAFETY OF THE MY PASSENGERS AND NOT TAKE CARE OF THEIR CUSTOMERS. *TR

Engine
Filed Oct 6, 201459,670 milesCA

THREE BOLTS ON ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET SHEARED OFF AND ONE BOLT ON THE SAME ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET WAS MISSING. THE THREE BOLTS THAT SHEARED ARE IN THE ENGINE BLOCK. THIS INCIDENT OCCURRED ONLY TWO WEEKS AFTER BRINGING IN MY CAR TO THE PETER PAN BMW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE MY CAR INSPECTED. *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 9, 201466,000 milesMD

I WAS INFORMED THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET WERE LEAKING, WHICH CAUSED A PROBLEM WITH THE ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR. I PAID FOR A NEW VALVETRONIC MOTOR, ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR, VALVE COVER AND GASKETS, AND OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET, AND THE ASSOCIATED REPAIR. FAST FORWARD 3 MONTHS, I GO IN FOR A OIL CHANGE AND AM TOLD THAT AGAIN I HAVE A SIGNIFICANT LEAK FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL FILTER HOUSING GASKET. *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 28, 201476,000 milesMA

I WAS GOING OVER A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AT 30 MPH AND MY ENGINE MOUNT FAILED. ALL FOUR ALUMINUM BOLTS SHEARED OFF AND THE ENGINE DROPPED. THIS DROP SNAPPED MY PASSENGER DRIVE SHAFT (HALF AXLE) IN TWO PIECES. *JS I THINK BMW HAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE STRENGTH OF THE ENGINE MOUNT HARDWARE. THE ENGINE MOUNT BOLTS SHOULD BE STRONGER. THE FAILURE MODE IS DANGEROUS. *JS

Service Brakes
Filed Jul 8, 201454,000 milesCA

MY BRAKES FAILED. I WAS AT A STOPLIGHT ON A SIDE STREET. WITH 3 OTHER CARS IN FRONT OF ME, THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I PROCEEDED TO STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL. AS I PICKED UP SPEED, THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME STARTED TO BRAKE AS THERE WERE PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER TRAFFIC. I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AND THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN OR STOP. I VERED TO THE RIGHT TO AVOID REAR-ENDING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AND STARTED TO PUMP MY BRAKE PEDAL. IT STILL WAS NOT SLOWING THE CAR. I NOTICED THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD AS I TRIED TO PRESS IT DOWN. I APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS I MOVED OFF THE ROAD AND ONTO THE SHOULDER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED. THEY DID CHECK THE BRAKE LINE, BRAKE FLUIDS AND NOTED THERE WERE NO LEAKS. THE VACUUM PUMP JUST FAILED WITH NO WARNING. NO INDICATOR OR WARNING LIGHT CAME ON TO WARN ME OF ANY EMERGENCY OR SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS IN A 2008 BMW 328I WITH ONLY 54000 MILES. *JS

Engine
Filed Mar 26, 201475,000 milesCA

NOTICED AN UNUSUAL ENGINE VIBRATION. WENT TO MY MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED VEHICLE. POINTED OUT BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS. HIS COMMENT I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF THESE OVER THE YEARS. THE BOLTS ARE MADE FROM ALUMINUM -- THEY BREAK. SAID HE THIS WAS AN ONGOING AND WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH BMW FROM THAT YEAR AND 2009. SAID BMW WOULD NOT COVER IT. HE ALSO STATED THE CAR HAD NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF DAMAGE, TO UNDERCARRIAGE THAT WOULD SUGGEST ANY DAMAGE. HE SAID IT JUST HAPPENS, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE COMPLAINED TO BMW, ALL TO NO AVAIL. INSTEAD OF BEAMERS... THEY SHOULD CALL THIS CAR A BUMMER. IT IS AN VERY EXPENSIVE PROBLEM, CREATED BY POOR ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING. ALUMINUM BOLTS HOLDING AN ENGINE. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Feb 26, 201463,247 milesTX

AC UNIT WENT FROM BLOWING COLD TO HOT AIR WITH NO WARNING .. A BURNING SMELL WAS ALSO NOTICED AT THE SAME TIME. MY CAR HAD JUST COME OUT BMW SERVICE FOR AN OIL CHANGE . BURNT CONNECTORS , WIRES AND AC BLOWER REPLACED (AT OWNERS EXPENSE ) SHORTLY AFTER I (OWNER ) RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER REGARDING CABLE WIRE TO BATTERY WERE NOT PROPERLY INSULTED AND BMW WOULD REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO OWNER.. WAS ADVISED BY BMW SERVICE THIS HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE BURNED UP CONNECTING WIRES TO THE AC BLOWER.. ONLY HAD MY CAR 1/12YR UNDER WARRANTY WHEN I PURCHASED IT OF COURSE NOT WHEN THIS PROBLEM HAPPEN WHICH WAS COSTLY. *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 22, 201456,000 milesPA

TIRE SIDEWALL SEPARATION, JUST BELOW THE TIRE BEAD. THE MAKE OF THE TIRE WAS A MICHELIN PILOT SP, PS2, ZP. *TR

Tires
Filed Feb 17, 2014PA

THIS IS THE THIRD TIRE, ON MY CAR, FROM THIS MANUFACTURER WHERE THE SIDEWALL HAS FAILED. SIDE-WALL SEPARATION. EACH TIRE IS THE SAME MODEL. *TR

Structure
Filed Nov 5, 201340,000 milesCO

THE AUC SENSOR UNDER THE HOOD IS NOT WELL SECURED. THE BRACKET SECURING THE SENSOR IS BROKEN LEAVING THE SENSOR LOOSE UNDER THE HOOD. THE LOOSE SENSOR WIRE RUBS AGAINST SHARP EDGE OF THE CAR BODY, BREAKING THE OUTER PROTECTIVE SHIELD OF THE WIRE. THE EXPOSED WIRE IS A FIRE HAZARD. *TR

Engine
Filed Nov 4, 201338,000 milesNY

AS AN EXAMPLE, WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE ONTO A MOVING TRAFFIC SITUATION THE CAR HESITATES/LAGS/DELAYS BEFORE THE ENGINE CATCHES, THEN IT TAKES OFF LIKE A RABBIT WHEN YOU DON'T EXPECT IT. THIS VEHICLE BEHAVIOR HAS CAUSED NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS MORE THAN ONCE WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT'S NOT A DELAY WHICH DECREASES A TRANSIENT SURGE. IT INCREASES THE TRANSIENT SURGE AS THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE THROTTLE FOR A HALF SECOND THEN BOLTS FORWARD WITH AN AWKWARD LURCH AND A SLAM. IT'S MUCH ROUGHER THAN A NORMAL TAKEOFF WOULD BE. IT'S NOT AT ALL SMOOTH. SOME HAVE DESCRIBED IT AS BEING REAR-ENDED. THE HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN NOVEMBER 2010 MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BMW AS I HAVE. THE ANSWER I GOT AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS FROM BMW WAS, "IT'S NORMAL". *TR

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 8, 201335,000 milesWA

FUEL INJECTORS CONSTANTLY NEED REPLACEMENT EVERY 15,000 MILES OR SO. ALL 6 WERE INITIALLY REPLACED ON RECALL AT 35,000 MILES AND THEN 3 MORE NEEDED REPLACEMENT 49,000 MILES. NOW THE CAR HAS ABOUT 61,000 MILES AND NEEDS ANOTHER 3 REPLACED. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE DESIGN OF THE FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AGAIN OR WARRANTIED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. SAFETY ISSUES ARE THAT WHEN YOU TRY TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE HESITATES PUTTING THE OCCUPANTS IN AN UNSAFE SITUATION. MERGING INTO TRAFFIC OR TURNING ONTO A BUSY STREET CAN BE REALLY SCARY. *TR

Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 201348,000 milesNJ

MY NAME IS ? AND I'M HAVING A SERIOUS PROBLEM GETTING MY CAR FIXED BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP SPECIFICALLY THE ONE LOCATED AT EDISON, NJ. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED THE BRAKES NOT WORKING (2) WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN DRIVEN IN BAD WEATHER, I.E. SNOW AND RAIN. BACK IN APRIL (4/11/2013) BMW CORPORATION A LETTER STATING THAT IF THE ABOVE PROBLEM AND OTHER PROBLEMS MENTIONED IN THERE LETTER WAS EVIDENT, I NEEDED TO STOP DRIVING IMMEDIATELY AND HAVE THE CAR SERVICED, WHICH I DID. WELL THE PROBLEM SUBSIDED FOR ABOUT A MONTH THEN STARTED UP AGAIN (THE PROBLEM IS MY CAR'S DASH BOARD WHILE DRIVING WILL GO COMPLETELY OR AS YOU'LL SEE IN THE ATTACHMENT PARTIALLY BLANK ON ME WHILE I'M DRIVING. WHEN IT GOES COMPLETELY BLANK THE CAR SHUTTERS AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN OFF). I WASN'T ABLE TO MAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL AROUND 6/10/2013 TO COMPLAIN THAT THE ISSUE WAS STILL HAPPENING. ON OR AROUND THE 6/10/2013 DATE THIS SAME TECH RAN A DIAGNOSTIC ON MY CAR (WHICH I HAVE THE COPY OF). TO MAKE A VERY LONG STORY SHORT I RETURNED TO THE EDISON LOCATION TODAY 7/17/2013 AND TEXT THE SAME ATTACHMENT TO [XXX] MEMBERS OF THE BMW MANAGEMENT/SERVICE TEAM, TO MY AMAZEMENT I WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM, EVEN THOUGH MANAGEMENT AGREED THAT VIA THE PICTURE THEIR WAS A PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO FIND THE PROBLEM LISTED IN THE ABOVE ATTACHMENT? DEATH!!!!!!!...... THERE IS A BRAKE AND ELECTRICAL PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. JUST IN CASE ANYONE WANTS TO MAKE THE ASSUMPTION THAT IN SOME WAY I'M TRYING

Seat Belts
Filed Jul 11, 201375,000 milesMO

WHEN PUTTING ON MY SEAT BELT, THE BELT LOCKED WHEN PULLED OUT OF THE RETRACTOR. THE BELT WOULD NOT PULL OUT FAR ENOUGH TO FASTEN THE SEAT BELT. IT TOOK ABOUT 100 TRIES OF REELING THE BELT IN AND THEN GENTLY PULLING IT OUT TO GET THE SEAT BELT FASTENED. THE BMW DEALER SAYS THE UPPER BELT REEL AND THE COUPLER MECHANISM NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

Engine
Filed Feb 19, 201340,000 milesGA

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHILE THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR ANOTHER 10 MIN THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO PULL OVER AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BEFORE IT RESTARTED. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. FINALLY WITHOUT A CHOICE AFTER AN HOUR I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME. *TR

Steering
Filed Jan 22, 201348,334 milesPA

AFFECTED STEERING, FAILING FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING.

Wheels
Filed Jan 3, 201324,000 milesTX

THERE IS A CRACK IN THE RIM WHICH IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS FINE CRACK CAUSES LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRE. THE TIRE ITSELF IS INTACT AND UNDAMAGED AS IS THE RIM. BOTH TIRE AND RIM ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND WERE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY IN DEC. 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR STRUCK ANY OBJECT WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DEFECT. SINCE THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSES LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRE, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CRACK IN RIM WAS DIAGNOSED AFTER TWO VISITS BY DISCOUNT TIRE ON CERRILLOS ROAD IN SANTA FE, NM. [XXX] AT BMW N.A. SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHO MANUFACTURED THE RIM AND THEN DEAL WITH THE RIM MANUFACTURER. HE SAYS THAT BMW ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR RIMS AND THAT RIMS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. [XXX]. SAID HE COULD NOT TELL ME WHO MANUFACTURED THE RIM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Complaints 1-50 of 68, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20230100Routine
201321000Routine
20127300Routine
20111300Routine
201030310Routine
200953220Routine
2008 — this page68340Routine
2007115240Routine
2006202410Above average
200525010Routine
200477030Routine
200373000Routine
200226000Routine
200136100Routine
200088120Routine
19996100Routine
19983400Routine
19975400Routine
19962400Routine
19953400Routine
19941300Routine
19930300Routine
19920300Routine

Compare every 3 Series 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: Mar 2, 2022. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.