Owners filed 398 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. It has been recalled 6 times.
When it fails
08000080,000 milesMedian miles at failure
273 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags
98
6
0
5
Electrical System
91
0
14
0
Steering
39
0
0
0
Engine
33
0
5
0
Latches/Locks/Linkages
25
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling
23
0
3
0
Structure › Body
8
1
1
0
Unknown or Other
7
0
1
0
Tires
6
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
6
0
1
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module24V513000
Filed Jul 3, 2024394,029 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)17V683000
Filed Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical System › Wiring17V676000
Filed Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc
Defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
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].
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 16, 2026CA
I took my car to Riverside bmw dealership. They said they submitted the cleared recall paperwork but it’s been 44days since and my recall still isn’t cleared from the system
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jul 29, 2026198,000 milesCA
The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was whitish grey smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence where it was parked, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pushed the vehicle away from the residence and from structures and became aware that there were heat bubbles on the hood of the vehicle and called 9-1-1. The Police and Fire Department arrived, and the firemen axed the hood and extinguished the fire under the hood. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The Police and Fire Department filed reports; however, the reports were not available. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 198,000.
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Jul 20, 2026CA
Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasn’t there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for diagnosing or you come pick up your car now otherwise I will charge you $200 daily storage he said the car didn’t start I told him yes of course is due to that recall which caused a meltdown leading to smoke coming in from the vents cutting all power to car . This guy refused to understand the situation and was really rude he said I have til the end of today to pick up the car and he disregard my appointment and refuse to fix it. So I call my AAA tow truck to pick up my vehicle and the refused to release it so now my car isn’t getting fixed and it’s being hold hostage
Electrical System
Filed May 2, 2025173,000 milesIN
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong burning odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the blower motor became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had personally replaced the blower motor. The contact stated that while servicing the vehicle, he noticed that the wiring underneath the footwell had melted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that he had to pay for the diagnostic test and the repairs. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jan 11, 2025DE
We where sitting in our car me my wife and our 6 month old son it was running and out of no where lots of smoke started coming out from under the hood I didn't know what it was so I turned the car off got my wife and son out and away from the car then I opened the hood and soon as I did all I could see was flames I ran and got water and started throwing it on the fire till it was out this was the only car we had now it is ruined we missed our sons doctors appointment and I have not been able to make it to work
Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 2024NJ
Passenger restraint malfunction warning light has been on. It is a common problem with many BMW's and they did not issue a recall prior to 2009 models. The repair is quite costly and it seems to be a computer error that is not actually an issue at all
Tires › Sidewall
Filed Jul 15, 2024FL
Sidewall blow out and tire tread separation. Continental 205/55R16.
Air Bags
Filed May 15, 2024NY
Front Seat Passenger Side Seatbelt warning indicator activates when no person is in passenger seat. Airbag warning light illuminates even when there is a passenger in the seat. I see numerous complaints about the same/similar issues in your data base, but seemingly no resolution or recall. My car is a convertible. I note from other complaints on your website that a related recall was initiated for my year make model but it did not apply to convertible version of this model. That is irresponsible and unacceptable.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 16, 2024KY
Defective Professional Grade Radio. When you first start the vehicle the radio works fine. After driving the vehicle 30 minutes or so the digital display on the radio goes blank ( Cannot read the display). The radio is connected to the digital display underneath the speed odometer. So it’s untelling what all might happen if the radio issue is not resolved. It could Possibly cause the vehicle to not start or short out and cause a fire. Me personally, I would just recall it and upgrade it to digital Navi. System.(radio is included). This days time everything is digital.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 21, 2024IL
HEADLIGHTS. FIRE HAZARD BECAUSE OF BRITTLE AND BARE WIRING INSIDE OF HEADLIGHT HOUSING. Confirmation is as simple as looking inside of headlight to change a bulb. The vehicle does not set any codes to make you aware of wiring issue.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 23, 2023OR
We have taken the car to the dealership for the recall and was told they do not have the parts and also wouldn't know how to fix it. every time the car turns on, you can smell the melting of the plastic. it smells bad and am worried every time im driving about a fire. before the recall came out, we had asked about the unknown smell of something burning and was told it was "normal"
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 10, 2023165,000 milesNM
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he smelled fuel within the interior of the vehicle and observed low RPM's before the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the road, where, after visual inspection, he observed fuel leaking within the rear driver's side wheel well. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but was unable to help. The failure mileage was 165,000.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jun 2, 2023149,000 milesKY
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50- 55 mph, the vehicle caught fire. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to use her fire extinguisher and extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, police reports filed, or air bag deployments. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the battery pack wiring had melted. and the PCV and wiring needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis regarding the electrical panel was provided. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 149, 000.
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Mar 2, 2023140,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that after parking and turning off the vehicle, she remained inside, and there was a burning smell. The contact stated that smoke was coming from the passenger floorboard and that after exiting the vehicle, there was also smoke coming from the hood, and after opening it, there were flames seen. The contact stated that she extinguished the flames with a garden hose and did not require calling the fire department. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure and recall and scheduled a recall repair appointment. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer; however, the mechanic denied completing the recall remedy after the fire. The vehicle had not yet been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 22, 2023CA
Unknown, BMW had to replace an eccentric shaft sensor, valve cover fuel pump sensing unit after check engine light appeared. The repair was significant and appeared to be a huge safety hazard from my understanding. Please look into this matter. Thank you
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 9, 2023100,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning plastic odor after starting the vehicle. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine
Filed Feb 8, 2023128,000 milesWA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)
Filed Jan 31, 2023GA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that she smelled an abnormal odor inside her vehicle, and the thermostat warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the water pump was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Dec 13, 2022VA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 10, 2022NJ
The wiring insulation is dry cracked everywhere in both headlights exposing a lot of the wires in many places. It can cause a short.
A high number of complaints describe fires or crashes.
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: Jul 3, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.