52 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000–150,000 miles.
Most common 2007 BMW 530i problems
19 of the 73 complaints (26%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
15
0
0
0
Electrical System
13
0
1
0
Exterior Lighting · headlights
7
0
0
0
Steering
6
0
0
0
Service Brakes · brakes
5
3
0
1
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
5
0
0
0
Engine
5
0
2
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
2
2
0
1
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · airbags
2
0
0
0
Wheels
1
0
0
0
2 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
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.
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].
All 2 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Electrical System
Filed Sep 28, 2025VA
BMW 530I headlights have faulty wiring. Insulation is crumbling an severly degraded leaving bare wires exposed to short circuits. Discovered the faulty wire when I went to replace the parking / angel eye lights. I have attempted to solve the problem short term with electrical tape. As soon as you touch the wire to put electrical tape on it, more of the faulty insulation comes off. Wire has essentially lost all insulation.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 19, 2023FL
I purchased my BMW & got inside to drive off jumping on 275 freeway & the whole car just started smoking out nowhere the whole car was scorching hot & smoking other cars had to literally pull over because of so much white smoke I took it to several certified car doctors & they all refused to touch it because of the PVC recall valve
Air Bags
Filed Jun 3, 2023NC
Well was driving fine one day then the next it didn't do nothing an still hasn't done or moved since found that the module in the truck were the spare was got wet an melted then I got another put it in an still nothing changed starter still nothing an found out a recall was found called bmw but they wasn't willing to have it towed to a service provider
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 25, 2023170,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood. The "transmission overheating" message was displayed. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 23, 2022175,000 milesFL
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the A/C vents. The contact also noticed the burning odor whenever opening the hood. The message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, he noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then opened the hood. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred on two different occasions. 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 failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jul 9, 2021137,745 milesCA
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that he had to use additional force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the vacuum hose and the brake booster needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 10V446000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 137,745.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 29, 2021GA
ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR ISSUES
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 12, 2020260,000 milesNY
BRAKE PRESSURE LOSS, UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE MANNER. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CHECKED BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR & FLUID LEVEL LOW. DEEPER INSPECTION REVEALED CORRODED REAR BRAKE HARD LINE. VERY COMMON ON E60 & PREVIOUS GENERATION E39 BMW'S.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 10, 20201,050,000 milesCA
MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. MY COMPLAINT IS I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A FRIEND OF OUR FAMILY AND EVERYTHING WAS. ABOUT A MONTH LATER WHEN I START THE CAR I GET THIS ERROR" FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM EFFECTING AIRBAG-BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FOR DELIMITER. SO I CALL BMWUSA TO SEE IF THIS WAS RECALLED. THE MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID YES IT WAS BUT I LET ME HAVE YOUR VIN# OH NO I'M SORRY NOT FOR YOUR VIN " I WAS SHOCKED TO THINK IT WOULD BE A RECALL ON ONE BUT NOT ANOTHER. IF IT IS EFFECTING MY AIR BAG U WOULD THINK. IT WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL CARS THAT GET THAT ERROR. OR WAS THAT CAR BUILT KNOWING IT WAS EVENTUALLY GOING TO GO OUT AND WE THE CUSTOMERS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE THAT AT ALL. IT MAKES NO SENSE. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR OK TO FIX SOME CARS AND NOT ALL OF THEM AFTER ALL WHY WOULD WE WANT SOMETHING IN THE CAR IF WE KNOW ONE ITS JUST GOING TO GO OUT AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. AND FOR THE SAFETY PART . IT EVEN SOUNDS MORE CRAZY THAT SOMETHING LIKE THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND I NOT EVEN SURE IF ANYBODY SHOULD RIDE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT. WELL IT'S [XXX] AT [XXX] IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. GOOD BLESS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 16, 2020CA
THE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT - REPLACED BULBS AND STILL NOT WORKING. REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND NOTICED EVERY WIRE WAS BARE WITH BARELY ANY COATING LEFT TO PROTECT THE WIRES- AT LEAST 15 WIRES. HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT COST IS OVER $650.00.!! THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE SHORTING OUT AND A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION IN THE LEAST.
Engine
Filed Oct 11, 2019111,300 milesDC
CAR VIBRATES WHEN AC IS ON. PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUZZES WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT AS WELL AS SEAT BELT TIGHTEN WHILE DRIVING. TRANSMISSION HESITANT AT TIMES. ( TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT COME ON AT TIMES, WHEN CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICE).
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 3, 2019139,000 milesFL
INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS CRUMBLING APART. THIS LETS BARE WIRE TOUCH EACH OTHER AND SHORTS OUT HEADLIGHT, LEADING TO MALFUNCTIONING / VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS LIGHTING. OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT SEE YOU COMING
Steering
Filed Mar 19, 2019OH
I WAS SITTING STILL AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK CAME ON. IT STATED THAT THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO START. I AM TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY IN THIS. THEY WANY $130.OO JUST TO DIAGNOSIS IT BEFORE THEY EVEN WANT TO FIX IT. PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Feb 18, 2019140,000 milesOK
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION LIGHT IS ON DUE TO THE MAT CUSHION FAILURE. THIS IS VERY COMMON ON BMW AND MOST OF THEM HAVE A RECALL ISSUED, BUT NOT FOR MY 2007. PLEASE ADVISE AS THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $1800 FOR A NEW ONE. PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK UNLESS REPLACED
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger
Filed Jan 25, 2019AZ
MY MESSAGE DISPLAY IS STATING THAT THE AIRBAG ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT MAY NOT DEPLOY IN A CRASH DUE TO CRACKS AND FATIGUE WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SYSTEM FAILURE, THIS LOOKS LIKE IT COULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ISSUE THAT I WASN'T NOTIFIED ABOUT
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification
Filed Dec 20, 2018OK
THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR HAS FAILED AND IT HAS TRIGGERED THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT SENSOR FOR MY BMW. BMW SAYS IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL, BUT THEY HAVE RECALLED THE 2006 BMW E60 (MINE IS A 2007) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 24, 2018105,000 milesTX
THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD A HALO LIGHT THAT BURNT OUT. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND BOUGHT A REPLACEMENT BULB. WHEN I UNSCREWED THE LIGHT BULB, THE WIRING INSULATION FELL OFF AND EXPOSED ALL OF THE COPPER WIRING IN THE HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS. THEY DO NOT SELL A REPLACEMENT WIRING HARNESS AND NOW I'M REQUIRED TO BUY A NEW HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FOR THE PASSENGERS SIDE WHICH COSTS APPROX $1700+ AT MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP. DUE TO THE HIGH COSTS OF THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY, I'M NOT ABLE TO AFFORD IT AND NOW MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION WHICH HAS PREVENTED ME FROM DRIVING IT. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE THAT THE OTHER HEADLIGHT HAS THE SAME ISSUE FROM READING 100'S OF OTHER FORUM POSTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE WITH THEIR VEHICLES. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO FIX THIS ISSUE MYSELF USING ELECTRICAL TAPE BUT THAT DIDN'T WORK FOR LONG. I'VE CONTACTED REPAIR SHOPS AND THEY WON'T TAKE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY APART DUE TO THE AGE OF IT. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE LIGHT BULB BURNT OUT. THIS ISSUE HAPPENED IN 2015 AND I DECIDED TO DRIVE WITH THE HALO LIGHT BULB BURNT OUT BUT THEN THE LOW BEAM BULB BURNT OUT. NOW MY CAR WON'T PASS INSPECTION TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT IN TEXAS.
Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Sep 21, 2018120,000 milesLA
WIRING ON HEADLIGHTS FLAKING APART LEAVING BEAR EXPOSE WIRES !!!
Electrical SystemFire
Filed Aug 27, 2018122,977 milesNC
MY CAR AUTOMATICALLY SHUT OFF AND I SMELLED A BURNING PLASTIC ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE BMW LICENSED MECHANIC THAT I NORMALLY SEE WHO REPAIRED THE ISSUE THAT WAS DEEMED TO BE THE PCV VALVE HEATER. THIS HAPPENED AT THE END OF MAY. THEN AT THE END OF JUNE, I RECEIVED A LOWER FROM BMW ANNOUNCING RECALL # 17V-683: PCV VALVE HEATER. BMW TOLD ME TODAY THAT THEY CAN NOT REFUND ME FOR THE REPAIRS THAT I HAD DONE BECAUSE THESE REPAIRS HAD TO BE PERFORMED AT A BMW DEALERSHIP. I HAVE ALL MY RECEIPTS. TOTAL REPAIRS COST $2626.91 + RENTAL CAR EXPENSES OF $204.16 AND $76.71. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine
Filed Jun 28, 2018NY
THERE'S A RECALL FOR MY CAR'S PCV AND BMW STILL HASN'T DEVELOPED A REMEDY TO FIX THE ISSUE....GOING ON 9 MONTHS NOW. HOW LONG ARE BMW DRIVERS WITH RECALLS SUPPOSED TO WAIT TO FIX THEIR CARS. I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THE COMPANY WOULD LEAVE THEIR CUSTOMERS STANDING IDLE ON THIS ISSUE FOR SO LONG.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jun 22, 2018141,232 milesGA
ALL RUBBER TUBING HAS FALLEN OFF OF LIGHTS CREATING A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD.WIRING IS CURRENTLY DOWN TO COPPER, WITH MULTIPLE WIRES TOUCHING EACH OTHER WHICH HAS CAUSED MY LIGHTS TO NO LONGER WORK.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 24, 2018150,000 milesTX
HEADLIGHTS INTERNAL WIRING GETA SO HOT IT MELTS AND CRACKS AND DETERIORATES AND CAUSES SHORT CIRCUIT EVENTUALLY LEADING TO BOTH OR SINGLE HIGH BEAM MALFUNCTION.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 2018CA
LAST YEAR I COULD HEAR A SOUND OF WATER THROUGH MY SUNROOF AND WOULD HAVE WATER THROWN AT ME THROUGH MY AC. MY STEREO AND DASH STOPPED WORKING AND SUDDENLY STARTED WORKING AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO 2 DIFFERENT LOCATIONS AND THEY WOULD TELL ME THERE WAS NO SHORT IN A FUSE. YESTERDAY MY CAR WOULD NOT START IT WAS STATIONED IN FRONT OF MY HOME. I WENT TO A MECHANIC AND FOUND THAT MY BATTERY WAS SITTING IN WATER. THE CAR WILL NOT START EVEN AFTER WATER WAS DRAINED AND THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. I CALLED BMW BUT THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $385 JUST FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. I HAVE CHANGED MY BATTERY LIKE 4 TIME IN THE LAST 2 YEARS WHICH IS JUST A HEADACHE IN ITSELF. MY VEHICLE WONT START.
Steering
Filed Feb 26, 2018115,000 milesNC
MY 2007 BMW 530I HAS A MESSAGE IN THE DASH WITH A RED STEERING WHEEL SAYING "STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION!" "STEERING WHEEL MAY STAY LOCKED/UNLOCKED AND VEHICLE MAY NOT START"..... I HAVE CALLED THE BMW MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 11 YRS OLD AND PROBLEMS WILL ACCRUE WITH THAT AGE ON ANY VEHICLE. YES THAT MAY BE TRUE BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE RD AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I ALSO CALLED THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ON MY OWN AND THE SAID THAT THE PART ITSELF WAS AROUND $600!!! THEN ADD ON 4HRS OF LABOR TO THAT WITH A LABOR RATE OF $145 AND HE! THAT ADDS UP TO ALMOST $1200.00, HOW CAN A STEERING WHEEL LOCK COST SO MUCH! AND US CUSTOMERS BE FORCED TO PAY THIS AMOUNT BECAUSE IF WE DON'T WE MAY END UP ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH AND THE STEERING LOCKUP AND HAVE MAJOR ACCIDENT. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE!
EngineFire
Filed Jan 5, 2018179,688 milesPA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE, THERE WAS A TICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE, A BURNING ODOR, AND SMOKE EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,688.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 20, 2017101,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS CONNECTED, THE SAFETY SEAT AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MESSAGE INDICATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERMAN BMW (31400 US HWY 19 N, PALM HARBOR, FL 34684 AT (727) 785-3900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Engine
Filed Jun 27, 2017142,000 milesNC
THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN THE WEATHER IS HOT AND IN MAJOR TRAFFIC OR WHEN I AM OUT ON THE OPEN HWY DRIVING FOR ABOUT 1 TO 2HRS ON A HOT DAY. THE CAR WILL AUTOMATICALLY CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NO ALARM OR IDIOT LIGHT INDICATOR. THE PROBLEM IS YOU CAN BE DRIVING 60 TO 75 MILES PER HOUR ON THE INTERSTATE AND LOOSE CONTROL OF YOUR POWER STEERING AND ABILITY TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO A SAFE STOPPING POINT. IT WILL NOT START BACK UP UNTIL 15 TO 20 MINUTE LATER AS IF THE CAR NEEDS TO COOL DOWN. ONCE TIME PERIOD HAS ELAPSE THE CAR WILL RUN AS NORMAL. THIS HAS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES. DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN TRAFFIC AND WE ONLY GOING 45 MPH BUT ITS HOT OUTSIDE AND THE CAR WILL CUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. I NOTICE ON THE BMW FORUM THIS IS PROBLEM THAT IS ACROSS THE BOARD WITH OTHER VEHICLES. THE CAR WILL CUT OFF AT A LIGHT AFTER DRIVING FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME IN HOT WEATHER IN THE CITY LIMITS BUT ALSO ON THE HWY AFTER LONG PERIOD OF DRIVING.
Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jan 6, 2017120,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 (NA) BMW 535I. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT 4 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE CONTACT APPLIED PRESSURE AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED TO THE FLOOR WHEN IT FINALLY ENGAGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE POLICE WERE NOTIFIED, BUT NO REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED, THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Electrical System
Filed Nov 7, 2016110,000 milesSC
THE LEFT FRONT PARKING BULB WAS NO WORKING, TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP IN COLUMBIA, S.C. TO HAVE BULB REPLACED. UPON PICKING UP THE VEHICLE, THE WARNING INDICATOR FOR THE SAME BULB AND THE LEFT FRONT HIGH BEAM WARNING BOTH LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY APPEARED. I RETURNED TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO INQUIRE WHY THE WARNING WAS ON, WHICH THEY STATED IT WAS PROBABLY LEFT LOOSE. THE SERVICE ADVISER RETURNED TO BRING ME INTO THE SHOP TO SHOW ME THE WIRING FOR THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS CRACKING AND FALLING OFF, EXPOSING BARE WIRE CAUSING THE SHORT AND BLOWING THE BULBS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BMW STATED A NEW ASSEMBLY WOULD BE REQUIRED WHICH WOULD BE ABOUT $1500 EACH FOR THE PARTS. AFTER REPLACEMENT OF THE BULB WHILE IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THERE WAS ANOTHER ELECTRICAL SHORT CAUSING THE BULBS TO BLOW IMMEDIATELY. I HAVE READ THE WIRING WAS COATED WITH A SOY BASED PRODUCT, WHICH IS WHY THE WIRING COATING IS PREMATURELY CRACKING AND EXPOSING BARE COPPER WIRE, CREATING AN ELECTRICAL AND FIRE HAZARD. DUE TO THE INADEQUATE MATERIAL UTILIZED BY THE MANUFACTURER, IT SHOULD BE RECTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER PRIOR TO SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
Seat Belts
Filed Jul 13, 2016100,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE OCCUPANT RESTRAINT SYSTEM WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE DRIVER SEAT FELT AS IF THE LATCHES WERE LOOSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 2, 201656,000 milesCA
THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A LOCK WITH AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT CREATES A "FAULT" NOTICE WHEN NOT WORKING. THE FAULT NOTICE CAN COME ON EVEN WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS OPERABLE. APPARENTLY, THE FAULT NOTICE CAN LOCK THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER 10 +/- NOTICES. THE LOCK CAN CAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL TO FREEZE, AND/OR THE CAR TO SHUT DOWN. THERE ARE LITERALLY THOUSANDS OF REPORTS ONLINE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE REPAIR COSTS $850. THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION SHOULD BE A MANUFACTURER'S PROBLEM AND A RECALL SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 15, 2016TX
REPLACING THE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT BULB THAT FAILED, I REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY FROM THE VEHICLE TO HAVE EASIER ACCESS TO THE BULB RECESSED DEEP INSIDE THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING. UPON OPENING THE ACCESS PANEL, I DISCOVERED THE WIRING INSULATION OF MOST OF THE INNER WIRING HARNESS OF HEADLIGHT BRITTLE AND FLAKING OFF, EXPOSING THE BARE WIRES. THE SHORT CIRCUIT PROBABILITY IS HIGH WITH THE EXPOSED WIRES IN CLOSE PROXIMITY.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 24, 2015WA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 2015120,000 milesNY
I WAS DRIVING AND OPENED THE SUNROOF. THE NIGHT BEFORE THERE WAS A MASSIVE RAIN STORM. SHORTLY AFTER OPENING THE SUNROOF THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED SEVERELY MALFUNCTIONING. A WARNING SIGN CAME ON THAT SAID THAT THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS HAVING A MASSIVE MALFUNCTION AND THAT I SHOULD PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. THE WATER FROM THE STORM DRAINED INTO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND SHORTED IT. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE CAR AND BMW IS AWARE OF IT. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS STORED NEAR THE DRAINS IN THE LOWER REAR OF THE CAR.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 10, 2015125,460 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPROCHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,460.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 7, 201595,000 milesFL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEAD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO REPLACED THE LIGHTS AND NOTICED THAT THE WIRES HAD FRAYED, PROMPTING THE CONTACT TO TAPE THE WIRES IN ORDER TO AVOID WIRE CONTACTS WHICH CAUSED SPARKS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Jun 9, 2015105,000 milesCA
THE RUBBER GASKETS FOR BOTH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND BACK ARE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. THIS MAY CAUSE WINDSHIELD TO FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING THEREBY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND THE CASE # IS 1-4829383813.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Jan 10, 201578,000 milesFL
MY HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES, MANUFACTURED BY HELLA FOR BMW, HAVE CRUMBLING AND DECAYING INSULATION ON THE INTERNAL WIRES. MANY OF THE WIRES ARE BARE, AND CAN CAUSE SHORT CIRCUITS AND FAILURES. ALL OF THE DOZENS OF INTERNAL HEADLIGHT WIRES ARE ROTTEN AND FAILING. THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR SUDDEN LIGHTING FAILURE AT NIGHT, AS WELL AS THE POSSIBILITY OF SHORT CIRCUIT, COMBUSTION AND FIRE. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY PROBLEM ACROSS MANY BMW'S, AND HAS BEEN REPORTED BY MANY OWNERS TO SAFERCAR. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jan 1, 2015146,000 milesLA
ALL ACTIVE XENON HEADLIGHT WIRING PROTECTIVE COATING IS/HAS FLAKED OFF EXPOSING WIRES, MAKING IT VULNERABLE TO ELECTRICAL SHORT, LOSE OF DRIVING LIGHTS AND POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD . *JS
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump
Filed Dec 26, 2014175,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2014CA
I RECEIVED A "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" MALFUNCTION ERROR ON MY 2007 BMW 530I. I WAS TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE, RECALL ID # 99695, HOWEVER, MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE IT DOES NOT HAVE "COMFORT SEATS." AN INTERNET SEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS PROBLEM IS QUITE COMMON FOR OTHER 2006 & 2007 BMW 5 SERIES SEDANS WITHOUT "COMFORT SEATS." *TR
Air Bags
Filed Oct 21, 2014AZ
I WAS INFORMED BY THE BMW SERVICE MANAGER THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEFECTIVE. I CONTACTED BMW AND THEY STATED THERE WOULD BE A RECALL IN ABOUT A MONTH. NOW THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT BMW IS RESPONSIBLE AS THE INDICATION ON THE DASH ALERTED ME TO THIS WHEN THE CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I WISH TO INFORM YOU OF THIS AND ALSO NOTIFY ME WHEN THERE WOULD BE A RECALL AS THE BMW 325 SERIES WAS ALREADY RECALLED AND I PRESUME THE PROBLEM WAS ATTENDED TO. THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical System
Filed Oct 9, 201496,500 milesTX
THE SHEATHING ON MY HEADLIGHT'S WIRING IS FLAKING OFF WHICH COULD LEAD TO POTENTIAL FIRES. I WAS QUOTED $1500 PER HEADLIGHT TO REPLACE THEM WITH THE SAME CRAPPY HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS THAT ARE MADE WITH THE SAME MATERIAL THAT WILL EVENTUALLY DO THE SAME THING. ALL I NEED IS TO HAVE THE CAR PARKED IN MY GARAGE AND IT CAUSING A FIRE THAT COULD BURN DOWN OUR HOME OR WORST INJURE MY FAMILY. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Oct 9, 201417,000 milesGA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED THE REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND STATED THE PART WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE DELAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 7, 201450,000 milesFL
THE VEHICLE HEADLIGHT INTERNAL WIRING INSULATION IS FALLING APART, THUS LEAVING BARE WIRES EXPOSED.THIS IS A FAULTY DESIGN THAT COULD POSSIBLY LEAD TO A FIRE OR ACCIDENT DUE TO LOSS OF LIGHTS AT NIGHT. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. *TR
Steering
Filed Sep 15, 2014PA
ELECTRONIC STEERING LOCK MESSAGE APPEARED WHILE CAR WAS STATIONARY. CAR WAS BROUGHT TO MECHANIC WHO SAID THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK AT ANY TIME INCLUDING WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THEN BROUGHT CAR TO BMW DEALER WHO ALSO CONFIRMED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS IS EVEN MORE DANGEROUS THAN THE CURRENT AIRBAG RECALL. THERE IS ALREADY A SERVICE BULLETIN REGARDING THIS WHICH STATES "IF DEFECTIVE, WHICH WAS COMMON, THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED". IT ALSO STATES THAT THESE LOCK MECHANISMS WERE ONLY USED IN PRODUCTION YEAR 2006. BMW STOPPED USING THESE ELECTRONIC MECHANISMS BECAUSE THEY KNEW IT WAS UNSAFE. I HAVE READ MANY OTHER POSTS HERE AND ONLINE WHERE PEOPLE ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. THIS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED. I'M HOPING YOU WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS MATTER SOON BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Sep 5, 201470,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED, THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DETECT THE PASSENGER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 30, 201468,000 milesOK
BMW NORTH AMERICA AND JACKIE COOPER BMW , OKC , OK REFUSED TO REPAIR MY 2007 503I , ON THE BASIS IT DID NOT AFFECT MY VEHICLE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID 10V446000 STATES THAT IT DOES BRAKE VACUUM PART FAILURE BY THIRD PARTY BMW MECHANIC AND OWNER , FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE IN TRAFFIC NHTSA NO HELP IN RESOLUTION. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jun 26, 201453,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT HAD ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 12, 201460,000 milesMN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE FOR RECALL NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) IN JANUARY THE VECHILE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A SECOND LETTER WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO PERFORM THE FREE REPAIR. AFTER CONTACTING THE MANUFACTURER SEVERAL TIMES THE CONTACT STILL HAD NOT RECEIVED THE SECOND LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Complaints 1-50 of 73, newest first, reproduced as filed.
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: Oct 30, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.