NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
128 reportsClear category filter143,000 miles · Mar 23, 2016
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AND THE KEY FOB REMAINED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED SHIFTING A RED B.PLUS CABLE IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE PARKED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO START AND THE KEY FOB REMAINED IN THE IGNITION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED SHIFTING A RED B.PLUS CABLE IN ORDER TO START THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT FOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
NHTSA ODI #10851301
142,700 miles · Jan 27, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior LightingCrashInjury
THIS IS AN ADDITION TO OUR PREVIOUS RECALL PROBLEMS AS ALL ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF AS WELL. HERE ARE THE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE ADDED TO PUBLIC RECORD THAT INDEED 6 RECALLS WERE RECORDED TO OUR REGISTERED VIN AND YET WAS TOLD BMW HAD NO OBLIGATION TO ADHERE TO THESE DOCUMENTS?! ITS ALSO CRAZY THAT WE HAVE TONS OF DOCUMENTS AND Y…
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THIS IS AN ADDITION TO OUR PREVIOUS RECALL PROBLEMS AS ALL ELECTRICAL SHUT OFF AS WELL. HERE ARE THE ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO BE ADDED TO PUBLIC RECORD THAT INDEED 6 RECALLS WERE RECORDED TO OUR REGISTERED VIN AND YET WAS TOLD BMW HAD NO OBLIGATION TO ADHERE TO THESE DOCUMENTS?! ITS ALSO CRAZY THAT WE HAVE TONS OF DOCUMENTS AND YET WE ARE ALLOWED TO SHOW A MBYTE AT A TIME. HOW CONVENIENT.
NHTSA ODI #10822713
120,000 miles · Dec 22, 2015
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)
I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AS I COASTED DOWN THE ROAD WITH ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES AT ALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO MY CAR AT ALL FOR ALL OF 10 MINS. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SWERVING ONTO A SIDE STREET TO LET MY CAR COAST UNTIL IT STOPPED. MY CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO COLD CRANK. …
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I WAS DRIVING AND MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AS I COASTED DOWN THE ROAD WITH ABSOLUTELY NO BRAKES AT ALL. I WAS TERRIFIED. THERE WAS NO ELECTRICAL POWER TO MY CAR AT ALL FOR ALL OF 10 MINS. I ALMOST HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, SWERVING ONTO A SIDE STREET TO LET MY CAR COAST UNTIL IT STOPPED. MY CAR HAS ABSOLUTELY NO COLD CRANK. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED AND NO ONE CAN FIX IT.
NHTSA ODI #10811623
80,000 miles · Nov 14, 2015
Electrical System
HEADLAMP WIRING INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF. ALL INSULATION OF ALL WIRES IN BOTH HEADLAMPS HAS TOTALLY DETERIORATED WITHIN EIGHT YEARS OF MANUFACTURE LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES CREATING POTENTIAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE HAZARD. BMW'S SOLUTION IS TO BUY ANOTHER HEADLAMP AT $1,500 EACH WHICH, PRESUMABLY, WILL ALSO DETERIORATE WITHIN THE…
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HEADLAMP WIRING INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF. ALL INSULATION OF ALL WIRES IN BOTH HEADLAMPS HAS TOTALLY DETERIORATED WITHIN EIGHT YEARS OF MANUFACTURE LEAVING EXPOSED WIRES CREATING POTENTIAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE HAZARD. BMW'S SOLUTION IS TO BUY ANOTHER HEADLAMP AT $1,500 EACH WHICH, PRESUMABLY, WILL ALSO DETERIORATE WITHIN THE NEXT SEVEN TO EIGHT YEARS!
NHTSA ODI #10790424
46,000 miles · Nov 1, 2015
Electrical System
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I AM REPORTING THIS ISSUE. A FEW YEARS AGO I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY DOORS CAUSED BY AN OBVIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS FAULTY ACTUATORS AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNED TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN OR OUT OF YOUR CA…
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THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I AM REPORTING THIS ISSUE. A FEW YEARS AGO I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN MY DOORS CAUSED BY AN OBVIOUS ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED IT WAS FAULTY ACTUATORS AND THEY HAD TO BE REPLACED. IT WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNED TO NOT BE ABLE TO GET IN OR OUT OF YOUR CAR TO BOTH THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, IT WAS DETERMINED THIS A KNOWN ISSUE BY BMW YET THEY REFUSE TO DO A RECALL. THE ISSUE HAS NOW HAPPENED AGAIN TO ME, AND I AM NOT ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, NOT EVEN WITH THE KEY. I WAS IN A PARKING LOT AND WAS ALMOST LEFT STRANDED UNTIL FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO CRAWL IN TO GET TO DRIVERS SEAT. I AM VERY ANGRY THEY ARE NOT TAKING SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS INTO CONSIDERATION AND DOING A RECALL. THIS IS NOT A CHEAP FIX NOT TO MENTION A THREAT TO MY SAFETY AND PASSENGERS. BMW NEEDS TO STEP UP AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. I WILL NOT BE PURCHASING ANOTHER BMW (THIS IS MY SECOND). MY FIRST CAR HAD CONSTANT ISSUE WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THAT WOULD NOT GO AWAY ALTHOUGH NO ISSUE FOUND WHICH WAS UNSETTLING TO DRIVE WITH. AND NOW THIS CAR IS HAVING SECOND EXPERIENCE WITH DOOR FAILURE. I WILL BE PURCHASING A CAR THAT IS SAFER NEXT TIME!
NHTSA ODI #10787523
163,500 miles · Sep 21, 2015
Electrical SystemPower TrainSteering
AFTER, I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE. (NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, DAILY ROUTINE, NORMAL CONDITIONS). MY CAR WOULDN'T START. IT DISPLAYED A "POWER STEERING WHEEL LOCKED" ICON WARNING WHEN I TRIED TO START THE IGNITION. THE IGNITION SPARK WASNT THERE. THE LIGHTS ALSO DIMMED AS I TRIED TO GET STARTED.
NHTSA ODI #10766445
148,900 miles · Jul 16, 2015
Electrical SystemEquipment Adaptive/mobilityStructureFireInjury
DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH PASSING VEHICLE ALLERTED ME OF FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR. AS I SLOWED DOWN FLAMES AND SMOKE INCREASED. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR UPON MY EXITING. REAR FIRE CO0NTINUED TO BURN UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT. DOOUSED CAR WITH WATER. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP AND DECLARED TO EXPENSIV…
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DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH PASSING VEHICLE ALLERTED ME OF FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR. AS I SLOWED DOWN FLAMES AND SMOKE INCREASED. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR UPON MY EXITING. REAR FIRE CO0NTINUED TO BURN UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT. DOOUSED CAR WITH WATER. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR SHOP AND DECLARED TO EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR.
NHTSA ODI #10734437
140,000 miles · Jul 8, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED TO ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION HAD DIFFICULTY SWITCHING INTO THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD ALSO WORK INDEPEND…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED TO ACTIVATE INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE IGNITION HAD DIFFICULTY SWITCHING INTO THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR LOCKS WOULD ALSO WORK INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.
NHTSA ODI #10732755
100,000 miles · Jun 26, 2015
Electrical SystemVisibility
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH REAR WINDOW REGULATORS WOULD PREMATURELY WEAR AND FAIL. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED EACH TIME AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
NHTSA ODI #10730621
77,000 miles · Apr 26, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering
I PARKED ON MY DRIVE WAY NORMALLY WITH EVERYTHING FINE. THE NEXT DAY WHEN TRYING TO TURN THE CAR ON, IT WOULDN'T START AND IT GAVE ME A STEERING WHEEL LOCK ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10712993
Official recalls
6Jul 3, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
Consequence: 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
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.
Consequence: 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.
Jan 15, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Oct 30, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Oct 25, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 12, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Feb 7, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
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.
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
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.
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
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.
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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