IllustrationHEADLIGHTS. 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.
2007 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2007 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
250–25K
3625–50K
6350–75K
5375–100K
76100–150K
21150K+
274 reports with mileage · 124 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports28 fire reports9 injury reports
Exterior Lighting complaints
13 reportsI was driving just my 3rd day of having my car and i come outside and its wrecked someone hit the driver side front panel and bumper
HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS SLEEVES HAVE ROTTED, THE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING CAN SHORT INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING A SPARK, PROLONGED CONTACT BETWEEN BARE WIRES WILL GENERATE HEAT CAPABLE OF MELTING THE HEADLIGHT UNIT AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS AROUND IT.
ABOUT A MONTH AGO, (TODAY'S DATE IS 10/8/18) MY DRIVERS SIDE REVERSE LIGHT WENT OUT. WITH IT BEING A LIGHT THAT ISN'T REALLY A NECESSITY OR SAFETY HAZARD, I DIDN'T HAVE ANY URGENCY REPLACING. LAST NIGHT I DECIDED TO PEEL THE COVER OFF THE TRUNK TO ACCESS MY TAIL LIGHT, AND ONCE REMOVED, THE ENTIRE BULB HOUSING FALLS OUT OF THE T…
Read full complaint
ABOUT A MONTH AGO, (TODAY'S DATE IS 10/8/18) MY DRIVERS SIDE REVERSE LIGHT WENT OUT. WITH IT BEING A LIGHT THAT ISN'T REALLY A NECESSITY OR SAFETY HAZARD, I DIDN'T HAVE ANY URGENCY REPLACING. LAST NIGHT I DECIDED TO PEEL THE COVER OFF THE TRUNK TO ACCESS MY TAIL LIGHT, AND ONCE REMOVED, THE ENTIRE BULB HOUSING FALLS OUT OF THE TAIL LIGHT. THERE IS A LOT OF MELTED PLASTIC (IT WAS VERY VERY HOT) IN THE TAIL LIGHT. I EXAMINE THE BULBS, NONE BEING BURNT OUT. NO WHERE ON THE PART THAT THE LIGHTS ACTUALLY GO INTO HAS ANY HEAT DAMAGE (BURNT AND CRACKED PLASTIC). I THEN CONTACT MY MECHANIC WITH A VIDEO ASKING HIM WHAT I NEED TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE NOW THAT I SEE MY TAIL LIGHT IS LITERALLY MELTED. HE SAYS HE'LL HAVE TO CHECK IT OUT AND WILL COME BY IN THE MORNING. HE WAS 'BAFFLED' AND SAID THAT IT IS ENTIRELY A MANUFACTURES DEFECT, AFTER INSPECTING THE CONNECTOR, AS WELL AS ALL THE WIRING. I THEN HAD HIM, (OUT OF CURIOSITY) CHECK AND SEE IF THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALSO DEFECTED. I GET ON GOOGLE AND SEE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH MY EXACT CAR, AND NUMEROUS PEOPLES VEHICLES HAVE BURST INTO FLAMES BUT THERE ISN'T A RECALL?? EVEN PEOPLE'S CARS THAT ARE TURNED OFF??? I HAVE TWO TODDLERS AND JUST TRAVELED 750 MILES AWAY 1500 MILES FROM HOME AND BACK. I AM VERY ANGRY AT THE FACT THAT THEY AS WELL AS MY OWN SAFETY WAS IN DANGER THE ENTIRE TIME AND WE HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF. AND I'M EVEN MORE ANGRY THAT I COULD HAVE BEEN TAKING MY NIECE TO AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW MORNING (I DO HAVE TO FIND OTHER MEANS TO GET HER THERE) AND MY CAR JUST COMBUSTS, HAD I NOT CARED TO REPLACE THE BULB, MY CAR COULD CATCH ON FIRE WHILE TYPING THIS COMPLAINT. I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY BMW IS TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS ISSUE.
BOTH FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY'S HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACE THREE TIMES DUE TO THE BULBS MELTING THEIR BASES - THIS INCLUDES MELTING OF BOTH TURN SIGNALS BULBS. THE COST TO REPLACE A SINGLE FRONT HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY IS $990, $1,980 FOR BOTH, TIMES THREE TIMES.... THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE AND IS A BIG PROBLEM WITH BMW 3 SERIES CARS
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY'S, BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT, THE WIRING INSULATION IS FALLING OFF OF ALL THE HEADLIGHT WIRES THUS LEAVING AN ARRAY OF COMPLETELY EXPOSED COPPER WIRING. UPON READING IN THE BIMMER COMPUTER FORUM THIS IS A COMMON HAPPENING IN MOST ~ 2000 VINTAGE BMW'S. BMW'S RESPONSE IS THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND BLAME…
Read full complaint
FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY'S, BOTH RIGHT AND LEFT, THE WIRING INSULATION IS FALLING OFF OF ALL THE HEADLIGHT WIRES THUS LEAVING AN ARRAY OF COMPLETELY EXPOSED COPPER WIRING. UPON READING IN THE BIMMER COMPUTER FORUM THIS IS A COMMON HAPPENING IN MOST ~ 2000 VINTAGE BMW'S. BMW'S RESPONSE IS THIS IS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR AND BLAMED ON FLORIDA WEATHER EVEN THOUGH THIS DOESN'T EXIST IN OTHER AUTO MODEL'S.
BLINKERS CONTINUE TO GO OUT THE BULBS ARE FINE SO ARE THE SOCKETS. THEY SOMETIMES WORK BUT MOST OF THE TIME NOT AFTER READING ONLINE I FOUND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH SIMILAR IF NOT THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THEY HAVE FOUND THERE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRM MODULES. IF YOU PLAY WITH THE BULB LONG ENOUGH OR VERY SLOWLY T…
Read full complaint
BLINKERS CONTINUE TO GO OUT THE BULBS ARE FINE SO ARE THE SOCKETS. THEY SOMETIMES WORK BUT MOST OF THE TIME NOT AFTER READING ONLINE I FOUND THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHERS WITH SIMILAR IF NOT THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. THEY HAVE FOUND THERE TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRM MODULES. IF YOU PLAY WITH THE BULB LONG ENOUGH OR VERY SLOWLY TURN THE SOCKET IT MIGHT COME ON BUT DECIDES WETHER TO STAY ON OR NOT THERE IS NO PATTERN TO IT.
MY REAR LEFT TAIL LAMP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. WE CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS STILL WORK.
PLASTIC INSULATION HAS CRACKED AND PEELED ON ALL WIRING INSIDE MY FRONT HEADLIGHT HOUSINGS. EXPOSED WIRING CREATES A POTENTIAL SHORT CIRCUIT AND FIRE HAZARD.
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…
Read full complaint
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.
Official recalls
624V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 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.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring
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.
13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification
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.
13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.