NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
398 reports87,844 miles · Apr 11, 2014
Air Bags
I UNLOCKED THE CAR AND SAT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. MY WIFE SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I INSERTED THE KEYFOB AND PUSHED THE 'START' BUTTON. THE CAR TURNED ON AND ABOUT 5 SECONDS LATER WE HEARD A 'GONG' SOUND. WE LOOKED AT THE SCREEN AND IT WAS SHOWING A RED WARNING ABOUT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG BEING DISABLED. I POWERED OF…
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I UNLOCKED THE CAR AND SAT IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT. MY WIFE SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I INSERTED THE KEYFOB AND PUSHED THE 'START' BUTTON. THE CAR TURNED ON AND ABOUT 5 SECONDS LATER WE HEARD A 'GONG' SOUND. WE LOOKED AT THE SCREEN AND IT WAS SHOWING A RED WARNING ABOUT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG BEING DISABLED. I POWERED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A MINUTE AND POWERED IT BACK ON. SAME ERROR CAME UP. SO I POWERED OFF THE CAR A SECOND TIME, ASKED THE WIFE TO GET OUT OF THE CAR AND THEN BACK ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THEN I POWERED ON THE CAR. THE ERROR WENT AWAY. WE DROVE 15 MINUTES TO DINNER, ATE AND RETURNED HOME WITHOUT FURTHER INCIDENT. THAT NIGHT I SETUP AN APPOINTMENT WITH GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW FOR 9/12/2012 TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. THE DEALER RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND REPORTED THE FOLLOWING IN REGARDS TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT ISSUE: "87844 PERFORMED SHORT TEST AND FOUND FAULT MRS-93C3. PERFORMED TEST MODULE AND FOUND THE PASSENGER SEAT MAT TO BE DEFECTIVE. CUSTOMER DECLINED THE SEAT MAT REPLACEMENT." NEXT TO THIS I HAD THE SERVICE MANAGER WRITE IN THE TOTAL REPAIR COST, $1,345.70. I STILL HAVE A COPY OF THE PAPERWORK WITH THE DETAILS IF NEEDED. I DECLINED THE REPAIR AT THE TIME BECAUSE I FELT THE FACT THEY FOUND "...THE SEAT MAT TO BE DEFECTIVE" INDICATED A KNOWN ISSUE. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY 4/11/2014, NHTSA LISTS A "RECALL SUBJECT : FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT PROTECTION MAT" CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000. I CALLED BMW USA'S CUSTOMER RELATIONS NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME MY CAR HAD NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH IT EVEN THOUGH THERE'S CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE SENSOR MAT. TO THIS DAY I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RECALL LETTERS FROM BMW NOR NHTSA. THE CAR STILL BRINGS UP THIS ERROR WHEN MY WIFE SITS IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. IT'S NOT SAFE AND I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR REPAIRS IF THERE'S AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR THIS MODEL YEAR. PLEASE HELP. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10579200
Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2014
Air BagsSteering
PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT PAD DOES NOT DETECT. STEERING WHEEL LOCK FAULT BOTH THESE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN RECALLED ON OTHER VEHICLES OF SAME MODELS SAME YEAR BUT NOT MINE. BOTH PROBLEMS HAVE OCCURRED ON MY VEHICLE AND I REFUSE TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED WHEN OTHERS GET THERE COVERED WITH A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578452
49,000 miles · Apr 8, 2014
Electrical System
THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY UNROLLS ALL WINDOWS AND THE MOONROOF WHENEVER IT RAINS. THIS IS FLOODING AND RUINING THE VEHICLE, AND CAUSING MOISTURE TO ENTER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. THERE IS A BURNING SMELL FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE ISSUE, WHICH IS WELL KNOWN ON THE BLOGOSPHERE, IS DUE TO A F…
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THE VEHICLE AUTOMATICALLY UNROLLS ALL WINDOWS AND THE MOONROOF WHENEVER IT RAINS. THIS IS FLOODING AND RUINING THE VEHICLE, AND CAUSING MOISTURE TO ENTER THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD. THERE IS A BURNING SMELL FROM THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE ISSUE, WHICH IS WELL KNOWN ON THE BLOGOSPHERE, IS DUE TO A FAULTY AND IMPROPERLY INSTALLED WIRING HARNESS (INSTALLED CROOKED), AN ELECTRICAL SHORT IN PINS 18 AND 19 FOR THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR, AND IMPROPER MOISTURE SEALING FOR THE HARNESS AND ACTUATOR. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR ADDRESS THE ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578157
44,000 miles · Apr 5, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure
LOCKED IN CAR DUE TO FAILED DOOR LOCKS. OPENED WINDOW TO ACCESS MANUAL DOOR KEY BUT PASSENGER CRAWLED OVER TO DRIVERS SIDE SINCE THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577595
Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2014
Engine
OWNER OF 2007 BMW 328I, START MY CAR IN THE MORNING, BUT THE CAR WON'T START IT, IT NO SOUND WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR. BUT THE WINDOW, LOCKS AND RADIO ARE ALL WORKING WELL. TRY TO JUMP THE BATTERY, IT NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. NEED TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, OVER ONE DAYS ALREADY, STILL WAITING THE REPLY FROM THE DE…
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OWNER OF 2007 BMW 328I, START MY CAR IN THE MORNING, BUT THE CAR WON'T START IT, IT NO SOUND WHEN I TRY TO START THE CAR. BUT THE WINDOW, LOCKS AND RADIO ARE ALL WORKING WELL. TRY TO JUMP THE BATTERY, IT NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY. NEED TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, OVER ONE DAYS ALREADY, STILL WAITING THE REPLY FROM THE DEALER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573011
72,855 miles · Mar 12, 2014
Electrical SystemEngine
AT 65 MPH ON FREEWAY, SUDDENLY LOST POWER. VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY SLOWED TO ABOUT 10 MPH AS I PULLED OFF THE FREEWAY. CARS BEHIND NEARLY RAN ME OVER. DROVE SLOWLY TO BMW SERVICE WHO DIAGNOSED "WATER PUMP SHORT TO GROUND" CAUSING VEH TO LOSE POWER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10568826
75,000 miles · Feb 20, 2014
Engine
I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH OVER HEATING. EVERY TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM THEY HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE LEAKS AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED (NOT DIAGNOSED IN ONE VISIT THESE WERE FOUND AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS). IT STILL DOES IT AND NOW THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING. THEY WANT PROOF THAT THIS IS ACTUALL…
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I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH OVER HEATING. EVERY TIME I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER FOR THIS PROBLEM THEY HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE LEAKS AND THE MANIFOLD CRACKED (NOT DIAGNOSED IN ONE VISIT THESE WERE FOUND AFTER MULTIPLE VISITS). IT STILL DOES IT AND NOW THEY CLAIM THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING. THEY WANT PROOF THAT THIS IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING SO I AM GOING TO FILM IT WHEN IT HAPPENS TO ME AGAIN. THE INCIDENT THAT HAPPENED ON 12/31/13, I WAS DRIVING ON A ROAD TO GET TO A RESORT, THIS ROAD WAS NOT ELEVATED IN ANYWAY IT WAS LEVEL. IT HAPPENS EVERY MONTH OR SO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565200
77,000 miles · Feb 20, 2014
Steering
STEERING WHEEL LOCK SIGN KEEPS APPEARING AND LOCKING ME OUT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED EVERY TIME AND 3 OF THE TIMES A TOW TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO REACH MY CAR TO TOW IT. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALER FOR A WEEK NOW AND THE SIGN HAS NOT POPPED UP FOR THEM SO THEY SAY THEY CAN N…
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STEERING WHEEL LOCK SIGN KEEPS APPEARING AND LOCKING ME OUT OF THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS AND HAS LEFT ME STRANDED EVERY TIME AND 3 OF THE TIMES A TOW TRUCK WAS UNABLE TO REACH MY CAR TO TOW IT. I HAVE HAD IT AT THE DEALER FOR A WEEK NOW AND THE SIGN HAS NOT POPPED UP FOR THEM SO THEY SAY THEY CAN NOT DO ANYTHING. WHEN I DROPPED OFF THE CAR TO THEM AFTER BEING STUCK FOR 45 MIN, AS SOON AS I PARKED IT AT BMW THE SERVICE WOMAN TRIED TO GO INTO IT AND START IT AND IT SHOWED THE SIGN. THE SERVICE TEAM HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. SO I AM PICK UP THE CAR TODAY WITH NOTHING THAT HAS BEEN DONE TO IT AND IT WILL MOST LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS SINCE IT WILL BE DRIVEN NORMALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565196
93,000 miles · Feb 13, 2014
Electrical SystemStructure
I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE MY VEHICLE WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNABLE TO UNLOCK. I COULD NOT USE THE MANUAL DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE OR OUT. THE INTERIOR DOOR OPEN BUTTON LOCATED ON THE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK IT. I FINALLY HAD TO MANEUVER ACROSS THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SLIDE …
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I WAS TRAPPED INSIDE MY VEHICLE WITH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR UNABLE TO UNLOCK. I COULD NOT USE THE MANUAL DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE OR OUT. THE INTERIOR DOOR OPEN BUTTON LOCATED ON THE DASHBOARD WOULD NOT UNLOCK THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE KEY FOB WOULD NOT UNLOCK IT. I FINALLY HAD TO MANEUVER ACROSS THE CENTER CONSOLE AND SLIDE OUT THROUGH THE PASSENGER DOOR. I WAS SCARED AND FRUSTRATED. IT WAS DARK AND IN AN EMPTY PARKING LOT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10564301
48,000 miles · Jan 17, 2014
Steering
I WAS DRIVING MY 328I WITH 48K MILES AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK ICON CAME UP ON THE DASH PANEL. IT KEPT GIVING THE WARNING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO START IT. I DROVE IT HOME AND WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP AND HAD NO PROBLEM WITH …
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I WAS DRIVING MY 328I WITH 48K MILES AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK ICON CAME UP ON THE DASH PANEL. IT KEPT GIVING THE WARNING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO START IT. I DROVE IT HOME AND WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP AND HAD NO PROBLEM WITH STEERING IN TEST DRIVE. DEALER TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE COLUMN BECAUSE IT COULD ACTUALLY LOCK. THIS WOULD BE DISASTROUS ON A FREEWAY IN SOUTHERN CAL WHERE I LIVE. THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE BMW 328I MODELS BECAUSE I AM READING OTHER ONLINE POSTS STATING THE STEERING DID LOCK. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT, HOPING THAT ANY SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION BY THE NHTSA WILL SEE THIS IS A REAL SAFETY ISSUE AND BMW KNOWS THERE IS A PROBLEM THAT COULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT YET THEY WON'T ISSUE A RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10560439
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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