NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
398 reports49,000 miles · May 9, 2019
Air BagsSeats
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OC3) MAT HAS FAILED IN MY CAR. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE E90 SEDAN AND E91 WAGON VERSION OF THE 2007 328I BUT NOT THE E93 CONVERTIBLE (WHICH I HAVE) THE SEAT COMPONENTS ARE IDENTICAL ON ALL 3 MODEL VERSIONS OF THAT YEAR. WHY IS THE SAFETY OF E93 PASSENGERS LESS IMPORTANT …
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THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OC3) MAT HAS FAILED IN MY CAR. BMW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE E90 SEDAN AND E91 WAGON VERSION OF THE 2007 328I BUT NOT THE E93 CONVERTIBLE (WHICH I HAVE) THE SEAT COMPONENTS ARE IDENTICAL ON ALL 3 MODEL VERSIONS OF THAT YEAR. WHY IS THE SAFETY OF E93 PASSENGERS LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE PASSENGERS IN THE E90 AND E91 WHEN THEY SHARE THE SAME SENSOR? REPAIR COST IS $1,200 FOR A SENSOR BMW KNOWS WILL FAIL. I WANT THE 2007 E93 TO BE INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY SI B01 09 14
NHTSA ODI #11206634
88,322 miles · Mar 11, 2019
Air Bags
PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEAT MAT IS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO NOT READ CORRECTLY THE PASSENGER WEIGHT AND POSSIBLY DEPLOYING WITH A CHILD IN THE SEAT. THE LIGHT REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES. THERE ARE RECALLS OUT FOR OTHER BMW AUTOS FOR THIS SAME REASON 17V-428 - THIS MODEL AND YEAR WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST…
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PASSENGER AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE SEAT MAT IS DEFECTIVE CAUSING THE AIR BAG TO NOT READ CORRECTLY THE PASSENGER WEIGHT AND POSSIBLY DEPLOYING WITH A CHILD IN THE SEAT. THE LIGHT REMAINS ON AT ALL TIMES. THERE ARE RECALLS OUT FOR OTHER BMW AUTOS FOR THIS SAME REASON 17V-428 - THIS MODEL AND YEAR WASN'T INCLUDED IN THE RECALL LIST BUT IS ALSO CARRYING A DEFECTIVE PART.
NHTSA ODI #11185789
120,000 miles · Feb 23, 2019
Air Bags
"TAKATA RECALL...I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW I WOULD SAY SUMMER OF 18 STATING THAT THEY ARE EXTENDING MY WARRANTY ON MY PASSENGER AIR AIRBAG AND A MONTH BEFORE THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT HIGHLIGHTED ON MY DASHBOARD I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC I DON'T BE…
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"TAKATA RECALL...I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMW I WOULD SAY SUMMER OF 18 STATING THAT THEY ARE EXTENDING MY WARRANTY ON MY PASSENGER AIR AIRBAG AND A MONTH BEFORE THAT MY AIRBAG LIGHT HIGHLIGHTED ON MY DASHBOARD I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL BMW DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR THE DIAGNOSTIC I DON'T BELIEVE I SHOULD HAVE TO I HAVE A LETTER STATING IT'S EXTENDED AND THE LIGHT IS ON I'M AFRAID IT WILL GO OFF I NEED TO GET A LETTER FROM BMW TO COVER THIS PLEASE CONSIDER RECALLING THE AIRBAG SOONER
NHTSA ODI #11182115
Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2019
Air Bags
I HAVE DONE THE MOST RECENT 3 RECALLS ON MY BMW, I NOTICED THROUGH KREDIT KARMA THAT IT CLAIMS A FOURTH ONE FOR THE DETECTION MAT ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM. I DID MENTION THIS RECALL TO BMW WHEN I RECENTLY VISITED FOR THE 3 MOST RECENT RECALLS, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE ALERT OF THE MALFUNCTION ONLY S…
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I HAVE DONE THE MOST RECENT 3 RECALLS ON MY BMW, I NOTICED THROUGH KREDIT KARMA THAT IT CLAIMS A FOURTH ONE FOR THE DETECTION MAT ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM. I DID MENTION THIS RECALL TO BMW WHEN I RECENTLY VISITED FOR THE 3 MOST RECENT RECALLS, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE ALERT OF THE MALFUNCTION ONLY SHOWS WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED, IT CLEARS AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION, BUT ONCE BACK IN PASSENGER SEAT, IT MALFUNCTIONS ONCE AGAIN. I WOULD JUST LIKE SOME CLARIFICATION ON THIS IF POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11181750
50,000 miles · Feb 21, 2019
Electrical SystemFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG BURNING ODOR OF PLASTIC EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED CLASSIC BMW AT (214) 778-2600 (LOCATED AT 6800 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG BURNING ODOR OF PLASTIC EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED CLASSIC BMW AT (214) 778-2600 (LOCATED AT 6800 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE BURNING ODOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #11181658
Mileage unknown · Feb 20, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringFire
MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS TRAPPED IN CAR. A NEARBY PASSENGER BROKE MY WINDOW TO ME OUT. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE MAN I WOULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE!!
NHTSA ODI #11181461
155,000 miles · Feb 18, 2019
Steering
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BMW 328I MY STEERING WHEEL, IT IS BLOCKED AND I CAN NOT TURN IT ON OR MOVE AND I THINK THAT IS BMW PROBLEM BECAUSE THOSE PARTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE CUSTOMERS HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DEFECTIVE OF FABRIC
NHTSA ODI #11180977
Mileage unknown · Jan 25, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF WILMINGTON AT 910-338-2149 (LOCATED AT 4920 …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF WILMINGTON AT 910-338-2149 (LOCATED AT 4920 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403) AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
NHTSA ODI #11172047
134,000 miles · Jan 11, 2019
EngineFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE ODOR OF SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AS SMOKE AND FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAU…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE ODOR OF SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AS SMOKE AND FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
NHTSA ODI #11166494
80,000 miles · Jan 9, 2019
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF BELLEVUE (13617 NE 20TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA 98005, (425) 243-5201) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF BELLEVUE (13617 NE 20TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA 98005, (425) 243-5201) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11166027
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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