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2008 BMW 328I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 328I years

Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.

About this comparison →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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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

129 reports with mileage · 110 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 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports22 fire reports9 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

83 reports
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175,000 miles · Nov 16, 2018
Air BagsSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF GWINNETT PLACE (3264 COMMERCE AVE, DULUTH, GA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFF…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF GWINNETT PLACE (3264 COMMERCE AVE, DULUTH, GA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. *TT*JB

NHTSA ODI #11151909

110,000 miles · Nov 7, 2018
Air Bags

I HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THAT CAUSES WARNING SIGN ON THE INFORMATION CENTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO CREVIER BMW IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT'S EXISTED BEFORE IN PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE SAME MODEL, ACCORDING TO NTHS…

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I HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THAT CAUSES WARNING SIGN ON THE INFORMATION CENTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO CREVIER BMW IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT'S EXISTED BEFORE IN PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE SAME MODEL, ACCORDING TO NTHSA PUBLICATION ON 2013-12-14. WOULD YOU PLEASE EXTEND THE YEARS OF THE COVERAGE SINCE BASICALLY 2006-2011 IS THE SAME BODY TYPE AND COMPONENTS FOR BMW VEHICLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

NHTSA ODI #11149913

160,000 miles · Oct 30, 2018
Air Bags

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR IS BAD, AND BMW HAS RECALLED IT FOR MY 2006-2007 CARS, BUT I HAVE AN EARLY 2008 PRODUCTION CAR THAT HAS THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND AS IT STANDS I DO NOT BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY.

NHTSA ODI #11144072

68,750 miles · Oct 19, 2018
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT MYERS, 15421 S TAMIAMI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT MYERS, 15421 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33908, (844) 283-1830) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,750. *TT UPDATED 12/20/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11141435

104,100 miles · Oct 16, 2018
Air BagsSeats

USE OF THE RIGHT FRONT (RF) PASSENGER SEAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AFTER A NUMBER OF IGNITION CYCLES IF THERE WAS NO RF PASSENGER, BUT WOULD REAPPEAR AFTER A PASSENGER USED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER ON 10/12/18 AND THEY FOUND THAT THE "OC3 …

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USE OF THE RIGHT FRONT (RF) PASSENGER SEAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AFTER A NUMBER OF IGNITION CYCLES IF THERE WAS NO RF PASSENGER, BUT WOULD REAPPEAR AFTER A PASSENGER USED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER ON 10/12/18 AND THEY FOUND THAT THE "OC3 MAT" WAS FAULTY AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THIS IS A SIMILAR ISSUE TO TWO OTHER BMW RECALLS (17V-428 AND 13V-564) RELATED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2008 BMW E90 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11140570

76,000 miles · Sep 6, 2018
Air BagsSeats

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. BILL PEARCE MOTORS (11555 SOUTH VIRGINIA STREET, RENO, NEVADA 89511, (775) 826-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. BILL PEARCE MOTORS (11555 SOUTH VIRGINIA STREET, RENO, NEVADA 89511, (775) 826-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.

NHTSA ODI #11127870

Mileage unknown · Jul 2, 2018
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF DALLAS, 6200 LEMMON A…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF DALLAS, 6200 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209, (972) 763-5528) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. *TT CONSUMER STATED IT TOOK OVER 3 YEARS TO REPLACE THE AIR BAG. AFTER REPLACING THE AIR BAG CONSUMER ALSO HAD MORE RECALLS RELATED TO ELECTICAL WHICH COULD CAUSE FIRE. IT WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 10/16/18*JB

NHTSA ODI #11105161

Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2018
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ODI #11099820

Mileage unknown · May 16, 2018
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED FROM DEALSHIP. CONTACT DEALERSHIP TO FOLLOW UP WHEN REPAIR CAN BE MADE AND ALWAYS BEING INFORMED OF PARTS BACKED ORDERED AND WAS TOLD THEY WILL CONTACT ME WHEN THEY RECEIVE PARTS. NEVER ONCE HEARD BACK AND I WOULD CALL BACK AGAIN FOR FOLLOW UP AND KEEP GETTING TOLD THE SAME THING, PART…

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TAKATA RECALL ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED FROM DEALSHIP. CONTACT DEALERSHIP TO FOLLOW UP WHEN REPAIR CAN BE MADE AND ALWAYS BEING INFORMED OF PARTS BACKED ORDERED AND WAS TOLD THEY WILL CONTACT ME WHEN THEY RECEIVE PARTS. NEVER ONCE HEARD BACK AND I WOULD CALL BACK AGAIN FOR FOLLOW UP AND KEEP GETTING TOLD THE SAME THING, PARTS BACK ORDERED AND THEY WILL GET PARTS WITHIN A WEEK AND WILL CONTACT ME WHEN THEY GET THE PARTS. BEING TOLD THE SAME ISSUE OVER AND OVER AGAIN EVERY TIME I CONTACT TO SCHEDULE REPAIR ON THIS RECALL. AND NEVER WILL I GET A FOLLOWUP NOTICE AND HAVE BEEN THIS WAY FOR NEARLY A YEAR.

NHTSA ODI #11094137

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2018
Air Bags

I HAVEN'T RECEIVED MY DATE I CAN TAKE MY CAR FOR REPAIR

NHTSA ODI #11063246

Official recalls

5

24V513000 · 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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.