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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
Clear category filter
Mileage unknown · Nov 1, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL IN FEBRUARY 2017. I CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER (NORTH SCOTTSDALE BMW, SCOTTSDALE AZ) AND WAS TOLD THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN IT WAS RECEIVED. WE FOLLOWED UP APRIL AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING. THE CAR WAS THEN RELOCATED TO ALABAMA IN MAY. IN JUN…

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TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL IN FEBRUARY 2017. I CONTACTED THE BMW DEALER (NORTH SCOTTSDALE BMW, SCOTTSDALE AZ) AND WAS TOLD THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND WE WOULD BE CONTACTED WHEN IT WAS RECEIVED. WE FOLLOWED UP APRIL AND WERE TOLD THE SAME THING. THE CAR WAS THEN RELOCATED TO ALABAMA IN MAY. IN JUNE WE CONTACTED THE LOCAL BMW DEALER (MOBILE BMW) AND WERE TOLD THE SAME STORY. WE FOLLOWED UP IN SEPTEMBER AND WERE TOLD, AGAIN, THE PART IS NOT AVAILABLE. THIS IS REALLY BAD GIVEN THE SAFETY CONCERNS INVOLVED. IT IS NOW 8 MONTHS SINCE RECEIVING THE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTICE AND WE STILL HAVE A POTENTIAL DEADLY ISSUE THAT BMW DEALERS IN TWO STATES ARE CONSISTENTLY IGNORING.

NHTSA ODI #11042215

113,000 miles · Oct 24, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury

TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 10/1/2016. I HAD A FRIEND DRIVE MY CAR WHILE I RODE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MY FRIEND ENDED UP DRIVING INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A STOP LIGHT. WE WERE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. UNFORTUNATELY, MY FOREARM AND WRIST BROKE AFTER THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND HIT …

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TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON 10/1/2016. I HAD A FRIEND DRIVE MY CAR WHILE I RODE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. MY FRIEND ENDED UP DRIVING INTO THE BACK OF ANOTHER VEHICLE AT A STOP LIGHT. WE WERE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH. UNFORTUNATELY, MY FOREARM AND WRIST BROKE AFTER THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND HIT ME. I REMEMBER CHEWING METAL DEBRIS. I REMEMBER THE PAIN THAT RADIATED FROM MY WRIST TO MY ELBOW BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAGS IMPACT. I UNDERWENT SURGERY 2 WEEKS LATER (I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE SWELLING TO SUBSIDE) I HAD 2 PLATES, 18 PINS, AND 11 SCREWS INSERTED. MY WRIST WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN. I FEEL AS THOUGH THE AIRBAGS DID MORE DAMAGE THAN GOOD. ATTACHED IS THE POLICE REPORT, PICTURES, AND A COPY OF MY SURGEON'S INSTRUCTIONS AFTER SURGERY.

NHTSA ODI #11036018

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2017
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

THE CAR IS NO GOOD ..THE COMPANY SOLD ME A UN SAFE CAR

NHTSA ODI #11036007

70,000 miles · Oct 13, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONING SHOWING NO PASSENGER WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED. THIS MAY PREVENT SEAT BELTS FROM FUNCTIONING AND AIR BAG DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND INCREASING INJURIES

NHTSA ODI #11033190

98,000 miles · Sep 22, 2017
Air BagsCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, THREE VEHICLES REAR ENDED EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER REAR ENDED THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTAC…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, THREE VEHICLES REAR ENDED EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER REAR ENDED THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A FACE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER (NEW CENTURY BMW, 1139 W MAIN ST, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. 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 MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 201-571-5859 AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.

NHTSA ODI #11025022

Mileage unknown · Aug 31, 2017
Air Bags

TAKATA RECALL

NHTSA ODI #11020892

Mileage unknown · Aug 23, 2017
Air Bags

I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT PER INSTRUCTIONS ON LETTER I RECEIVED RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL ON BMW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS. ON AUGUST 15TH 2017 I WAS GIVEN A FOUR WEEK LEAD TIME FOR THE AIRBAG REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED ON MY BMW RELATED TO RECALL #16V071 BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP (NALLEY BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA) THEREAFTER I CALLED B…

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I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT PER INSTRUCTIONS ON LETTER I RECEIVED RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL ON BMW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS. ON AUGUST 15TH 2017 I WAS GIVEN A FOUR WEEK LEAD TIME FOR THE AIRBAG REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED ON MY BMW RELATED TO RECALL #16V071 BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP (NALLEY BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA) THEREAFTER I CALLED BMW USA AND THEY WERE OF LITTLE TO NO HELP TO SPEED THIS UP. BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF DEATH / SERIOUS INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL MY CAR REMAINS OUT OF USE SINCE AUGUST 14TH 2017. FOUR WEEKS WAITING FOR A CRITICAL SAFETY REPAIR IS BEYOND A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME!! I DEMAND EITHER MY REPAIR IS CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY OR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS.

NHTSA ODI #11019085

12,000 miles · Aug 15, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR BROKEN. PROBLEM STARTED, 5 YEARS AGO. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY DIFFERENT BMW MODELS/YEARS. BMW WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SITUATION. PLEASE HELP.

NHTSA ODI #11015296

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2017
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 PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE M…

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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 PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11013413

Mileage unknown · Aug 7, 2017
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 PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LAUDERDALE BMW (LOCATED…

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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 PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LAUDERDALE BMW (LOCATED AT 14800 SHERIDAN ST, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33028) WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #11013385

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.