Illustration2008 BMW 328I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RUSTED BATTERY CABLES WHICH RESULTED IN VEHICLE FIRE.
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
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
100–25K
1925–50K
2550–75K
2075–100K
40100–150K
15150K+
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
Electrical System complaints
85 reportsTwo years ago, the driver side door would not open from the inside or outside of the car (pulling on both handles didn't open it) and attempting to unlock it by the dash unlock button didn't work. . The only way to exit the car was to crawl across the front of the car and exit out the passenger side. Was told that the proble…
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Two years ago, the driver side door would not open from the inside or outside of the car (pulling on both handles didn't open it) and attempting to unlock it by the dash unlock button didn't work. . The only way to exit the car was to crawl across the front of the car and exit out the passenger side. Was told that the problem was caused by a faulty door actuator. Fast forward to today and the same thing is happening again. I can't open my front drivers side door from the inside or outside which is obviously a major safety issue. Pulling on the handle on either side doesn't open the door and using the dash unlock button doesn't help unlock it either. After doing some research on this, it looks like this is a chronic problem with BMW E90 models (mine is a 2008 328i). With this being a major safety issue and is common with this model of vehicle, is there the possibility of a recall?
MY VEHICLE STARTED SHUTTING DOWN FROM THE RADIATOR WHERE IT CAN ONLY BE STARTED MANUALLY.
THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING C…
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THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IN THIS MODEL CAR, THESE ARE FMR2 MODULES THAT CAN'T BE REBUILT. BMW 328I HAS A SUPECEEDED PART AND I CALLED THEM AND THEY WONT COVER THE COST OR HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR. THUS I AM SUBMITTING THIS AS I HEARD SEVERAL OTHER BMW ONWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVE EXPERIENCED DEFECTIVE FOOTWELL MODULES..I STRONGLY FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART. YOU CANNOT REPLACE IT AS BMW PARTS NO LONGER CARRIES IT, THUS HOW TO YOU GET THIS CAR TO RUN WITH THE BATTERY DRAINING WITH LIGHTS ON?? THIS POSES A DANGER IF VEHICLE STALLS WITH BATTERY VOLTAGE DECLINING AS CAR WILL NO LONGER RUN,,EVEN WHEN DRIVING.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS WERE FLASHING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER IT WAS SHUT OFF. KOVACS MOTORS (707-996-4149, LOCATED AT 19190 SONOMA HWY, SONOMA, CA 95476) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
I HAD A BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED 2 TO 3 YEARS PRIOR TO RECALL AT A SHOP OTHER THAN BMW .BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAID I WOULD BE PAID FOR THE PART BUT I NEEDED TO BRING IT TO BMW TO VERIFY A BMW PART WAS USED. I BROUGHT IT TO BMW OF BAYSIDE AND THEY VERIFIED IT WAS A BMW PART. I HAD A COPY OF MY BILL FROM THE REPAIR SHOP WITH THE BMW P…
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I HAD A BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED 2 TO 3 YEARS PRIOR TO RECALL AT A SHOP OTHER THAN BMW .BMW OF NORTH AMERICA SAID I WOULD BE PAID FOR THE PART BUT I NEEDED TO BRING IT TO BMW TO VERIFY A BMW PART WAS USED. I BROUGHT IT TO BMW OF BAYSIDE AND THEY VERIFIED IT WAS A BMW PART. I HAD A COPY OF MY BILL FROM THE REPAIR SHOP WITH THE BMW PART AND LABOR COST. NOW THEY SAY I CAN NOT BE PAID BECAUSE I NEED A RECEIPT FROM AN AUTHORIZED BMW PART CENTER. REPAIR WAS DONE 3 YEARS AGO AND THE SHOP NO LONGER HAS THE RECEIPT. I AM WRITING TO YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING THE REFUND THAT I AM DUE FOR THIS REPAIR. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
MY CAR JERKED AND STALLED AND GIVE DIFFICULT START. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC SHOP AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CRANK PCV VALVE PROBLEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. LESS THAN AN HOUR AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY HAD TO BE MANUALLY USED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. LESS THAN AN HOUR AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY HAD TO BE MANUALLY USED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH WHITE SMOKE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT AN EXTENSIVE FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND PROVIDED A FIRE INSPECTION REPORT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SEND THE RECALL NOTICES CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MENTIONED THAT THESE MODELS HAVE RECALLS. THE CONTACT VERIFIED THE RECALL INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM THE INTERNET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED RICK HILL IMPORTS, INC AT 877-549-1572 (LOCATED AT 861 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37662) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED RICK HILL IMPORTS, INC AT 877-549-1572 (LOCATED AT 861 E STONE DR, KINGSPORT, TN 37662) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND A BURNING ODOR WAS DETECTED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR BOTH CAMPAIGN NUMBERS.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN 2017. THE DEALER (BMW OF MERIDIAN, 2000 MS-39, MERIDIAN, MS 39301) STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN 2017. THE DEALER (BMW OF MERIDIAN, 2000 MS-39, MERIDIAN, MS 39301) STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Official recalls
524V513000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.