NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
24 reportsClear category filter80,000 miles · Mar 6, 2019
EnginePower TrainFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AND SPUTTERED WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC BMW (2571 SOM CENTER RD, WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAIL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY ACCELERATE AND SPUTTERED WHEN DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CLASSIC BMW (2571 SOM CENTER RD, WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OH), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11184535
6,000 miles · Nov 30, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train
THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, BUT NOTHING WOULD BE WRONG WITH THE CAR AT LEAST I THOUGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11155274
Mileage unknown · Jun 6, 2018
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGIN…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 CONTACT CALLED BMW OF ROCKVILLE AT (301) 476-0126 (1300 ROCKVILLE PIKE, MD 20852) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11100170
84,306 miles · Dec 2, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train
AS I CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT THE SCREEN SHOWED RED SAYING TRANSMISSION ISSUES TAKE TO NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY ASAP I DROVE THRU INTERSECTION ABOUT 1000 FT MADE A U-TURN TO GET OFF ROAD TURNED CAR OFF FOR SAFETY AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER WHERE I WAS INFORMED 4 DAYS LATER THAT THEIR DIA…
Read full complaint
AS I CAME TO A STOP AT A RED LIGHT THE SCREEN SHOWED RED SAYING TRANSMISSION ISSUES TAKE TO NEAREST REPAIR FACILITY ASAP I DROVE THRU INTERSECTION ABOUT 1000 FT MADE A U-TURN TO GET OFF ROAD TURNED CAR OFF FOR SAFETY AND CAR WOULD NOT RESTART HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO NEAREST DEALER WHERE I WAS INFORMED 4 DAYS LATER THAT THEIR DIAGNOSTICS SAID IT HAS HAD AT LEAST 2 FAULTS ON BATTERY AND POSSIBLY 3 FAULTS ON TRANSMISSION IT WILL COST $2500. PLUS TO REPAIR DEPENDING ON WHAT THEY FIND NOW MY ISSUE IS THAT I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR 84 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS THINKING THAT ALL I'VE HEARD IS HOW GREAT A VEHICLE THESE ARE DEPENDABLE,SHARP,ETC. FOOLISH ME SINCE MY PURCHASE I HAD TO GET A NEW GAS CAP NO PROBLEM REPLACE FRONT BRAKES AND NOTICED THAT FRONT PASSENGER DOOR DOESN'T UNLOCK OR LOCK WITH AUTO KEY TRUNK DOESN'T OPEN FROM INSIDE VEHICLE JUST LITTLE ANNOYING THINGS THE FOX REPORT CAME WITH NO REPORTS OF ACCIDENTS BUT NOT THE CASE WHEN REPLACING BRAKES SHOWING SIGNS OF ACCIDENT SO HERE I SIT WITH A CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY THAT I'M AFRAID TO DRIVE BECAUSE I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX FOR POSSIBLY 6 MONTHS INCONVENIENT PERPLEXED DISAPPOINTED JUST TODAYS FEELINGS I DON'T THINK I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS BRAND OF VEHICLE TO ANYONE. BECAUSE I WAS GOING FOR A WEEKEND TRIP WITH FRIENDS PLANS ALREADY SET WE WERE FORCED TO RENT A CAR TO GET THRU WEEKEND AT A COST OF $130. AND THEN IT COSTS ME $ 163. FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND AN ADDITIONAL $399. TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK TO MY RESIDENCE BECAUSE I COULDN'T AFFORD REPAIR WORK AT THIS TIME THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAS 83,000 MILES TO HAVE THIS MANY ISSUES JUST DOESN'T SET RIGHT WITH ME. SO FROM BMW'S VIEWPOINT HOW CAN I GET THESE ISSUES RESOLVED WITHOUT GOING BANKRUPT
NHTSA ODI #11051868
57,000 miles · Apr 19, 2017
Electrical SystemPower Train
AC/HEAT BLOWER MOTOR AND FINAL STAGE UNIT, VEHICLE AT 5700 MILES BURNED OUT RESISTOR/HARNESS CONNECTIONS. WHILE IN MOTION, BLOWER SUDDENLY STOP AND SAW SMOKE COME OUT OF THE VENT WITH A BURNING SMELL DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE FAN SWITCH OFF. THE RESISTOR BURNED OUT AND FRAYED THE WIRES OF THE BLOWE…
Read full complaint
AC/HEAT BLOWER MOTOR AND FINAL STAGE UNIT, VEHICLE AT 5700 MILES BURNED OUT RESISTOR/HARNESS CONNECTIONS. WHILE IN MOTION, BLOWER SUDDENLY STOP AND SAW SMOKE COME OUT OF THE VENT WITH A BURNING SMELL DUE TO THE ELECTRICAL SHORTAGE. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE FAN SWITCH OFF. THE RESISTOR BURNED OUT AND FRAYED THE WIRES OF THE BLOWER MOTOR. RESEARCHED THE ISSUE AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO THE 2013 AND EARLIER MODELS. DUE TO THIS ISSUE, THE MANUFACTURER CHANGED THEIR DESIGN/ HARNESS BUT DID NOT PERFORM A RECALL ON ANY VEHICLES. THIS ISSUE IS A SAFETY CONCERN DUE TO INTERNAL CABIN FIRES AND TOTAL VEHICLE LOSS DUE TO ELECTRICAL FIRES. I DID HAVE MY PARTS REPLACED AT MY OWN EXPENSE DUE TO VEHICLE OUT OF WARRANTY.
NHTSA ODI #10979403
53,500 miles · Apr 19, 2017
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
2011 328I WITH 53,500 MILES. ENGINE COLD START HESITATION WITH VIBRATIONS WHILE IDLING STATIONARY. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE, OIL CHANGE. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR/GASKETS, BATTERY TESTED LOW TO INCLUDE VVT SENSORS AND LEFT PAD BRAKE SENSOR DUE TO WIRE CUT. TOTAL COST $2300 DOLLARS. NE…
Read full complaint
2011 328I WITH 53,500 MILES. ENGINE COLD START HESITATION WITH VIBRATIONS WHILE IDLING STATIONARY. TOOK VEHICLE IN TO DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE ISSUE, OIL CHANGE. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE ECCENTRIC SHAFT SENSOR/GASKETS, BATTERY TESTED LOW TO INCLUDE VVT SENSORS AND LEFT PAD BRAKE SENSOR DUE TO WIRE CUT. TOTAL COST $2300 DOLLARS. NEXT DAY, CONTINUED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. WENT BACK TO DEALER AND STATED THEY DIDN'T FIND ANY FURTHER ISSUES. DID RESEARCH INTO THE ISSUE WITH OTHER BMW OWNERS WHICH HAD THE VEHICLES SERVICED FOR REPLACEMENTS OF VANOS, MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS, ETC. THESE CODES WEREN'T SHOWING UP ON MY VEHICLE. DECIDED TO TAKE A LOOK AT MY ENGINE MYSELF AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER GASKET AREA AND COULD SEE OIL THAT HAD LEAK ON THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE BAY, NOW AT 60K MILES, TOOK IT IN EARLY FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND DIAGNOSIS AGAIN DUE TO POSSIBLE FIRE IF OIL SPILLS ON MOUNTING STRUTS. THIS REPLACEMENT WILL COST ME ANOTHER $2K+ FOR A VALVE COVER GASKET AND OIL PAN GASKET REPLACEMENTS, YET THIS WASN'T MADE KNOWN WHEN I HAD GOTTEN MY OIL CHANGED PREVIOUSLY. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ENGINE FIRE AND BMW'S NEGLIGENCE IN TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MANUFACTURING FLAWS, ESPECIALLY WHEN SO MANY OWNERS ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THESE ISSUES STARTING EARLY AT 40K MILES.
NHTSA ODI #10979398
32,000 miles · Nov 3, 2016
Power Train
SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE EXPIRED IN SEPTEMBER, 2014, I NOTICED A SHUTTER WHILE ACCELERATING IN THE 35-45 MPH RANGE, HOWEVER NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW MECHANIC, AND, INITIALLY, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 27, 2016, I RETURNED TO TH…
Read full complaint
SHORTLY AFTER THE WARRANTY ON THIS VEHICLE EXPIRED IN SEPTEMBER, 2014, I NOTICED A SHUTTER WHILE ACCELERATING IN THE 35-45 MPH RANGE, HOWEVER NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED BMW MECHANIC, AND, INITIALLY, THE MECHANIC COULD NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON OCTOBER 27, 2016, I RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC FOR SOME MINOR REPAIRS, AND THE MECHANIC INFORMED ME THAT THE SHUTTER PROBLEM WAS DUE TO A DEFECT IN THE TRANSMISSION (TORQUE) CONVERTER. HE SAID THAT HE IS SEEING THIS PROBLEM ARISE WITH MORE AND MORE FREQUENCY IN BMWS THAT ARE BROUGHT TO HIM FOR SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE. THIS MAY BE A SERIAL DEFECT IN BMW TRANSMISSIONS. WHILE ACCELERATING IN MY VEHICLE, THE SHUTTER IMPAIRS BOTH DRIVING PLEASURE AND PERFORMANCE. IT ALSO RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10924033
47,000 miles · Aug 27, 2016
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIME WHEN DRIVEN (IN MOTION) AT LOW SPEED ON A CITY STREET. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) AND TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE STEERING WHEEL REFUSED TO TURN. I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD IF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS COMING FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE …
Read full complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS STALLED NUMEROUS TIME WHEN DRIVEN (IN MOTION) AT LOW SPEED ON A CITY STREET. IT HAS HAPPENED AGAIN 2 DAYS AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) AND TRIED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN. THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE STEERING WHEEL REFUSED TO TURN. I WOULD HAVE BEEN DEAD IF ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS COMING FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER'S SERVICE NUMEROUS TIME FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WHEN IT WAS UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY BUT THE SERVICE AND BMW USA ALWAYS SAID THAT NONE OF THE OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE EVER REPORTED THIS ISSUE AND THEY NEVER HEARD OF IT FROM ANOTHER CUSTOMER.
NHTSA ODI #10899047
101,000 miles · Jun 18, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING BOLT OF THE VARIABLE …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND IT SHOOK EXCESSIVELY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HOUSING BOLT OF THE VARIABLE CAMSHAFT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
NHTSA ODI #10599209
Mileage unknown · Apr 20, 2014
Power TrainCrashInjury
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NOV. 2011. EVER SINCE, WE'VE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: THE MECHANISM/GEAR SEEMS TO WANT TO SHIFT TO A FASTER GEAR WHEN RIDING THE BRAKE AT A LOWER SPEED TO COME TO A STOP, WHICH IN TURN CAUSES THE CAR TO SURGE FORWARD. I HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS INJURED AND STILL SUFFERING FROM THE …
Read full complaint
THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NOV. 2011. EVER SINCE, WE'VE EXPERIENCED THE FOLLOWING: THE MECHANISM/GEAR SEEMS TO WANT TO SHIFT TO A FASTER GEAR WHEN RIDING THE BRAKE AT A LOWER SPEED TO COME TO A STOP, WHICH IN TURN CAUSES THE CAR TO SURGE FORWARD. I HAD AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I WAS INJURED AND STILL SUFFERING FROM THE ACCIDENT. BMW MECHANICS/ENGINEER INSPECTED THE CAR BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. ALSO, THE CAR SAGS ON THE RIGHT SIDE REAR, WHICH WAS SEEN AND ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE BMW. THEY SAID THAT THE SAG IS WITHIN BMW SPECS. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH ONLY 3,684 MILES. WE WERE TOLD THAT ONE OF THEIR WEALTHY CLIENTS LEASED IT WHILE WAITING FOR HIS PORCH TO ARRIVE. WE DISCOVERED LATER FROM THE CAR FAX THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A PRIOR OWNER AND WAS PURCHASED FOR COMMERCIAL USE. WE FEEL THAT THIS VEHICLE CAME WITH A DEFECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER. WE CONTINUE TO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM WITH THE VEHICLE, WHICH WE FEEL IS A DANGER TO US AND THE PUBLIC. WE'VE ALREADY HAD TWO ACCIDENTS DUE TO THIS PROBLEM; ONE BY ME AND THE OTHER BY MY HUSBAND. WE DRIVE IT WITH THE AWARENESS OF ITS DANGER BUT ARE NOT ALWAYS IN A SITUATION TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE WITH IT SURGES FORWARD. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10583820
Official recalls
7Jul 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.
Apr 10, 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Sep 15, 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗