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2006 BMW 330XI

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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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

81 reports with mileage · 23 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seat Belts. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports5 fire reports0 injury reports

What owners actually said

104 reports
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2018
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 WIDE WORLD OF CARS BMW AT 84…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 WIDE WORLD OF CARS BMW AT 845-425-2600 (125 NY-59, SPRING VALLEY, NY 10977) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11081860

140,000 miles · Feb 28, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, WHICH ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR MONTHS BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER SENT NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD, WHICH ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE MOTOR MONTHS BEFORE THE MANUFACTURER SENT NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). IN ADDITION, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER (NEWBOLD BMW, 1283 CENTRAL PARK DR, O'FALLON, IL 62269, (618) 628-7300) REPLACED THE WIRING AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS

NHTSA ODI #11075453

195,000 miles · Feb 12, 2018
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BLOOMFIELD (425 BLOOMFIELD AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003) AND REPAIRED. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BLOOMFIELD (425 BLOOMFIELD AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003) AND REPAIRED. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, HE NOTICED A BURNING ODOR AND SMOKE THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE, LIFTED THE HOOD, AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE ENGINE COOLANT AND EXPANSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS ADVISED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT THEN CALLED BMW OF BLOOMFIELD AT (973) 233-5147 WHERE THE DEALER HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AT HIS EXPENSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 195,000.

NHTSA ODI #11072362

134,000 miles · Dec 16, 2017
Electrical System

THE CENTER CONSOLE IS CONTINUING TO OVERHEAT. IT SPREADS TO THE CUP HOLDERS AND OUTWARD AS WELL. GETS VERY HOT! HAPPENS WHEN CAR IS ON OR WHEN DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #11055029

150,000 miles · Sep 14, 2017
Air BagsSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SUN MOTOR CARS BMW, 6691 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050; (717) 697-2300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPL…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (SUN MOTOR CARS BMW, 6691 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050; (717) 697-2300) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT PART OF A RECALL AND THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #11023521

Mileage unknown · Aug 30, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 CONTACT CALLED TULLEY BMW OF MANCHES…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 CONTACT CALLED TULLEY BMW OF MANCHESTER AT (603) 644-2691 LOCATED AT 170 AUTO CENTER RD, MANCHESTER, NH 03103 WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #11020532

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT: CO'S BMW LOCA…

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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT: CO'S BMW LOCATED IN LOVELAND, CO, 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. UPDATED 10/26/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 10/27/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #11015424

150,000 miles · Aug 6, 2017
Air BagsSeat Belts

PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. THE AIRBAG STAYS OFF EVEN AFTER HAVING A PASSENGER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I ALSO GET A SEATBELT SIGN EVEN IF THE SEATBELT IS WORN BY THE PASSENGER. WENT TO DEALER ASKING FOR $200 TO CHECK PROBLEM AND $500…

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PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. THE AIRBAG STAYS OFF EVEN AFTER HAVING A PASSENGER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. I ALSO GET A SEATBELT SIGN EVEN IF THE SEATBELT IS WORN BY THE PASSENGER. WENT TO DEALER ASKING FOR $200 TO CHECK PROBLEM AND $500 TO REPAIR.

NHTSA ODI #11013083

Mileage unknown · May 8, 2017
Air Bags

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER…

Read full complaint

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. 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 VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A ROUTINE SERVICE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY PART WAS ON BACK ORDER FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. PART DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ODI #10984293

169,000 miles · Mar 16, 2017
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED AND A FUSE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM THE INTERIOR AND THE EXTERIOR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO RESET THE ECM. THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 330XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER LOCKS FAILED AND A FUSE HAD BLOWN OUT. THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND REAR DOORS FAILED TO UNLOCK FROM THE INTERIOR AND THE EXTERIOR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY TO RESET THE ECM. THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 169,000.

NHTSA ODI #10966262

Official recalls

6

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.

19V273000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Apr 4, 2019

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si 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. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

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.

17V428000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Jul 6, 2017

BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. 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, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

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.

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.