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2007 BMW 335I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 335I years

Owner complaints for the 2007 BMW 335I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 31.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

236 reports with mileage · 52 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 96 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports9 fire reports2 injury reports

Latches/locks/linkages complaints

20 reports
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35,000 miles · Jul 24, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

MY CAR KEYS CANNOT UNLOCK ALL THE DOORS. I HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE REMOTE AND USE THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH DOORS AT THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS CANNOT BE OPENED. THERE IS NO WAY THE DOORS CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE ONCE IT IS LOCKED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSU…

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MY CAR KEYS CANNOT UNLOCK ALL THE DOORS. I HAD TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE REMOTE AND USE THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND BOTH DOORS AT THE REAR PASSENGER SEATS CANNOT BE OPENED. THERE IS NO WAY THE DOORS CAN BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE ONCE IT IS LOCKED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY FROM A CAR FIRE, PEOPLE IN THE CAR (PASSENGER SIDE CANNOT UNLOCK THE DOOR TO GET OUT AND THE DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE. I SEE THIS A POTENTIAL LIABILITY AND I AM SURPRISED WHY NO AUTHORITIES HAVE STEPPED UP AND INITIATE AN INVESTIGATION. DOES THAT MEAN WHEN ONLY THERE IS A FATAL INCIDENT THAT PEOPLE WILL START INVESTIGATION? I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEIR APPOINTMENT TIME IS FULLY BOOKED TILL NEXT WEEK. THEY DON'T SEEM TO EVEN THINK THIS COULD RESULT IN POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND SAFETY ISSUE. IF THIS WEBSITE IS DEDICATED TO WHAT IS PROFESS TO DO, THEN I HOPE TO SEE ACTION. THIS HAS BEEN A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH BMW BUT I AM SURE OTHER MAKES ALSO HAVE THIS SAFETY CONCERN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10531662

26,000 miles · Mar 9, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THE MECHANISM TO UNLOCK THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY BMW 335I FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. PREVIOUSLY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED AND WAS REPORTED TO NHTSA (ODI #: 10378269). BMW AGREED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK (THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY), BUT AT THE TIME DID NOT REPLACE T…

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THE MECHANISM TO UNLOCK THE DOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF MY BMW 335I FAILED, MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN THE DOOR. PREVIOUSLY, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK FAILED AND WAS REPORTED TO NHTSA (ODI #: 10378269). BMW AGREED TO REPLACE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK (THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY), BUT AT THE TIME DID NOT REPLACE THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LOCK WHICH HAS NOW FAILED TOO. BEING TRAPPED IN THE CAR DUE TO A FAILED DOOR LOCK MECHANISM IS AN INCONVENIENCE AT BEST AND A MAJOR HAZARD AT WORST. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10502199

60,000 miles · Feb 23, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

ALL DOORS EXCEPT DRIVER DOOR ARE LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPEN BY PASSENGER FROM INSIDE USING DOOR HANDLE; CANNOT BE OPENED USING THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH ON THE DASH BOARD; CANNOT BE OPENED USING THE KEY FOB; CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. THEREFORE ALL PASSENGERS HAVE TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR. ONCE BEING LOCKED…

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ALL DOORS EXCEPT DRIVER DOOR ARE LOCKED AND CANNOT BE OPEN BY PASSENGER FROM INSIDE USING DOOR HANDLE; CANNOT BE OPENED USING THE DOOR LOCK SWITCH ON THE DASH BOARD; CANNOT BE OPENED USING THE KEY FOB; CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. THEREFORE ALL PASSENGERS HAVE TO EXIT THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR. ONCE BEING LOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE, THE DRIVE HAS TO USE THE BACKUP KEY IN THE KEY FOB TO UNLOCK THE DOOR. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE REGARDING EXITING THE CAR IN EMERGENCY SITUATION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10499791

Mileage unknown · Feb 6, 2013
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

2007 BMW 335I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACTUATOR FAILURE WHICH CAUSED THE CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PERMANENTLY LOCK VEHICLE DOORS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION, HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR, BUT IT FAILED TO OPEN. THEN, HE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT FAIL…

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2007 BMW 335I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ACTUATOR FAILURE WHICH CAUSED THE CIRCUIT BREAKER TO PERMANENTLY LOCK VEHICLE DOORS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE ARRIVED AT HIS DESTINATION, HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE DOOR, BUT IT FAILED TO OPEN. THEN, HE ATTEMPTED TO USE THE DOOR HANDLE TO EXIT FROM THE VEHICLE, BUT THAT FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR AS WELL. AFTER APPLYING ALL PRACTICAL OPTIONS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, SUCH AS USING THE MANUAL DOOR RELEASE, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL DOOR HANDLE, AND USING THE CENTRAL LOCKING MECHANISM, ALL THE DOORS FAILED TO OPEN. HE HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND CLIMB OUT OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10495821

69,000 miles · Mar 7, 2012
Latches/locks/linkages

DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILED. CANNOT UNLOCK DRIVER SIDE DOOR FROM INSIDE THE CAR WITH CENTRAL UNLOCK, KEY FOB, OR DOOR LEVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10450694

Mileage unknown · Nov 18, 2011
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure

WHEN THE POWER DOOR LOCK FUSE IS BLOWN, PASSENGER CANNOT EXIT OR ENTER THE CAR MANUALLY. YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR USING THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. THE CAR WOULD LOCK YOU IN. ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAN BE OPEN USING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. I HAVE TO LET THE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR CLIMB OVER THE DRIVER SEAT TO GET OUT.…

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WHEN THE POWER DOOR LOCK FUSE IS BLOWN, PASSENGER CANNOT EXIT OR ENTER THE CAR MANUALLY. YOU CAN'T OPEN THE DOOR USING THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE DOOR HANDLE. THE CAR WOULD LOCK YOU IN. ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR CAN BE OPEN USING THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLE. I HAVE TO LET THE PASSENGERS IN MY CAR CLIMB OVER THE DRIVER SEAT TO GET OUT. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM BECAUSE IF THE DRIVER DOOR IS JAM OR BLOCK FOR ANY REASON THEN YOU CANNOT OPEN ANY OTHER DOOR TO GET OUT. IT GETS WORSE SINCE BMW PUT AN UNDER POWER FUSE FOR THE DOOR LOCK WHICH CAUSE THE FUSE TO BLOWN OFTEN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10436400

48,500 miles · Nov 5, 2011
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

THE AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS ON MY CAR HAVE QUICK WORKING AND THE ONLY WAY TO ENTER OR EXIT THE CAR IS THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR USING THE MANUAL KEY FOB. PASSENGER DOORS ARE INOPERABLE FROM BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR. THIS PRESENTS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10434330

32,000 miles · Sep 16, 2011
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ONLY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN HE NOTICED THAT ONLY THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD OPEN FROM THE INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THEY WERE IN THE PROCESS OF DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE, BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000. UPDATED 11/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR FAILED, CAUSING ALL THE OTHER DOORS TO REMAIN LOCKED AND INOPERABLE. UPDATED 12/07/11

NHTSA ODI #10425751

65,643 miles · Apr 20, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS. COULD NOT UNLOCK ANY PASSENGER DOOR UNTIL FUSE INSIDE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED. DRIVER COULD EXIT THE DRIVERS DOOR BY MANUALLY LIFTING DOOR HANDLE. NO APPARENT MEANS TO OPEN ANY PASSENGER DOORS (OR GAS DOOR COVER) UNTIL THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. HAD THERE HAVE BEEN A FRONT SEAT PASSEN…

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ELECTRIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON ALL FOUR DOORS. COULD NOT UNLOCK ANY PASSENGER DOOR UNTIL FUSE INSIDE GLOVE BOX WAS REPLACED. DRIVER COULD EXIT THE DRIVERS DOOR BY MANUALLY LIFTING DOOR HANDLE. NO APPARENT MEANS TO OPEN ANY PASSENGER DOORS (OR GAS DOOR COVER) UNTIL THE FUSE WAS REPLACED. HAD THERE HAVE BEEN A FRONT SEAT PASSENGER, THAT OCCUPANT WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB OVER CONSOLE AND EXIT THE DRIVERS DOOR TO EVEN ALLOW ACCESS TO THE FUSE PANEL. THIS IS THE SECOND OCCURRENCE IN THIS VEHICLE AND BASED ON MY ONLINE RESEARCH, IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE. IF THIS PROBLEM WERE TO OCCUR AND THEN AN ACCIDENT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE NONE OF THE PASSENGERS COULD EXIT RAPIDLY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10396915

55,730 miles · Mar 11, 2011
Latches/locks/linkages

BMW 335I INTERIOR DOORS WERE LOCKED DUE TO ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/FAILURE OF THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. I HAD TO UNROLL THE WINDOWS AND CRAWL OUT AND PULL MY KIDS OUT OF THE BACK SEATS THROUGH THE WINDOWS. IF THIS WERE AN ACCIDENT, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE INJURIES AND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO QUICKLY GET OUT OF THE CAR…

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BMW 335I INTERIOR DOORS WERE LOCKED DUE TO ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION/FAILURE OF THE DOOR LOCK SYSTEM. I HAD TO UNROLL THE WINDOWS AND CRAWL OUT AND PULL MY KIDS OUT OF THE BACK SEATS THROUGH THE WINDOWS. IF THIS WERE AN ACCIDENT, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN SEVERE INJURIES AND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO QUICKLY GET OUT OF THE CAR. ONLINE FORUMS INDICATE THIS IS A SERIAL PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO MANUFACTURER RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10389882

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.

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.

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.

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

1

PE08032 · Engine Stalling - Fuel Pump Failure

Opened Apr 28, 2008 · Closed Aug 15, 2008

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-032 BMW STATED THAT DURING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP THE CUSTOMER SHOULD INITIALLY EXPERIENCE LONGER ENGINE STARTING TIMES OR ROUGH ENGINE RUNNING.AFTER A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 MILES THE PUMP- AND ENGINE-EMERGENCY OPERATION PROGRAM IS ACTIVATED, AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED.DESPITE REDUCED ENGINE POWER BMW BELIEVES THAT SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION IS POSSIBLE AND THAT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY, STEERING, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND FUNCTION IN A NORMAL MANNER.BMW INDICATED THAT ONLY IN VERY RARE CASES COULD THE ENGINE STALL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA CLAIMS INDICATING POSSIBLE STALL INCIDENTS ESTIMATES THAT THE RATE AT THREE YEARS IN SERVICE WOULD BE LESS THAN 1.0% OF THE POPULATION (NOTE THAT SOME OF THE CLAIMS INDICATING STALL DO NOT APPEAR TO INVOLVE ACTUAL ENGINE STALLS, BUT RATHER OPERATION AT REDUCED ENGINE POWER).ODI'S ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DETERMINED THAT ABOUT HALF DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE AS OPERATION IN LIMP MODE, 27 PERCENT INDICATE THE PROBLEM RESULTED IN A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION AND 19 PERCENT STATE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP OR A MINOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM. ONLY FOUR PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND BMW INDICATE THAT AN ENGINE STALL OCCURRED.BMW INDICATED THAT A SERVICE ACTION WAS INITIATED IN APRIL 2008 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND IT IS CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE FIELD SITUATION AND ANALYZE FIELD DATA. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Fuel System, Gasoline

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-032 BMW STATED THAT DURING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP THE CUSTOMER SHOULD INITIALLY EXPERIENCE LONGER ENGINE STARTING TIMES OR ROUGH ENGINE RUNNING.AFTER A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 MILES THE PUMP- AND ENGINE-EMERGENCY OPERATION PROGRAM IS ACTIVATED, AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED.DESPITE REDUCED ENGINE POWER BMW BELIEVES THAT SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION IS POSSIBLE AND THAT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY, STEERING, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND FUNCTION IN A NORMAL MANNER.BMW INDICATED THAT ONLY IN VERY RARE CASES COULD THE ENGINE STALL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA CLAIMS INDICATING POSSIBLE STALL INCIDENTS ESTIMATES THAT THE RATE AT THREE YEARS IN SERVICE WOULD BE LESS THAN 1.0% OF THE POPULATION (NOTE THAT SOME OF THE CLAIMS INDICATING STALL DO NOT APPEAR TO INVOLVE ACTUAL ENGINE STALLS, BUT RATHER OPERATION AT REDUCED ENGINE POWER).ODI'S ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DETERMINED THAT ABOUT HALF DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE AS OPERATION IN LIMP MODE, 27 PERCENT INDICATE THE PROBLEM RESULTED IN A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION AND 19 PERCENT STATE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP OR A MINOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM. ONLY FOUR PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND BMW INDICATE THAT AN ENGINE STALL OCCURRED.BMW INDICATED THAT A SERVICE ACTION WAS INITIATED IN APRIL 2008 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND IT IS CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE FIELD SITUATION AND ANALYZE FIELD DATA. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-032 BMW STATED THAT DURING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP THE CUSTOMER SHOULD INITIALLY EXPERIENCE LONGER ENGINE STARTING TIMES OR ROUGH ENGINE RUNNING.AFTER A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 MILES THE PUMP- AND ENGINE-EMERGENCY OPERATION PROGRAM IS ACTIVATED, AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED.DESPITE REDUCED ENGINE POWER BMW BELIEVES THAT SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION IS POSSIBLE AND THAT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY, STEERING, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND FUNCTION IN A NORMAL MANNER.BMW INDICATED THAT ONLY IN VERY RARE CASES COULD THE ENGINE STALL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA CLAIMS INDICATING POSSIBLE STALL INCIDENTS ESTIMATES THAT THE RATE AT THREE YEARS IN SERVICE WOULD BE LESS THAN 1.0% OF THE POPULATION (NOTE THAT SOME OF THE CLAIMS INDICATING STALL DO NOT APPEAR TO INVOLVE ACTUAL ENGINE STALLS, BUT RATHER OPERATION AT REDUCED ENGINE POWER).ODI'S ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DETERMINED THAT ABOUT HALF DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE AS OPERATION IN LIMP MODE, 27 PERCENT INDICATE THE PROBLEM RESULTED IN A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION AND 19 PERCENT STATE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP OR A MINOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM. ONLY FOUR PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND BMW INDICATE THAT AN ENGINE STALL OCCURRED.BMW INDICATED THAT A SERVICE ACTION WAS INITIATED IN APRIL 2008 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND IT IS CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE FIELD SITUATION AND ANALYZE FIELD DATA. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

IN RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST FOR PE08-032 BMW STATED THAT DURING FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP THE CUSTOMER SHOULD INITIALLY EXPERIENCE LONGER ENGINE STARTING TIMES OR ROUGH ENGINE RUNNING.AFTER A DISTANCE OF APPROXIMATELY 1 TO 2 MILES THE PUMP- AND ENGINE-EMERGENCY OPERATION PROGRAM IS ACTIVATED, AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP IS ILLUMINATED.DESPITE REDUCED ENGINE POWER BMW BELIEVES THAT SAFE VEHICLE OPERATION IS POSSIBLE AND THAT VEHICLE DRIVEABILITY, STEERING, AND BRAKING SYSTEMS ARE NOT AFFECTED AND FUNCTION IN A NORMAL MANNER.BMW INDICATED THAT ONLY IN VERY RARE CASES COULD THE ENGINE STALL. ODI'S ANALYSIS OF WARRANTY DATA CLAIMS INDICATING POSSIBLE STALL INCIDENTS ESTIMATES THAT THE RATE AT THREE YEARS IN SERVICE WOULD BE LESS THAN 1.0% OF THE POPULATION (NOTE THAT SOME OF THE CLAIMS INDICATING STALL DO NOT APPEAR TO INVOLVE ACTUAL ENGINE STALLS, BUT RATHER OPERATION AT REDUCED ENGINE POWER).ODI'S ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS DETERMINED THAT ABOUT HALF DESCRIBE THE CONSEQUENCE OF THE FAILURE AS OPERATION IN LIMP MODE, 27 PERCENT INDICATE THE PROBLEM RESULTED IN A HARD START OR NO START CONDITION AND 19 PERCENT STATE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS DETECTED BY ILLUMINATION OF THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP OR A MINOR DRIVEABILITY SYMPTOM. ONLY FOUR PERCENT OF THE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND BMW INDICATE THAT AN ENGINE STALL OCCURRED.BMW INDICATED THAT A SERVICE ACTION WAS INITIATED IN APRIL 2008 TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM AND IT IS CONTINUING TO MONITOR THE FIELD SITUATION AND ANALYZE FIELD DATA. FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF THIS MATTER WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT ALLOCATION OF AGENCY RESOURCES.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.