IllustrationDOOR LOCKS FAILED USING KEY FOB OR BUTTON ON DASH. FOLLOWED SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPLACE FUSE, BUT PROBLEM KEEPS REAPPEARING. PASSENGER DOOR INOPERATIVE EVEN AFTER FUSE REPLACED AND OTHER DOORS WORKING. *TR
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 335I 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
780–25K
4525–50K
5450–75K
2175–100K
27100–150K
11150K+
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 reportsON SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 15, 2010, THE DOOR ACTUATORS OF MY 2007 BMW 335I BLEW OUT A FUSE. AS A RESULT, NONE OF THE DOORS WERE CAPABLE OF BEING OPENED, EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CAR'S KEY FOB COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE DASH WOULD NOT WORK. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS MANUAL…
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ON SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 15, 2010, THE DOOR ACTUATORS OF MY 2007 BMW 335I BLEW OUT A FUSE. AS A RESULT, NONE OF THE DOORS WERE CAPABLE OF BEING OPENED, EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE CAR'S KEY FOB COULD NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE LOCK BUTTON ON THE DASH WOULD NOT WORK. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE DOORS MANUALLY. THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY A PASSENGER COULD HAVE EXITED THE CAR, EXCEPT BY CLIMBING THROUGH THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR OR BY CLIMBING OUT THE WINDOWS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND PRESENTS PARTICULAR DANGERS TO DISABLED PASSENGERS. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN WELL-DOCUMENTED FOR 2007 3-SERIES VEHICLES ON THE WEB. SEE HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/BMW/335I/LATCH,+LOCK+AND+LINKAGE AND HTTP://WWW.ABOUTAUTOMOBILE.COM/COMPLAINT/2007/BMW/328I/LATCH,+LOCK+AND+LINKAGE. THIS VIDEO ON YOUTUBE REPRESENTS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=3V04L-ISYCS. I UNDERSTAND THAT BMW HAS A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR DEALERS REGARDING THE PROBLEM. DEALERS FIX THE PROBLEM ONLY BY CHANGING THE FUSE. STAFF AT BMW SAN FRANCISCO, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR (CERTIFIED USED) SIX WEEKS AGO, TOLD ME TODAY (MAY 19, 2010) THAT EVEN WITH A NEW FUSE, THE PROBLEM COULD RECUR. I FURTHER UNDERSTAND THAT BMW HAS WILLFULLY REFUSED TO ISSUE A RECALL. THE FUSE BOX IS LOCATED IN THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT INSIDE THE CAR. WERE THE DOOR ACTUATORS TO CAUSE A FIRE AND THE PASSENGER DOORS INCAPABLE OF BEING OPENED, PASSENGERS COULD VERY WELL SUFFER SERIOUS INJURIES OR EVEN DEATH. THE 335I MANUAL INDICATES THAT MEDDLING WITH THE CAR'S FUSE BOX COULD RESULT IN A FIRE. *TR
MY VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WHERE APPARENTLY A FUSE BLOWS AND THE DOOR LOCKS CAN NOT BE ACTIVATED BY THE FOB, INTERIOR HANDLES (EXCEPT THE DRIVER DOOR), OR THE INTERIOR DOOR LOCKING SWITCH. [PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ACTIVATED ON THE REAR DOORS.] THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR IS THROUGH THE VA…
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MY VEHICLE HAS AN ISSUE WHERE APPARENTLY A FUSE BLOWS AND THE DOOR LOCKS CAN NOT BE ACTIVATED BY THE FOB, INTERIOR HANDLES (EXCEPT THE DRIVER DOOR), OR THE INTERIOR DOOR LOCKING SWITCH. [PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILD SAFETY LOCKS ACTIVATED ON THE REAR DOORS.] THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR IS THROUGH THE VALET KEY. THIS HAS OCCURRED TO ME TWICE AND IS NOW APPARENTLY A SERVICE BULLETIN WITH BMW. I AM WRITING TO YOU BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS A DESIGN HAZARD IF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WERE TO FAIL IN AN ACCIDENT, THEN THIS BECOMES AN EXTREME HAZARD IF FIRE OR ANY OTHER ISSUE WERE INVOLVED. I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THERE WAS REQUIRED AN ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF UNLOCKING THE DOORS OTHER THAN ELECTRICALLY (HENCE THE DOOR PULL KNOBS WHICH IN MY CAR ARE EVEN WITH THE TRIM AND UNABLE TO GRASP). *TR
DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONING. ALL 4 DOORS ON MY 2007 BMW 335I WON'T OPEN USING THE KEY REMOTE NOR THE CENTRAL LOCK SYSTEM. EVEN WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR MANUALLY, I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE 4 DOORS. MY FAMILY HAD TO CLIMB OUT FROM THE WINDOW. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM DIFFERENT FORUMS. HOW DO YOU EXPECT A PASSEN…
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DOOR LOCK MALFUNCTIONING. ALL 4 DOORS ON MY 2007 BMW 335I WON'T OPEN USING THE KEY REMOTE NOR THE CENTRAL LOCK SYSTEM. EVEN WHEN TRYING TO OPEN THE DOOR MANUALLY, I WAS NOT ABLE TO OPEN ANY OF THE 4 DOORS. MY FAMILY HAD TO CLIMB OUT FROM THE WINDOW. I SEE A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FROM DIFFERENT FORUMS. HOW DO YOU EXPECT A PASSENGER TO GET OUT THE CAR DURING EMERGENCY SITUATION? ONE OF THE PASSENGERS WAS A HANDICAP. NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN ALL DOORS IT CAN BE A LIFE THREATENING. PLANNING TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER NEXT WEEK. *TR
CENTRAL LOCKING FAILURE CAUSING ONLY THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR TO BE OPERABLE. THE PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS CANNOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. IN THE EVENT OF FIRE PASSENGERS COULD NOT LET THEMSELVES OUT OR EMERGENCY PERSONNEL WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE 3 DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
CAN NOT UNLOCK DOORS USING THE KEY FOB! ONLY DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED MANUALLY USING THE KEY INSIDE THE KEY FOB! NO OTHER DOORS COULD BE OPENED EVEN MANUALLY USING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES! (THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED OTHERWISE IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ISSUES IF PROBLEM OCCURS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD MAKE…
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CAN NOT UNLOCK DOORS USING THE KEY FOB! ONLY DRIVER DOOR CAN BE OPENED MANUALLY USING THE KEY INSIDE THE KEY FOB! NO OTHER DOORS COULD BE OPENED EVEN MANUALLY USING THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES! (THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED OTHERWISE IT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ISSUES IF PROBLEM OCCURS IN AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD MAKE EXITING THE VEHICLE VERY DIFFICULT TO IMPOSSIBLE ). *TR
I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 BMW 335I FROM BMW OF HONOLULU IN JAN 2007. 4 MONTHS LATER THE CAR STALLED WITH MY WIFE AND SON IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CAR WAS TOWED IN TO BMW AND REMAINED THERE FOR OVER A MONTH. BMW COULD NOT GIVE ME A STATUS AS TO WHAT WAS GOING ON, NOR DID THEY TRY TO CONTACT ME. EVENTUALLY, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE…
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I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 BMW 335I FROM BMW OF HONOLULU IN JAN 2007. 4 MONTHS LATER THE CAR STALLED WITH MY WIFE AND SON IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC. CAR WAS TOWED IN TO BMW AND REMAINED THERE FOR OVER A MONTH. BMW COULD NOT GIVE ME A STATUS AS TO WHAT WAS GOING ON, NOR DID THEY TRY TO CONTACT ME. EVENTUALLY, I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH I WOULD THINK WOULD BE A RECALL ITEM. THEY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM BUT DID NOT INFORM THEIR CUSTOMERS UNTIL CARS WERE TOWED IN TO THE DEALERSHIP. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP NOW FOR SOME OTHER ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES AND DRIVEN IN FOR OTHER REPAIRS 7 OTHER TIMES IN 2 YEARS. THIS HAS COST ME TO MISS WORK AND MOST OF ALL AN INCONVENIENCE TO MY FAMILY. USUALLY THERE IS NO LOANER AVAILABLE, SO YOU HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SHUTTLE WHICH DRIVES ALL OVER THE ISLAND DROPPING OFF EVERYONE ELSE WHO IS THERE HAVING THEIR 335I WORKED ON. I HAVE COMPLAINED WITH BMW OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY FINALLY AGREED TO PAY A MONTHS CAR PAYMENT AND INSURANCE. I HAVE RECENTLY SUBMITTED ANOTHER ONLINE COMPLAINT WHICH I HAVE RECEIVED NO RESPONSE. SPOKE WITH BMW OF HONOLULU MANAGEMENT AND THEY ARE SUPPOSEDLY IN THE PROCESS OF BUYING BACK THE CAR AND TRYING TO PUT ME IN ANOTHER 335I. DON'T KNOW IF I WANT TO DO THAT. WHAT KILLS ME IS THEIR RELUCTANCE TO KEEP ME INFORMED OF ANYTHING. THEY TELL ME, I WILL GET THIS INFORMATION TO YOU ON A CERTAIN DAY AND I DON'T HEAR FROM THEM FOR DAYS AT A TIME. THE ONLINE BLOGS ARE AMAZING. THEIR COMMENTS SOUND EXACTLY LIKE MINE. I JUST RETIRED FROM THE U.S. NAVY AND I WORK WITH JAGS AT A JOINT HEADQUARTERS COMMAND IN HAWAII AND THEY HAVE DIRECTED ME TO SEEK ADVICE FROM A CIVILIAN ATTORNEY. I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO SUE BMW FOR ALL THEY HAVE PUT ME AND MY FAMILY THROUGH. BEING THAT THEY KNEW OF THIS ISSUE AND HAVE NOT INFORMED THE CUSTOMERS I AM SURPRISED THAT NO ONE HAS BEEN KILLED YET. I THINK THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO. *TR
DOOR LOCKS PERMANENTLY LOCKED FROM INSIDE OF CAR WHILE I WAS I STOPPED AT A MALL PARKING SPOT WITH WIFE AND 9 MONTH OLD SON. I COULD NOT UNLATCH THE DOORS BY USING THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON AND THROUGH THE KEY UNLOCK BUTTON. (SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE MY OWNERSHIP BEGAN AT 14400 MILES AND THIRD IN CARS TOTAL HISTORY ACCO…
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DOOR LOCKS PERMANENTLY LOCKED FROM INSIDE OF CAR WHILE I WAS I STOPPED AT A MALL PARKING SPOT WITH WIFE AND 9 MONTH OLD SON. I COULD NOT UNLATCH THE DOORS BY USING THE DOOR UNLOCK BUTTON AND THROUGH THE KEY UNLOCK BUTTON. (SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE MY OWNERSHIP BEGAN AT 14400 MILES AND THIRD IN CARS TOTAL HISTORY ACCORDING TO THE OWNERSHIP RECORD). CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY UNTIL DECEMBER 24 2011. JUST HAD THIS PROBLEM FIXED ON 1/8/2009 AT PERILLO BMW IN CHICAGO IL.I HAD TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW, CLIMB OUT, AND THEN TAKE THE KEY OUT OF THE KEY FOB AND UNLOCK THE DRIVER DOOR. I HAD TO HAVE MY WIFE CLIMB IN BACK TO GET SON OUT OF SEAT AND PASS HIM FORWARD TO THE FRONT SEAT SO I COULD GET HIM OUT THROUGH THE DRIVERS DOOR. SHE CLIMBED BACK INTO FRONT AND GOT OUT DRIVERS DOOR. THIS TOOK APPROXIMATELY 4-5 MINUTES. IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT OR A CAR FIRE, THERE IS NOW WAY I COULD HAVE GOTTEN MY FAMILY OUT IN A HURRY. THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON NUMEROUS BMW CAR CLUB SITES AND THERE IS REALLY NO QUICK FIX BUT TO REPLACE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR OR FUSES. EVEN WHEN THESE PARTS ARE REPLACED, THE PROBLEM HAPPENS TIME AND TIME AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS. *TR
TL*THE CONTACT LEASED A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT NOR THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MANUALLY WITH THE PHYSICAL KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK OR OPEN, INCLUDING THE GAS TANK COVER TH…
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TL*THE CONTACT LEASED A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT NOR THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. HE WAS FINALLY ABLE TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR MANUALLY WITH THE PHYSICAL KEY. NONE OF THE OTHER DOORS ON THE VEHICLE WOULD UNLOCK OR OPEN, INCLUDING THE GAS TANK COVER THAT WAS POWERED BY A KEYLESS LOCK SENSOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT A FUSE BLEW AND CAUSED ALL THE LOCKS TO FAIL ON THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE LESS THAN 18,000. UPDATED 10/14/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/16/08. *JB
THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR COULD BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING WITH MY NEWBORN BABY IN THE BACK SEAT AND COULD NOT GET OUTSIDE THE CAR, BECAUSE THE REMAINING (THREE) DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE NEITHER FROM THE CAR'S OUTSIDE HANDLES. I REACH FOR MY NEWBORN BABY …
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THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR COULD BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING WITH MY NEWBORN BABY IN THE BACK SEAT AND COULD NOT GET OUTSIDE THE CAR, BECAUSE THE REMAINING (THREE) DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE NEITHER FROM THE CAR'S OUTSIDE HANDLES. I REACH FOR MY NEWBORN BABY BOY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND MY WIFE HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW, BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE CENTER CONSOLE. THIS HAD HAPPENED TWICE DURING LAST MONTH, AND COULD BE WORSE IF AN ELDERLY PERSON OR HANDICAP PERSON COULD NOT EXIT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. AND IT COULD GET MUCH WORSE WITH HEAVY SUN AND YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE FUEL DOOR ALSO GETS LOCKED, SO THE CAR CANNOT BE REFUELED. THIS LOCKING SYSTEM IS A VERY BAD DESIGN BECAUSE IF IT FAILS, THE MECHANICAL LEVERS GETS DISCONNECTED AND NOBODY CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE CAR'S INSIDE HANDLES NEITHER OUTSIDES. *TR
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.
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
1PE08032 · 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.