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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

7 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2023
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherFire

The battery light would come on randomly when using the AC. We just took the car out for a 30 minute drive and parked in the garage. When we went back out to get something out of the car 10 minutes later, the car was smoking. We popped the trunk and the battery was on fire! I researched if there were recalls of faulty wiring and…

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The battery light would come on randomly when using the AC. We just took the car out for a 30 minute drive and parked in the garage. When we went back out to get something out of the car 10 minutes later, the car was smoking. We popped the trunk and the battery was on fire! I researched if there were recalls of faulty wiring and came across an article that mentioned this happening when the AC was on. It also mentioned issues with PCV valve heater recalls. After we bought this car, we noticed burn marks around the area near the battery when we replaced it. We wonder if the same thing happened to them but not as much damage. One recall involves the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve, and the other recall involves wiring and electrical connectors in the system that controls air flow for heating and air conditioning. Can we get help from a BMW dealer to fix this issue? Please advise. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11531093

168,000 miles · Mar 21, 2021
Air BagsElectrical SystemUnknown Or Other

SO I GOT A PAPER SAYING I HAD A RECALL ON MY AIR BAGS SO I CALLED AND GOT MY CAR TAKIN TO BMW IN BELLEVUE. BMW'S ROAD SIDE ASSISTANTS GAVE THE WRONG ADDRESS TO THE TOW COMPANY AND WOULD NOT ANSWER THE PHONE TOW FOR THEM> I EVEN ATTEMPTED TO CALL AND WAS PLACED ON HOLD FOR APPROXIMATYELY 40 MINUTES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. FINALLY I…

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SO I GOT A PAPER SAYING I HAD A RECALL ON MY AIR BAGS SO I CALLED AND GOT MY CAR TAKIN TO BMW IN BELLEVUE. BMW'S ROAD SIDE ASSISTANTS GAVE THE WRONG ADDRESS TO THE TOW COMPANY AND WOULD NOT ANSWER THE PHONE TOW FOR THEM> I EVEN ATTEMPTED TO CALL AND WAS PLACED ON HOLD FOR APPROXIMATYELY 40 MINUTES TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. FINALLY I SPOKE WITH THE TOW COMPANYS DISPATCHER WHO WAS SO FRUSTRATED HE STARTED ACCUSING ME OF PLAYING GAMES AND THREATENED TO HAVE MY VEHICLE DROPPED AT THE WRONG DEALERSHIP THEN EXTORTED ME FOR ANOTHER 80 DOLLARS JUST TO DROP MY CAR OFF HIS TRUCK AND LEAVE IT AT MY HOUSE. HOURS LATER AFTER FINALLY GETTING A HOD OF ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE THE EXACT SAME COMPANY RETURNED AND DELIVERED MY VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT LOCATION. AFTER ALL OF THIS WE ARE BEING JERKED AROUND BY BELLEVUE BMW ON THE RECALLS THEY ASKED ME FOR 3 HOURS OF LABOR AND PROMISED US TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED AFTER APPROXIMATELY A WEEK THEY SAID MY DME IS BAD AN IT WOULD COST 8000.00 TO FIX IT AND SAID IT WASN'T WORTH FIXING BECAUSE IT WAS OLD NEVER MENTIONED ANYTHING ABOUT A RECALL UNTIL I FINALLY BROUGHT IT UP THE LAST TIME I SPOKE WITH BMW IN BELLEVUE WHICH WAS MONDAY THE15TH OF MARCH 2021. I WAS TOLD THE WIRE HARNESS WAS REPAIRED NOT REPLACED AND THE AIRBAG RECALL WAS REPLACED. THEN SAID MY BILL WAS OVER 600.00 > AFTER DOING MY RESEARCH THRU THENHTSA WEBSITE I FOUND OUT MY RECALLS WERE NOT FIXED AND I TOOK PHOTOS WITH THE DATES AND TIME SHOWING MY RECALLS WERE NOT FIXED WHICH I FEEL UPSET AND VERY WORRIED AND CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY NOW I AM NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HEAR BECAUSE MY FAMILY AND I ARE BEING PLACED INTO A HARDSHIP AND TO MAKE IT WORSE WE ARE IN THE MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC PLEASE HELP US. I DON'T KNOW IF ANYTHING WAS DONE TO THE CAR I THINK WE NEED TO TALK TO AN ATTORNEY

NHTSA ODI #11404084

106,000 miles · Dec 29, 2016
EnginePower TrainUnknown Or OtherFire

VALVE COVER OIL LEAKING ONTO EXHAUST MANIFOLD THAT CAUSES FIRE. IT WAS TURNED OFF AND STATIONARY. ASKED BMW TO CHANGE IN 80K BUT THEY SAID JUST SWEATING OIL. SAFETY HAZARD IGNORED. COMMON AMOUNG BMW 3 SERIES ENGINE

NHTSA ODI #10938631

127,000 miles · Feb 9, 2016
Unknown Or Other

I HAVE A 2007 BMW 335I AND I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BOLTS TO VALVE COVER GASKET ARE LOOSENING UP OR COMING CAUSING THE CAR TO LOOSE OIL WHILE DRIVING

NHTSA ODI #10825195

107,000 miles · Sep 4, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

WHEN PARKED LISTENING TO MUSIC, MY BROTHER PLUGGED IN THE USB ADAPTER AND IT ELECTROCUTED HIM EVER SINCE HE'S SCARED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE. WELL RIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT THE CIGAR IGNITERS TO PLUG IN THE ADAPTERS WOULDN'T WORK ANYMORE. I HAD JUST GOT THIS CAR FROM A DEALER AS A TRADE IN 3 MONTHS AGO AND I NOTICED REALLY STRONG S…

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WHEN PARKED LISTENING TO MUSIC, MY BROTHER PLUGGED IN THE USB ADAPTER AND IT ELECTROCUTED HIM EVER SINCE HE'S SCARED TO BE IN THE VEHICLE. WELL RIGHT AFTER THE INCIDENT THE CIGAR IGNITERS TO PLUG IN THE ADAPTERS WOULDN'T WORK ANYMORE. I HAD JUST GOT THIS CAR FROM A DEALER AS A TRADE IN 3 MONTHS AGO AND I NOTICED REALLY STRONG SMELLS OF GAS FROM THE BACK SEAT AND MY SIBLINGS SIT BACK THERE AND THAT REALLY CONCERNS ME. ALONG WITH THE SMELL OF GAS, MY COOLANT RESERVOIR STARTING SPILLING OUT BROWNISH FLUID LIKE IF A GASKET WAS BLOWN AND OIL GOT INTO THE COOLANT ! I AM VERY IRRITATED I'M BEING CHARGED THOUSANDS THAT I DON'T HAVE AND ONLY HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS. MY WARRANTY WOULD NOT FIX ANY DAMAGES, AND DEALERSHIP IS NOT HELPING ME OUT. I NEED TO GO TO WORK AND SCHOOL AND I HAVE NO TRANSPORTATION AT THE MOMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10761649

70,000 miles · Jun 2, 2014
Unknown Or Other

2007 BMW 335I WITH SPORT SEATS, MALFUNCTION LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT OCCURS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED, WHICH DEACTIVATES AIR BAGS, THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS,VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS ISSUE SINCE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PART FOR SEVERAL MODELS, UNFORTUNATELY THEY HAVE TOLD US THAT OUR VEHICLE…

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2007 BMW 335I WITH SPORT SEATS, MALFUNCTION LIGHT FOR PASSENGER SEAT OCCURS WHEN SEAT IS OCCUPIED, WHICH DEACTIVATES AIR BAGS, THIS COULD BE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS,VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT BMW REFUSES TO FIX THIS ISSUE SINCE THERE IS A RECALL ON THIS SPECIFIC PART FOR SEVERAL MODELS, UNFORTUNATELY THEY HAVE TOLD US THAT OUR VEHICLE IS 2 MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE MANUFACTURERS DATE FOR THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH OUR VEHICLE REQUIRES THE SAME PART NUMBER AS OTHER VEHICLES THAT WHERE RECALLED.

NHTSA ODI #10596122

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2009
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel System, OtherLatches/locks/linkages

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

NHTSA ODI #10256896

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.