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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

What owners actually said

288 reports
120,000 miles · Nov 23, 2015
Air BagsSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAT SENSOR AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAI…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE AIR BAG AND THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MAT SENSOR AND THE AIR BAG SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10806259

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2015
Engine

2EFF4 MAP THERMOSTAT,MECHANISM CHECK ENGINE,IN THE MORNING IS ON AND OFF BUT IS NOT HOT THE ENGINE ,THE CAR IS RUNNING WITH NO PROBLEM BUT THE LIGHT IS ON FOR THE EMISSION SYSTEM

NHTSA ODI #10795335

107,000 miles · Nov 8, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting

UPON CAR SYSTEM NOTIFICATION THAT A HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION WAS NOTED I OPEN THE HEADLIGHT ACCESS DOOR ON THE DYNAMIC PROJECTION HEADLAMP TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BULB. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED LARGE AMOUNTS EXPOSED WIRING GOING FROM THE CONNECTOR TO THE MAIN HARNESS. AS I CONTINUED TO INSPECT THE WIRING THE INSULATING MATERIAL AR…

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UPON CAR SYSTEM NOTIFICATION THAT A HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION WAS NOTED I OPEN THE HEADLIGHT ACCESS DOOR ON THE DYNAMIC PROJECTION HEADLAMP TO INSPECT AND REPLACE THE BULB. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED LARGE AMOUNTS EXPOSED WIRING GOING FROM THE CONNECTOR TO THE MAIN HARNESS. AS I CONTINUED TO INSPECT THE WIRING THE INSULATING MATERIAL AROUND THE WIRES CONTINUED TO CRUMBLE EXPOSING MORE WIRING. THIS IS TRUE FOR BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT HEADLIGHTS, BOTH HEADLAMPS HAVE SEALED ACCESS DOORS AND IS CONCERNING FOR.ELECTRICAL SHORT OR FIRE HAZARDS IN/NEAR THE HIGH HEAT GENERATED FROM.THE LAMPS AND OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT.

NHTSA ODI #10789135

55,000 miles · Nov 5, 2015
Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH TIME THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.

NHTSA ODI #10788537

90,000 miles · Oct 15, 2015
Air BagsElectrical SystemSeat Belts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FAULT IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED CAUSING THE AIR BAG SEAT BELT TENSION SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE FAULT IN THE PASSENGER RESTRAINT WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED CAUSING THE AIR BAG SEAT BELT TENSION SYSTEM TO ACTIVATE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE SENOR UNDER THE MAT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10782344

120,000 miles · Sep 15, 2015
Fuel/propulsion System

THIS IS MY THIRD BMW. IN ALL CASES, THE FUEL SENDING UNITS DEVELOP HAIRLINE FRACTURES THAT CAUSE FUEL TO LEAK; IN MY PREVIOUS TWO CARS THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT AROUND 75,000-80,000 MILES. IN THE PRESENT CAR, THE PROPULSION PUMP NEAR THE FUEL TANK ALSO DEVELOPED A HAIRLINE FRACTURE. THE SUBSTANDARD QUALITY OF THESE PARTS CAUSE A…

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THIS IS MY THIRD BMW. IN ALL CASES, THE FUEL SENDING UNITS DEVELOP HAIRLINE FRACTURES THAT CAUSE FUEL TO LEAK; IN MY PREVIOUS TWO CARS THIS PROBLEM DEVELOPED AT AROUND 75,000-80,000 MILES. IN THE PRESENT CAR, THE PROPULSION PUMP NEAR THE FUEL TANK ALSO DEVELOPED A HAIRLINE FRACTURE. THE SUBSTANDARD QUALITY OF THESE PARTS CAUSE AN UNSAFE CONDITION WHEREBY FUEL LEAKS CAN CAUSE A FIRE.

NHTSA ODI #10763939

139,650 miles · Sep 12, 2015
Air BagsCrash

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH AFTER GETTING OFF WORK AT 7:00PM. UPON LESS THAN HALF A MILE FROM MY EMPLOYMENT ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIFTED IN TO MY LANE CAUSING A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT MY 2007 BMW 335I WAS IMMEDIATELY PUSHED BACK IN TO MY KNEES AND THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WAS THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG. THE SEATBELT T…

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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH AFTER GETTING OFF WORK AT 7:00PM. UPON LESS THAN HALF A MILE FROM MY EMPLOYMENT ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIFTED IN TO MY LANE CAUSING A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT MY 2007 BMW 335I WAS IMMEDIATELY PUSHED BACK IN TO MY KNEES AND THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WAS THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG. THE SEATBELT THAT I WAS WEARING ALSO DID NOT LOCK AND I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY HEAD FROM HITTING IT AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. UPON THE VEHICLES COMING TO REST THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED BUT THE AIRBAG LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SEAT NEVER EVEN DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER SEAT WAS SHATTERED FROM THE CRASH AND BROKE IN TO SEVERAL PIECES, BUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER SPEAKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RESEARCHING RECALLS ON THE 2007 BMW 335I. THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM BMW ON ANY RECALLS CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT HAVE MY WIFE OR KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME, AS THIS POSSIBLY WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF LIFE. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND THAT A PENALTY OR CLASS ACTION SUIT OF SOME SORT SHOULD BE FILED AGAINST BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR THEIR LACK OF SAFETY CONCERNS TOWARDS CONSUMERS.

NHTSA ODI #10763292

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

114,500 miles · Jul 7, 2015
Air Bags

NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES AS THIS CURRENT BMW RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR 2006/2007 3 SERIES AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IT'S EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BMW SAYS MY CAR …

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NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES AS THIS CURRENT BMW RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR 2006/2007 3 SERIES AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IT'S EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BMW SAYS MY CAR DOES NOT FALL IN THE RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING COMES UP THAT THE AIRBAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS BEEN DISABLED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.

NHTSA ODI #10732393

64,390 miles · Jun 29, 2015
Electrical System

FIRST OCCURRENCE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT DISENGAGE LOCK MECHANISM TO ALLOW EGRESS. UNLOCKING VEHICILE RENDERS NOTHING AS THE DOOR LOCK IS INTERMENT AND WILL NOT ALLOW DOOR TO UNLOCK EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. SECOND OCCURRENCE ROUGHLY ONE YEAR LATER, FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE REAR…

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FIRST OCCURRENCE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN, DOOR HANDLE DOES NOT DISENGAGE LOCK MECHANISM TO ALLOW EGRESS. UNLOCKING VEHICILE RENDERS NOTHING AS THE DOOR LOCK IS INTERMENT AND WILL NOT ALLOW DOOR TO UNLOCK EITHER INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF VEHICLE. SECOND OCCURRENCE ROUGHLY ONE YEAR LATER, FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVERS SIDE REAR DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK DISPLAYING SAME CHACTERISTICS AS FIRST OCCURRENCE WITH DRIVERS SIDE DOOR.

NHTSA ODI #10731046

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.