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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
102,071 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Air BagsSeats

AIRBAG PROBLEM LIGHT CONSTANTLY LIT; "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE CAR IS GIVING A CODE FOR A FAILED PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 13V564000), BUT MY CAR (BUILD DATE JULY 07, 3-SERIES WI…

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AIRBAG PROBLEM LIGHT CONSTANTLY LIT; "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE CAR IS GIVING A CODE FOR A FAILED PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 13V564000), BUT MY CAR (BUILD DATE JULY 07, 3-SERIES WITH SPORTS SEATS) IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL OR THE VOLUNTARY WARRANTY EXTENSION ACCORDING TO BMW... .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THE RECALL PART. UPDATED 10/17/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI #10730431

80,000 miles · Jun 14, 2015
Suspension

IN TRAFFIC BELT SHREDS AT 70-75MPH ALL ELECTRICAL STEERING AND LIGHT BREAKES GONE

NHTSA ODI #10725132

125,000 miles · May 13, 2015
Electrical System

I WAS DRIVING TO WORK AND THE STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTION LITE UP OUT OF NOWHERE. THE CAR CAN NOT MOVE. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT'S DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE TO FIX. VERY COMMON PROBLEM EXPRESSED BY MANY OWNERS WITH THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR AS MY CAR. THEY SHOULD'VE CONDUCTED A RECALL ON THIS!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10716143

91,000 miles · May 5, 2015
Visibility

SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY IN THE ONRAMP AT ABOUT 45MPH, VERY BRIGHT AND SUNNY (BUT NOT HOT, MAYBE 75F) DAY. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN, A/C OFF, SUNROOF WAS CLOSED, SUNSHADE WAS ALSO CLOSED. SUDDENLY I HEAR WHAT BASICALLY SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT RIGHT ABOVE MY HEAD, AND SINCE HAVING AL…

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SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. WAS MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY IN THE ONRAMP AT ABOUT 45MPH, VERY BRIGHT AND SUNNY (BUT NOT HOT, MAYBE 75F) DAY. DRIVER SIDE WINDOW WAS OPEN, A/C OFF, SUNROOF WAS CLOSED, SUNSHADE WAS ALSO CLOSED. SUDDENLY I HEAR WHAT BASICALLY SOUNDS LIKE A GUNSHOT RIGHT ABOVE MY HEAD, AND SINCE HAVING ALREADY HEARD ABOUT THIS PHENOMENON HAPPENING ON A CAR FORUM (E90POST.COM) I REGULARLY VISIT, I INSTANTLY GUESSED WHAT HAD HAPPENED. I LOOK IN MY REARVIEW MIRROR AND SEE LARGE PIECES OF MY SUNROOF BOUNCING ALONG ON THE ROAD BEHIND ME. ONCE I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION AND GOT OUT OF THE CAR, I SAW THE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED OUTWARDS. THE BROKEN GLASS WAS CURVED UP AROUND THE HOLE. FROM THAT SAME FORUM THERE ARE SEVERAL THEORIES FLOATING AROUND, THE ONE MOST PEOPLE SEEM TO AGREE ON AS BEING MOST PLAUSIBLE IS THERE'S A HEAT/PRESSURE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE SUNSHADE/SUNROOF AND THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. THE NEGATIVE PRESSURE ON THE OUTSIDE + THE INCREASE OF HEAT UNDER THE GLASS IS ENOUGH TO STRESS WHATEVER IMPERFECTION MIGHT HAVE ALREADY BEEN IN THE GLASS AND LITERALLY SUCK IT OUT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10714764

62,000 miles · Apr 13, 2015
EngineVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HOV LANE OF THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR ABOUT 5:15 PM MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTED TO RATTLE WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDDLE. I TOOK MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDDLE WHILE STILL DRIVING WITH ABOUT 60 MPH. I TRIED THE GAS PEDDLE SOME SECONDS LATER AGAIN AND EXPERIENCED STILL RATTLING AND NO ACCELERATION OF THE CAR. I TOOK…

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WHILE DRIVING ON THE HOV LANE OF THE FREEWAY DURING RUSH HOUR ABOUT 5:15 PM MY CAR SUDDENLY STARTED TO RATTLE WHEN PUSHING THE GAS PEDDLE. I TOOK MY FOOT FROM THE GAS PEDDLE WHILE STILL DRIVING WITH ABOUT 60 MPH. I TRIED THE GAS PEDDLE SOME SECONDS LATER AGAIN AND EXPERIENCED STILL RATTLING AND NO ACCELERATION OF THE CAR. I TOOK MY FOOT AGAIN FROM THE GAS PEDDLE. IN THE MEANTIME I WAS DOWN TO 40MPH. ABOUT 20-30 SEC LATER FROM THE FIRST RATTLE THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND 1 SEC LATER THE ENGINE STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY. AT THAT TIME WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED I WAS STILL DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH. LUCKILY THE FREEWAY HAD A LEFT SHOULDER AND I TURNED OVER TO THE LEFT WITH THE LAST REMAINING SPEED AND SLOWLY STOPPED THE CAR. I'M SO GLAD THAT THE LEFT SHOULDER WAS AVAILABLE. THE FREEWAY WAS VERY BUSY AND I ASSUME I WOULD HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, IF THE LEFT SHOULDER WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN AVAILABLE. THE LOSS OF POWER WAS TOO SUDDEN AND ENTIRELY UNEXPECTED. THE STALLED ENGINE CREATED A VERY DANGEROUS MOMENT WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY. THE BMW SHOP CAME BACK TO ME TODAY AND EXPLAINED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED. A KNOW ISSUE WITH THE CAR MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10705469

64,000 miles · Mar 8, 2015
Steering

JUST THE OTHER DAY I DECIDED TO TAKE A TRIP TO THE STORE . I STEPPED IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO STATE IT. I GOT THE ( ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION ) IT AUTOMATICALLY DISABLES THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE LOCATED . I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE AN…

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JUST THE OTHER DAY I DECIDED TO TAKE A TRIP TO THE STORE . I STEPPED IN THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO STATE IT. I GOT THE ( ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION ) IT AUTOMATICALLY DISABLES THE VEHICLE NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE LOCATED . I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO CONFIRM THE DIAGNOSTICS AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS A COMMON ISSUE AND IT WOULD COST ME UP TOWARDS $1500 OUT OF POCKET .. THAT IS CRAZY !! NOW I HAVE A HEAVY AND EXPENSIVE PAPER WEIGHT IN MY DRIVEWAY . I DID SOME RESEARCH ON A COUPLE OF BMW FORUMS TO DO SOME HOME WORK I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE . THE KICKER IS ITS A DEALER PART ONLY . I HAVE NOW CHOICE BUT TO GO THE DEALERSHIP AND BE FORCED TO PAY PREMIUM PRICES FOR A DEFECTIVE PART THE IS COMMON TO BREAK . ITS A SENSOR THAT IS LOCATED IN THE STEERING COLUMN OF THE CAR THAT FAILS . BMW DESIGNED THE STEERING COLUMN TO BE ONE UNIT SO I HAVE TO CHANGE OUT THE WHOLE COLUMN INSTEAD THE EFFECTED PROBLEM WHICH COST NOTHING IN COMPARISON. HOW IS THIS MY FAULT . WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY THIS OUTRAGEOUS AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS OUT OF MY HANDS . *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692794

79,906 miles · Mar 5, 2015
Engine

MY CAR MIGHT HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUE THAT WAS SETTLE UNDER CLASS ACTION IN 2010 . I'M BEING CHARGED FOR REPAIRS THAT WILL ABLE BMW TO MAKE DIAGNOSIS FOR THAT PROBLEM AT FIRST FOR VACUUM TURBO LINES ALMOST FOR 1000 DOLLARS AND TODAY FOR SOME OTHER ISSUE ANOTHER 500. I'M BEING PRESSURED BY BMW TO FIX IT OR QUIT. THE EXTENDED WARR…

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MY CAR MIGHT HAVE TURBO CHARGER ISSUE THAT WAS SETTLE UNDER CLASS ACTION IN 2010 . I'M BEING CHARGED FOR REPAIRS THAT WILL ABLE BMW TO MAKE DIAGNOSIS FOR THAT PROBLEM AT FIRST FOR VACUUM TURBO LINES ALMOST FOR 1000 DOLLARS AND TODAY FOR SOME OTHER ISSUE ANOTHER 500. I'M BEING PRESSURED BY BMW TO FIX IT OR QUIT. THE EXTENDED WARRANTY IS ONLY TILL 82 THOUSAND MILES. SO EITHER I PAY OR END UP NOT KNOWING IF MY CAR HAS THIS ISSUE. WHEN I WAS DRIVING AND TRYING TO SPEED TO PASS ANOTHER VEHICLE MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING THAT ENGINE IS NOT WORKING IN FULL CAPACITY AND TO SLOW DOWN OR STOP... PLS HELP ME TO RESOLVE THAT ISSUE. THANK YOU. I CALLED BMW OR NORTHERN AMERICA AND SPOKE WITH SKY AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS WHAT IT IS AND I HAVE TO PAY SINCE THE MECHANICS KNOW BETTER WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE. WHEN I ASKED FOR SOMEBODY THAT IS IN DIRECT RELATIONS WITH BMW OF GERMANY I WAS TOLD THAT HE IS THE TOP OF THE LINE PERSON AND ENTITY IN HIS SELF. I FEEL THAT ANYTHING RELATED TO THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE COVER BY BMW NOT ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10692373

90,000 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Air Bags

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT AFFECTING AIR BAG TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER, RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE V…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT AFFECTING AIR BAG TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER, RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.

NHTSA ODI #10691109

60,000 miles · Feb 16, 2015
Power Train

THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE THAT BMW DOSE NOT WANT TO RESOLVE IN ALL OF THEIR DEALERSHIP. THE PROBLEM THAT WE ARE TALKING ABOUT IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHUDDERS AN VIBRATES BETWEEN 1,700 AND 2,200 RPM IN 3RD,4TH,5TH,6TH GEAR. THE LOSS OF POWER HAS ALMOST COST ME SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. BMW SAYS THAT THEY WILL FLUSH THE TRANSMISSION AND …

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

NHTSA ODI #10683713

72,000 miles · Jan 8, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline

ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING AND CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY. THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SPARK PLUGS AND COILS. 1 YEAR LATER AT 100K MILES, THE SAME ISSUE HAS ARISEN. THE FUEL SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, SINCE THE CAR SHUTS DOWN A…

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ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS WERE LEAKING AND CAUSED THE CAR TO STALL ON THE FREEWAY. THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE SPARK PLUGS AND COILS. 1 YEAR LATER AT 100K MILES, THE SAME ISSUE HAS ARISEN. THE FUEL SYSTEM SEEMS TO BE A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM, SINCE THE CAR SHUTS DOWN AT HIGH SPEEDS ON THE FREEWAY. BMW SHOULD EXTEND THE WARRANTY ON THE FUEL INJECTORS AS THEY DID WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10671010

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.