Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 16 of 22 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
Wheels. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 4 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports
What owners actually said
22 reports
21,159 miles · May 10, 2014
Wheels
WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR ONE MORNING THE SENSOR WENT OFF LETTING ME KNOW THAT I HAD A LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I WENT AND FILLED THE TIRE TO THE PROPER LEVEL; I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, THEN THE NEXT FOLLOWING MORNING THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED IN 4 PLAC…
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WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR ONE MORNING THE SENSOR WENT OFF LETTING ME KNOW THAT I HAD A LOW TIRE PRESSURE. I WENT AND FILLED THE TIRE TO THE PROPER LEVEL; I THOUGHT EVERYTHING WAS FINE, THEN THE NEXT FOLLOWING MORNING THE SAME THING HAPPENED. I TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND THEY FOUND THAT THE RIM WAS CRACKED IN 4 PLACES. I WAS WONDERING HOW THE RIM COULD HAVE GOTTEN CRACKED CAUSE I BARELY DRIVE THE CAR, SITS IN THE GARAGE MOST OF THE TIME, I DRIVE ON EVEN ROADS WHEN I DO, BUT I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 4 MONTHS, PURCHASED IT FROM CAR MAX. I WENT TO VARIOUS POSTS AND FOUND OUT THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE RIMS THAT BMW PUT ON THE Z4 35I BECAUSE THEY ARE RUN FLAT TIRES (WHICH MY CAR INITIALLY HAD ON THEM). WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR, RUN FLATS WASN'T ON THIS CAR. I THINK THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON THESE WHEELS (RIMS) BECAUSE IF THE RIM FAILED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY...IT COULD HAVE BEEN DEVASTATING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10587605
22,000 miles · Jan 23, 2014
Wheels
ALUMINUM WHEEL (STYLE 296) CRACK ON THE INSIDE BEAD. CAR HAS 22,000 MILES ON 1/23/14 AND 3 WHEELS CURRENTLY HAVE CRACKS. THE CRACKS PREVENT THE TIRES FROM MAINTAINING AIR PRESSURE AND LOWERS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE RIM, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. BMW IS ONLY OFFERING TO REPAIR ONE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE RUNOUT O…
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ALUMINUM WHEEL (STYLE 296) CRACK ON THE INSIDE BEAD. CAR HAS 22,000 MILES ON 1/23/14 AND 3 WHEELS CURRENTLY HAVE CRACKS. THE CRACKS PREVENT THE TIRES FROM MAINTAINING AIR PRESSURE AND LOWERS THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE RIM, CAUSING A SAFETY HAZARD. BMW IS ONLY OFFERING TO REPAIR ONE WHEEL UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE THE RUNOUT ON THE OTHER 2 WHEELS WAS 0.059" WHICH THEY ARE CLAIMING INDICATES THAT THE WHEELS ARE DAMAGED DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD BUT OFFERED NO VISUAL EVIDENCE OF DAMAGE. ONLINE RESEARCH INDICATES THERE IS A HIGH RATE OF FAILURE OF THE 296 STYLE WHEEL AND CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDE THE DESIGN OF THE 19" WHEEL, THE USE OF 30 SERIES (REAR) OR 35 SERIES (FRONT) RUN-FLAT-TIRES AND THE NEGATIVE CAMBER. THE NEGATIVE CAMBER PUTS THE MAJORITY OF THE FORCES AND LOAD FROM THE ROAD ONTO THE INSIDE BEAD OF THE RIM. THE RUN-FLAT-TIRES HAVE EXTREMELY STIFF AND SHORT SIDEWALLS TO ALLOW THE TIRES TO BE DRIVEN WITH NO AIR, WHICH TRANSMITS THE FORCES FROM THE ROAD DIRECTLY TO THE RIM WITHOUT THE NORMAL CUSHION OF A STANDARD TIRE. THE DESIGN OF THE RIM DOES NOT ADD ADDITIONAL STRENGTH TO THE INSIDE BEAD TO MAKE UP FOR THE ADDITIONAL LOADS CAUSED BY THE CAMBER AND RUN-FLAT-TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10561274
23,000 miles · Jul 28, 2013
Wheels
I HAD A SLOW TIRE LEAK SO I TOOK MY CAR IN TO GET CHECKED. TURNS OUT MY 2 REAR WHEELS ARE CRACKED.THIS IS COMMON PROBLEM FOR OWNERS WITH THE 296 WHEEL ON THE Z4. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10532245
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2013
SteeringWheels
MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL T…
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MY REAR RIMS HAVE DEVELOPED CRACKS WHILE DRIVING RESULTING IN QUICK LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE AND IN SOME CASES DESTROYING TIRE. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO BOTH THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDES, HOWEVER THUS FAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN ISOLATED TO THE REAR (MODEL 296 19") RIMS. IN THE 16 MONTHS I HAVE OWNED THIS VEHICLE, THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING ON 5/11/2012, 9/9/12, 4/12/13 AND 5/23/13. EACH TIME I HAVE PURCHASED A NEW RIM OR HAD THE EXISTING RIM REPAIRED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE DEALER. IN NONE OF THESE CASES HAS THERE BEEN ANY IMPACT OR DRIVING CONDITION THAT EXPLAINS THE FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513346
15,000 miles · Nov 8, 2012
Wheels
I HAD TWO OF THESE RIMS BEND AND CRACK ( MODEL 296) I HAD THE RIM AND TIRE WARRANTY THAT I PAID EXTRA FOR AND BMW COVERED A REPLACEMENT FOR ONE AND PAID TO HAVE THE OTHER STRAIGHTENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10483777
18,000 miles · Nov 1, 2012
Wheels
BOTH REAR WHEELS DEVELOPED CRACKS. THESE WERE 19 INCH BMW STYLE 296 WHEELS WITH RUN-FLAT TIRES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10482880
16,000 miles · Sep 13, 2012
Wheels
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITI…
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THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10475288
17,000 miles · Feb 1, 2012
Wheels
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPEN…
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THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMW AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10446207
16,000 miles · Nov 21, 2011
Wheels
THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITI…
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THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS WHEEL STYLE "296" A 19" OPTIONAL ALLOY WHEEL PACKAGE FOR E89 BMW Z4. BMW PART NUMBER 36116785257(REAR WHEEL 19X9) AND 36116785256(FRONT WHEEL 19X8. UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS, MULTIPLE CRACKS DEVELOPED ON INNER EDGE OF RIM LIP LEADING TO LARGE DROP IN TIRE PRESSURE AND POTENTIALLY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION. THIS HAPPENED TO (1) OF MY REAR WHEELS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AS MANY OWNERS OF THE SAME PARTICULAR WHEEL MODEL "296" ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEMS. IT IS NOTED IN THE FOLLOWING LINK: HTTP://E89.ZPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=485935 CONTACTED BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND THEY DECLINED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10436662
11,200 miles · Sep 17, 2010
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW Z4 CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10-20 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. HE WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY RESTART THE VEHICLE WITHOUT HESITATION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WOULD OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER OPERATE FOLLOWING REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT WITH THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 11, 200.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 Z4 30I AND 35I VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BETWEEN MARCH 10 AND MARCH 19, 2009. A DEFECTIVE CRIMP CONNECTOR IN A BELT TENSIONER WIRING PLUG MAY LEAD TO INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCREASED ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE IN THAT CIRCUIT COULD CAUSE THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER TO FAIL TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN INCREASED INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
Remedy: THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER WIRING WILL BE REPAIRED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 5, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.
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
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
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