IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NONE OF THE DOORS (EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) WOULD UNLOCK OR OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
2008 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
1925–50K
2550–75K
2075–100K
40100–150K
15150K+
129 reports with mileage · 110 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.
- Electrical System. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports22 fire reports9 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
85 reportsPOWER LOCK SYSTEM FAILED TRAPPING WIFE INSIDE WHILE STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT. NO MANUAL OVERRIDE ON DOOR HANDLES. WIFE DROVE HOME AND TRIED TO USE VALET KEY REACHING FROM INSIDE THRU WINDOW TO UNLOCK DOOR. VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. SHE DROPPED KEY. SHE WAS THEN TRAPPED. ONLY MEANS OF EGRESS AT THAT POINT AS PER ON LINE BMW REP WAS …
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POWER LOCK SYSTEM FAILED TRAPPING WIFE INSIDE WHILE STOPPED ON A PARKING LOT. NO MANUAL OVERRIDE ON DOOR HANDLES. WIFE DROVE HOME AND TRIED TO USE VALET KEY REACHING FROM INSIDE THRU WINDOW TO UNLOCK DOOR. VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE. SHE DROPPED KEY. SHE WAS THEN TRAPPED. ONLY MEANS OF EGRESS AT THAT POINT AS PER ON LINE BMW REP WAS TO CLIMB OUT WINDOW. HAS HIGH POTENTIAL FOR INJURY FOR MOST FOLKS IF DONE ALONE. FORTUNATLLEY I ARRIVED ON SCENE AND UNLOCKED DOOR. IF VERY FRAIL 93 YR OLD MOTHER HAD BEEN IN PASSENGER SEAT RESCUE/EXTRACTION WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY EXCRUTIATING AND REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE. POTENTIAL FOR SEVERE CONSEQUENCES IF MEDICAL EMERGENCY. BMW PROVIDES NO WARNING OF THIS EVENTUALITY OR INSTRUCTION ON SAFE EGRESS FROM VEHICLE IF VALET KEY IS DROPPED BY DRIVER. IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE NO KEY WAS AVAIALABLE [DURING VEHICLE CLEANING FOR INSTANCE] . PERSON COULD NOT OPEN WINDOW AND BE TRAPPED AND FORCED TO BREAK WINDOW OR WAIT FOR HELP. MY WIFE HAS GONE IN CAR W OUT/ A KEY WHILE I'M ON BUSINESS AND COULD CONCEIVABLY HAVE BEEN TRAPPED FOR DAYS. BMW SAYS NOT ENOUGH COMPLAINTS TO MERIT ANY ATTENTION. BMW BLOGS HOWEVER HAVE NUMEROUS REFERENCES OF THIS ISSUE TO THIS SERIES OF VEHICLE!! WIFE WAS HIGHLY STRESSED AND AFRAID TO USE EITHER OF OUR 90/91 SERIES BMW'S.
6 WEEKS AGO MY CAR LOST ALL POWER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC THAT HAS WORKED ON AND REPAIRED MY CAR BEFORE. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BOX AND ALL FUSES ($678.00) WHICH DIDNT FIX THE CAR. BECAUSE THEY WERE AT AN IMPASSE WITH THE REPAIRS I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW MERCEDES SPECIALIST ($110.00). MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE SEC…
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6 WEEKS AGO MY CAR LOST ALL POWER. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A MECHANIC THAT HAS WORKED ON AND REPAIRED MY CAR BEFORE. THEY REPLACED THE FUSE BOX AND ALL FUSES ($678.00) WHICH DIDNT FIX THE CAR. BECAUSE THEY WERE AT AN IMPASSE WITH THE REPAIRS I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW MERCEDES SPECIALIST ($110.00). MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE SECOND SHOP FOR A MONTH....IT STILL WILL NOT START. SO, THIS WEEKEND I GOT ONLINE AND DID SOME DIGGING ABOUT THE 2008 BMW 328I REPAIR HISTORY. AS IT TURNS OUT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BATTERY CABLE IN MARCH ON 2013. I BOUGHT THE CAR IS JAN. 2013. DID NOT RECEIVE OR WAS I MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL. SO NOW I AM OUT $1000.00 NOT TO MENTION WHAT I OWE THE SECOND REPAIRS SHOP. AND BMW USA INFORMS ME THAT I NOW HAVE TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED AT MY EXPENSE TO A BMW DEALERSHIP...AND HAVE THE CABLE REPAIRED THERE TO HAVE THE REPAIR COVERED BY BMW. FIRST OF ALL BMW IS LIABLE TO HAVE INFORMED ME OF THE RECALL...WHICH THEY DID NOT. SO, ITS MY UNDERSTANDING BY LAW I HAVE TO BE COMPLETELY REMEDIED MONETARILY BY BMW FOR ALL AND ANY COSTS RELATED TO THE RECALL. BMW IS TRYING TO STRONG ARM ME INTO BRINGING MY CAR TO THEM. MY CAR IS ALREADY TAKEN APART AT THE SECOND MECHANICS SHOP....I HAVE ALREADY BEEN WITHOUT MY CAR FOR 6 WEEKS. PLEASE REVIEW MY SITUATION AND ADVISE ME OF MY RIGHTS. AND THE LAWS THAT APPLY TO THIS RECALL
THE CAR'S AIRBAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT, AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT STARTED GOING OFF WHENEVER SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, INDICATING THAT THERE IS NO AIRBAG/PASSENGER SEAT BELT FUNCTION IN THE CAR. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT AND INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. CARS UP…
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THE CAR'S AIRBAG FAILURE WARNING LIGHT, AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT STARTED GOING OFF WHENEVER SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, INDICATING THAT THERE IS NO AIRBAG/PASSENGER SEAT BELT FUNCTION IN THE CAR. DEALER HAS DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A FAILED PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR MAT AND INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. CARS UP UNTIL THE 2007 MODEL YEAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED TO FIX THE PROBLEM, BUT BMW HAS YET TO EXTEND THE RECALL TO THE 2008 MODEL YEAR. BMW STILL HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL, AND I WOULD LIKE NHTSA TO PERFORM AN INVESTIGATION AS THIS LOOKS LIKE THE SAME PROBLEM AS NHTSA CAMPAIGN 13V-564. THE LIGHTS COME ON WHETHER STATIONARY OR IN MOTION, WHETHER A PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT OR THE SEAT IS EMPTY.
I HAD A FUNNY CABLE OR PLASTIC SMELL INSIDE THE CAR . COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL WENT WORST . I STOPPED TO GET A FLASHLIGHT FROM MY TRUNK TO SEE IF SOMETHING IN MY ENGINE WAS BURNING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK I SEEN THAT THE BATTERY WAS BURNING THE PLASTIC OVER THE CONNECTORS. I HAVE CALLED LAST YEA…
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I HAD A FUNNY CABLE OR PLASTIC SMELL INSIDE THE CAR . COULDN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT IT WAS. WHILE DRIVING THE SMELL WENT WORST . I STOPPED TO GET A FLASHLIGHT FROM MY TRUNK TO SEE IF SOMETHING IN MY ENGINE WAS BURNING. WHEN I OPENED THE TRUNK I SEEN THAT THE BATTERY WAS BURNING THE PLASTIC OVER THE CONNECTORS. I HAVE CALLED LAST YEAR WHEN I PURCHEASED THIS CAR YO CHECK ON ANY RECALS. I WAS TOLD THERE WASN'T ANY RECALS . BY BMW VISTA EMPLOYEES .
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THAT IT WAS ILLUMINATED BECAUSE SHE PLACED GROCERIES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THE GROCERIES WERE REMOVED, THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE A…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT THOUGHT THAT IT WAS ILLUMINATED BECAUSE SHE PLACED GROCERIES IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THE GROCERIES WERE REMOVED, THE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
ALL FOUR DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. I AM ABLE TO LOCK THEM WITH THE REMOTE BUT UNABLE TO UNLOCK THEM. ONCE INSIDE, YOU BECOME TRAPPED IN THE CAR. I HAVE TO UNROLL THE WINDOW AND USE MY KEY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR TO GET OUT. THIS COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.
WHILE DRIVING(IN MOTION) MY VEHICLE WILL COMPLETELY STOP RUNNING AND STALL OUT. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTICS, BUT HE STATED HE DIDN'T SEE ANY ISSUES. THIS HAPPENS FREQUENTLY.
AFTER A SCHEDULED SERVICE THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS ON THE DOORS WOULD NOT WORK. RETURNED THE CAR THE SAME DAY FOR A "FUSE" THAT HAD BLOWN. WITHIN A FEW MORE DAYS, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN, AND REMAINED LOCKED. I HAD TO USE THE VALET/METAL KEY TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR AND WAS TOTALLY UNABLE TO OPEN ANY OTHER DOORS. NONE WOULD OPEN FR…
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AFTER A SCHEDULED SERVICE THE ELECTRONIC LOCKS ON THE DOORS WOULD NOT WORK. RETURNED THE CAR THE SAME DAY FOR A "FUSE" THAT HAD BLOWN. WITHIN A FEW MORE DAYS, THE DOORS WOULD NOT OPEN, AND REMAINED LOCKED. I HAD TO USE THE VALET/METAL KEY TO OPEN THE DRIVER DOOR AND WAS TOTALLY UNABLE TO OPEN ANY OTHER DOORS. NONE WOULD OPEN FROM INSIDE, OUTSIDE OR THE REMOTE FOB. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE A DAY TO REPAIR AFTER A DAY OF TEARING THE DOORS APART AND DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET PARTS AND TOOK SEVERAL DAYS TO REPAIR THE DOORS WITH NEW "LOCK ACTUATORS" THAT HAD ALL FAILED. WHY? HOW CAN THREE DOORS FAIL ALL AT THE SAME TIME? IT MUST BE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM? DANGEROUS!!! THANK GOD I DID NOT HAVE TO DRIVE MY GRANDCHILDREN AROUND THAT WEEK. THE ONLY WAY TO GET INTO AND OUT OF THREE OF THE SEATS WOULD BE TO USE THE WINDOWS OR CLIMB OVER THE DRIVER SEAT/ CONSOLE. THIS IS SCARY AND DANGEROUS, TO NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE CAR DOOR. WHY HASN'T BMW HAD A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE? I'M OUT ALMOST $2K FOR THE REPAIRS!
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK THUS TRAPPING MYSELF IN THE CAR. NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE EXISTS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. I HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE 4 DOOR SEDAN HAS SMALL WINDOWS AND I HURT MYSELF (PULLED MUSCLES AND JOINTS) CLIMBING OUT. IF THE WINDOWS FAILED (THEY DID NOT), I…
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ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK THUS TRAPPING MYSELF IN THE CAR. NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE EXISTS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. I HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE 4 DOOR SEDAN HAS SMALL WINDOWS AND I HURT MYSELF (PULLED MUSCLES AND JOINTS) CLIMBING OUT. IF THE WINDOWS FAILED (THEY DID NOT), I WOULD HAVE HAD TO BREAK THE WINDOWS AND THEN CLIMB OUT. ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT! ANY POWER FAILURE WILL TRAP OCCUPANTS SINCE NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE EXISTS!
Official recalls
524V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 3, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 30, 2017
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.
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.
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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.