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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

Fuel System, Gasoline complaints

96 reports
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10,100 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

CAR STARTED PERFECTLY FOR FIRST 10000 MI. STARTS WERE SHORT AND SMOOTH. CAR UNDRIVEN FOR 7DAYS BEFORE INCIDENT. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AFTER AN UNUSUAL LONG HARD START. LOST ENGINE POWER ALL OF A SUDDEN. CAR SYSTEM SAYS: ENGINE MALFUNCTION ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE NEXT FEW STARTS-REDUCED POWER AFTER A …

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CAR STARTED PERFECTLY FOR FIRST 10000 MI. STARTS WERE SHORT AND SMOOTH. CAR UNDRIVEN FOR 7DAYS BEFORE INCIDENT. DRIVING ON FREEWAY AFTER AN UNUSUAL LONG HARD START. LOST ENGINE POWER ALL OF A SUDDEN. CAR SYSTEM SAYS: ENGINE MALFUNCTION ENGINE POWER REDUCED. THE SAME THING HAPPENED ON THE NEXT FEW STARTS-REDUCED POWER AFTER A SHORT TIME DRIVING. IT THEN FAILED ON EVERY START UNTIL I HAD MY APPOINTMENT (18 DAYS) US MODEL 2007 335XI BUILD DATE MAY 2007 TOOK IT TO BMW GALLERY IN CALGARY. IT IS THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND IT IS ON INDEFINITE BACKORDER FROM GERMANY. THEY CANNOT FIX IT UNTIL BMW RELEASES A NEW VERSION. THERE IS NO ETA FOR THIS PART. THEY TELL ME IT IS OK TO DRIVE. I FEEL IT IS UNSAFE. FROM MY INVESTIGATION, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT MERITS A COMPLAINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10239096

11 miles · Aug 20, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE08032 NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : N/A MAKE / MODELS : MODEL/BUILD YEARS: BMW / 335I 2007 MANUFACTURER : BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC COMPONENT : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:FUEL PUMP DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED : APRIL 28, 2008 DATE INVES…

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NHTSA ACTION NUMBER : PE08032 NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER : N/A MAKE / MODELS : MODEL/BUILD YEARS: BMW / 335I 2007 MANUFACTURER : BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC COMPONENT : FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEELIVERY:FUEL PUMP DATE INVESTIGATION OPENED : APRIL 28, 2008 DATE INVESTIGATION CLOSED : OPEN SUMMARY: THE 2007 BMW 335I VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH A HIGH PRECISION FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM DESIGNED TO ALLOW PRECISE METERING OF THE FUEL MIXTURE AND HIGHER ENGINE COMPRESSION TO INCREASE ENGINE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY. THE SYSTEM INCLUDES A STANDARD IN-TANK FUEL PUMP TO DELIVER FUEL TO THE ENGINE AND A HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP DRIVEN BY THE OIL PUMP CHAIN DRIVE ASSEMBLY, WHICH CAN ACHIEVE A MAXIMUM PROGRAMMED FUEL PRESSURE OF 200 BAR. ODI HAS RECEIVED THREE OWNER COMPLAINTS OF STALLING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES DUE TO FAILURE OF THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. ADDITIONALLY, ODI HAS RECEIVED EIGHT COMPLAINTS ALLEGING INCIDENTS OF VEHICLES UNEXPECTEDLY GOING INTO A LIMP MODE BECAUSE OF HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURES. A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED TO ASSESS THE SCOPE, FREQUENCY AND SAFETY CONSEQUENCES OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10238976

9,013 miles · Aug 12, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

STARTED MY CAR IN THE MORNING IN ABOUT 400 FEET AFTER CHANGING TO 2ND GEAR AND THE CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED DROVE 20 FEET AND THE CAR BUCKED. NO ENGINE FAULT LIGHTS LIT. DROVE TO WORK. AT LUNCH TIME STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT ANYTHING ABOUT 1/4 THROTTLE THE CAR WOULD BOG DOWN AND SLOW DOWN. MAXIMUM SPEED WAS AROU…

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STARTED MY CAR IN THE MORNING IN ABOUT 400 FEET AFTER CHANGING TO 2ND GEAR AND THE CLUTCH FULLY ENGAGED DROVE 20 FEET AND THE CAR BUCKED. NO ENGINE FAULT LIGHTS LIT. DROVE TO WORK. AT LUNCH TIME STARTED THE CAR AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS LIT ANYTHING ABOUT 1/4 THROTTLE THE CAR WOULD BOG DOWN AND SLOW DOWN. MAXIMUM SPEED WAS AROUND 45MPH WITH VERY LITTLE ACCELERATION. UPON RESTART THE CAR WAS RUNNING WITHOUT THE ENGINE LIGHT AND PERFORMANCE RETURNED. I'M CONCERNED THIS COULD HAPPEN AT ANY MOMENT SUCH AS MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN WHEN I HAVE MY FAMILY IN THE CAR. CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THEY INSPECTED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY. THEY FOUND THE HPFP TO BE FAULTY AND REPLACED IT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10237881

8,000 miles · Aug 12, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY PREVIOUS CAR WAS A 2007 BMW 335I COUPE. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR, THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. SUBSEQUENTLY, I PURCHASED A 2008 335I CONVERTIBLE. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF THOUSAND MILES, THE CAR STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF A FAULTY FUEL PUMP (LONG CRANK TIMES). YESTERDAY, THE EN…

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MY PREVIOUS CAR WAS A 2007 BMW 335I COUPE. AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF OWNING THE CAR, THE CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. SUBSEQUENTLY, I PURCHASED A 2008 335I CONVERTIBLE. AFTER DRIVING THE CAR FOR A COUPLE OF THOUSAND MILES, THE CAR STARTED SHOWING SIGNS OF A FAULTY FUEL PUMP (LONG CRANK TIMES). YESTERDAY, THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ISSUE WAS DETERMINED TO BE THAT OF THE FAULTY FUEL PUMP. AT THIS POINT, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH REDUCED POWER. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS SHAKING AND THE CAR WAS MISFIRING AND RUNNING VERY ROUGH. THIS IS CLEARLY A HUGE DEFECT WITH THE 335I ENGINES. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD SHOULD THE FUEL PUMP BREAK WHILE THE CAR IS ON A HIGHWAY, OR IN A DESERTED LOCATION WITH NO ACCESS TO A REPAIR SHOP. I WOULD APPRECIATE IF THIS ISSUE IS GIVEN THE SERIOUSNESS THAT IT DESERVES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10237876

9,500 miles · Jul 27, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

2008 BMW 335I. JAN BUILD PICKED UP AT THE BMW WELT IN FEB OF 08. @9,500 MILES. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. CAR EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD. THANKFULLY I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS A REASONABLE DISTANCE AWAY. ALSO SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAS COME ON. C…

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2008 BMW 335I. JAN BUILD PICKED UP AT THE BMW WELT IN FEB OF 08. @9,500 MILES. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. CAR EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD. THANKFULLY I WAS ABOUT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE CAR BEHIND ME WAS A REASONABLE DISTANCE AWAY. ALSO SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAS COME ON. CAR HAS A VERY ROUGH IDLE AND IS BARELY DRIVABLE ON PUBLIC ROADS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235925

7,000 miles · Jul 25, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

ROUGH IDLE WITH FLUCTUATING RPM, LONG CRANK BEFORE ENGINE TURNS OVER ON IGNITION. AT FIRST IT WAS ONCE A MONTH OCCURRENCE, SOON IT TURNED INTO ONCE A WEEK AND BECAME ALMOST A SURE-THING. TOOK IT TO A BMW DEAL WHO REPLACED A FUEL PUMP. NOW LONG CRANK AND FLUCTUATING RPM AT IDLE IS MOSTLY GONE BUT RARELY HAPPENS AGAIN. ALSO, …

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ROUGH IDLE WITH FLUCTUATING RPM, LONG CRANK BEFORE ENGINE TURNS OVER ON IGNITION. AT FIRST IT WAS ONCE A MONTH OCCURRENCE, SOON IT TURNED INTO ONCE A WEEK AND BECAME ALMOST A SURE-THING. TOOK IT TO A BMW DEAL WHO REPLACED A FUEL PUMP. NOW LONG CRANK AND FLUCTUATING RPM AT IDLE IS MOSTLY GONE BUT RARELY HAPPENS AGAIN. ALSO, SIDEWALL OF FRONT PASSENGER SIDE RUN-FLAT TIRE (RFT) HAS A BUBBLE EVEN THOUGH THE TIRE HASN'T EXPERIENCE ANY SHOCK (FROM POTHOLES, ETC). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235716

2,200 miles · Jul 23, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

2008 BMW 335I (E93) HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTING IN LONG STARTS AND SOMETIMES REDUCED POWER OR ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. BMW REPLACE HPFP (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP) WITH REBUILT UNIT AT 2,200 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10235459

19,832 miles · Jul 15, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

MY 8 MONTH OLD BMW 335 FAILS ON ME WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD SON AT 1130PM. ENGINE MALFUNCTION. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER -IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THEY APPARENTLY REPLACED IT ..THE NEXT DAY I GOT IT BACK LATE AFTERNOON. DRIVING IT BACK HOME AFTER 60 MILES. IT DID IT AGAIN. APPARENTLY IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO'…

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MY 8 MONTH OLD BMW 335 FAILS ON ME WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 7 YEAR OLD SON AT 1130PM. ENGINE MALFUNCTION. TOWED IT TO THE DEALER -IT WAS THE FUEL PUMP. THEY APPARENTLY REPLACED IT ..THE NEXT DAY I GOT IT BACK LATE AFTERNOON. DRIVING IT BACK HOME AFTER 60 MILES. IT DID IT AGAIN. APPARENTLY IM NOT THE ONLY ONE WHO' S HAVING PROBLEM..THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ..IT JUST STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WITH A VEHICLE THAT'S ONLY 8 MONTH OLD....HOPE YOU WILL ADDRESS THIS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10234476

13,000 miles · Jun 16, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

MULTIPLE INCIDENTS WITH "ENGINE MALFUNCTION. REDUCED POWER" AKA LIMP MODE. ON MY 2007 BMW 335I SEDAN. BMW REPLACED FUEL PUMP ONCE, BUT NOW SEEMS LIKE THE PROBLEM IS REPEATING ITSELF. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10231206

9,391 miles · Jun 10, 2008
Fuel System, Gasoline

I DRIVE A BMW 335I AND THE FUEL PUMP FAILED. INDICATIONS WERE LONG CRANK TIMES, ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING, AND SHUTTERING WHILE DRIVING. I KNOW OF MANY OTHER BMW'S WITH THE TWIN TURBO ENGINE THAT HAVE/HAD THIS PROBLEM. BMW NEEDS TO COMPLETELY REDESIGN THE FUEL PUMP SO SERIOUS INCIDENTS DO NOT OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10230435

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.