2007 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,040 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2007 reports, 29 involved a crash and 61 involved a fire. 24 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Mar 2, 2022
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanAug 10, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Campaign 12E029000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: electrical system
288 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2020
HEADLIGHT WIRING HARNESS SLEEVES HAVE ROTTED, THE EXPOSED COPPER WIRING CAN SHORT INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING A SPARK, PROLONGED CONTACT BETWEEN BARE WIRES WILL GENERATE HEAT CAPABLE OF MELTING THE HEADLIGHT UNIT AND PLASTIC COMPONENTS AROUND IT.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jun 18, 2020
WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AS WELL AS STATIONARY THE WINDOW PINCH PROTECTION LIGHT FLASHES AT 30 SECOND INTERVALS ALONG WITH AN AUDIBLE NOISE. THIS CREATES A DANGEROUS DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND THERE IS NO WAY TO TURN OFF THE NOISE OR NOTIFICATION. ONCE THE WINDOW PINCH PROTECTION HAS BEEN RESET ON EACH WINDOW THE NOTIFICATION REMAINS FLASHING EVERY 30 SECONDS WHILE THE CAR IS RUNNING. THIS AUDIBLE NOISE IS HEARD WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED AND CREATES AN UNSAFE DISTRACTION. *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, May 6, 2020, fire
JUST FINISHED DRIVING ABOUT 10 MILES FROM HOME TO WORK, ABOUT 70 DEGREES-F OUTSIDE, SUNNY, GOOD WEATHER AROUND 11AM. DID NOT OPERATE AIR CONDITIONER, HEATER OR VENT FAN. CAR SEEMED TO DRIVE FINE, NO STRANGE NOISES. HAD NO RECENT MAJOR REPAIRS. WE ARE SECOND OWNERS OF CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED BMW, HAVE HAD VEHICLE FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS AND DRIVEN ABOUT 50K MILES SINCE PURCHASE. AFTER ARRIVING AT WORKPLACE, STOPPED AT WORKPLACE PARKING LOT WITH ENGINE IDLING FOR A FEW SECONDS TO WAIT FOR PARKING GATE TO OPEN. HOWEVER, BEGAN SEEING WHITE SMOKE COMING OUT OF DRIVER'S SIDE OF ENGINE HOOD. TRIED TO REVERSE THE VEHICLE OUT TO THE STREET AND MOVED ABOUT 10FT BEFORE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART. WITHIN 15-30 SECONDS A PLUME OF FIRE ERUPTED OUT OF THE FRONT HOOD THROUGH THE GRILL. WITHIN 3 MINUTES ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES AND ITS PROXIMITY TO OTHER CARS IN THE LOT CAUSED FIRE DAMAGE TO 4 OTHER VEHICLES. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS INCLUDING ALL POSSESSIONS WITHIN IT. ELECTRONIC LOCKS QUIT WORKING AS SOON AS FIRE STARTED. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 5, 2020
THE CAR HAS A SHORT DRAINING BATTERY ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON THE BLOWER MOTER SMELT LIKE FIRE WHEN TURNED ON. SCAN TOOL WONT CONNECT TO OBD2 SAYS NO COMMUNICATION AIR BAGS RESTRAINT LIGHTS CAME ON . I BELEIVE YOUR RECALLS WERE NOT DONE AND CAUSE A MASSIVE FAILURE THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS CONDITIONS TO OPERATE VEHICLE UNDER.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2020
THE HEATER TURNS ON BY ITSELF WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND KILLS MY BATTERY....HAVING LOTS OF OTHER ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING..THE DRIVER SIDE MIRROR MOTOR TURNS ON SPARATICALLY WHICH DRAINS THE BATTERY...NOW THE CAR DOESN'T START AT ALL AND THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGE WHEN I PUSH THE START BUTTON
Electrical system, Dec 29, 2019
I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A RECALL FOR ELECTRICAL FAILURE ON CERTAIN BMW'S. RECALL 13V044. MY VEHICLE BAD A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL FAILURE IN EARLY DECEMBER 2019. IT NOW SITS IN MY GARAGE. APPARENTLY MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF THE RECALL WHICH I CANNOT UNDERSTAND. IT EXHIBITS ALL THE FAILURES INDICATED IN THE ORIGINAL RECALL. PLEASE HELP
Electrical system, Dec 10, 2019, fire
TURNED ON BLOWER MOTOR, CAR SMOKED AND BURNT UP BEFORE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 20, 2019
I AM HAVING A NO START, NO CRANK PROBLEM, NEW BATTERY, REMOVE STARTER, CHECKED OK, FUSES, OK. REPAIR CABLE BUT CODE SILL APPEAR, MONTH LATER N START OR CRANK. THIS WEEK BROUGHT NEW CABLE IT DETONATED. HAD CAR TOWED AND NOW AT HOME. OWNED THIS CAR SINCE JULY 2018 AND TOTALLY UPSET. THIS IS MY SECOND BMW AND I LOVE IT. I AM NO SURE BUT I BELIEVE THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT BEFORE I BROUGHT IT.
Electrical system, Oct 30, 2019, fire
MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY DUE TO A FAULTY WIRING HARNESS THAT BMW FAILED TO NOTIFY OWNERS ABOUT. THE CAR HAD NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL WEEKS. IF THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE MULTIPLE FATALITIES COULD HAVE OCCURED.
Electrical system, Seat belts, Service brakes, Sep 4, 2019
VACUUM PUMP RECALL . TAKATA RECALL ELECTRIC RECALL
Electrical system, Jun 17, 2019
COMFORT ACCESS IS BLOWING FUSE. CAN'T EXIT MY CAR W INSIDE HANDLES, ALL DOORS (ONLY SOMETIMES THOUGH) HAVE TO ROLL DOWN DRIVER WINDOW, INSERT MANUAL KEY TO UNLOCK DOOR. OTHER TIMES, THE PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT UNLOCK AT ALL. THIS IS DANGEROUS. WITHOUT POWER TO THE WINDOWS, HOW WOULD ONE ESCAPE? THE FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS AT ALL. AS MENTIONED, SOMETIMES I CAN MANUALLY OPEN WITH THE HANDLE INSIDE THE CAR AND OTHER TIMES NOT AT ALL. LOCKS BROKEN AT ALL STAGES, STATIONARY OR MOVING.
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2019
MY CAR IS LOSING POWER RANDOMLY, AND HAS A BURNING SMELL. INSPECTED SOME OF THE WIRES AND MY MAIN WIRE GOING INTO MY FUSE BOX LOOKS A LITTLE BURNT AND HAS A COLOR CHANGE TO IT.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND WAS TAKEN TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW (LOCATED AT 5070 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036, (877) 794-4678). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 16, 2019
RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR A BLOWER MOTOR WIRING ISSUE (17V-676) AND AN EXTENSION IN LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM. BMW NORTH AMERICA SAID THEY COULD NOT SEE THE VEHICLE IN THERE SYSTEM AND COULD NOT INITIATE REPAIRS UNTIL IT WAS. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN TENNESSEE ON 3/23/16, BUT SAW IN THE CARFAX REPORT THAT IT WAS ORIGINALLY PURCHASED OVERSEAS.
Electrical system, Apr 9, 2019
WAS DISMISSED BY BMW STATING THAT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE SAFETY RECALL 17V-683 ' POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER ' ('BLOW-BY-HEATER'). DESPITE HAVING THE DISCRIBED ISSUE WHICH HAS BLOWN 3 FUSES OVER A PERIOD OF ONE WEEK. THIS DISMISSAL DESPITE THE ENGINE TYPE AND YEAR BEING MENTIONED IN THE RECALL. NOTE: RECALL DEEMS THE VEHICLE UNSAFE AND POTENTIALLY HARMFUL TO ME AND MY FAMILY.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 5, 2019
MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BULB FAILED. UPON OPENING UP THE SEALED HEADLIGHT BUCKET, I DISCOVERED THAT THE POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE WIRES' INSULATION WAS BRITTLE, CRACKED, AND MISSING IN PLACES, POTENTIALLY ALLOWING FOR A SHORT TO AND POSSIBLY A FIRE TO OCCUR.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING OR WHEN PARKING THE VEHICLE, A STRONG BURNING ODOR OF PLASTIC EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS. THE CONTACT CALLED CLASSIC BMW AT (214) 778-2600 (LOCATED AT 6800 DALLAS PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024) AND WAS INFORMED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN TO THE DEALER DUE TO THE BURNING ODOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TT CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. *JB
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2019, fire
MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS TRAPPED IN CAR. A NEARBY PASSENGER BROKE MY WINDOW TO ME OUT. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE MAN I WOULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE!!
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF WILMINGTON AT 910-338-2149 (LOCATED AT 4920 NEW CENTRE DR, WILMINGTON, NC 28403) AND THE TECHNICIAN RECOMMENDED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Jan 23, 2019
TAKATA RECALL .......DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER16V071 BLOWER MOTOR WIRING NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V683................. NOTHING HAS HAPPENED YET BUT ALOT ARE CATCHING ON FIRE DUE TO THESE PROBLEMS....AND I DONT JUST HAVE 1 I HAVE 2 FIRE ISSUES AND ONE MAJOR WITH THE AIRBAG...... IVE CONTACTED BMW SERVERAL TIMES BUT I HAVENT GOT A EMAIL OR CONTACTED BACK FROM SERVICE TO FIX THESE ISSUES.... THE CAR IS MY LIVELYHOOD SO I FEEL LIKE JUST BUYING THE PARTS MYSELF AND FIXING THEM OTHER THAN THE AIRBAG.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE ENTERING A PARKING SPACE AT 1 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BMW OF BELLEVUE (13617 NE 20TH ST, BELLEVUE, WA 98005, (425) 243-5201) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 2, 2019
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE HAD TWO SEPARATE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2018. OVER A MONTH AGO , MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE WHILE IDLED AT STOP LIGHT AND WOULD EASE UP WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. MY ENGINE WAS SHAKING SO BADLY THAT I COULD FEEL IT WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE PETAL. MY ROOMMATE HEARD THE SQUEALING NOISE FROM INSIDE MY HOUSE AND CAME OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. ENTIRE ENGINE WAS SHAKING AS IF SOMETHING WAS NOT ON PROPERLY. HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME SINCE WHILE COMING BACK FROM WORK. SECOND MAJOR ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK MONDAY MORNING - I WAS MAKING A SEMI SHARP RIGHT TURN OFF RUFFIN MILL ROAD IN CHESTER AND MY 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT IMMEDIATE CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT FROM 35MPH TO 0 - MY CAR FELT AS IF I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL AND ENGINE STOPPED. I CUT THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON - LIGHT WENT AWAY AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. LESS THAN 5 MINUTES LATER, I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, ABOUT TO TURN LEFT AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. CUT CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WAS OKAY. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THIS CAR AND EVEN HAD TO GET BRAND NEW STARTER TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. ATTACHMENT SHOWS ALL ISSUE WITH CAR GIVEN TO ME BY MAINENTANCE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 2, 2019
TAKATA RECALL - I HAVE HAD TWO SEPARATE MAJOR ISSUES WITH THIS VEHICLE SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN MAY 2018. OVER A MONTH AGO , MY CAR STARTED TO MAKE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE WHILE IDLED AT STOP LIGHT AND WOULD EASE UP WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. MY ENGINE WAS SHAKING SO BADLY THAT I COULD FEEL IT WITH MY FOOT ON BRAKE PETAL. MY ROOMMATE HEARD THE SQUEALING NOISE FROM INSIDE MY HOUSE AND CAME OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS WRONG. ENTIRE ENGINE WAS SHAKING AS IF SOMETHING WAS NOT ON PROPERLY. HAPPENED ONE OTHER TIME SINCE WHILE COMING BACK FROM WORK. SECOND MAJOR ISSUE OCCURRED WHILE ON THE WAY TO WORK MONDAY MORNING - I WAS MAKING A SEMI SHARP RIGHT TURN OFF RUFFIN MILL ROAD IN CHESTER AND MY 'SERVICE ENGINE SOON' LIGHT IMMEDIATE CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT FROM 35MPH TO 0 - MY CAR FELT AS IF I COULDN'T TURN THE WHEEL AND ENGINE STOPPED. I CUT THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON - LIGHT WENT AWAY AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE. LESS THAN 5 MINUTES LATER, I WAS COMING TO A STOP LIGHT, ABOUT TO TURN LEFT AND THE SAME THING HAPPENED. CUT CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND IT WAS OKAY. I HAVE HAD A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THIS CAR AND EVEN HAD TO GET BRAND NEW STARTER TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE. ATTACHMENT SHOWS ALL ISSUE WITH CAR GIVEN TO ME BY MAINENTANCE.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 18, 2018, fire
I WAS GOING BETWEEN 30 AND 35 MPH THROUGH CITY STREETS AT ROUGHLY 3AM ON MY WAY BACK FROM MY COMMUTE WHICH IS ROUGHLY 60 MILES. I NOTICED IT STARTED TO SMELL LIKE BURNING PLASTIC AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER SMOKE WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM HOOD VENTS, I PARKED THE CAR AS SOON AS I COULD AND POPPED THE HOOD AND THE HEAT COVER FOR THE HOOD WAS ON FIRE ALONG WITH MOST OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE ENGINE BAY. MY FRIEND IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911 FOR ASSISTANCE AS I RAN AND TRIED TO WARN NEIGHBORS , WITHIN 7 MINUTES THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY CHARD. NO MAITNANCE LIGHTS WERE ON AND NOTHING SEEMED TO BE A PROBLEM. THE TWO RECALLS I NEVER RECEIVED BOTH WOULD EXPLAN THIS INCEDENT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 29, 2018
DEALER REFUSED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS ON MY ENGINE THAT WAS CAUSED BY THE RECALL PRODUCT THE PCV VALVE. DEALER SAYS THEIR NOT REQUIRED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS, THEIR JOB IS TO REPLACE THE RECALL PART