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: engine
228 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, May 18, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the passenger restraint system message had appeared on the instrument panel indicating an air bag failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving and parked the vehicle at his residence. However, the vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, May 6, 2022
The contact's son owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact's son received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle began to overheat and he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact' son pulled into a parking lot where he parked the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while slowing down for traffic signals or signs, the vehicle started to idle roughly. After coming to a complete stop, the vehicle would then lose motive power and stall without warning. The contact was able to restart the vehicle however, the failure would soon recur. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2022, fire
The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon pulling into the driveway, he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started inside the hood and extended to the rest of the vehicle. The contact stated that there were explosions of fire with objects flying all over the place. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There was no police report filed. The contact stated that he sustained minor injuries but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was totaled. The contact later received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which he associated with the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine started smoking and overheating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering failed to operate as needed; however, the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to several local mechanics and BMW specialists. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle has remained with the dealer for 3 years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 24, 2022, fire
I bought a 2007 BMW 335i convertible on March 10th 2022. On March 18th I left my house and as I was pulling out of my neighborhood the vehicle cut off at about 25 miles an hour and as I pulled over I noticed black smoke coming out from under the hood. There were no warning lights on with the exception of a random airbag light that came on the day after I bought the car and a tire pressure monitor light. My wife and I pulled over and I ran to a nearby house and took a case of Dasani water from painters who were working (with their permission). I got the fire put out within minutes of its starting but the wiring harness is completely melted together along with all of the induction piping to the turbos and the intake manifold and fuel line. I told the car home and had my insurance agent look at it. She said because it was a fire it would be a mechanical issue and needed to go to the BMW dealership. I paid to have it towed there that day. The dealer called me about an hour after the car showed up there and said that they would not service or inspect the vehicle for damage because I have the wrong insurance company. I was forced to tow the car back home after being turned away by several other dealerships and collision centers due to the high volume of mechanical work already on their lots. BMW has open recalls on 3 series vehicles because they can have engine fires. My car for some reason is not one of the ones they cover under that recall. Still have no resolution from my insurance company on what to do because the car hasn't been officially inspected by a BMW technician. I've now towed the car three times and I'm exactly where I was at the beginning of this claim.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 29, 2021
Possible Class Action Law Suit knowingly neglect, mislead, purposely avoiding known recall & obvious risks of possible LIFE / PROPERTY LOST 08/2012, NYS Bear Mt Parks Camp ground Unknown reason Low battery resulted locked steering, stranded tow $450 /park+$450 tow truck to Shop E141st Bronx Friend a Westchester BMW dealer mechanic 1988~2019 (Will testify): official instruction to replace Steering column $2000-3000 job, replaced on the street, can't start w dealer computer+ $300 towed to Bronx BMW specialist & reset/ started for $450 2012 not much info online As my VIN isn’t on the recall list, I was not aware of the other identical recalled issue til it happened again in 2015(?2016, can confirm w the NY Westchester BMW dealer parts receipt) Paid another $2000+ much nightmare only to realized the issue can easily be reset by any mechanic computer then restarted. BMW dealer still maintain its instruction to their dealer mechanic to replace knowingly HIDING the fact that it should have been recalled & avoided 2016 (have receipt) At 70k Miles Transmission rebuilt, specialist said broken fragments of gears resulting in irreparable damages 2017 Corroded Fuse box nr passenger side replaced $680 2019 After stopping, car barely cranks over & white smoke observed under hood in front of passenger waited 30 minute to start Days later car won’t start, the wire leading to fuse burnt off, lost all power $300 tow home +$350 replace wire $4580 since 2020 low battery all year, car sluggish due to sudden lost of power. 2021 Engine shaking violently, drives shaky & unstable jerks, pulled over Towed $280 steering lock symbol shown Car on driveway realized my VIN was not included in this 2013 recall of 570,000 cars for the same defect numerous reported URGENT life/ Property threats to highway safety for years: sudden lost of power (No hazard light) on LEFT Lane of Highways Entire car engulfed in flames in minutes w toddlers inside car barely escaping Air bags popping while in motion..
Air bags, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 1, 2021
Bmw of Murietta will not honor the recalls
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 15, 2021
Earlier this year in February I have replaced the alternator and some other major part right after purchasing from dealership and i have seen all the other recent recalls for the vehicle also it appears to have recalls that have not been worked on by manufacture . there also were no signs that came on also the wheel tightened up and stopped on me out of no where while driving. this being the second time this has happened as on new years i was on the freeway on my way home and the car did the same when i first replaced the alternator
Engine, Apr 14, 2021
CRANKSHAFT SENSOR STOPPED WORKING WHILE ON HIGHWAY SPEED, COMMON ISSUE WITH THE BMW 3 SERIES
Engine, Apr 14, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STATIONARY AT A DRIVE THRU, THE ENGINE OVERHEATED WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THE RED OVERHEATING WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED HE HAD TO MANUALLY PUSH THE VEHICLE OUT TO THE PARKING LOT WITH A BYSTANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE ADDED COOLANT FLUID AND AFTER 2 HOURS HE WAS ABLE RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED HE EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE AN HOUR LATER. ADDITIONALLY, THE BATTERY ALSO FAILED. THE CONTACT STATED HE RECEIVED AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHILE OPENING THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER BMW OF RIVERSIDE (3060 ADAMS ST, RIVERSIDE, CA 92504, (951) 373-5000) AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WERE COMPLETED. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS STILL LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 142,580.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 31, 2021
SHUTTERS ALL THE TIME EVEN AFTER COILS REPLACED. ENGINE LINE COMES ON AND MISFIRES. WIRING ALL MESSED UP ESPECIALLY HEADLIGHTS AND SEATS. ABS LIGHT WON'T GO OFF.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 21, 2020
MY VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE CODES FOR FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS. A RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS INITIATED I N 2010 TO REPAIR THESE INJECTORS. I BELIEVE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS TITLED 10E-A02: REPLACE FUEL INJECTORS. THE ELIGIBLITY WAS LISTED AS VEHICLES WITH PRODUCTION DATES FROM 4/01/2007 TO 11/30/2008. VEHICLES INCLUDED WERE BMW E90 MODELS. I HAVE A 2007 E90 MODEL WITH A PRODUCTION DATE OF 3/2007. IT IS PECULIAR THAT THE PRODUCTION DATE DID NOT INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES IN THAT MODEL YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED THAT THE PART NUMBER ON MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE SAME AS THE PART NUMBERS OF THE FUEL INJECTORS FOR VEHICLES PRODUCES IN 4/2007 AND FOR THE REST OF THAT MODEL YEAR. I FEEL MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL, PLEASE ADVISE.10
Engine, Aug 9, 2020
VEHICLE HAS CAMSHAFT ISSUES THAT ARE DUE TO VANOS-VANOS BOLTS ON DRIVE ARE DAMAGED. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, STALLING, ROUGH IDLE-
Engine, Jun 24, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED HE WAS NOTIFIED BY THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE INSURANCE WAS CONTACTED AND TOWED THE VEHICLE TO A TOW LOT FOR INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS TAKEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
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
Engine, Feb 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH, THE LOST MOTIVE POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. BMW OF PLEASANT GROVE LOCATED AT (2111 W GROVE PKWY, PLEASANT GROVE, UT 84062) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 23, 2020
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP - CRITICAL FAILURE WHILE DRIVING IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE DIED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE IN MOTION. BRAKES AND STEERING BECAME INCREDIBLY HEAVY (PRESUMABLY WITHOUT POWER) AS I PULLED OVER WITH VERY LITTLE TIME TO REACT. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, JUST REPEATEDLY TURN OVER WITHOUT TRYING TO START. PULLED CODES TO DISCOVER THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP JUST FAILED COMPLETELY - P142E $0018PD. STALLING IN MOTION WITHOUT ANY WARNING SIGNS WAS SCARY. TURBO WASTEGATES - CAUTION TURBOS RATTLE SEVERELY WHILE DRIVING AND PERFORMANCE IS REDUCED. EXTRA TIME AND SPACE IS NEEDED WHEN MERGING AND OVERTAKING. NO ENGINE CODES.
Engine, Oct 18, 2019
CAR SMOKES HEAVY WHITE SMOKE IF YOU TAKE OFF FAST. CAR THEN RATTLES, SHAKES, ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND ENGINE SHAKES A LOT. YOU SHUT OFF THE CAR, WAIT 10 SECONDS RESTART AND IT IS NORMAL UNTIL NEXT TIME YOU GIVE IT A LITTLE TO MUCH GAS, WHILE IN MOTION. CAR BURNS A QUART OF OIL ABOUT EVERY 3 THOUSAND MILES. HAPPENS DAILY.
Engine, Sep 20, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING, THE CONTACT SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT AND A POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED AND WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). A LOCAL DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
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.