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, Jan 11, 2019, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE ODOR OF SMOKE WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE AS SMOKE AND FLAMES EMERGED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 134,000.
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
Air bags, Engine, Dec 13, 2018
RECALL FOR FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT & PCV VALVE HEATER NOT COMPLETE. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO OBTAIN PARTS TO REPAIR THESE RECALLS.
Engine, Nov 30, 2018
"BMW RECALL" PCV VALVE IN THE VALVE COVER
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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 24, 2018
DRIVER SIDE LIGHT CONTINUE TO GO OUT...SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON START UP PERIODICALLY SMELL OF BURNING PLASTIC PULLED OVER TO TURN TURNED THE CAR OFF . NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM CENTER CONSOLE...RANDOM WARNING LIGHT INDICATED ON DISPLAY. CAR KEEPS JUMPING INTO LAG MODE.
Engine, Oct 25, 2018, fire
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR OVER 13 HOURS.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) PRIOR TO SELLING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL AND THE HEATER FAILED TO WORK. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 18, 2018
HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR AND THERE IS STILL NO REMEDY FOR THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING RECALL NOR THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER. THIS IS RIDICULOUS. WHAT IF MY VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE ONES THAT START ON FIRE, THEN WHAT? IF THERE IS A RECALL, THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A SERIOUS POTENTIAL PROBLEM, SO WHY ARE MANUFACTURERS ALLOWED TO HAVE AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF TIME TO COME UP WITH THE FIX?
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 5, 2018
2007 BMW 328XI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO THE RECALL ON FAN ASSEMBLY AND REIMBURSEMENT. *AS *TR
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Sep 17, 2018, fire
CAR CAUGHT FIRE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. BATTERY CHARGER WAS CONNECTED. UNKNOWN CAUSE OF WHAT STARTED THE FIRE. CAR HAD APPROXIMATELY 152,000 MILES. ASSOCIATION TO RECALL 17V676000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 14, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER (BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA, 4171 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, 678-228-8373) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND THE WOULD RECEIVE A LETTER WHEN PARTS ARRIVED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Visibility, Engine, Aug 29, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED EAST BAY BMW AT 925-264-8570 (LOCATED AT 4350 ROSEWOOD DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED AND WHENEVER THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine, Aug 9, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 335. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, AN ABNORMAL ODOR DRIFTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT INHALED SMOKE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 6, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE BMW DEALER (SEWELL BMW OF GRAPEVINE, 1111 E STATE HWY 114, GRAPEVINE, TX 76051, (817) 912-4500) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE SPECIFIED AS NOT BEING AVAILABLE UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER SENT A SECOND NOTICE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (ROADSHOW BMW, 405 N GERMANTOWN PKWY, MEMPHIS, TN 38018, (901) 365-2584) SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE SUPPLIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE AFTER AUGUST OF 2018. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED REGARDING PART AVAILABILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, May 21, 2018
2007 328 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VALVE HEATER SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Electrical system, Engine, May 11, 2018
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. HERB CHAMBERS BMW OF SUDBURY (128 BOSTON POST RD, SUDBURY, MA) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 24, 2018
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 10E-A02: N54 CAR IS SMOKING EXCESSIVELY DUE TO FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS DUMPING FUEL INTO THE ENGINE IN AN UNCONTROLLED MANNER. FUEL LEAKING AND FUMES/SMELL, HAZARD, WILL CAUSE FIRE.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (BRAHMAN BMW IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF SPRINGFIELD, 391 ROUTE 22 E, SPRINGFIELD, NJ) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AT 1-800-831-1117, BUT THEY FAILED TO RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Mar 28, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, SMOKE APPEARED UNDER THE HOOD. AFTER TURNING OFF THE ENGINE, SMOKE CONTINUED TO STREAM FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FOR MORE THAN THREE HOURS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ANTIFREEZE LEAKED FROM A HOSE ATTACHED TO THE RADIATOR. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (GLOBAL BMW IN ATLANTA, GA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.