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
1,040 reports, newest first.
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.
Steering, Electrical system, Jan 26, 2021
I WENT TO START MY CAR AND THERE WAS A RED WARNING LIGHT THAT IS A STEERING WHEEL WITH A PADLOCK. I AM NOT ABLE TO START MY CAR OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT FOR THAT MATTER, SO I AM STUCK. THANK GOODNESS I WAS HOME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR WORSE, DRIVING AND IT LOCK ON ME! SO NOW I AM STUCK WITHOUT A CAR AND HARD TELLING WHAT ITS GOING TO COST ME! IVE BEEN READING THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.
Structure, Nov 28, 2020
CHILD SAFETY LOCK WINDOW GET STUCK AND REMAIN STUCK, GLASS WINDOW WILL NOT ROLL UP. THE ROTARY ON THIS VEHICLE MANUFACTURING IS DAMAGED AND I HAVE DONE NUMEROUS RESEARCH TRYING TO FIND A SOLUTION AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A BIG COMMUNITY OF FRUSTRATED BMW OWNER WITH THE SAME ISSUE BUT BMW IS NOT WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FAIL WINDOW MANUFACTURING ERROR. THIS IS THE REAR CHILD SEAT WINDOW AND IT STUCK. IT HAS STUCK BEFORE AT A PARKING LOT AT WORK AND I HAD TO END UP SEATING THERE TO FOR ALMOST AN HOUR UNTIL IT ROLL UP. THIS TIME IT WILL NOT ROLL UP AND I HAD TO LEAVE THE WINDOW DOWN WHILE PARKING THE CAR AT THE HOSPITAL. PLEASE DO DILIGENCE AND RESEARCH THIS AS MANY OWNER ARE FRUSTRATED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE 700 TO FIX IT!
Steering, Nov 10, 2020
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, CAR WOULD NOT START, THIS HAPPENED AFTER I PARKED THE CAR. VERY EXPENSIVE TO GET IT FIXED
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
Air bags, Sep 10, 2020
AIR BAG LIGHTS ON
Power train, Sep 9, 2020
NORMAL USE OF DS SPORT MODE INVOLVED MOVING THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION SHIFTER TO THE LEFT. THIS PUTS TENSION ON THE WIRES THAT SUPPORT THIS FUNCTION, CRIMPING THE WIRES AND FREQUENTLY LEADING TO FAILURE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE WITH THE WAY THE WIRING HARNESS IS ROUTED WITHIN THE TRANSMISSION LEVER. THIS IS DOCUMENTED AS A FREQUENT OCCURRENCE IN NUMEROUS DIY VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE AND INTERNET FORUMS. FAILURE OF DS SPORT MODE MEANS THAT CAR CAN NO LONGER BE USED IN THIS MODE. HOWEVER, IT CAN BE DRIVEN IN NORMAL MODE. THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE. IT IS A DESIGN FLAW THAT, THROUGH NORMAL USE, RESULTS IN A FAILURE THAT MAY REQUIRE AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. MY LOCAL SHOP QUOTED ME $1,500 TO REPLACE THE SHIFTER.
Service brakes, Aug 31, 2020
ABS HYDRAULIC PUMP UNIT FAILURE. THIS FAILURE COULD RESULT IN A LACK OF BREAKING CAPACITY IN ALL CONDITIONS. THE COST TO REPAIR IS PROHIBITIVE AND FROM THE SEARCH OF THE INTERNET IT IS PERVASIVE IN THE 2005-2010 MODEL YEARS IN THE 3 SERIES BMW.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 29, 2020
AIRBAG LIGHTS KEEP GOING OFF, SAYING "FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER, OR BELT FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR A SEAT BELT. PLEASE CONTACT THE NEAREST BMW CENTER." OR "FUNCTION OF THE AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONERS, AND BELT FORCE LIMITERS FAULTY. ENSURE THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED DESPITE THE FAULT. HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW SERVICE CENTER". THESE LIGHTS COME ON EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED, DEALERSHIPS CANNOT FIGURE IT OUT, AND ANY ATTEMPT TO CLEAR THE CODE DOES NOT WORK.
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.
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-
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 5, 2020
INTANK FUEL PUMP GAS SMELL FROM DRIVER SIDE AFTER DRIVE FROM LOCAL STORE TO HOME
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 26, 2020
THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THE FUEL INJECTORS IN VEHICLES LIKE MINE BUT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT APART OF THE RECALL. I AM HAVING THE SAME ISSUES STATED IN THE RECALL. RECALL SIB 13 01 20 WHICH IS FOR VEHICLES LIKE MINE MANUFACTURED BETWEEN 04/07 AND 11/08. MY VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 07/07 BUT SOMEHOW IT WAS NOT INCLUDED. I HAVE BEEN TROUBLESHOOTING AN ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE HESITATING AND MISFIRING AND IT IS DUE TO THE FUEL INJECTORS LEAKING INTO THE CYLINDER. I HAVE REPLACED ALL SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION COILS AND THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE FUEL ON THEM DUE TO THE LEAKING FUEL INJECTOR. WHEN I START THE VEHICLE IT STARTS NORMALLY BUT AFTER IDLING FOR 5 MINUTES IT BEGINS TO MISFIRE WITH WHITE PLUMES OF SMOKE EXITING THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVEN BEFORE OR WARMED UP BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE ALSO HAD THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE HAPPEN TO ME AS I AM SITTING AT A RED LIGHT THE VEHICLE WILL HESITATE, MISFIRE AND A WHITE PLUME OF SMOKE COMES OUT OF THE EXHAUST. THIS HESITATION AND MISFIRE HAS ALSO HAPPENED TO ME WHILE DRIVING IN THE CITY IN MOTION AT ABOUT 40-50MPH. THE CAR MISFIRES/HESITATES AND REGAINS POWER IMMEDIATELY. UPON INSPECTION OF THE SPARK PLUGS, CYLINDER 3 WAS SATURATED IN FUEL. *TR
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, 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
Visibility, May 13, 2020
THE BACK WINDOW WON'T ROLL UP AND THE PLASTIC MOTOR HAS BROKEN. *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
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.
Air bags, Jan 15, 2020
MY VEHICLES PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED AND MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS THE RED AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT STAY ON NO MATTER WHAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND WHETHER THE CAR IS MOBILE OR STATIONARY, I WAS TOLD IT'S DUE TO THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS DETERIORATED OVER TIME ,I ALSO HAVE READ THAT RECALLS WERE MADE FOR THE ISSUE BUT NOT FOR THE COUPE FOR SOME REASON ,WHICH I DONT GET MY CAR HAS THE STANDARD SEATS IN IT AND IS MADE WITH THE SAME EXACT PART THAT WAS RECALLED ON OTHER MODELS WHY IS MY CAR EXCLUDED WHEN THE SEDAN AND WAGON OF THE SAME YEAR WERE INCLUDED?
Air bags, Jan 8, 2020
PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS LIT EVEN WHEN PASSENGER IS SITTING. THERE'S NO DIFFERENCE AS TO IF THE PASSENGER SITS DOWN WITH THE CAR ON OR OFF, IF THE BELT IS FASTENED WITH THE CAR ON OR OFF, MOVING OR STATIONARY.
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
Air bags, Dec 17, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. BMW OF DEVON (20 LANCASTER AV, DEVON, PA) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.