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.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 11, 2008
I PURCHASED A 2007 BMW 335I ON 15 JUNE 2007, ON 16 JUNE 2007 THE CAR WOULD NOT START IN THE GROCERY STORE PARKING LOT. AFTER SEVERAL TRIES THE CAR STATED AND WE STUMBLED HOME. AFTER ARRIVING HOME THE CAR STARTED AND STALLED, THEN ALL THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. BOTTOM LINE CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER, AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR HAD 238 MILES ON IT. IT TOOK 3 WEEKS FOR THE DEALER TO GET THE PART. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THE 335 SERIES CAR. IF THIS HAPPENS IN TRAFFIC OR ON THE HIGHWAY, IT COULD BE A DISASTER. THIS REQUIRES SOME IMMEDIATE SCRUTINY AS IT IS STILL HAPPENING ON CARS WITH REPLACEMENT PUMPS AND 2008 MODELS AS WELL. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 8, 2008
THE FUEL PUMP FAILS AND DIES OUT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 8, 2008
FUEL PUMP ON 07 BMW 335 FAILED WHILE MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN. IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. CAR TOWED TO DEALER. WAITING FOR PARTS. THIS HAS BECOME A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 7, 2008
BMW 335 SUFFERS FROM A FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WHICH CAUSES THE CAR TO STALL IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING OR EXHIBIT LOSS OF POWER. THIS CAN BE FATAL ESPECIALLY IF ON FREEWAYS, CAR STALLS IN MIDDLE OF DRIVING, AND THE DRIVER BEHIND COLLIDES AT HIGH SPEED. *TR PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE AND HAVE BMW RECALL THE FAULTY PUMPS AND ISSUE FIXED VERSIONS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 7, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SPORADICALLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART IMMEDIATELY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHUTTER EXCESSIVELY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE OR PROVIDE A REMEDY. THE FAILURE RECURRED SO HE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER. A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: DELIVERY: FUEL PUMP WAS THE POSSIBLE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 7, 2008
FUEL PUMP REPLACED TWICE WITHIN A ONE YEAR PROCESS. *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 10, 2008
THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FAILED AND ONLY THE DRIVER DOOR COULD BE OPEN FROM THE INSIDE. MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING WITH MY NEWBORN BABY IN THE BACK SEAT AND COULD NOT GET OUTSIDE THE CAR, BECAUSE THE REMAINING (THREE) DOORS COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE NEITHER FROM THE CAR'S OUTSIDE HANDLES. I REACH FOR MY NEWBORN BABY BOY FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT AND MY WIFE HAD TO EXIT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW, BECAUSE SHE COULD NOT MAKE IT THROUGH THE CENTER CONSOLE. THIS HAD HAPPENED TWICE DURING LAST MONTH, AND COULD BE WORSE IF AN ELDERLY PERSON OR HANDICAP PERSON COULD NOT EXIT THROUGH THE REAR WINDOW. AND IT COULD GET MUCH WORSE WITH HEAVY SUN AND YOU HAVE TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE FUEL DOOR ALSO GETS LOCKED, SO THE CAR CANNOT BE REFUELED. THIS LOCKING SYSTEM IS A VERY BAD DESIGN BECAUSE IF IT FAILS, THE MECHANICAL LEVERS GETS DISCONNECTED AND NOBODY CAN OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE CAR'S INSIDE HANDLES NEITHER OUTSIDES. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 9, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD DRAMATICALLY DECELERATE AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO HEARD A LOUD CLUCKING NOISE AND THE VEHICLE JERKED EXCESSIVELY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. ON ONE OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE; HOWEVER, THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WAS CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE FIVE TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VIN AND ENGINE SIZE WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 33,995.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 6, 2008
I HAVE 5,500 MILES ON MY BRAND NEW BMW 335I, AND THE FUEL PUMP FAILED ON ME. LUCKILY, THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE MY CAR WAS AT MY HOME, AS OPPOSED TO ON THE ROAD/FREEWAY, WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED ME TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. IT'S NOW BEEN 5 DAYS THAT MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND INSTEAD OF IMMEDIATELY REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP UNDER WARRANTY, THE CORPORATION IS REQUIRING THE DEALERSHIP TO RUN A BUNCH OF TESTS ON MY CAR, AND TO BASICALLY GET RID OF THE FAULT CODES WITHOUT REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE 335S WHICH BMW NORTH AMERICA REFUSES TO ISSUE RECALLS FOR. THE ISSUE IS WIDELY DISCUSSED ON WWW.BIMMERPOST.COM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 12, 2008
I HAD A 2007 BMW 335I SEDAN THAT EXPERIENCED A BAD FUEL PUMP PROBLEM. I BROUGHT IT IN TO BE SERVICED BUT THEY STATED THEY COULD DO NOTHING ABOUT IT UNTIL AN ERROR CODE WAS THROWN. THE CAR RAN LIKE COMPLETE GARBAGE AND WOULD SHAKE FERVENTLY WHILE IDLING. NOW, I HAVE A 2008 BMW 335I AND AFTER ABOUT 4800 MILES, 2 SPARK PLUGS AND 2 IGNITION COILS HAD TO BE REPLACED. I AM ABSOLUTELY FUMID PAYING THIS MUCH FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAS ZERO RELIABILITY. THIS CAR ALSO SHAKES RATHER ROUGHLY AT IDLE AND MAKES ME QUESTION THE INTEGRITY OF THE MANUFACTURER'S FUELING SYSTEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 11, 2008
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM ON MY 2007 BMW 335 FAILED AT SPEED ON THE EXPRESSWAY CAUSING ME TO LOSE POWER AND BE FORCED TO PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER AND CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 10, 2008
FUEL PUMP FAILURE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Mar 10, 2008, crash
ENTERING A FREEWAY ON RAMP DURING A TURN, THE CAR'S FUEL SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CAR TO 'SHUTTER' (SAME FEELING AS SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO DRIVE A STICK SHIFT). THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO LOSE CONTROL AND FLIP OVER AFTER HITTING A DITCH. THE CAR HAS ALREADY HAD TWO FUEL PUMPS REPLACED AND BMW KNOWS ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. SO FAR, BMW DOES NOT WANT TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR INABILITY TO FIX THIS KNOWN 335I PROBLEM. THERE ARE ALREADY 11 COMPLAINTS (NOT INCLUDING THIS ONE) REGARDING THE ISSUE ON THIS WEBSITE. BMW ASSIST ALSO FAILED IN THE CRASH AS IT DID NOT CONTACT BMW ASSIST CALL CENTER AFTER THE CRASH. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 13, 2008
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED WHILE MERGING INTO TRAFFIC ON A FREEWAY ON-RAMP, RESULTING IN A NEAR REAR- END COLLISION AS THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SLOWED DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN DEFECT IN THIS VEHICLE FOR WHICH PRODUCTION CONTINUED, KNOWING FULL WELL THE POTENTIAL FOR EVENTUAL MALFUNCTION, WITHOUT DISCLOSURE TO THE PURCHASER. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Jan 9, 2008, crash
NEW BMW 3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON SELF-ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO THE FAMILY'S GARAGE. MINUTES BEFORE THE CRASH, THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN AS IT WAS BEING DRIVEN ONTO THE DRIVEWAY OF THE HOUSE, WHICH IS PERPENDICULAR TO THE ROAD. SOON AFTER THE CAR THE GARAGE DOOR LIFTED WITH THE STEERING WHEEL IN A TURN POSITION (ONTO THE DRIVEWAY), THE CAR STARTED TO MOVE AS THROUGH IT WAS ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN AND QUICKLY CRASHED INTO THE GARAGE. IT ONLY STOPPED FROM THE IMPACT OF HITTING AND BREAKING A STRUCTURAL HOUSE COLUMN AND A PILE OF SHEETROCK IN THE GARAGE. THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING, WHEN IT STOPPED. THE ENTIRE EVENT TOOK PLACE IN LESS THAN A MINUTE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 7, 2008
FAILED FUEL PUMP, (TWICE NOW) ONCE AT 8,000 MILES, AND NOW AGAIN AT 23,000 MILES. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE NEW. IT'S A 2007 BMW 335I. *TR
Electrical system, Jan 3, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER DOOR LOCKING MECHANISM FUSES BLOW OUT DUE TO ELECTRICAL FAILURE. WHEN THE FUSES BLOW, THE VEHICLE LOCKS COMPLETELY AND THE PASSENGER CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE UNIT WAS REPLACED AND WORKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE FAILURE HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES AND STILL PERSISTS. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET BEEN NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 24,000. UPDATED 02-14-08 *BF
Tires, Dec 26, 2007
I PURCHASED A 2007 BMW 328I ON 2/22/2007. IT CAME EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TURANZA EL42. IN DECEMBER OF 2007, I FOUND OUT THAT THESE TIRES ARE NOT WEARING PROPERLY. IN MY SEARCHES ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE FOUND THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN ONGOING FOR AT LEAST 2 YEARS. BMW REFUSES TO PAY FOR REPLACING ALL THE TIRES IF YOU ARE OVER 10K MILES. MY TIRES ARE WEARING HORRIBLY AND CAUSING A SAFETY RISK. BMW KNEW OF THIS PROBLEM IN JANUARY 2007 WHEN THEY ISSUED A SERVICE INFO BULLETIN TO ALL THE DEALERS. HOWEVER, THEY DID NOT INFORM THE OWNERS AND THEY ACTUALLY SOLD MY CAR TO ME WITHOUT MENTIONING THE PROBLEMS THEY ARE HAVING WITH THE TIRES. NO TIRES SHOULD WEAR OUT AFTER 10K MILES. I ACTUALLY TOOK THE CAR IN FOR SERVICE IN EARLY SEPT TO HAVE A TIRE REPLACED AND NO ONE STILL MENTIONED THE SIB TO ME. MY HUSBAND FOUND A COPY OF IT ON THE INTERNET AND IT BASICALLY SAYS, DON'T REPLACE THESE UNLESS THE CUSTOMER COMPLAINS. HOWEVER, ITS DIFFICULT TO DETECT THE UNEVEN TREAD WEAR UNTIL THERE ARE HUGE FLAT SPOTS ON YOUR TIRES. THIS IS SO REMINISCENT OF THE FIRESTONE/FORD DEBACLE AND I FEEL THAT BMW IS PLAYING THE ODDS TO KEEP FROM HAVING TO HELP FUND A HUGE RECALL. THEY KEPT PUTTING THESE SAME TIRES ON THESE CARS DESPITE THE COMPLAINTS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2007
ON 12/15/07 I PULLED ONTO THE HIGHWAY FROM THE DIRT MEDIAN. THE CAR ENGINE LOST POWER AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A VIRTUAL STOP ON THE HIGHWAY WITH HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC QUICKLY APPROACHING. I WAS PUSHING THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR BUT NO POWER WAS BEING APPLIED TO THE WHEELS AND ENGINE RPM DID NOT INCREASE. THIS LASTED FOR MANY SECONDS. I HAD TIME TO CONFIRM I WAS STILL IN FIRST GEAR. I THEN DEPRESSED THE CLUTCH, REVVED THE ENGINE TO HIGH RPM AND TOOK OFF IN SECOND GEAR. MY WIFE AND I WERE ALMOST KILLED DUE TO THE LENGTH OF TIME WE WERE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THE VEHICLE VIRTUALLY AT A STANDSTILL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Dec 7, 2007
AUTO MANUFACTURES ARE BEGINNING TO INSTALL LED TAIL LIGHTS WITH REFRESH RATES THAT CAUSE ME TO SEE SIGNIFICANT FLICKER (STROBE EFFECT) AT NIGHT. IT MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO DRIVE WHEN I AM BEHIND ONE OF THESE CARS. MY FEAR IS THAT THE ROADS WILL BE FILLED WITH THESE CARS IN A FEW YEARS, AND THE DISTRACTIONS WILL BE TOO INTENSE TO DRIVE. SPECIFICALLY, AT NIGHT, WHEN THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE DIMMED, (BRAKES NOT ON) AND I LOOK AT THEM AND BLINK OR TURN MY HEAD, THE AFTER IMAGE IS VERY STRANGE. I SEE DASHES OR TRAILS OF LIGHT. LAST NIGHT IN PARTICULAR, I HAD AN AFTER IMAGE FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES AFTER THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TURNED OFF THE ROAD. THE CARS THAT HAVE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT EFFECT SEEM TO BE CADILLAC'S, INFINITIES, AND BMWS. I HAVE FOUND A THREAD ON A NEWSGROUP THAT MIGHT BE USEFUL EXPLAINING WHAT IS GOING ON: HTTP://WWW.AUTOMOTIVE-USENET.COM/REC-AUTOS-TECH/1414-RE-CAR-LED-TAIL-LIGHTS-STROBE-RATE-TOO-SLOW.HTML I WOULD APPRECIATE IF SOMEONE WOULD LOOK INTO IT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 24, 2007, crash
2 FUEL PUMP FAILURES RESULTING IN OVER ONE MONTH WITHOUT VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2007
SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CONTINUES TO GO ON AFTER NUMEROUS RESETS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Sep 20, 2007
I JUST BOUGHT A BMW 335 IN DECEMBER 2006, LESS THAN 7,000 MILES AND WHILE DRIVING IN THE HIGHWAY THE MALFUNCTION ENGINE LIGHT TURNED ON. THE CAR STARTED TO IDLE AND THERE WAS ALMOST COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. WHEN I TRIED TO TAKE THE CAR TO SERVICE THEY INITIALLY REFUSED TO TAKE THE CAR BECAUSE I HAD NOT MADE AN APPOINTMENT. SUCH AN EXPENSIVE CAR AND ITS FALLING APART JUST A FEW MILES AFTER. FINALLY THEY LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM AND IT SEEMS TO BE THE HIGH PRESSURE GASOLINE PUMP. I'VE READ ONLINE THAT SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM BUT STILL BMW REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 4, 2007
4 DAYS AFTER CAR WAS LEASE BRAND NEW 2007 BMW 328I FAILED ON THE ROAD WHERE IT COMPLETELY HALTED WITH NO WARNING SYSTEM. IT WAS ON SURFACE STREETS LUCKILY NOT ON THE HIGHWAY OR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A CAR ACCIDENT WITH POSSIBLE DEADLY CONSEQUENCES. AFTER 3 DAYS STILL NOT DIAGNOSTIC RESULT! BRAND NEW! NOT USED. *JB
Visibility, Sep 2, 2007
BMW 335 WINDSHIELD USES DEFECTIVE GLASS. *TR