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.
Air bags, Feb 22, 2019
I HAVE DONE THE MOST RECENT 3 RECALLS ON MY BMW, I NOTICED THROUGH KREDIT KARMA THAT IT CLAIMS A FOURTH ONE FOR THE DETECTION MAT ON THE PASSENGERS SEAT AIR BAG SYSTEM. I DID MENTION THIS RECALL TO BMW WHEN I RECENTLY VISITED FOR THE 3 MOST RECENT RECALLS, BUT THEY CLAIMED IT WAS NOT AFFECTED. THE ALERT OF THE MALFUNCTION ONLY SHOWS WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED, IT CLEARS AFTER TURNING OFF IGNITION, BUT ONCE BACK IN PASSENGER SEAT, IT MALFUNCTIONS ONCE AGAIN. I WOULD JUST LIKE SOME CLARIFICATION ON THIS IF POSSIBLE. THANK YOU.
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, Feb 18, 2019
I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BMW 328I MY STEERING WHEEL, IT IS BLOCKED AND I CAN NOT TURN IT ON OR MOVE AND I THINK THAT IS BMW PROBLEM BECAUSE THOSE PARTS ARE VERY EXPENSIVE AND IT IS NOT SOMETHING THAT WE CUSTOMERS HAVE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING THAT IS DEFECTIVE OF FABRIC
Air bags, Feb 10, 2019
TAKATA RECALL I RECEIVED MAILED CORRESPONDENCE FROM TK HOLDING REGARDING DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS FOR MY 2007 328XI. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO COMPLETE THE CLAIM FORMS MAILED TO MAIL WHICH I DID. SUBSEQUENTLY MY CLAIM WAS DENIED AND TO DATE NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE OR OFFERED FOR THE AFFECTED TAKAKA PARTS INSIDE MY VEHICLE. AS IT MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION. I CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH THE FAULTY PARTS. I AWAIT RECALL FOR THE TAKAKA INFLATOR RECALL. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BMW OF MT. LAUREL TO FIX IT AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE NOT FIXING TAKATA INFLATOR RECALLS AT THAT TIME.
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.
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, 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.
Structure, Dec 18, 2018
THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A GARAGE. WITH VEHICLE EITHER RUNNING OR NOT RUNNING, WE WERE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AS WE WERE UNABLE TO UNLOCK AND OPEN BOTH FRONT AND THE LEFT REAR DOORS, FROM THE INSIDE (USING THE DOOR LEVERS, CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM BUTTON, AND REMOTE) OR FROM THE OUTSIDE (USING THE DOOR HANDLE, KEY, AND REMOTE). THE ONLY WAYS TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WERE TO CLIMB THROUGH A WINDOW OR OVER THE FRONT SEATS (DIFFICULT) TO ACCESS THE RIGHT REAR DOOR. TO GET THE DOORS TO UNLOCK, I NEEDED TO REPLACE A FUSE IN THE FUSE PANEL AND DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FOR AT LEAST 30 SECONDS. THIS COULD BE A DEATH TRAP IF IN AN ACCIDENT, HIGH WATER, EXTREME COLD, ETC.
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.
Air bags, Dec 7, 2018
FAILED PRESSURE MAT SENSOR, PASSENGER AIRBAGS DISABLED BMW FAILURE CODE (93C3 OC3) SERVICE BULLETINS ISSUED, HOWEVER EXISTING RECALLS DO NOT COVER MY VIN. CURRENT CONDITION LEAVES PASSENGER AIRBAG DISABLED.
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, Nov 27, 2018
RECALLS FOR VALVE HEATER AND BLOWER MOTOR WIRING CANNOT BE FIXED UNTIL MARCH 6, 2019. THIS DATE IS VERY FAR AND THERE SHOULD BE CLOSER DATES TO REMEDY THESE PROBLEMS.
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.
Electrical system, Nov 11, 2018
STATIONARY IN PARKING LOT. FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WILL NOT LOCK/UNLOCK WITH ANY METHOD ATTEMPTED. DRIVERS DOOR WILL ONLY UNLOCK USING EMERGENCY KEY FROM EXTERIOR.
Tires, Wheels, Nov 9, 2018
DRIVING 30 MPH TPMS LIGHT CAME ON INDICATING FRONT DRIVER TIRE LOW, GOT HOME AND TOOK TRIED TO INFLATE TIRE, WITH NO LUCK. TOOK TIRE OFF AND THE INSIDE TIRE WALL HAD BLOWN OUT. 1 MONTH LATER THE SAME BLOW OUT OCCURRED ON PASSENGER REAR TIRE. THERE WAS GOOD TREAD ON BOTH TIRES. DON'T KNOW IF IT MATTERS, BUT BOTH TIRES WHERE RUN FLAT. I HAVE CONTACTED BRIDGESTONE, BUT NO RESPONSE. I'M ATTACHING PICTURES.
Electrical system, Nov 6, 2018
DESPITE REPEATED PHONE CALLS TO BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND STOPPING AT THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP, NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN BY BMW FOR A RECALL REGARDING A SPONTANEOUS FIRE THAT CAN OCCUR WITH MY VEHICLE DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE, EVEN WHEN THE CAR IS GARAGED AND NOT IN USE. CUSTOMER SERVICE REPEATEDLY TELLS ME THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO FIX THE ISSUE. I LEARNED ABOUT THIS PROBLEM A YEAR AND A HALF AGO FROM THE NEWS. I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM BMW, ALTHOUGH I VERIFIED WITH THEM THEY HAVE MY VIN NUMBER AND MY CAR IS PART OF THE RECALL. I HESITATE TO EVEN DRIVE MY CAR AND HAVE SERIOUS CONCERNS ABOUT A SPONTANEOUS FIRE SPARKED BY AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. IT SEEMS UNACCEPTABLE AS A CONSUMER NO ACTION HAS BEEN TAKEN TO REMEDY WHAT COULD BE A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE (MY HOUSE BURNING DOWN FOR ONE). I AM GETTING NOWHERE WHEN I CONTACT BMW.
Air bags, Seat belts, Oct 25, 2018
THE SEATBELT LIGHT IS ON AS IF THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE CAR WITHOUT A SEATBELT ON. THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE ENGINE LIGHT AS WELL. THEY ALL POPPED UP AROUND THE SAME TIME.
Engine, Oct 25, 2018, fire
THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED FOR OVER 13 HOURS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 22, 2018
STEERING WHEEL HAS LOCKED AND WILL NOT TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.