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, 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.
Power train, Jul 24, 2018
WHEN I START A TRIP MY CAR MAKES AN STRONG NOISE ON THE BACK. I'M PRETTY SURE IT COMES FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL AXLE-FINAL DRIVE ASSY. MY CAR HAS 123206 MILLES. I USUALLY MAKE ANY MAINTENANCE ON TIME. I'M REALLY WORRY ABOUT THIS STRONG NOISE, CAUSE THIS CAR IS DRIVING EVERYDAY BY MY WIFE WITH OUR BABY INSIDE.
Steering, Jul 16, 2018
THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN AN OVERNIGHT GARAGE FOR ABOUT 5 DAYS WHILE I WAS TRAVELING. WHEN I RETURNED AND TRIED TO START THE CAR, I GOT AN ELV SYMBOL (BASICALLY LOCKED THE VEHICLE AND KEPT IT FROM TURNING OVER). IT ESSENTIALLY DRAINED THE BATTERY WHICH HAS NOW BEEN REPLACED. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. APPARENTLY, THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF OCCURRENCES OF THIS HAPPENING TO BMWS. BMW KNOWS THAT THIS IS A FAULT ON VEHICLES MADE FROM 2006-2008. THE COST TO REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN IS AROUND $1600. BECAUSE THE COMPANY IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM WITH VEHICLES IN THESE YEARS, THIS IS AN ITEM THAT SHOULD BE LISTED AS A RECALL.
Electrical system, Jul 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (TOM BUSH BMW ORANGE PARK, 6914 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Other or unspecified, Jul 16, 2018
THIS INVOLVES RECALLS 17V-676 (BLOWER MOTOR WIRING) AND 1V-683 (PCVC VALVE HATER. RECALLS DATE BACK TO OCTOBER 2017. BMW KEEPS TELLING ME THEY AREN'T IN A POSITION TO SERVICE MY VEHICLE ON THESE RECALLS HAS NOT DESPITE SEVERAL INQUIRIES. RECALLS DATE BACK TO OCTOBER/ NOVEMBER 2017 (9 MONTHS). THAT SEEMS VERY UNREASONABLE TO ME.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2018
THE TWO RECALLS ON MY VEHICLA HAVE BEEN IN INTERIM PHASE SINCE OCTOBER OF 2017. I PERSONNALY KNOW SOMEONE WHO HAS THE SAME RECALLS AND THEIR PARTS HAVE CAUGHT ON FIRE. I WANT MY VEHICLE REPAIRED ASAP
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 2, 2018
FUEL PUMP IS BURNING OUT AND LIQUID ISN'T PASSING THROUGH THE TANK PROPERLY. THE CAR IS OVERHEATING ANF FEELS LIKE IT'S GOING TO START FIRE.
Air bags, Jun 20, 2018
THE PASSENGER RED AIR BAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND REMAINS ON. IT DOE NOT MATTER IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT OR NOT.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2018
I HAVE A RECALL FOR MY BMW 07 328XI SINCE NOVEMBER 2017. THE RECALLS ARE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING AND PCV VALVE HEATER. PROBLEM NOT RESOLVE
Air bags, Jun 11, 2018, crash
RECEIVED ORIGINAL NOTICE FOR RECALL. CALLED TWO DIFFERENT BMW DEALERS IN GEORGIA AREA. BOTH TOLD ME THEY WOULD CONTACT ME ONCE THE PART(S) CAME IN. FOLLOWED UP AND WAITED OVER 6-8 MONTHS. RECEIVED ANOTHER RECALL NOTICE. FILED COMPLAINT
Electrical system, Jun 11, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, 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 DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED PART UNAVAILABILITY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Latches/locks/linkages, Jun 4, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY DOOR THAT OPENED WAS THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR. THE OTHER DOORS FAILED TO OPEN FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 48,000. *TT
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, May 30, 2018
FOR OVER A YEAR NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF. ORIGINALLY, IT WAS ONLY TURNING ON WHEN I HAD A PASSENGER IN THE FRONT SEAT. NOW IT TURNS ON WITH OR WITHOUT A PERSON SO I'M STARTING TO THINK THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE IS MALFUNCTIONING TOO. IN ADDITIONAL THE SEATBELT LIGHT IS TURNING ON TOO NOW. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING. I TALKED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY INDICATED THAT IT IS THE AIRBAG AND SEAT SENSORS THAT HAVE MALFUNCTIONED. EACH TO FIX IS OVER $500. THEY ALSO INDICATED THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR OWNERS AND TO WAIT FOR A SUPPOSABLY RECALL LETTER. HOWEVER, THAT WAS A YEAR AGO AND I NOW HAVE THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT GOING OFF. I'VE ALSO COME ACROSS MANY BMW FORUMS (OWNERS) TALKING ABOUT THEIR FRUSTRATION WITH THESE SAME ISSUES. IT'S SURPRISING THAT THE DEALERSHIPS ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE BUT YET NOTHING IS BEING RESOLVED. THERE HAS TO BE A REMEDY FOR THIS ANNOYANCE AND LACK OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT BY BMW. IF ANYTHING THERE HAS TO BE SOME REPERCUSSIONS ON BMW'S PART SINCE THE CONSUMERS ARE HAVING TO DEAL WITH THESE PROBLEM FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE YEARS NOW.
Steering, May 23, 2018
WHILE DRIVING BMW, 328I, 2007 ON A HEAVILY USED HIGHWAY, I ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A TURN TO AN OFF RAMP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP. FORTUNATELY DUE THE ANGLE OF THE WHEELS I MISSED A RETAINING WALL AND AN ISLAND SEPARATING ON-COMING TRAFFIC. UNFORTUNATELY WHEN I FINALLY STOPPED I IMPEDED TRAFFIC UNTIL A TOW TRUCK ARRIVED (2 HOURS). THIS OCCURRED AT THE TURN-OFF OF BELT PARKWAY (QUEENS, NY) AND VAN WYCK EXPRESSWAY (ENTRANCE TO JFK AIRPORT). ON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE OTHER BMWS HAVING THE SAME DEFECT.
Engine, May 21, 2018
2007 328 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VALVE HEATER SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Steering, Electrical system, May 18, 2018
BMW WOULD NOT START CAUSING ME TO JUMP START MY CAR. UPON STARTING MY CAR, MESSAGE ON SCREEN SAYS THAT STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED TODAY, MAY 18,2018 AT 3:30. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY.
Air bags, May 16, 2018
TAKARA RECALL. PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG IS OFF. ON THE DASH THE AIRBAG AND SAFETY BELT LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME.
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.
Electrical system, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 10, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (HENDRICK BMW NORTH LAKE, 10720 NORTH LAKE AUTO PLAZA BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28269). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE DISTRIBUTION BOX HAD OVERHEATED AND MELTED, WHICH WOULD BE AN OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE FOR THE CONTACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE WAS A 2007, IT WAS MANUFACTURED IN DECEMBER OF 2006. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EILIGIBLE TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER CONTINUED TO STATE THAT EVEN THOUGH IT WAS TWO MONTHS OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL ELIGIBILITY DATE, THEY STILL WOULD NOT HONOR IT IF IT HAD JUST BEEN ONE DAY OUTSIDE OF THE TIMEFRAME. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000. *TT UPDATED 11/7/18*JB
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, Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2018, fire
CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES AFTER BEING DRIVEN FOR LESS THAN A MILE. THEN IT WENT UP IN FLAMES. NOT TOTALLY SURE WHAT CAUSED THIS, BUT I SEE THAT THERE ARE TWO SAFETY RECALLS/ALERTS POSTED IN OCT 2010 THAT COULD RESULT IN THIS. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. THIS CAR WAS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND WE CERTAINLY WOULD HAVE TAKEN CARE OF THE PROBLEM IF WE HAD KNOWN IT EXISTED.
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, Apr 3, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 75 MPH AND THE HEATER AT 70 DEGREES, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE AND A FLASH OF LIGHT UNDERNEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE DASHBOARD. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND SHIFTED THE GEAR TO THE PARK POSITION. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT SMELLED SMOKE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. UPON EXITING AND RE-ENTERING THE VEHICLE, THE CABIN FILLED UP WITH SMOKE AND SPONTANEOUSLY CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT TOW FACILITY. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF CONCORD (1967 MARKET ST, CONCORD, CA 94520), BUT NO FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS WERE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
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.