2009 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 388 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 15 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 17 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
388 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jul 16, 2026
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2026
2009 BMW 3 Series with factory optioned Sport Steering wheel has no recalls, but still has a 2017 production Takata PSDI-5 airbag with the yellow sticker. This airbag was replaced during the interim period, before the revised design was released. It was manufactured in 2017, but used the same design as the original. This airbag is now 9 years old, and I fear it has the same shrapnel risk as the original unit replaced in 2017. East Bay BMW did not take my concern seriously when I made an appointment, citing the fact that there were no recalls for my VIN. There was no inspection performed. The only option I have is buying a used airbag with a 2018+ production date and white sticker. I would like reassurance that my airbag won't kill me, or some help from the manufacturer.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2026
The security system, alarm system and lock were all tampered with.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2026
The security system, alarm system and key fob have all been tampered with.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 13, 2026
UNKNOWN- The wiring system/ security system is faulty and requires attention.
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2026, fire
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination, which was nearby. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was displayed at 240. The contact stated he went inside the friend's residence, and when the contact walked back outside five minutes later, the entire front hood was engulfed in flames. The vehicle was unoccupied. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact was informed of the loose wires; however, the cause of the fire had not been confirmed. The contact stated that the vehicle was consumed in the fire. The contact stated that the trunk of the vehicle was the only part left. The vehicle was not towed away. The remains of the vehicle were still in the contact friend's driveway. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that the vehicle was a total loss; however, the insurance company had not confirmed. The contact stated that his insurance did not cover fire insurance. No injuries were sustained. No Police report was filed. In addition, the contact stated that the fire caused the contact's friend's residential window to shatter. The contact received a recall notification: NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the local dealer was contacted several times to schedule an appointment; however, the contact stated that the dealer informed the contact that he would receive a call back to schedule the appointment. The contact stated that he never received the call back to schedule the appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 132,150.
Air bags, Nov 24, 2025
Seat occupancy sensor -- seat belt is inoperable on passenger side. Seat belt stuck in passengers seat back. "Active fault for seat occupancy sensor." Belt tensioner - "Drive belt starting to walk off tensioner pulley"
Electrical system, Air bags, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2025
Car running lean oil leak getting hot,loss of power,jolting forward also my car has been in dealership shop for 2 years I'm being charged for services I know weren't done,overcharged,and my car still isn't fixed also the service manager told me he was aware of the recalls,when I told him to this was 4 days ago,however my car is being withheld from me,recalls have been known if it's been two yrs,they filed a lien June of last year I opposed it and they never responded back! My car still sits there causing injury to my livilyhood I've missed almost 1year of work I live in the Sierra's where it snows I can't get to work with no car!
Other or unspecified, Apr 3, 2025
While driving the car stalled. It happened multiple times. While driving and at a stop.
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Mar 13, 2025, fire
One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ... The other was a part of the computer pretty much in charge of cooling the car down it can make fire from melting and cause unfixable/ to constant issues .... Well my hole engine stopped working it was getting too hot miss firing coolent mixing with oil and started to smoke it was white smoke that came out didn't smell like anything crazy maybe mostly coolent and pretty much it had electric issues since I got it so the recall issue makes sense so I took it in to bmw Riverside they said they will fix all that and contact me it's been almost 2 weeks I live in my car I'm disabled and a mom I can't even go drive and see my child over this I have no income disabled type thing and no word what's wrong they said they might charge me a few of 287 but I'm disabled no income yet so that's out it tells me it will be fixed free and if the dealer won't fix the electric system on everything in the car and not charge me later like they said they will then I want to sue big time and if that's not dun when clearly safety was in danger fire issues and crap I want the same car but a new one off the lot not brand new car or fix then I'm sueing for my losses that simple
Air bags, Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V017000 (AIR BAGS); however, shortly after the vehicle was retrieved, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.
Electrical system, Jan 13, 2025
My car lost all power as if the battery died. BMW had a recall for the positive battery cable running from the battery in the trunk to the fuse box behind the glove box. This recall was apparently remedied prior to my ownership according to the dealership. I began to troubleshoot the issue and when the positive battery cable near the fuse box was moved by hand, the vehicle powered up immediately. The random loss of power issue persists even after the recall. While driving on the interstate prior to this happening, my dash lights went out along with the radio. Losing complete power to the vehicle while traveling at interstate speeds is an obvious hazard. The dealership says that recall repairs are not warrantied by the manufacturer and it would be an out of pocket expense to fix something that BMW already knows is a problem.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 4, 2024
I was driving my car when all of a sudden the lights in the odometer started flickering and the car started putting and then shut off. Basically broke down on me. I cannot get it to stay on it feels like it has no power.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
BMW told me they would not be covering reimbursement for repairs/part replaced which I believe were damaged/failed directly as a result of failed PCC value. Now the RECALL notice for the PCV value does state that certain parts would be replaced or reimbursement paid if they were damaged /repaired as a result of failed PCV VALUE. Here is a brief summary… I purchased the vehicle in April 2024. At the time had a mechanic check out the car. May 15 - took the car to BMW for outstanding PCV VALUE RECALL. the tech told me they also did courtesy inspection and I would need front shock n tires soon. I opted not to have the work done that day. May 23 - washed the car /checked fluids/tire pressure etc - and found the coolant was nearly empty. I called and texted the BMW tech who I was in contact with for the recall work - no response. June 4 - drive the car 100 miles stop at friends. During the trip the AC was not blowing cold air like it usually did. No check engine lights or any other on the dash. An hour later the car won’t start. Took the car to my mechanic ( not BMW) and end up needing starter/ manifold gasket/ intake throttle gasket. I get the car back and shortly after more problems - when I would start the car the engine would shake for 15-20 seconds when I would start the vehicle while the engine was still warm. Also the fan motor would run extremely loud when in stop n go traffic. After researching online, I found all these issues others had experienced due to faulty PCV value. I contacted local BWM and BMW CORP - was told reimbursement was not available for this latest pcv recall but only reimbursement for previous recall.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud squeaky sound. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Steering, Jul 10, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist while driving at an undisclosed speed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force while driving back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where metal shavings were found in the steering pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
Engine and engine cooling, May 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 27, 2023, fire
Car caught fire in driveway spontaneously. It had not been used since the previous day and had been sitting atleast 16 hours since last use. We woke up and black smoke and flames coming from car taller than our house. Significant damage to other three cars in driveway and side of our house. Car that caught fire is totaled
Engine, May 7, 2023, fire
Unknown/ Had recall on pcv heater control valve done by authorized BMW DEALER about 2 weeks ago. On date May 5 2023 Parked car, shut of engine,a smell of plastic and smoke started coming from hood area, flames erupted right away . Total loss
Engine and engine cooling, May 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. Later when the vehicle was started there was a large white cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to his spouse's medical appointment; however, the vehicle could not be started, and the contact had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact made several attempts to restart the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic. The contact had experienced a similar failure several months prior and had taken the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Air, Air bags, Feb 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light and the ABS warning light were illuminated. The message "Do Not Drive" was displayed. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V017000 (Air Bags). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 4, 2023
My mat sensor in my passenger seat is not working properly. Nobody ever really sits in the passenger seat and the light came on stating that someone is sitting in the passenger seat when there is actually nobody sitting in the seat! Which means the airbag will not deploy this seems to be an issue with many 09 bmw 328i vehicle’s! I noticed through research that vehicles prior to said year had same issues and was part of a recall. I feel this should also be part of a new recall with this vehicle year
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 20, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.