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: seat belts
25 reports, newest first. Show all
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
Seat belts, Seats, Jul 20, 2022
I have the seatbelt and airbag light illuminated on my car for the passenger. I have researched this issue and it seems to be a common problem on BMWs. It was part of a recall for the 2006 model but nothing past that year. Apparently, it is the sensor that is in the passenger seat that has broken. So the airbag can't sense whether or not a person is occupying that seat.
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 15, 2022
I turned my car on an out of nowhere a seatbelt and airbag light came on. I did not get into a bump up or disconnect any sensors it just popped up one day.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 20, 2020
RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WHEN STATIONARY MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED GOING HAYWIRE INCLUDING MY GAUGES AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AS WELL SOME OTHER SAFETY FEATURES WITH TTHE SEATBELT WERE DISABLED WITH & WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. I KEEP GETTING A WARNING SCREEN THAT TREAD AS FOLLOWS: "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER." AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED ON THE RECALL.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 8, 2020
IT STARTED HAPPENING HERE AND THERE, WHILE NO ONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, IT IS SAYING SEAT BELTS NEED TO BE ON AND AN AIRBAG LIGHT, AFTER A LITTLE WHILE OF DRIVING THE AIRBAG LIGHT SOMETIMES GOES OFF BUT SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL STAY ON. EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS IN THE SEAT WITH THEIR SEAT BELT ON - BOTH OF THOSE LIGHTS ARE ON SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG. I'M SCARED IF I GET IN AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAGS WONT DEPLOY. I'M ALSO SEEING I'M NOT THE ONLY BMW WITH THIS ISSUE. WHY IS THERE NO RECALL WHEN THIS CAN COST SOMEONE THEIR LIFE. NO CARS AIRBAG SYSTEM SHOULD JUST GO.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jun 17, 2020
SENSOR WARNING STATES PASSENGER AIRBAG AND PASSENGER SEATBELT IS NOT ON. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Feb 21, 2020
WHEN A PASSENGER IS BELTED - WITH CAR RUNNING/DRIVING - AN ALARM COMES ON - BASICALLY NOT RECOGNIZING WHEN BELTED. ALSO THE INACTIVE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT ON. WHEN NO PASSENGER, THE CAR USED TO LIGHT UP THE 'AIRBAG NOT ACTIVE' - IT NO LONGER SHOWS THAT (LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF) WHETHER PASSENGER THERE OR NOT.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jun 20, 2019
AFTER A PERSONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, BMW SEEMS TO STILL DENY THAT MY MODEL HAS THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" APPEARS ON THE CAR EVERY 20 SECONDS FRIGHTING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS MIGHT NOT WORK. THIS IS AN AMERICAN CAR CURENTLY IN CANADA.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jun 4, 2019
CAR HAS A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM ERROR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. WARNING COMES ON AS SOON AS THE CAR IS STARTED UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS SHUT DOWN. THE AIRBAG MAY OR MAY NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Apr 18, 2019
RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULTY WARNING CAME ON
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 1, 2018
WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, ON 12-1-2012 AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT ON. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. UNTIL TODAY WE STILL HAVE THEY SAME PROBLEMS BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT. I GOT SOME INFORMATION FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT MANY OWNERS OF BMW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE. SHE USE THE CAR, WE JUST HOPE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLEASE REPLACE OUR CAR PROBLEMS. THANK YOU.
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 1, 2018
WE BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009, AT THE TIME THE MILLEAGE ONLY AROUND 30000 MILES, SEAT BELT AND AIR BAG LIGHT ON, IN 2012. WE BROUGHT TO BMW DEALER, THE SERVICE TECH STATED THAT WE HAVE TO PAY CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MONEY TO DIAGNOSE IT, AND TO CHANGE BOTH OF IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF FOLLARS. PLEASE REPLACE IT. IT WILL COST US THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. UNTIL TODAY WE STILL HAVE THEY SAME PROBLEMS BECAUSE WE CAN NOT AFFORD IT. I GOT SOME INFORMATION FROM OTHER PEOPLE THAT MANY OWNERS OF BMW HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS. I AM CONCERNED WITH MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE. SHE IS DRIVING IT, WE JUST HOPE NOTHING WILL HAPPEN TO HER. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO PLEASE REPLACE OUR CAR PROBLEMS.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, May 9, 2018
HELLO, MY 2009 BMW E92 328I IS EXPERIENCING AN ISSUE WHERE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, WHICH WILL CAUSE THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TO NOT FUNCTION AS INTENDED. THERE HAVE BEEN RECALLS ON OTHER MODELS FOR THE SAME ISSUE, BUT WITH THE SAME DESIGN AND PARTS, I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW MY CAR IS NOT COVERED. (HTTPS://BRANDILAW.COM/2013/12/26/BMW-RECALLS-76565-VEHICLES-DUE-TO-A-FRONT-PASSENGER-SEAT-ELECTRONIC-SENSING-MAT-FAILURE/) THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL ONLINE FORUMS THAT IT IS A RECURRING PROBLEM IN THE CARS AFTER THE EFFECTIVE RECALL DATE. I AM TRYING MY BEST TO DO DUE DILIGENCE AND INFORM THE NTSB TO REVIEW THIS INCIDENT WITHIN OTHER BMW MODELS AND TO HOPEFULLY REMEDY ANY AFFECTED CARS. THE DESIGN OF THE SENSOR IS VERY POORLY CONSTRUCTED AND VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX, LEAVING MANY OWNERS TO SIMPLY FOREGO MAKING THE NECESSARY FIXES. IN FACT, SEVERAL MECHANICS INFORMED ME THAT CUSTOMERS TYPICALLY AVOID MAKING THE FIX DUE TO HOW EXPENSIVE IT IS, RUNNING THE RISK OF THEIR PASSENGER NOT BEING PROTECTED IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. I HOPE THE NTSB CAN LOOK INTO THIS PROBLEM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT [XXX] FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Jan 16, 2018
ISSUE: WHEN SEAT UNOCCUPIED, WILL RECEIVE SEAT BELT WARNING AS IF A PERSON IS IN THE SEAT. ISSUE: WHEN PASSENGER IS IN SEAT, AIRBAG AND SEAT BELT LIGHT COMES ON, WITH WARNING ON THE DISPLAY THAT THERE IS A RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. DEFECT WITH FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT, THERE ARE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE IN DIFFERENT YEARS/MODELS. MY YEAR IS NOT COVERED FOR THE CURRENT RECALLS, EVEN THOUGH ITS THE SAME EXACT ISSUE, AND LIKELY THE SAME MAT AND/OR SEATS. EXAMPLE RECALLS: 17V-428 13V-564 17V-605
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 23, 2017
THE VEHICLE BRINGS UP A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DISABLED DUE TO SEAT OCCUPANCY, EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES. THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, THE CAR WOULD NOT DEPLOY THE PASSENGER AIRBAG.
Air bags, Seat belts, Sep 12, 2017
MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE FOLLOWING SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. EVERYTHING APPEARS TO BE IN FULL WORKING ORDER EXCEPT WHATEVER IS CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 9, 2017
MY PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF AND SEATBELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE CONSTANTLY LIT UP ON BOTH THE DASH AND THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE ROOF. THIS BEGAN A COUPLE MONTHS AGO ONE DAY WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AND HAS BEEN CONSTANT SINCE. I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO BE DIAGNOSED AND WAS TOLD THAT I HAVE A FAULTY PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR, AND WAS QUOTED $1,100 TO REPAIR. IT HAS COME TO MY ATTENTION THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SENSOR IN MANY 2004-2007 BMW VEHICLES INCLUDING THE 328I, JUST NOT MY YEAR. I HAVE SEEN A LARGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE BY OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME PROBLEM THAT ALSO FEEL THAT OUR VEHICLES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL OF A FAULTY PART THAT IS DAMAGING TO THE SAFETY AND GENERAL FUNCTIONING OF THE VEHICLE. WE HAVE ALL ALREADY JUST HAD TO WAIT FOR OVER A YEAR TO HAVE THE TAKATA RECALL DONE, MINE IS JUST NOW BEING COMPLETED. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE SAFETY FUNCTIONS OF BMW AS WELL AS THEIR HANDLING OF SUCH ISSUES, AND WISH TO HAVE ADDITIONAL VEHICLES OUTSIDE OF THOSE THREE YEARS INCLUDED SEEING AS IT IS THE SAME EXACT FAULTY SENSOR THAT AFFECTS THOSE CARS. I BELIEVE THAT NOT DOING SO WOULD WARRANT A LEGAL CLAIM AND FOLLOWING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT IF BMW CONTINUES TO REFUSE AND IGNORE CLAIMS ON THIS ISSUE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Mar 9, 2017
I SEE THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR EARLIER MODELS INVOLVING THE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MATS CRACKING. MY 2009 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE CAR NOW HAS THE WARNING AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHT ON IF ANYONE IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. THIS OCCURS WHETHER OR NOT I AM DRIVING OR NOT. I HAD MY CAR SCANNED AND THE ERROR CODE IS 93C3 PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR. I AM NOW CONCERNED IF AIRBAG AND SEATBELT WILL WORK IN CASE OF COLLISION
Air bags, Seat belts, Dec 5, 2016
TAKATA RECALL COMPLAINT ON THE TIME IT TAKES TO GET THIS FIXED. I RECEIVED NOTICED AROUND MARCH 2016, IT IS NOW DECEMBER 2016, WHAT IS CONSIDERED A TIMELY REMEDY TO THIS SITUATION? 1 YEAR? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO PUT MY LIFE AT RISK UNTIL THIS BECOMES REMEDIED? I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT PREVIOUSLY THAT CAUSE MY CAR TO BE A TOTAL LOST, SHOULD I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY THAT THE TAKATA RECALL ISSUE DID NOT KILL ME? JUST WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO TELL ME I CAN BRING MY CAR IN IS DRIVING ME NUTS. THE DEALERS DON'T GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION ON HOW I CAN GET THIS FIXED ON MY OWN. AND ALL THEY DO IS ASK ME IF I RECEIVED A LETTER YET. WELL ITS BEEN OVER HALF A YEAR AND STILL NO LETTER. *TR
Electrical system, Seat belts, Seats, Jan 15, 2016
WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, TO PROCEED UP THE STREET LEAVING WORK, SEVERAL MALFUNCTION LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON THE DASH AND THAN MY CAR SHUTS DOWN COMPLETELY; NO INSIDE NOR OUTSIDE LIGHTS (IT WAS DARK OUTSIDE), NO DINGS OR ANYTHING. I THOUGHT MAYBE I NEEDED A JUMP. CALLED A CO-WORKER BEFORE HE LEFT WORK, WHOM ALSO HAS A BMW. HE SAID IT WAS NOT A JUMP I NEEDED AND PROCEEDED TO GO IN THE TRUNK TO LOCATE MY BATTERY. AS SOON AS HE WAS ABLE TO REMOVE THE PLASTIC SCREWS AND WIGGLE THE PANEL, TRYING TO GET IT FROM UNDER THE WALL PANELS THAT WAS HOLDING IT IN PLACE, ALL MY LIGHTS CAME BACK ON. HOWEVER, A RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION LIGHT REMAINED ON THE DASH. THANK GOD I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET, NO CARS AROUND ME NOR HAD I MADE IT TO THE HWY TO HEAD HOME, SOME 30 MINUTE RIDE. I DON'T WANT TO THINK OF WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED! THE RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION IS SAID TO HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE PASSENGER SIDE AND THE AIRBAG. I FEEL I AM DRIVING IN A VERY UNSAFE HIGH COSTING VEHICLE, AND EITHER WAY, I, MY PASSENGER OR SOMEONE ELSE COULD SERIOUSLY GET HURT WITH THIS CAR ON THE ROAD WITH THESE ISSUES.
Electrical system, Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 9, 2016
COUPE OF TIME THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AS THE RESULT SRS & AIRBAG LIGHT NOW STAY ON.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Sep 18, 2015
I TURNED ON MY VEHICLE ONE DAY AND A MESSAGE SAYING "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. CONTINUE TO WEAR SEATBELT. BRING TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP." THE DAY BEFORE NOTHING HAPPEN AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM DALLAS TO HOUSTON. OCCASIONALLY AS I DRIVE WITH SOMEONE SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING GOES AWAY BUT THEN THE CHIME GOES OFF AND THE MESSAGE REAPPEARS. THIS HAPPEN ALL IN JUNE, JULY, AND AUGUST. NOW EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS SITTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, THE WARNING COMES ON AND STAYS ON. THE SEATBELT AS WELL SEEMS TO HAVE NO RESTRAINT AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE IF I WAS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT, THE SEATBELT WON'T HOLD THE PASSENGER BACK.
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 28, 2015
THE FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHTS ARE ON, INDICATING THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT USED. THIS OCCURRED EVEN WHEN PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THIS FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000. THIS IS UNSAFE... THE PASSENGER SEAT IS OCCUPIED. BMW NEED A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM.
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 5, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE SENSOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATING THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED STATED THAT THE SEATBELT FAILED TO RETRACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT BOTH FRONT SEAT MAT SENSORS AND SEAT BELTS WERE DEFECTIVE, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,500.
Seat belts, Jun 28, 2014
THE WARNING LIGHT FOR NOT WEARING THE SEAT BELT HAS STOPPED WORKING FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. WHEN THE PASSENGER IS NOT WEARING THE SEAT BELT THE WARNING LIGHT NO LONGER COMES ON AND THE WARNING SOUND NO LONGER HAPPENS. *TR