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.
Engine, Dec 12, 2022
Received written Safety Recall Notice from BMW April 2022. To date, no more contact from BMW, and the NHSTA website has no update about a repair. This has been 8 months with no repair or resolution.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 29, 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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated there was a burning odor coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 14, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact continued driving to her nearby residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly and she could smell a strong burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. The contact then 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 and diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the failure was associated with the recall. 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 failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air bags, Seats, Nov 4, 2022
My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the passenger seat. There has been an extended warranty, and recall for previous years of E90 BMWs, but 2009 may not be included, even though the seats should be the same. I plan on contacting the dealership for further investigation, but I know I cannot afford to have this safety feature fixed out of my pocket at this time. Thank you for your time.
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2022, fire
vehicle caught on fire while no one was driving and the engine was not on. It was parked for approximately 45 minutes. The fire started at the front under the hood. It destroyed melted the engine parts
Engine, Oct 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that the recall was repaired however, while driving approximately 20 MPH, the contact heard a sharp whistling sound coming from the engine. The service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,161.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V1190000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms part not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 5, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Coolant) however, the contact stated that he smelled a burning odor inside the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The dealer was notified of the recall notice and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and informed the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was approximately 123,492.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2022, crash
My car is suffering from recall 19V472000 for my bmw 328i . My car horn dash lights windshield wipers and all my electric functioning in this aspect have continued to go on and off causing me to almost wreck numerous times as well as causing others to wreck into my car. Yet my vin is not included in this recall when I type in my vin. My car type year and model is however. I have another recall just fixed by bmw for the blower motor wiring and one supposedly waiting on a remedy. Bmw you need to vin to this recall list and stop hiding that you screwed so many . We pay for luxury cars for a reason… not so they stall out, catch fire whether on or off, or the entire electric system fails. The problems started around 108k.This had put my family and granddaughter at risk.
Engine, Aug 16, 2022, fire
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 on 8/2/2022 while parking at a gas station, he started to smell smoke. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he inspected under the hood but did not locate where the smoke was coming from. The contact stated while walking away from the vehicle, he saw smoke exiting the rear of the vehicle, but was unable to open the trunk. The contact called the fire department to open the rear trunk with a crowbar and they were able to extinguish the fire. The police also arrived at the scene. The contact was unaware if any police or fire reports were filed. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to a junkyard. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was also associated to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 11, 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 dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts are not available.
Engine, Aug 3, 2022, fire
I'M JUST RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER THIS APRIL 2022. I'VE CALLED BMW TWICE FOR THE REPAIR AND IT'S STILL UNAVAILABLE. I EXPERIENCED THE ISSUE ALREADY 2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY CAR FROM CARMAXX IN JUNE 2020 BUT BELIEVED I HAD IT REPAIRED BY PUSCHASING A NEW RADIATOR, COILS, WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT. I WOULD LIKE FOR BMW TO CHECK AND CHANGE THE CORRECTED PART OUT. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY OUT OF TOWN WHEN THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING WITH ME COASTING IT OFF THE FREEWAY AND NOTHING POPPED UP ON SCREEN THEN HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 28, 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 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 experienced an unstated failure and the vehicle was no longer being driven. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.
Steering, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 28, 2022
Car doesn’t hold a battery Wants to start 2% of the time Engine shook the pulley off so have troubles steering It’s under recall for a few things I would love a new car from bmw because this one is a nightmare the bmw tech advised me not to drive it so have been carless all year pretty much
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Jun 27, 2022
Not a particular incident, but this recall has been active for a little more then two months. While also my car has been affected since Fall of 2021. Not once have BMW even reached out or provide any type of consultation of maybe having a rental car for the time being, or simply buy back the car or something along those sorts.
Power train, Electrical system, Air bags, Jun 19, 2022
Consistent steam coming through hood of vehicle. Electrical panel indicators. Vehicle has been serviced regularly and sent to BMW Mountain View for recall repairs.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jun 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle independently entered limp mode with the service transmission warning message on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle and cleared all warning codes before he resumed normal driving. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not under recall. A DTC reader determined that the cause of the failure was related to a defective fuel pump. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
Engine, Jun 14, 2022
I am filing a complaint based on the recalls for my vehicle. There are two recalls with no solutions. My car has not been functional in over 6 months. I have called BMW and they have offered me no solutions. I want to receive compensation so I can be done with this vehicle and get one that I can actually drive.
Engine, May 31, 2022
The vehicle hasbeen over heating, my 18 year old son, uses this car for transportation to his school, we are very afraid something can hapen, at this point we need BMW to fix the problem. We are stressing about this problem, every day.
Engine and engine cooling, May 25, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, she saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light, the brake warning light, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon turning on the air conditioner, smoke would come inside the vehicle through the vents. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where an unknown repair was completed; however, the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). 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 failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 21, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. 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 not 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 approximate failure mileage was 216,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Apr 19, 2022
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went into limp mode and the engine overheated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The contact then towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing a wiring harness replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the water pump and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience the failure. The contact had the vehicle repaired for a second time however, the vehicle continued to experience the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Power train, Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 15, 2022, fire
Positive battery cable heat up cause fire above battery. Blow off wire worked blowing off. Distribution box and power pole connection sparking heating up causing arc fire. No recalls for my specific Vin but 2008 through 2012 recalls this part but not for my vehicle. 2009 335 convertible. ? $1132 to fix. 9 months ago 2021 BMW could not find problem recommended changing my alternator never recommended changing the recalled part that I am now having changed at my own expense. Very scary I have the car returned to me but I was only able to drive limited distances as the cable deteriorated I was limited more and more use of the vehicle until ultimately I drove to BMW to have it fixed and the wire exploded a mile before exiting the freeway very scary.