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.
Structure, Feb 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT LEATHER COVERING ON THE FRONT PASSENGERS DOOR HANDLE MELTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE AUTOBAHN BMW FORT WORTH, LOCATED AT 2828 WHITE SETTLEMENT RD, FORT WORTH, TX 76107, WHERE THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 66,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jan 17, 2020
2009 BMW 335I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE INDEX 9 FUEL INJECTORS. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INDEX 9 FUEL INJECTORS WERE DISCONTINUED. ALL 6 FUEL INJECTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH AN INDEX 12. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED THE REPAIR COSTS. *JS *JS
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 2019
I AM TRYING TO REVIEW IF MY CAR IS ELIGIBLE FOR A RECALL EVALUATION.
Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 31, 2019
WE PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE, MY HUSBAND HAD HIS FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE CAR SURGED UP A CURB, HIT A SIGN AND THEN HIT A LAMP POST AND THE CAR WENT UP THE CEMENT BLOCK. I DON'T REMEMBER MUCH MORE, BUT THER INSURANCE TOTALED THE CAR AND I SUFFERED FROM BRAIN TRAUMA AND 3 BACK DISKS.
Engine, Oct 22, 2019
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 IGNITION COILS IN LESS THAN A YEAR. #1. WAS TOLD BY WARRENTY CO THAT THERE IS ALSO A TSB (TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN) FROM BMW RECOGNIZING A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAND OF COILS (BOSCH) THAT WERE INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY, & THEY WANT SHOPS TO REPLACE THEM WITH AN UPGRADED BRAND (DELPHI). THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THESE IGNITION COILS. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE TO PAY FOR CHANGING THEM OUT?
Air bags, Oct 1, 2019
AIRBAG SYSTEM FAULT DUE TO OCCUPANCY SEAT SENSOR P/N 65779153119. THIS SENSOR IS USED ON BMW E90, E91, E92, E93 MODELS FROM 2006-2012. BMW RECALLED ONLY 2006 AND 2007 MODELS IN 2014( RECALL NOTICE 17V428) THEN REVISED IN 2017 TO INCLUDE MORE VEHICLES. IN ADDITION, THEY ISSUED A SB -10056703-9690 IN 2017 TO EXTEND WARRANTY TO 15 YEARS FOR THIS SENSOR. SINCE THE EXACT SENSOR IS FITTED ON VEHICLES FROM 2006-2012, AND NUMEROUS INDIVIDUALS HAVE REPORTED THE FAULT, I BELIEVE MY E93 SHOULD BE COVERED IN THE RECALL OR THE 15 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY. BASED ON RESEARCH, MANY PEOPLE HAVE RESORTED TO A BYPASS DEVICE. THIS EXTINGUISHES THE FAULT BUT PRESENTS AN ISSUE IF THE FRONT SEAT PASSENGER IS AN INFANT/ OR UNDER 40 POUNDS. AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT AND DEATH/ SERIOUS INJURY IS POSSIBLE.
Electrical system, Aug 13, 2019
THE BATTERY CONNECTIONS IN THE REAR COMPARTMENT HAVE COMPLETELY CORRODED. MY MECHANIC HAS TOLD ME THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH MANY BMW SERIES NOT JUST THE 3 SERIES. WATER SEEPAGE APPEARS TO BE A SPECIFIC PROBLEM WITH FAILURES TO RUBBER GASKETS IN THE TRUNK/REAR LIGHTS IN THIS CONVERTIBLE. THE REPAIR IS $2,000.00 AS THE ENTIRE CABLE SYSTEM MUST BE REPLACED TO THE ENGINE AN 11 HOUR JOB. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE BUT NOT ACCEPTABLE FROM A CAR THAT HAS BEEN GARAGED ITS ENTIRE LIFE. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AS MANY CONSUMERS ARE PAYING AN ENORMOUS BILL DUE TO BAD DESIGN, WORKMANSHIP AND ENGINEERING. THE DX OCCURRED AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION AND THE INABILITY TO START THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS AFTER $300.00 WORTH OF REPAIRS (NEW BATTERY, STARTER, RELAY SWITCH) THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT WE WERE LUCKY THERE WAS NOT A FIRE AS THE BOTH MAIN CABLES WERE ARCING AT THE CONNECTION POINT.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED AND APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTOGERMANA BMW (787)-474-7000 (LOCATED AT 298 AVENDIA CARLOS E. CHARDN, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO 00919) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING HOME FROM THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,038.
Electrical system, Aug 12, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 68 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE "MALFUNCTION IN DRIVE" AND "MALFUNCTION IN TRANSMISSION" WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHCLE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER AND APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, BUT CONTINUED TO STALL. THE CONTACT'S FAMILY MEMBER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Engine, Jul 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE DRIVING 55 TO 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S HOME. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC CAME OUT TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND WAS ABLE TO START THE ENGINE. THE MECHANIC LOCATED A LEAK AT THE TOP OF THE RADIATOR HOSE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE RADIATOR HOSE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED ON JULY 20, 2019 WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO LONG BEACH BMW (1660 EAST SPRING STREET, SIGNAL HILL, CA 90755, (562-427-5494) TO HAVE A DIAGNOSTIC PERFORMED. THE RESULTS OF THE TEST WERE UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 1, 2019
THE VEHICLE'S WIRING HARNESS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING ARE EXPOSED, IT NO LONGER HAS THE RUBBER COATING THAT SURROUNDS THE WIRES.I AFRAID THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR FIRE!
Power train, Jun 30, 2019
THE TRANSMISSION HAS A STUTTERING IN IT FROM 20 TO AROUND 50 MPH, IT HAPPENS WHETHER YOU'RE SLOWING DOWN OR AT A STAND STILL AT A RED LIGHT.
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, Seats, May 16, 2019
PASSENGER SEAT RESTRAINTS SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTEAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT-TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Apr 18, 2019
RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAULTY WARNING CAME ON
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 17, 2019
4 MONTHS AGO MY CAR STOPPED SUDDENLY MECHANIC CHANGED FUEL PUMP , COUPLE WEEKS AFTER THAT IT HAPPENS AGAIN I TOOK IT BACK AND THE MECHANIC SAID EVERYTHING IS OK , I WENT HOME AND TODAY I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED AGAIN, I WAS SO SCARED I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF YOU GOING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM
Air bags, Seats, Mar 18, 2019
THE SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR MAT HAS FAILED THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYS ON.THE 2006 TO 2008 MODELS WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM BUT NOT THE 2009.THOS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WITH A FAULTY SENSOR.CONTACTED BMW WILL NOT REPAIR UNLESS YOU PAY FULL PRICE.THIS IS A JOKE BECAUSE THE REPAIR IS 1500 DOLLARS OR MORE, THE CAR ONLY HAS 77000 MILES AND HAS BEEN WELL TAKEN CARE OF. A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED BECAUSE THIS A SERIOUS AND COMMON PROBLEM WHICH IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO REPAIR AND IS A HORRIBLE DESIGN.
Air bags, Service brakes, Dec 21, 2018, crash
AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A ACCIDENT CAUSING INJURY *DSY *DT*JB
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 20, 2018
MY PASSENGER SIDE SEAT SENSOR IS FAULTY WHICH IS A PART OF THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND MAY NOT CAUSE IT TO DEPLOY IN THE EVENT THERE IS AN ACCIDENT. THERE HAVE BEEN MANY BMWS AFFECTED BY THIS BUT BMW DEALER WILL NOT DO THIS UNDER RECALL OR WARRANTY
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.
Electrical system, Nov 14, 2018, fire
BLOWER MOTOR WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT REMAINDER OF CAR. INITIALLY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM VENTS WHILE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP IN A STAPLES PARKING LOT. FIRE SPREAD INTO ENGINE AND INTERIOR OF CAR, BURNING MY HAND AND BRINGING CAR TO A TOTAL LOSS. EXISTING RECALL NUMBER: 17V-676
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Oct 27, 2018
MY SITUATION IS POWER SUPPLY RELATED, MY HEADLIGHTS AND PART OF MY CLUSTER DISPLAY CASH BOARD BEGAN FLICKERING, MAKING AN ELECTRICAL NOISE AND WITH THE SWITCH ON OFF POSSITION THE LIGHTS DID NOT WANT TO TUIRNO OFF. I NOTICE THIS ON AROUND JUNE OF 2018, I WAS DRIVING ON MY WAY HOME FROM EATING PIZZA, SMELL SOMETHING LIKE BURN PLASTIC, I ASKED MY WIFE DO YOU SMELL SOMETHING LIKE BURN RUBBER?, SHE SAID YES BUT WERE IS IT COMING FROM?, I PAID NOT MUCH MIND TO THIS LATER WHEN I GOT HOME I SMELLED IT AGAIN, LFELT THE CAR SOME WHAT HOT BUT THE SAMEL WAS NOT STRONG SO I PAID NO MIN, AFTER A FEW WEEKS I HAD TO CHANGE A WATER HOSE THEN ANOTHER WATER HOSE, THE WHEN I TUERN THE CAR OFF THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR AND THE TRIANGLE HAZARD LIGHT DID NOT WANT TO TURN OFF EVEN WITH THE LIGHT SWITCH ON THE OF POSSITION. MY 2009 328I BMW WAS LEFT AT THE AUTORIZED BMW SERVICE CENTER IN GUAYNABO, P.R. ON THE 18TH OF AUGOST 2018 AND IS STILL AT THIS SERVICE STATION BUT ALWAYS COME WITH AN EXCUSE TO WHAT THE PROBLEM IS, I KNOW ITS RECALL RELATED BECAUSE ITS AN ELECTRICAL SITUATION BUT THE ADVISOR AT THE SERVICICE CENTER ALWAYS SAYS ITS NOT RECALL RELATED, AT FIRST THEY SAID THEY FIXED THE LIGHT PROBNLEM BUT THE NOISE CONTINIUED AND THAT THE NOISE CAME FROM THE RADIOS AMPLIFIER, THEN THEY SAID IT CAME FROM TYHE CARS FUSE BOX, NOE THEY SAY ITS THE CARS CAS BUT THA THIS IS NOT RECALL RELATED, I TOLD THEM THAT IF THIS CAS IS THE CODIFIED KEY ENTRY THAT THIS SHOULD BE RECAL;L RELATED BECAUSE ITS A POWER SUPPLY COMPONENT AND THATS AN ELECTRICAL PART SO ITS RECALL RELATED, THEY SAID ITS NOT RELATED BUT THAT THEY HAVE SENT FOR THE PART AND WOULD BE ARRIVING ON THE 2ED OF NOVEMBER OF 2018 AND THEY WILL INFORM ME WHEN THE PART ARRIVES AND THAT THEY ARE GOING TO PAY FOR THE PART AND THE SERVICE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (A&L BMW, 3780 WILLIAM PENN HWY, MONROEVILLE, PA 15146) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT*JB