Federal complaints
202
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 202 of 202 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 165 of 202 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Air bags
109 complaint records3 crash reports
"THE AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHTS CAME ON MY CAR WHEN A PASSENGER WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AND WE WENT OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse air bags parts in the directory →
Electrical system
33 complaint records1 fire report2 crash reports
"ALL DOORS LOCK UP BUT ONLY THE DRIVER SIDE HAS A MANUAL OVERRIDE. PASSENGERS CANNOT EXIT THE VEHICLE IN CASE OF CRASH OR FIRE...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse electrical system parts in the directory →
Latches & locks
26 complaint records
"DRIVER SIDE DOOR LOCK NOT UNLOCKING WITH EITHER THE REMOTE OR MANUAL HANDLE INSIDE, WILL ONLY OPEN WITH THE KEY MANUALLY ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE CAR. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse latches & locks parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA08001 opened Jan 2008 | closed Dec 2008 | Air Bags | BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION - led to recall 08V384000 BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 22V119000 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 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... | Normally free |
| 08V384000 | Air Bags | BMW IS RECALLING 200,000 MY 2006 3 SERIES SPORT SEAT, MY 2004-2006 5 SERIES STANDARD AND SPORT SEAT, AND MY 2004-2006 X3 PASSENGER VEHICLES. | Normally free |
| 06V400000 | Suspension | ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, ONE OF THE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM AND SWIVEL BEARING CONNECTION BOLTS WAS NOT TIGHTENED CORRECTLY. THE BOLTED CONNECTION COULD LOOSEN. | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024392 2024-07-03 | Airbag | 44,131 | Issue: This recall applies to vehicles that may be equipped with a replacement sport or M-sport steering wheel that has a Takata airbag. |
| 2022095 2022-03-02 | Engine | 98,111 | Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 or N52K 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater (blow-by heater) to short circuit and overheat. |
| 2020009 2020-01-15 | Airbag | 20,070 | Issue: This recall is for certain vehicles that had an airbag inflator replaced as a part of an earlier recall campaign. This recall provides a final repair. |
| 2019170 2019-04-05 | Engine | 15,466 | Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with an N52 6-cylinder engine, a manufacturing problem could cause the PCV valve heater to overheat. Safety Risk: An overheated engine PCV valve heater could create the risk of a fire. |
| 2017588 2017-11-30 | Electrical | 75,744 | On certain vehicles, the blower regulator wiring harness crimp connection could start to corrode over time. This in combination with high current flow (IE maximum blower fan speed) could cause the harness to overheat and melt, which could... |
Show 7 more Canadian recalls
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016142 2016-03-31 | Airbag | 104,151 | On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2015230 2015-05-27 | Airbag | 30,668 | Issue: 2023 Update - BMW has updated this recall and issued a do not drive advisory for all vehicles that that not yet been repaired. |
| 2014587 2014-12-22 | Airbag | 11,131 | BMW Canada is conducting a voluntary Safety Improvement Campaign concerning the driver's airbag inflator on certain vehicles equipped with Takata airbags. BMW will replace the driver's inflator on affected vehicles. |
| 2014299 2014-07-16 | Airbag | 40,915 | On certain vehicles, the passenger (frontal) airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. |
| 2013238 2013-07-05 | Airbag | 15,294 | On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue over time. As a result, the passenger airbag could deactivate, illuminating the airbag warning lamp and the passenger airbag ON/OFF lamp. |
| 2008307 2008-08-26 | Seats And Restraints | 8,090 | On certain vehicles, the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue during field usage depending on the seat configuration, vehicle geometry, manner and frequency of front passenger entry/exit. |
| 2006267 2006-10-17 | Suspension | 2 | On certain vehicles, the bolted connection between the front control arm and swivel bearing may not have received adequate tightening torque during vehicle assembly. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B012016 Feb 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 240,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B012016 Mar 2025 | WARRANTY EXTENSION | Electrical System | The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been supplementarily increased to 15 years / 186,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date. |
| B510819 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met. | |
| B611305 Jan 2024 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. | |
| B611305 Oct 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIB-12-21-10 Oct 2014 | Electrical System | BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND THE ENGINE CRANKS WITH NO START. *RM UPDATED 5/19/15. *PE | |
| SIB-01-09-14 Sep 2014 | Air Bags | BMW: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. LIMITED WARRANTY HAS BEEN EXTENDED, UP TO 15 YEARS, ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, WITHOUT MILEAGE LIMITATION FOR FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR (OC3) (MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP). | |
| SIB-65-14-14 Jun 2014 | Air Bags | BMW: SOME AIRBAGS, DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER, ARE IMPROPERLY DEPLOYING DUE TO A POSSIBLE INFLATOR NOT PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. MODEL 2001-2006 E46 (3 SERIES). *PE UPDATED 9/4/14. *PE | |
| SIB-61-13-05 Mar 2013 | Electrical System | BMW: BATTERY HAS AN INCREASED DEMAND DUE TO DEVELOPEMENTAL PROCESS OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS IS CAUSING THE BATTER TO NEED TO UNDERGO AN ENERGY DIAGNOSIS. *KB | |
| SIB122512 Dec 2012 | Engine | BMW: VEHICLE DOES NOT START: LOOSE GROUND Z6000 *4B. COVERED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE BMW NEW VEHICLE/SAV LIMITED WARRANTY. *JS | |
| SIB270212 Dec 2012 | Power Train | BMW: DSC WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THE WARNING LAMPS FOR DSC, ABS AND BRAKE WARNING ILLUMINATED. THERE MAY ALSO BE A WARNING IN THE CONTROL DISPLAY FOR CHASSIS CONTROL SYSTEM FAILURE. *JS | |
| SIB-61-37-12 Dec 2012 | Electrical System | BMW: THE HIGH-VOLTAGE (HV) BATTERY CELLS COULD BE DAMAGED IF THE VEHICLE IS PREVENTED FROM ENTERING SLEEP MODE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. UPDATED 03/11/2013 *JS | |
| SIB-11-02-08 Nov 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW VEHICLE: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON (MIL) LAMP IS ILLUMINATED AND A POWER REDUCTION IS CLEARLY PERCEPTIBLE. THIS SITUATION MAY OCCUR AFTER DRIVING FOR SOME TIME WITH THE ENGINE ALREADY AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. | |
| B63-03-12 Apr 2012 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: THE LEFT OR RIGHT REAR LIGHT IN THE SIDE PANEL HAS CONDENSATION CONCERNING VEHICLES PRODUCED UP TO FEBRUARY 27,2012. *JS | |
| SIB-12-01-11 Jan 2012 | Electrical System | BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A PROGRAMMING ISSUE. *RM UPDATED 1/4/12. *PE UPDATED 4/24/12. *PE | |
| SIB-13-13-10 Sep 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: ON SOME VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS AN INTERNAL COMPONENT THAT MAY FAIL AND CAUSING DRIVABILITY SYMPTOMS SUCH AS ERRATIC ENGINE OPERATION AND LONGER STARTING TIMES. *PE | |
| SIB-61-06-11 Sep 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE JBE (JUNCTION BOX ELECTRONICS) MODULE FAILS PROGRAMMING DURING A SOFTWARE UPDATE OF THE VEHICLE. *PE | |
| SI-B12-28-07 Aug 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: COMPLAINTS THAT THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM HAS ENTERED THE ENGINE FAILSAFE MODE AND THAT THE TURBOCHARGER BOOST IS REDUCED. E82, E88, E90, E92, E93, E60, E61, AND E71. ALL MODELS WITH NAY ENGINES. NO MODEL YEARS LISTED. *PE UPDATED 09/30/11. *PE | |
| SIB-63-03-11 Aug 2011 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: WIRING ON THE HEADLIGHTS MAY HAVE DETERIORATED DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND THE COVER NOT BEING SECURED PROPERLY. E60/E92. *RM UPDATED 9/30/11. *PE | |
| SIB-72-01-11 Aug 2011 | Seat Belts | BMW: E92. THE SEAT BELT EXTENDER ON THE FRONT DRIVER¿S OR PASSENGER SIDE FAILED TO DELIVER THE BELT. THE SAFETY BELT EXTENDER EXTENDS BUT THE BELT SLIPS OFF. THE ¿HAND¿ ON THE EXTENDER FAILS. THE SAFETY BELT IS TWISTED. | |
| SIB-61-01-11 Jul 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: VARIOUS FUNCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE ARE NOT WORKING INCLUDING: INSTRUMENTS, DOOR LOCKS, WIPERS, AND OTHER ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS. THERE MAY ALSO BE WARNING LIGHTS ON. K-CAN WIRING IN THE VEHICLE SHORTED. *RM UPDATED 10/5/11. *PE | |
| SIB-12-15-11 Jul 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON. THERE ARE TROUBLE CODES STORED FOR THE CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. NO DRIVEABILITY ISSUES. *RM | |
| SIB-61-08-11 Jul 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILS AND THE VEHICLE FAILS TO START. THE CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM FAILS TO OPERATE WITH THE REMOTE KEY. THE KEY CANNOT BE INSERTED INTO THE KEY SLOT. COMMUNICATION TO THE VEHICLE IS NOT POSSIBLE. | |
| SIB-17-05-10 May 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON WITH STORED FAULT CODES. THERE IS A WIRING/CONNECTION PROBLEM OR A FAULTY SENSOR. *RM | |
| SIB-51-18-06 May 2011 | Structure | BMW: THE PAINTED SURFACE ON THE INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE MAY PEEL DUE TO EXPOSURE TO HAND CREAMS AND SUN-TANNING LOTIONS. *RM | |
| SIB-23-01-08 Apr 2011 | Power Train | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS. *RM | |
| SIB-72-05-07 Apr 2011 | Electrical System | BMW: A SOFTWARE PROBLEM IS CAUSING ONE OR BOTH OF THE SEAT BELT ASSISTANTS TO NOT EXTEND FULLY OR MAY NOT EXTEND AT ALL. THE POSITION AT WHICH THE ASSISTANT COMES TO REST VARIES. E92. *RM | |
| SIB-72-28-06 Apr 2011 | Seat Belts | BMW: THE END OF THE SEATBELT ASSISTANT BREAKS/FALLS OFF WHEN RETRACTING. THE RETAINING TAB IS NOT ROBUST ENOUGH. E92. *RM | |
| SIB-12-16-07 Mar 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: A SOFTWARE ERROR IS CAUSING THE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT TO COME ON. THERE WILL BE STORED TROUBLE CODES. *RM | |
| SI B12 55 06 Jan 2011 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE CRANKING BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ALSO BE ON WITH A LACK OF ENGINE POWER. *RM | |
| SI-B-12-04-05 Nov 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: CHECK ENGINE LAMP ILLUMINATED AND/OR VEHICLE OVERHEATS. MODELS E83, E85, E86, E70, E90, E91, E92, E93, E60 AND E61. *PE UPDATED 5/24/11. *PE | |
| SIB-72-03-10 Nov 2010 | Seat Belts | BMW: ON SOME E92 MODELS THE SAFETY BELT EXTENDER IS NOT EXTENDING THE BELT OR IS NOISY. THIS CAN BE A FAULT OF THE EXTENDER OR THE BELT IS CONTORTED. *RM | |
| SB-63-02-08 Oct 2010 | Equipment | BMW: REAR BULB FAILURE. THE BULB OUT WARNING SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DIAGNOSIS SHOWS A FAULT FOR THE REAR LAMP. THE BULB OUT CAN BE DISPLAYED FOR 2 POSSIBLE CAUSES-POOR FIT BETWEEN THE BULB AND BULB HOLDER; (NEW) BULB FAILURE CAUSED BY VIBRATIONS. | |
| SIB-24-01-08 Oct 2010 | Power Train | BMW VEHICLE: TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE TRANSMISSION ENTERS FAILSAFE MODE. FAULT CODE 4F81 (RATIO MONITORING, CLUTCH A), IN SOME CASES COMBINED WITH THE SUBSEQUENT FAULTS 507B/507C (PARKING GEAR SENSOR IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL) OR 507D (PARKING GEAR INCORRECTLY... | |
| SIB-63-02-08 Oct 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW VEHICLE: REAR BULB FAILURE. THE BULB OUT WARNING SHOWS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DIAGNOSIS SHOWS A FAULT FOR THE REAR LAMP. THE BULB OUT CAN BE DISPLAYED FOR 2 POSSIBLE CAUSES: POOR FIT BETWEEN THE BULB AND BULB HOLDER; BULB FAILURE CAUSED BY VIBRATION. *PE | |
| SIB-72-01-10 Oct 2010 | Seat Belts | BMW VEHICLE: FRONT SAFETY BELT DOES NOT RETRACT SMOOTHLY OR JAMS. THE UPPER PART OF THE DRIVER'S OR PASSENGER'S FRONT SAFETY BELT DOES NOT ROLL UP FULLY OR ROLLS UP SLOWLY. THE ADJUSTMENT OF THE INERTIA REEL IS INCORRECT AT THE FASTENING POINT. | |
| SIB-65-36-09 Sep 2010 | Electrical System | BMW: THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO A SOFTWARE ERROR. *RM | |
| SIB-63-02-01 Aug 2010 | Exterior Lighting | BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM | |
| SIB-11-08-03 Jul 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM | |
| SIB-32-04-07 Jun 2010 | Steering | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM | |
| SIB-28-02-08 Jun 2010 | Power Train | BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS IS BEING USED ON MANY MODELS TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF DOUBLE-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *RM | |
| SIB-16-03-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: WARNING MESSAGE ON ABOUT LOW DIESEL EXHAUST FUEL LEVEL AND THAT THE ENGINE WILL NOT RESTART WITHIN 999 MILES. THE LIGHT COMES ON A FEW THOUSAND MILES EARLIER THAN A RECOMMENDED OIL CHANGE. *RM | |
| SIB-13-07-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: THERE IS A ROUGH ENGINE IDLE AND "SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT" WHEN DRIVING DOWNHILL IN HIGH ALTITUDES DURING COLD WEATHER. THERE MAY BE SIX DIFFERENT FAULT CODES. *RM | |
| SIB-11-02-10 Jun 2010 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ON WITH DIESEL ENGINES. *RM | |
| SIB-13-02-10 Jun 2010 | Fuel System | BMW: IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO PERFORM A FUEL QUALITY DETECTION TEST ON VEHICLES WITH AN N54 ENGINE. *RM | |
| SIB-13-06-10 Jun 2010 | Electrical System | BMW: A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT COMES ON. THE ENGINE WILL ONLY OPERATE TO 1500 RPMS AND LACKS POWER. THERE IS A SOFTWARE APPLICATION ERROR. *RM | |
| SIB-16-02-09 Dec 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. | |
| SIB-51-19-07 Oct 2009 | Latches/Locks/Linkages | BMW VEHICLES: DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB OR CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON. *PE UPDATED1/4/10. *PE UPDATED 5/24/10. *PE | |
| SIB-12-07-06 Oct 2009 | Electrical System | BMW: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED-FC 23F4 MAP THERMOSTAT. IN SOME VEHICLES HAVE INSUFFICIENT HEAT. E90, E91 (3 SERIES), E60, E61 (5 SERIES) 3/06 AND E83 (X3 SERIES) 9/08. *PE | |
| SIB-16-08-06 Oct 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT START; FUEL LEVEL GAUGE DISPLAYS A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF FUEL, ALTHOUGH THE FUEL TANK IS EMPTY; FAULT CODE 2A1C (FUEL LEVEL PLAUSIBILITY) IS STORED IN MSV80. | |
| SIB-41-02-09 Oct 2009 | Suspension | BMW VEHICLES: REAR AXLE CARRIER (SUB FRAME) SUPPORT PROPOSED CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT. UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, A FRACTURE IN THE STEEL BODY STRUCTURE COULD FORM IN THE AREA AROUND ONE OF THE REAR AXLE CARRIER MOUNTING POINTS. | |
| SI-B64-05-09 Sep 2009 | Equipment | BMW: WATER LEAKS INTO EITHER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OR PASSENGER'S SIDE FOOTWELL DURING FAST CORNERING. INSUFFICIENT SEALING AT THE POINT OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM AND THE CONDENSATION DRAIN HOSE. *PE | |
| SI-B61-16-09 Sep 2009 | Electrical System | BMW: VARIOUS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS OR INTERMITTENTLY. SYMPTOMS TYPICALLY INCLUDE VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND STARTING PROBLEMS. | |
| SI-28-02-09 Sep 2009 | Power Train | BMW: COMPLAINT THAT THE N (NEUTRAL) SYMBOL IS BEING DISPLAYED IN THE KOMBI AND THE MESSAGE TRANSMISSION IN N, SHIFT TO P WHEN ENGINE IS TURNED OFF IS DISPLAYED IN THE CC WHEN THE VEHICLE DECELERATES TO A STOP. | |
| SB-12-01-09 May 2009 | Fuel System | BMW VEHICLES: SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP OR CHECK GAS CAP WARNING ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. SOFTWARE ERROR IN THE DME FOR THE TANK LEAK DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM. MODELS E60, E61 (5 SERIES); E70 (X5); E71 (X6); E82, E88 (1 SERIES); E83 (X3); E90, E91, E92, E93 (3 SERIES). *PE | |
| SI-B-11-05-05 Mar 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW VEHICLE: VEHICLES MAY BE DIFFICULT TO START, RUN ROUGH AND HAVE THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VANOS SOLENOID VALVE IS JAMMED OR STICKING. *PE | |
| SIB-12-12-08 Feb 2009 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW: SERVICE ENGINE LAMP IS ILLUMINATED. DME FC 2A15 MINOR LEAK AND 2A16 SUPERFINE LEAK IN EVAPORATION SYSTEM. TANK VENTILATION CORRUGATED HOSE MAY CONTACT THE LOW SIDE AIR CONDITIONING PRESSURE LINE ALUMINUM FERREL. THIS CONTACT MAY CAUSE A SMALL LEAK. *PE | |
| SI-B-84-05-08 Sep 2008 | Electrical System | BMW: THE TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT (TCU) IN VEHICLES MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ACTIVATED. THIS CAUSES THE MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY CALL AND ROADSIDE CALL (BMW ASSIST) NOT TO FUNCTION. MODELS E53, E60, E90, E83 ARE AFFECTED. *PE | |
| SI-B12-18-08 Jul 2008 | Electrical System | BMW: THE ENGINE OIL LEVEL DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER MAY BE TOO HIGH OR TOO LOW. OIL LEVEL COULD BE LOWER THAN WHAT IS DISPLAYED AND THE LOW OIL LEVEL WARNING IS NOT PROMPTLY SHOWN. E60, E61, E82, E90, E92 & E93 MODELS. *PE | |
| SI-B12-13-07 Jul 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | BMW VEHICLE: DUE TO MATERIAL DETERIORATION OF CERTAIN COMPONENTS OF THE SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM, THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ILLUMINATE WITH FAULT CODE 2761 (SECONDARY AIR SYSTEM) STORED IN DME FAULT MEMORY. 325CIA SULEV (E46) MODELS AFFECTED WITH M56 ENGINES. *PE |
Showing 60 of 78 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Watch the airbag warning light through a full key cycle.It should light on start and go out within seconds. A light that stays on, or never lights at all, means the system needs attention. Run the VIN for inflator recalls specifically.
- Sit in it with the engine off and test everything that has a switch.Windows, locks, lights, the cluster, the radio. Electrical faults are this vehicle's story and the hardest to see on a drive: an intermittent no-start waits for the second week of ownership. Ask for the battery's age and whether any control module has been replaced.
- Close every door, hood, and tailgate gently, once.A door that needs a slam or springs back is the latch complaint on this vehicle. It is the kind of fault a seller has learned to hide by slamming.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask the dealer whether the warranty extension on file still applies to this VIN.The manufacturer issued 2 warranty extensions for this vehicle (see the service bulletins section). Extended coverage often runs by years or miles from the original sale, and a repair the seller paid for may have been free.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this BMW 3 Series →