2009 BMW 128I Us

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Exterior lighting2
2. Air bags1
3. Electrical system1
4. Structure1
5. Unknown or other1

Latest complaints

• Apr 9, 2019FL100,000 mi
  Unknown or other
  Exterior heated mirrors with dimming have turned a dark brown color. after searching the internet I have discovered that this IS a large problem with various models/years bmw's. I contacted the local BMW dealer and was told they have seen this problem often but BMW north america will not deal…

  Exterior heated mirrors with dimming have turned a dark brown color. after searching the internet I have discovered that this IS a large problem with various models/years bmw's. I contacted the local BMW dealer and was told they have seen this problem often but BMW north america will not deal with it. I called BMW north america and was told by both a customer service and a supervisor that they do not consider the exterior mirrors a safety issue. (katrina employee # 8936 and renzo employee # 7647.) it IS impossible to drive with these defective mirrors and I have had to order replacement of the mirror glass for both driver and passenger sides. I am attaching photographs to show the issue.

• Jun 8, 2017NY
  Air bags

  "Takata recall"

• Mar 21, 2016GA93,000 mi
  Exterior lighting › Brake lights · Structure › Body

  TL* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I us. The contact stated that the center rear brake light lens was detaching from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the lens needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred seven times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 93,000.

• Feb 8, 2011FL9,000 miFire
  Electrical system
  TL* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact stated that the passenger side taillights failed and toxic burning fumes were emitting into the interior cabin of the vehicle through the ventilation system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failures but opted to…

  TL* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact stated that the passenger side taillights failed and toxic burning fumes were emitting into the interior cabin of the vehicle through the ventilation system. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failures but opted to place deodorant to the air conditioner as a remedy. Shortly afterward, the air conditioner failed. The dealer advised that one pound of freon had leaked that the valve would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired. After repairs, the contact stated that all of the lights on the instrument panel illuminated and the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who advised that the alternator would need to be replaced. The contact stated that she was unsatisfied with the results of the diagnostic test because she believed it was an electrical issue that was causing the failure. The manufacturer was contacted to report the failure and she was awaiting a response. The failure and current mileage was 9,000.

• Jan 5, 2011CA6,000 mi
  Exterior lighting
  Tl*the contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact noticed that the rear tail lights were inoperable and due to the design he was unable to replace the bulb. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was aware of the failure and stated that the entire rear tail light assembly needed to be replaced…

  Tl*the contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact noticed that the rear tail lights were inoperable and due to the design he was unable to replace the bulb. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was aware of the failure and stated that the entire rear tail light assembly needed to be replaced; however, there were no parts available in north america. The contact did not inform the manufacturer nor was the vehicle repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 6,000.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 10249027The 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
• 10194296Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
• 10182619Discharged 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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
• 10181214Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon? (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If theignition is cycled, the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10175267Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon" (MIL) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. This situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. If the ignition is cycled the engine then usually performs normally.
• 10162400Rattling Noise from Underneath the Instrument Panel. A rattling or clattering noise may be heard from the driver's or passenger foot well area while driving. CAUSE Tolerance excessive between the footwell air duct and the securing hooks.
• 10160287TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10160244TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
• 10154816In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support page. This page will allow IRFs to check their customers VINs for open Takata recalls; and get rewarded for helping us with completing repairs.
• 10152314Door Open Message Displayed, Even Though Door Is Closed. The customer complains that while driving, a CCM (check control message) indicates the doors are open, even though they are closed. Also, sometimes the gong will sound and the interior lights will go on and off. Unspecified FRM door lock status due to voltage variations
• 10151335Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware.
• 10151300N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints This Service Information bulletin and attachment supersedes SI B11 06 16 dated April 2016.. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal plausibility 134E08 - Eccentric shaft plausibility (on F10, F25 vehicles only) CAUSE The VVT eccentric shaft sensor connector, and/or DME connector may have oil contamination due to oil leakage at the VVT sensor gasket.
• 10151247N51, N52, N52K and N52T Engines: Various Eccentric Shaft Sensor Faults stored in the DME - Diagnostic Hints. The customer may complain about one of the following: Rough engine running Engine cannot be started (crank no start) Check Engine Light illuminated One or more of the following faults may be stored in the DME: 2A37 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft sensor plausibility 2A47 - Valvetronic, eccentric shaft, signal plausibility 134E08 - Eccentric shaft plausibility (on F10, F25 vehicles only) CAUSE The VVT eccentric shaft sensor connector, and/or DME connector may have oil contamination due to oil leakage at the VVT sensor gasket.
• 10151170N51 Engine: Service Engine Soon Lamp Illuminated - Loss of Power and Various Faults Stored in the DME. The customer complains that the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. The vehicle has lost power; the engine cranks but will not start; and various faults are stored in the DME for engine misfire and/or mixture adaptations. CAUSE The vehicle has lost fuel system delivery pressure due to a loose or split fuel line inside the fuel tank. The failure is related to an unfavorable stacking of tolerances between the rubber fuel hose and the plastic regulator nipple or deterioration of the rubber hose construction material.
• 10151119SI B84 03 14 February 2016 Communication Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 14 dated October 2014. SUBJECT Bluetooth Connection Failures. There are various connectivity failures with the following devices: Apple iPhones Samsung S6 and the S6 Edge. Connectivity failure examples are: Call disconnection - Call is transferred back to the handset. In some instances the call is then transferred back to the vehicle. Contact List incomplete General connection failures CAUSE Apple iOS software (issue started with iOS 8.3 continues with iOS 9.x and its variants) Samsung S6 and S6 Edge device firmware CORRECTOPM None available at this time. We are currently working with the device manufacturer on a solution.
• 10151115SUBJECT Audio System Speaker Testing. For audio system speaker testing there is a NED (Non Electrical Diagnosis) Test Plan available. CAUSE We previously recommended use of the Audio Test CD (ATC) from BMW. This CD has been discontinued.
• 10151079SI B13 03 15 February 2016 Fuel Systems Technical Service This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B13 03 15 dated March 2015 and replaces SI B13 04 13 dated March 2014. SUBJECT N20, N26, N55, N63TU, S63TU and S55 Engines: Bosch Injector ETK Part Number Error. The current version of the ETK incorporates multiple part number errors for the Bosch type injectors. Ordering the injectors by VIN number or manual identification in ETK may result in an incorrect part number.
• 10151068This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles being serviced are not being diagnosed, leading to repeat repair visits (source- Analysis of FASTA data and repeat repair visit reports). INFORMATION Where diagnosis (vehicle or short test) with ISTA has already started, it is important to diagnose the fault code(s) listed below (when they are stored in the vehicle) to find their root cause during the current workshop visit. This will help lead to a reduction in workshop repeat repair visits and higher customer satisfaction.
• 10150389Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. The Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD).
• 10150365"N51, N52K and N52T: Idle Fluctuation During Engine Warm-up Phase. After a cold engine start, the idle speed may be unstable or start fluctuating up and down slightly while the vehicle is stopped. On vehicles with automatic transmissions, roughness or shuddering may be felt during this warm-up period when diving away slowly in ""D"" or in ""R"" without depressing the accelerator pedal. No relevant errors are stored in the DME fault code memory, and these symptoms are no longer present once the engine is at operating temperature (> 90C). Unfavorable DME software"
• 10150334"Service Action: CIC - Install Navigation Road Map Database 2013. Before delivering affected vehicles to the customer, the Car Information Computer (CIC) road map database 2013 must be installed onto the CIC internal Hard Disc Drive (HDD). Note: The INITIAL enabling code ""FSC CIC map, N. America 2013 INITIAL"" is necessary to start the installation process and to activate the road map database."
• 10150330"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. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ""discharged battery"" complaints. A discharged battery can have various causes, most of which do not concern the battery itself. A failed battery is often the symptom and not the cause. A fully serviceable battery fails when an electrical component causes the battery to discharge; the battery becomes internally damaged and must be replaced. For more information, refer to www.batteryuniversity.com/parttwo-42B.htm For this reason, replacing the battery is not usually a permanent repair. The cause of the discharged battery must be analyzed in order to guarantee a proper repair. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion with all results taken into to consideration. The procedure as outlined below contains information that will guide the technician into properly repairing the vehicle and getting paid for a warranty claim. CAUSE Refer to the ""Procedure"" section of this Service Information for details."
• 10150265Intermittently Stored FM Radio Stations Default to FM 87.7. Intermittently, the stored FM radio stations default to FM 87.7 after vehicle start-up. CAUSE 1. Low battery voltage or voltage drop at the head unit 2. Radio station preset contains FM 87.7 3. Remote key memory not set correctly or the setting is lost
• 10150264"The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" 1. When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause permanent damage to it. 2. The new part has incorrect coding."
• 10150224"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Electrochromic Mirror,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""AM5102_00010."""
• 10150173"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Exterior Mirror https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/15...12/6/2013 Page 2 of 2 Malfunction,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""AM5102_00010."""
• 10150133In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when the radio is turned off. Audio settings in the RAD2+ (radio professional)
• 10150131"Enabling and Replacing New OC3 Seat Mat. The replacement OC3 seat mat (front passenger seat occupancy) will not enable when following ISTA Repair Instruction REP 65 77 604, ""Replacing sensor mat (OC3 mat) for passenger seat occupancy detector."" When the new mat is installed in the vehicle, too much pre-load pressure will prevent the mat from being enabled. ISTA/P WILL NOT enable the new part, and will cause permanent damage to it."
• 10150130The vehicle position is missing or incorrect on the navigation map. The navigation system integrated in the Car Information Computer (CIC) is not calibrated correctly.
• 10150099N54 Engine: Fuel Pressure Control Test Plan Error. INFORMATION Not applicable.
• 10150096N55 Engine Failsafe - FC 120308 Boost Pressure Control, Plausibility: Pressure Too Low Stored in DME Fault Memory. INFORMATION The customer complains the SES is illuminated and the engine has reduced power (engine failsafe mode).
• 10150065"BMW NA has agreed to extend the emissions warranties of the turbocharger's wastegate to: ??8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever occurs first, as determined from the vehicle's original in-service date select the ""Vehicle Comment"" button to display the extended coverage information. The terms of the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty and applicable emissions warranty still apply. BMW NA will not provide warranty coverage to any Settlement Class Member's vehicle containing modifications or alterations to the turbocharger or its wastegates (software, hardware or otherwise), or evidencing other conditions not normally covered under the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty or applicable emissions warranty. Modifications excluded from warranty coverage include any aftermarket parts that affect the turbocharger system, or if there are other conditions that would normally exclude it from warranty coverage."
• 10149613In all audio modes (radio, CD, AUX-In, etc.), the audio output is distorted. It is more noticeable with high bass and high audio volume settings. There may also be an intermittent interference noise coming from the loudspeakers at low audio volume or when the radio is turned off. Audio settings in the RAD2+ (radio professional)
• 10149589"N54 Engine: Diagnosis of Cold Start Rough Running with Misfire Faults. The customer may complain that during the cold start in the morning, the engine runs very roughly and the Service Engine Soon lamp is illuminated. Various misfire fault codes (e.g., 29CC, 29D2, 29D1, 29D0, 29C0, 29CF) may be stored in the DME control module. The engine rough running complaint can be reproduced on a cold start in the workshop. During the course of diagnosis, the spark plugs, removed from the misfiring cylinders after the problem was reproduced, are found to be soaked (""wet"") with fuel, while the injector tips are covered with a layer of carbon deposit. Possible cause: high-pressure injector failure (leakage or incorrect spraying pattern) due to internal wear or unfavorable stock of tolerances IMPORTANT: For comprehensive N54 drivability diagnostics, always refer to the ""N54 Engine Diagnostic Fault Tree"" file (the current version ""02_14_13"" is found as a PDF attachment to SI B12 55 06)."
• 10149557For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata Settlement Customer Support Program Overview attachment. This ?component-specific? customer support program applies only if there is a defect in materials or workmanship of the Takata driver?s side airbag module in a listed vehicle.
• 10149495"Roadside Assistance and BMW Online Services Inoperative After Programming. Roadside Assistance and BMW Online services are inoperative after programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48 to 2.49.0. The symptoms are as follows: * BMW Online - No network available when selected * Roadside Assistance - When selected, a message stating ""Service not enabled or contract expired"" is displayed. Also, ""Start service"" is grayed out and cannot be selected. CAUSE Software error in the CIC (Car Information Computer)"
• 10149460"Roadside Assistance and BMW Online Services Inoperative After Programming. Roadside Assistance and BMW Online services are inoperative after programming the vehicle with ISTA/P 2.48 or higher. The symptoms are as follows: * BMW Online - No network available when selected * Roadside Assistance - When selected, a message stating "Service not enabled or contract expired" is displayed. Also, "Start service" is grayed out and cannot be selected. CAUSE Software error in the CIC (Car Information Computer)"
• 10149441"Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle. The door mirror tilts immediately after unlocking or locking. The mirror position does not correspond to the memory position preset by the customer. Pressing the seat memory button typically will return the mirror to the stored position. Poor electrical contacts of the mirror drive in the mirror housing INFORMATION The problem has been integrated into ISTA diagnostics. Complete the diagnosis test plan using the latest ISTA version. The test plan can be accessed via the following path: ""Information Search / Function Structure / Body / Mirror / Exterior mirrors / Driver's or passenger side / Electrochromic Mirror,"" and then press ""Start Search."" Select the test plan ""B5116_ECSPPL2."""
• 10149382iPhone: Connection Failures with iOS 7. There are various connectivity failures with the iPhone using iOS 7. Some examples are listed below: z Call disconnection z Contact List incomplete z General connection failures Apple software iOS 7 and its variants
• 10149361DCT Transmission: Oil Leakage Diagnosis. INFORMATION Incorrect diagnosis of DCT (Double-clutch Transmission) oil leaks may lead to unnecessary part replacements and repeat customer repair visits. When diagnosing complaints related to DCT fluid leaks, please use the attached diagnostic procedure. WARRANTY INFORMATION Not applicable. ATTACHMENTS View PDF attachment B280114_DCT_Oil_Leak_Diagnosis. [ Copyright (c)2014 BMW of North America, Inc. ] https://www.bmwtis.net/tiscode/cgi-bin/bulletin.aspx?sie_path=/tsb/bulletins/htm_store/16672.2.B28011... 12/24/2014

Every BMW 128I Us model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.