2017 BMW 230I

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Tires4
2. Unknown or other2
3. Air bags2
4. Engine and engine cooling1
5. Parking brake1
6. Power train1
7. Wheels1
8. Electrical system1
9. Engine1

Latest complaints

• Aug 23, 2026KYFire
  Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
  On [XXX], I was driving down the road and a indicator light went off, indicating a malfunction. When I pulled over to the side, I shut the car off. I noticed something around the drivers side front end of the car. When I exited the vehicle, I seen fire (flame) coming from the front drivers side. It…

  On [XXX], I was driving down the road and a indicator light went off, indicating a malfunction. When I pulled over to the side, I shut the car off. I noticed something around the drivers side front end of the car. When I exited the vehicle, I seen fire (flame) coming from the front drivers side. It was located right in front of the tire. I called 911, Police and EMT was the first responders. By the time the fire department arrived the car was a total loss. The car fire resulted in the car being placed in a junk yard. My insurance wouldn’t cover the damage, they suspected wear and tear, and denied the coverage. I had the car on loan for 2 and half years. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• Feb 2, 2026AZ
  Tires
  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire (225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF), due to a hole caused by…

  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire (225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF), due to a hole caused by pothole damage going about 40 mph. On 10/21/2025, we had to replace a rear tire (245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF) due to two bulges in the tire. Not sure of the cause. On 1/31/2026, the rear tire pressure went down while on the freeway, going about 60 mph. Upon stopping, the rear driver side tire had a hole in the side near the tire rim. Also on 1/31/2026, while checking the tires after getting the tire pressure warning, the front tire had a bulge in it.

• Feb 2, 2026AZ
  Tires
  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire (225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF), due to a hole caused by…

  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire (225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF), due to a hole caused by pothole damage going about 40 mph. On 10/21/2025, we had to replace a rear tire (245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF) due to a bulge in the tire. Not sure of the cause. On 1/31/2025, the rear tire pressure went down while on the freeway, going about 60 mph. Upon stopping, the tire had a hole in the side near the tire rim.

• Feb 2, 2026AZ
  Tires

  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On or before 10/21/2025, we noticed two bulges in the rear tire and had to have it replaced. Not sure of the cause. This was the second Bridgestone Potenza tire since April 2025 that had to be replaced.

• Feb 2, 2026AZ
  Tires
  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire, due to a hole in the tire from pothole damage going about…

  On 4/17/2025, we purchased 4 BRIDGESTONE tires at Discount Tire Company. The front two tires are model 225 /40 R18 88Y SL BSW BM RF and the rear two tires are model 245 /35 R18 92Y XL BSW BM RF. On 9/3/2025, we had to replace a front tire, due to a hole in the tire from pothole damage going about 40 mph. I can't say the exact safety risk this posed, but a tire getting a hole in it at 40 miles per hour can't be a good thing? These are run-flat tires so they still work but not at high speeds.

• Jan 11, 2024CA
  Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
  BMW Passenger Restraint sensor failure due to a faulty sensor mat, so the passenger seatbelt will not lock or tighten when braking or in the event of an accident. Took it to the dealer and no evidence of a spill or user error that can tamper with the mat, the sensor simply died after minimal use of…

  BMW Passenger Restraint sensor failure due to a faulty sensor mat, so the passenger seatbelt will not lock or tighten when braking or in the event of an accident. Took it to the dealer and no evidence of a spill or user error that can tamper with the mat, the sensor simply died after minimal use of the passenger seat. This part should be recalled & BMW should have to cover the cost of this safety hazard caused by faulty parts. BMW only covers the sensor mat for 2 years even after replacement, which is unacceptable for a component that is vital to passenger safety.

• Dec 28, 2023CA75,000 mi
  Engine and engine cooling
  The contact owns a 2017 BMW 230I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the vehicle was restarted and the coolant level dropped dramatically. The vehicle was driven to the residence and coolant was added. The…

  The contact owns a 2017 BMW 230I. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and the vehicle was restarted and the coolant level dropped dramatically. The vehicle was driven to the residence and coolant was added. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, he observed a gushing sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact also stated that he observed condensation underneath the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the oil filler housing, coolant system, and some pieces of the drive block needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

• Jan 11, 2022NJ
  Parking brake

  No emergency lights detecting any problems but the ebreak does not Work

• Feb 16, 2021FL38,474 mi
  Power train

  Back in 12/2020, my low coolant warning message came on. I went to the dealership and told them they found nothing wrong, as of yesterday 02/2021, it happened again, this time, the engine was overheating. The same dealership said it was the coolant hose leaking. I see online that BMW has this issue with 2018 modes.

• Sep 26, 2018NY8,000 mi
  Wheels
  In the last 12 months I had to replace 4 run flat tires at a cost of approximately $1300. The tire were coming off the car, there were bubbles in the tire. BMW said "that happens with 2-series cars." they said the low profile causes this when you hit potholes. I didn't hit any potholes. the car…

  In the last 12 months I had to replace 4 run flat tires at a cost of approximately $1300. The tire were coming off the car, there were bubbles in the tire. BMW said "that happens with 2-series cars." they said the low profile causes this when you hit potholes. I didn't hit any potholes. the car thumps whenever it hits even the smallest of bumps. I live in the burbs where the roads are relatively smooth. I have never had a problem like this before with the many cars I leased before. BMW of mt. Kisco was totalling uncaring and did not offer any solutions despite the unsafe conditions, not to mention the cost. I want to get out of the lease after 1 year of the 3 years but they wouldn't even return my call.

• Mar 17, 2017FL400 mi
  Unknown or other
  I have ordered my car with help by BMW of north america (BMW na) representatives by calling 800-831- 1117, to whom I expressed that I want to have 3 safety options, namely: 1) blind spot detection, 2) automated braking and 3) front camera. However, once I received the car, none of the desired…

  I have ordered my car with help by BMW of north america (BMW na) representatives by calling 800-831- 1117, to whom I expressed that I want to have 3 safety options, namely: 1) blind spot detection, 2) automated braking and 3) front camera. However, once I received the car, none of the desired options have been included on the car. Note that the representatives advised me that the automated braking IS not available, but that there IS front collision warning, which primes the brakes, ad which I accepted. All of which IS available in driver assistance plus package, which came with navigation as well as additional options bundled, and which I have purchased. however, when I received the car, none of the desired options were included on the car. I have called BMW na and they told me that I will have to discuss it with the dealer. When I have called the dealer, they told me that none of these options were available on my car, and that they could not been ordered. provided that the car has been provided to me without the options for which I have specifically asked and which were supposedly included, namely driver assistance plus, and provided that the BMW na representatives misguided me by telling me to buy this option, I believe that this IS enough to open the case. in addition, note that BMW of lincoln, ne, in which I have purchased the lease of my car, has stopped calling me back, even after I have called BMW na numerous times and they told me that they have requested the dealership to call me, in order to resolve the problem.

Defect investigations

NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.

• Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

  EA21002Opened Sep 17, 2021Open
  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant…

  From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

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.

• 11008102For this vehicle, the EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles, from the original 10 years/120,000 miles, as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusion criteria that apply to the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty. Vehicles that are registered in California or a State that has fully adopted the State of California PZEV(SULEV) emission regulation (State of registration, model, and model year dependent), the emission-relevant coverage for this component is 15 years/150,000 miles.
• 11005231While driving on rough roads, a cracking sound is heard coming from the headliner area.
• 11000578Evap system purge (vent) valve ext ltd wty (elw) 15/150
• 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.
• 10249018At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.
• 10245376The steering wheel heating takes a long time to achieve the desired temperature.
• 10245372The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.
• 10245365Pressure control valve (pcv) extended ltd wty 15 years/150,000 miles
• 10238090After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.
• 10235205The 3G network in the US has been shut down. This means that only the 4G network will be available. In the 4G network, voice calls will be transferred via the Voice over LTE (VoLTE) function. For this purpose, the SIM card must perform an IMS registration in the mobile communication network. Due to a production error, the telematics control units were delivered without an IMS configuration. The Connected Drive voice services (Concierge Call, BMW Assistance, and emergency call voice) can no longer be used regionally in the US in vehicle with telematics control units ATM-1 and TCB-4G. Voice control of the vehicle and all other telephone (paired mobile devices) functions are not affected. Emergency call location data is unaffected.
• 10230722After an automatic engine start (MSA start), the transmission intermittently goes into the Park "P" or Neutral "N" position without any customer influence.
• 10218368The driver and/or passenger side floor mat/carpet are soaked during/after a car wash.
• 10215031Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, LLC
• 10215026Covered under the terms of the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for
• 10215025Shipping specific non-deployed vehicle safety devices to lighting resources, llc. This service Information bulletin provides information on shipping "specific" noin-deployed vehicle safety devices that are classified as Dangerous Goods (DG) to Lighting resources, LLC
• 10214990The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.
• 10214944Please return all part(s) to your facing Regional Distribution Center (RDC). Submit for return using a YR26 damage claim with order reason BM2. A valid BMW delivery and delivery item number must be entered, and TEC73 must appear in the text of your TEC claim.
• 10214256The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
• 10212788The quick disconnect coupling on the cylinder head coolant vent line could break at the cylinder head. This would lead to loss of coolant from the engine.
• 10212780Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This bulletin is notice of a limited emission warranty extension. This is NOT a notice of a Recall or Service Action. There is no immediate repair required unless the BMW vehicle is currently experiencing this problem. Customer Notification Letter Even though this is NOT a Recall, BMW NA is sending VIN-specific customer notification letters. The plastic fuel tank has two openings, one at the top right and the other at the top left. The top right opening (passenger's side, serviceable) provides a mounting point and repair access to the intake fuel pump/level sensor assembly. The top left opening (driver's side, non-serviceable) serves as an access point for the installation of the suction jet pump/level sensor assembly during the fuel tank manufacturing process. After these components are installed, the top left side opening is then permanently closed and sealed with the installation of a circular Coex biopolymer plastic cover plate which is welded into place. Over time, the left side opening plastic cover plate weld may become damaged. Should this occur, there is the possibility of fuel leakage. Additionally, your vehicle will store the corresponding fault codes that may also be generated, and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate.
• 10212779Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension. This component-specific limited emission warranty extension applies to defects in materials or workmanship.
• 10205092Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box.
• 10205068Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes.
• 10203340Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle,when turning the steering wheel.
• 10200489TELEMATICS UNIT RETROFIT TO 4G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10200487TELEMATICS UNIT DEACTIVATION DUE TO 3G CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY DISCONTINUATION: The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022.
• 10200249The discontinuation of 3G cellular communication for Combox, TCB 3G and ATM 3G (Telematics ControlModule) can no longer be supported by the cellular network provider starting February 2022. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW. Due to the phase-out, BMW Assist and ConnectedDrive services will no longer be supported after this date.
• 10200238Groaning, scraping, or squeaking noise coming from the steering wheel area in the interior of the vehicle, when turning the steering wheel.
• 10200228On rare occasions during an engine oil service, the BMW Original (Genuine) engine oil filter insert is either difficult to remove or breaks apart in the oil filter housing.
• 10199295GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows.
• 10199292B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
• 10198902GROANING FROM THE SIDE WINDOWS: There is a groaning noise present from the area where the side windows meet the convertible top while driving. Insufficient seal pressure against the side windows.
• 10198899B58 ENGINE: ENGINE OIL FILTER REMOVAL PROCEDURE AND TOOLS . A. For the B58 engines, a BMW Oil Catch special tool for use in conjunction with removing the engine oilfilter insert is now available.
• 10194305Washer Fluid Reservoir Rattles While Driving on Rough Roads: Rattling noises heard from vicinity of glove box.
• 10194298Diagnosis 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.
• 10188938COMBUSTION CONTROL VALVE LIFT AT IDLE: The vehicle will run rough or hesitate when accelerating from a stationary position.
• 10186889?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
• 10186227?A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Customer may complain of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up.
• 10186206BMW MAINTENANCE BOOKLET AND OEM TIRE MANUFACTURERS' WARRANTIES: In efforts to provide a digital experience to our customers, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) is proud to announce a digital version of both the BMW Maintenance Booklet and BMW Original Equipment Manufacturers' (OEM) Tire Warranties.
• 10184584Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full: Low Washer Fluid Warning Light is illuminated when the Washer Fluid Tank is Full.There are no faults stored in the system for the washer fluid level switch.

Every BMW 230I model year

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