2007 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › BMW › 3 Series › 2007
These records cover every 2007 BMW 3 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2007 BMW 3 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
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.
Owner complaints
115 complaints6 involved a crash4 involved a fire3 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
The seat bag sensor IS continuously on. There IS no one in the seat. This started at about 65K, the car now has 106k...is this dangerous to a passenger? Of course, this seems to activate the seatbelt light also...
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
I was going between 30 and 35 mph through city streets at roughly 3AM on my way back from my commute which IS roughly 60 miles. I noticed it started to smell like burning plastic and immediately after smoke was visible coming from hood vents, I parked the car as soon as I could and popped the hood…
I was going between 30 and 35 mph through city streets at roughly 3AM on my way back from my commute which IS roughly 60 miles. I noticed it started to smell like burning plastic and immediately after smoke was visible coming from hood vents, I parked the car as soon as I could and popped the hood and the heat cover for the hood was on fire along with most other components in the engine bay. My friend immediately called 911 for assistance as I ran and tried to warn neighbors , within 7 minutes the car was completely chard. No maitnance lights were on and nothing seemed to be a problem. the two recalls I never received both would explan this incedent nhtsa campaign number: 17v683000 nhtsa campaign number: 17v676000
- Air bags · Engine
Recall for front passenger seat occupant detection mat & pcv valve heater not complete. dealer has not been able to obtain parts to repair these recalls.
- Electrical system · Engine
Dealer refused to make the repairs on my engine that was caused by the recall product the pcv valve. Dealer says their not required to make any repairs, their job IS to replace the recall part
- Electrical system
Stationary in parking lot. front passenger door will not lock/unlock with any method attempted. drivers door will only unlock using emergency key from exterior.
- Electrical system
Despite repeated phone calls to BMW customer service, and stopping at the local dealership, no action has been taken by BMW for a recall regarding a spontaneous fire that can occur with my vehicle due to an electrical issue, even when the car IS garaged and not in use. customer service repeatedly…
Despite repeated phone calls to BMW customer service, and stopping at the local dealership, no action has been taken by BMW for a recall regarding a spontaneous fire that can occur with my vehicle due to an electrical issue, even when the car IS garaged and not in use. customer service repeatedly tells me they don't have the parts to fix the issue. I learned about this problem a year and a half ago from the news. I have never received a recall letter from BMW, although I verified with them they have my vin number and my car IS part of the recall. I hesitate to even drive my car and have serious concerns about a spontaneous fire sparked by an electrical issue. It seems unacceptable as a consumer no action has been taken to remedy what could be a very serious issue (my house burning down for one). I am getting nowhere when I contact BMW.
- Structure › Body
Water leaks in my car on driver side front and back seat carpet IS soak and smell. Not the first when going to get a car wash leaks occur. This IS my second BMW I had a 2004 325L same problem with leakage. Also, no doubt rust have occur in this vehicle with on going leaks.
- Electrical system · Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner · Exterior lighting
Replaced blower motor twice 4 months 1ST one made noise and stop blowing air out vents now second one IS making loud rattling noise. Constant tail light bulb issues display tail light malfunction.
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger · Electrical system
Passenger airbag restraint failure - bmw's, in particular 3 series and E90 models, have a known and common failure where the seat based electrical mat fails in the passenger seats. This IS not related to wear and tear as the seats often go unused but simply fail after a certain period of time. The…
Passenger airbag restraint failure - bmw's, in particular 3 series and E90 models, have a known and common failure where the seat based electrical mat fails in the passenger seats. This IS not related to wear and tear as the seats often go unused but simply fail after a certain period of time. The error causes the passenger side airbag to default to always on, which can cause injury or death to children or small passengers in that seat. The cost to repair this IS usually $200 for parts and $400 for labor which means many drivers simply don't fix it creating a vulnerability. The issue has been recurring with bmws for several generations and across model types and should be addressed by the manufacturer as its a poorly made part and set up. There are numerous documented cases on BMW forums and a partial recall for some models was implemented. A full recall IS needed on all cars affected, including 2007 3 series models. The issue does not appear fixed until the f model 3 series came out. https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=4746508#post4746508 https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-496444.html
- Air bags · Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification · Seat belts · Seats
For over a year now the airbag light on the dashboard has been going on and off. Originally, it was only turning on when I had a passenger in the front seat. Now it turns on with or without a person so I'm starting to think that the drivers side IS malfunctioning too. In additional the seatbelt…
For over a year now the airbag light on the dashboard has been going on and off. Originally, it was only turning on when I had a passenger in the front seat. Now it turns on with or without a person so I'm starting to think that the drivers side IS malfunctioning too. In additional the seatbelt light IS turning on too now. This IS very frustrating. I talked to the dealership and they indicated that it IS the airbag and seat sensors that have malfunctioned. Each to fix IS over $500. They also indicated that this IS a common problem for owners and to wait for a supposably recall letter. However, that was a year ago and I now have the airbag and seatbelt light going off. I've also come across many BMW forums (owners) talking about their frustration with these same issues. It's surprising that the dealerships acknowledge the issue but yet nothing IS being resolved. There has to be a remedy for this annoyance and lack of acknowledgement by BMW. If anything there has to be some repercussions on bmw's part since the consumers are having to deal with these problem for what seems to be years now.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system
Voluntary emissions recall campaign 10e-a02: N54 car IS smoking excessively due to faulty fuel injectors dumping fuel into the engine in an uncontrolled manner. Fuel leaking and fumes/smell, hazard, will cause fire.
- Fuel system, gasoline · Unknown or other
Fuel regulator filter plastic housing cracking causing fuel -gas leaking in side the car, and gas smell inside the car, safety issue, there IS recall for 333I 2007 for same fuel leaking defective plastic housing but no recall for 328I 2007.it si life or death issue. best regards [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Electrical system
When driving, the smell of burning or melting plastic IS so strong, I have to roll down the windows. The smell occurs about 5 times a week and can be smelled both inside and outside the car. It occurs at various times...on the freeway, on surface streets, stopped at a red light etc. There IS a…
When driving, the smell of burning or melting plastic IS so strong, I have to roll down the windows. The smell occurs about 5 times a week and can be smelled both inside and outside the car. It occurs at various times...on the freeway, on surface streets, stopped at a red light etc. There IS a safety recall, for positive crankcase ventilation(pcv) valve heater, but they don't have a plan or method of fixing this. Since it can lead to a fire, it needs to be fixed, but the dealership has no information about even how to fix the problem. The website and letter tells you to call the local dealership but they tell you to contact BMW north america, however they don't answer the phone. The service supervisor at the local BMW dealer ship in glendale ca has not returned my messages and the number they refer me to, BMW north america at 800.831.1117 just keeps ringing...no answer. I don't feel safe inhaling the plastic fumes and it could lead to my car catching on fire. BMW needs toanswer questions and provide customer service rather than referring me to advertisements to purchase a new BMW. (That IS what happens on their "recall" website). I would like them to provide a car and keep my car at the dealership until they figure this out. I think they would find a solution very quickly if they had to provide alternator transportation. Thank you for your help!
- Fuel/propulsion system
I have a 2007 BMW 328I with 120,000 miles. My car started to smell like gas just about a month ago, every time I go into my car it smells like gas it gives me a headache.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine
Takata recall the first complaint IS that I am afraid to drive or allow anyone to drive a car with this airbag recall which has in some cases resulted in serious injuries or death. The car IS thus parked in the garage while the dealer tells me they can't get the car in for repairs for 6 weeks at…
Takata recall the first complaint IS that I am afraid to drive or allow anyone to drive a car with this airbag recall which has in some cases resulted in serious injuries or death. The car IS thus parked in the garage while the dealer tells me they can't get the car in for repairs for 6 weeks at least which IS unacceptable. secondly, there are two additiona recalls that have no "fix" at this point which could also result in serious injury or death. I am at a loss for what to do with this vehicle. it IS a hazard and completely useless for the purpose for which it was intended. The two additional recalls are both fire hazards and are not correctable at this juncture. this IS unacceptable.
- Air bags · Electrical system
Both puget sound area dealers were totally indifferent about life treating recall notices, upon calling in in mid 2017' I was asked what recalls are you calling about and both did not give any in formation when I said I heard there was a recall. Nothing we can do to help you now check back later I…
Both puget sound area dealers were totally indifferent about life treating recall notices, upon calling in in mid 2017' I was asked what recalls are you calling about and both did not give any in formation when I said I heard there was a recall. Nothing we can do to help you now check back later I was told. In november when I called back I was again greeted with surprise that that there was a recall at seattle dealership and asked me to be specific on a exact recall that maybe in effect. after giving exacte required detailed recall info on this life treating defective recalli was told they don't have any parts and to check back next year! Where the hell IS the washington state attorney general? This IS a disgrace and BMW in my view should be spender from selling cars in washington state until they make this right. one death would cost far more than all the jerking around and bad will they are causing today! I'm writing this because I'm concerned about living ,and have no pictures to post. Can not allow how the government allows a major car company to get away with this, total disgrace!
- Engine
Vehicle completely shut down while driving on the ramp to enter a highway and service engine soon light came up. The engine has only 42000 miles. Took it to BMW and was told that the vanos system needs to be repaired because the bolts probably came off. A recall IS in place for exactly the same…
Vehicle completely shut down while driving on the ramp to enter a highway and service engine soon light came up. The engine has only 42000 miles. Took it to BMW and was told that the vanos system needs to be repaired because the bolts probably came off. A recall IS in place for exactly the same issue for other 3 series, but my vin IS not included in the recall and BMW IS not covering the repair. What IS the process for a vehicle to be included on a recall given that IS the exact same issue?
- Engine · Steering · Vehicle speed control
Power steering pulley comes into contact of axle carrier, it's a clear design flaw and this car hasn't had much research and development done, the company knowingly put an unsafe beta car on the market. My belt broke because of the pulley to frame contact and stalled on the 405 freeway and ended up…
Power steering pulley comes into contact of axle carrier, it's a clear design flaw and this car hasn't had much research and development done, the company knowingly put an unsafe beta car on the market. My belt broke because of the pulley to frame contact and stalled on the 405 freeway and ended up getting injured when the car was rear ended at 60mph. There IS a service bulletin within bmw's system describing this issue and they want consumers to pay out of pocket for repairs. I spoke to corporate and they have given me the cold shoulder so far. My mission IS to get this escalated to a recall before someone gets seriously hurt.
- Unknown or other
I hear a grinding noise inside the car come from air vent up bin the dashboard when the air IS offf when the air IS on I don't hear it any more
- Air bags
I have the exact problem with my vehicle as described in existing recall number 17v605. I had this repaired for over $1168.16 my vehicle should absolutely be included in this recall.
- Air bags · Electrical system · Engine
2 complaints: 1ST complaint addresses "takata recall" dated feb. 5, 2016 recall campaign no.16v-071 driver's front air bag. *BMW service center "otto's" in west chester, pa still has not received the parts going on 2YRS. * 2ND complaint engine shut off while driving (55mph) on a busy interstate…
2 complaints: 1ST complaint addresses "takata recall" dated feb. 5, 2016 recall campaign no.16v-071 driver's front air bag. *BMW service center "otto's" in west chester, pa still has not received the parts going on 2YRS. * 2ND complaint engine shut off while driving (55mph) on a busy interstate highway during heavy traffic with no warning the engine just shut off- no power! . It was a humid summer (july) morning BMW fault could have killed many, a very dangerous public safety hazard. I was stranded for hours unable to drive BMW. *Adding insult to injury the high humidity could have set-off the airbag fault unresolved by BMW 18 months & counting. otto's service center wanted almost $4K to repair plus an additional hefty sum under advisement for repairs to repair the work they completed less than a year ago (>$3K) for engine leaking oil - car over-heating
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
The front passenger occupancy sensor in the seat mat has malfunctioned which produces a fault in the passive restraint system preventing the passenger side air bag from deploying in an event of an accident. this malfunction occurs when the vehicle IS stationary, in motion, on a city street, on…
The front passenger occupancy sensor in the seat mat has malfunctioned which produces a fault in the passive restraint system preventing the passenger side air bag from deploying in an event of an accident. this malfunction occurs when the vehicle IS stationary, in motion, on a city street, on a highway, and when turning. there IS no damage or excessive wear and tear to the passenger seat. the passenger seat was used normally and as intended by the manufacturer. I believe the seat mat was not designed to withstand normal usage of people sitting on it. over time the sensor in the seat mat failed and poses a serious safety issue for the vehicle's front passenger since the air bag may not deploy during a collision.
- Air bags
Takata inflators your web site said on 2.5.2016 that my BMW 321 2007 was recalled by an airbag replacement. The dealer told me three month later that they had received no replacement airbags. Since then I've heard nothing from the dealer. Some months ago I called the nhtsa & your rep said they…
Takata inflators your web site said on 2.5.2016 that my BMW 321 2007 was recalled by an airbag replacement. The dealer told me three month later that they had received no replacement airbags. Since then I've heard nothing from the dealer. Some months ago I called the nhtsa & your rep said they had no current information. my question: are you following up the recall and requiring BMW to replace the airbags in the 2007 bmws. [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'*jb
- Steering
The electronic steering wheel IS malfunctioning and preventing the car from starting.
- Air bags · Seat belts
When turn in on the car the air bag light and seat belt light when on at the same time
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.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10145306NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143564NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
- 10143557Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10136745ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist System Diagnosis Information
- 10056703BMW: 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). Model 2006-2007 E60 (5 series sedan, E61 (5 series sportswagon), E85 (Z4 roadster), E90 (3 series), E90 (3 series sport wagon).
- 10052012BMW: 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.
- 10051519BMW: 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
- 10051459BMW: 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.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10046861BMW: see document search button for owner letter. The replacing and/or checking of emissions monitoring components to increase emissions stability, high pressure (hp) egr valve restriction of excessive soot and improved diesel exhaust fluid (def) mixture introduced in exhaust system from scr mixer. Model 2008-2009 E70, E90. Updated 5/10/13.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10045279BMW: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling within coverage exclusion.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: 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.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers 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. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10040854BMW: 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. The positive battery cable connection at the front power distribution box loses connection.
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: 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. Updated 10/5/11.
- 10040368BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. There may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
- 10040347BMW: fuel injectors may cause misfire faults with erratic engine operation. Updated on 11/1/2013.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040049BMW: 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.
- 10040047BMW: the seal on the rear lamps in the side panel emits a gas and causes damage to the electrical connectors on the leds inside the lamp. E91.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10039765BMW: the service engine soon light IS on while driving. This IS a programming issue. Updated 1/4/12. Updated 4/24/12.
- 10039592BMW: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 10039591BMW: the service engine light IS on with stored fault codes. There IS a wiring/connection problem or a faulty sensor.
- 10038217BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10037700BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. The service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
- 10037657BMW: there IS a clanking noise from the engine or exhaust area. Wastegate valve IS not completely closing and clanking. Updated 7/17/12.
- 10037489BMW: the service engine soon light may be on with the vehicle running rough and internal misfire codes. This IS an ignition coil problem.
- 10037487BMW: 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.
- 10037079BMW: service engine soon light IS on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. Updated 5/19/15.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.