2009 BMW 135I

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.

glass sun roof exploded spontaneously while driving at freeway speeds.

NHTSA ID

11461159

Incident

Apr 16, 2022

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE FOR SERVICE AT OTTO'S BMW (1275 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER, PA 193820) HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROLL OVER CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WHICH HE DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. I TOOK MY CAR TO OTTO'S BMW FOR A STATE INSPECTION, NOT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, AND OTTO'S DID NOT INFORM ME THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED. I FOUND OUT THE MODULE HAD FAILED BY USING MY CODE READER. WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR TO TAKE IT FOR THE STATE INSPECTION, I FOUND THE BATTERY HAD DIED. WHEN I REPLACED THE BATTERY, I FOUND THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED JUST BECAUSE MY CAR BATTERY DIED. THE ROC MODULE IS A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE, THAT EXTENDS THE HEAD PROTECTION IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. THIS MODULE SHOULDN'T FAIL SIMPLY BECAUSE YOUR CAR BATTERY DIES. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS MANY OWNERS OF BMW'S EXPERIENCE THIS MODULE FAILURE JUST BECAUSE THEIR BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR THEIR BATTERY HAD FULLY DISHARGED. I HAVE NEVER OWNED ANY OTHER CAR THAT A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE FAILED JUST BECAUSE THE BATTERY DISCHARGES. EVERY OTHER CAR, I WOULD SIMPLY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING STILL WORKED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS MODULE FAILS, AS THE ROLL OVER PROTECTION DEVICES WILL NOT ACTIVATE IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT, AND THIS CAR IS A CONVERTIBLE. THIS MODULE COSTS OVER $500 AT BMW DEALERS, AND SEVERAL HUNDRED MORE FOR INSTALLATION CHARGES. FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT MANY OWNERS FAIL TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE DUE TO THE VERY HIGH COST, OR THEY GO TO A SECONDARY MARKET WHERE THESE MODULES ARE REPAIRED FOR A LOWER PRICE. ALL OF THIS IS SETTING UP OWNERS FOR MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH IF THEY ARE INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT AND THIS MODULE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS OR AT LEAST OFFER A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUT

NHTSA ID

11415310

Incident

Apr 14, 2021

Mileage

57,000 mi

TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT AND REQUIRE ENTIRE HOUSING TO BE REPLACED INSTEAD OF JUST BULBS. LED'S BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY, CONTRARY TO TYPICAL LED'S AND ARE COSTLY TO REPLACE

NHTSA ID

11389074

Incident

Jan 19, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

THE WIRING OF MY 2009 BMW HEADLIGHTS, BOTH SIDES, HAS ITS INSULATION DISINTEGRATE, EXPOSING BARE COPPER WIRE (AS IT IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL) TO THE POINT WHERE MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE SHORTED OUT AND THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL ON THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT IS STUCK AT AN ANGLE THAT IS TOO HIGH. AS THESE ARE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS, A SHORT HERE CAN RENDER THE CAR'S HEADLIGHT IN A BLINDING STATE. LOCAL SHOPS WANT TO CHARGE $900+ PER LIGHT HOUSING TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.

NHTSA ID

11257434

Incident

Sep 16, 2019

Mileage

142,000 mi

HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS BAD IN CAR. THE CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE ON HIGHWAY WHEN PASSING CAR LEAVING YOU NO POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF CAR GOING 75 MPH. BMW KNOWS IT BAD BUT WILL NOT HELP!

NHTSA ID

11150173

Incident

Jun 4, 2018

Mileage

93,000 mi

WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS INSUFFICIENTLY INSULATED WIRING. THE WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF DUE TO HEAT EXPOSURE FROM NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. FIRE POTENTIAL. LIGHTS COULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.

NHTSA ID

11043012

Incident

Nov 3, 2017

Mileage

70,000 mi

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SUN MOTOR CARS, INC. 6677 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 (717) 691-3333) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED WITH THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS IN PRIORITY GROUP 5 AND PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID

11010246

Incident

Jul 24, 2017

THERE IS A RECALL AND IT IS INCOMPLETE DUE TO IT NOT BEING REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER NO INCIDENT AS OF NOW BUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.

NHTSA ID

11002908

Incident

Jan 1, 1999

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.

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT: N54/N54T/N55 ELECTRIC ENGINE COOLANT PUMP . With the court's FINAL approval, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has entered a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Oliver, et al v. BMW NA, et al

Diagnosis 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.

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. 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.

Power 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.