2011 BMW 328I Visibility Problems

Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.NHTSA: #23V-707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year warranty without mileage limitation was created but BMW owners were not notified - unless engine failure occurred and the car presented to a BMW dealership. I am more than frustrated that repairs have not been initiated. The local BMW dealership would like to repair the car but cannot proceed without corporate approval. Parts are indeed available locally. BMW has been aware of the problems for a DECADE. Furthermore, the valve cover gasket has been replaced twice since 2014. The VANOS bolts were never inspected. The valve cover was replaced last at 149,000 miles. A mechanic advised replacing the VANOS bolts but did not inspect them. Cost of repair $1500. I declined. Abysmal customer service!

NHTSA ID

11574109

Incident

Feb 20, 2024

Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.

NHTSA ID

11573011

Incident

Feb 16, 2024

The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners

NHTSA ID

11563996

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Unable to unlock/lock doors on car (obviously very worrisome), unable to use turn signals, no interior lighting controls or functionality. Unable to control headlights, they still do turn on but I cannot control them. Cannot adjust any mirrors electronically. Some speedometer lighting affect or but the dials do still work, cannot see all buttons inside interior due to electrical issue. Problem: Footwell Control Module (FRM) needs replacement costing around $1300 to do minimum from dealer. This module controls all of the functions above and has gone bad. This FRM module is hidden and not easily gotten to tells me something like a fuse needs to be installed just in case a power surge from the car happens so the car does not break this very expensive equipment. Looked into it online and apparently this happens very often and one guy had to have his replaced twice. This is an obvious issue that will require a remedy.

NHTSA ID

11478189

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, Windows. I can't signal my cars lane changes or see clearly at night. I can't roll the windows down or up which creates a unsafe hazard. My child is able to climb out of the window in the back seat while I'm driving. I have zero control over the windows. I can't determine if my child's door is open or closed when the car is in motion. My car doors no longer lock at all. My child can open up the door at any moment that the car is in motion. I'm unable to see at night without my highbeams. I'm now forced to drive with reduced visibility. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Both by a dealership and independent shop. There have been reconcurring warrantee coverages offered but no recalls despite the clear determinant to safety. Common usage of the vehicle at this point in time is a safety concern of all surrounding users and transportation vehicles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer has inspected this module concern. I'm very sure that there have been accidents associated with this module malfunction. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are zero signs of this issue prior to it's failure. The failure had no warning.

NHTSA ID

11459157

Incident

Mar 28, 2022

FOOTWELL MODULE FAILED. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE BY BMW. DEVICE CONTROLS ACCESSORY LIGHTING, CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM, TURN SIGNALS, AND POWER WINDOWS. BMW SI B01 20 16 RELEASED EXTENDING WARRANTY ON FRM TO 10 YEARS, 152000 MILES. FRM ON MY VEHICLE FAILED AT 195,000. TOTAL REPLACEMENT COST WAS $1,000

NHTSA ID

11376409

Incident

Nov 11, 2020

Mileage

195,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED BMW NORTHWEST LOCATED AT 4011 20TH ST E, TACOMA, WA 98424, (253) 922-8700, AND AN AUTHORIZED MECHANIC WAS SENT TO THE RESIDENCE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A WEEK AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM BECAME INOPERABLE. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING FAILURE WAS NOT RELATED TO THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 176,000. *LN*JB

NHTSA ID

11343334

Incident

Jan 1, 2020

Mileage

176,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT SMELLED BURNING WIRES AND STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR TURNED ON AND OFF AFTER THE VEHICLE DROVE OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE SYMPTOMS WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC VERIFIED THE FAILURE WITH THE VEHICLE. BMW PORTLAND (2001 SW JEFFERSON ST, PORTLAND, OR 97201, (971) 340-4590) AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11179830

Incident

Dec 13, 2018

Mileage

110,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOLDINGS FOR THE FRONT AND REAR WINDSHIELDS WERE CRACKED AND DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW (5070 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOLDINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,261.

NHTSA ID

11118789

Incident

Jul 4, 2018

Mileage

45,261 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED BLOWING COLD AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11102535

Incident

Jun 13, 2018

Mileage

140,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK THAT EXTENDED APPROXIMATELY EIGHT INCHES. THE CONTACT CALLED A GLASS REPLACEMENT COMPANY TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. THE INDEPENDENT TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THERE WERE MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE FAILURE AND IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY ROAD DEBRIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA ID

10895075

Incident

Jul 27, 2016

Mileage

75,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ATTEMPTING TO UTILIZE THE DEFROST TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO WORK. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT WINDOWS WOULD NOT ROLL UP OR DOWN INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING; HOWEVER THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.

NHTSA ID

10810529

Incident

Dec 12, 2013

Mileage

35,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING DOWN A STRAIGHT ROAD AT 50 MPH, A VERY LOUD POP WAS HEARD ALMOST LIKE AN EXPLOSION. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED THE ENTIRE SUNROOF HAD SHATTERED. IT WAS A CLEAR DAY WITH TEMPS IN THE 70'S. NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE IN THE VICINITY AT TIME OF EVENT. NO ROAD DEBRI WAS NOTED ON ROADWAY. THE GLASS APPEARED TO BE PUSHED OUT LIKE IT WAS CAUSED BY A PRESSURE DIFFERENCE. AT THE TIME OF EVENT, ALL THE WINDOWS WERE UP WITH THE A/C ON. PIECES OF THE GLASS HAD FLOWN BACK AND SCRATCHED THE PAINT DOWN TO METAL ON BOTH THE ROOF AND TRUNK-LID. I HAD MY TWO SMALL KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT AT THE TIME AND THEY WERE BOTH TERRIFIED AFTER HEARING THE NOISE. LUCKILY THE SHADE COVER WAS IN PLACE AND NO GLASS ENTERED THE PASSENGER SPACE. BMW IS NOT WILLING TO INVESTIGATE THE INCIDENT OR COVER THE COST.

NHTSA ID

10745037

Incident

Jul 28, 2015

Mileage

32,400 mi

WHILE APPROACHING THE INTERSTATE AND INCREASING IN SPEED, DRIVER HEARD LOUD EXPLOSION (LIKE A GUN) COMING FROM ABOVE AND STARTED TO FEEL GLASS DEBRIS COMING FALL FROM CRACK. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS AROUND 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES NEARBY WHERE DEBRIS COULD HAVE FALLEN AND NO DEBRIS COMING FROM OTHER CARS. WHEN PULLED OVER, THE SUNROOF HAD COMPLETELY SHATTERED. *TR

NHTSA ID

10504739

Incident

Mar 27, 2013