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2007 BMW 328XI

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
198
Latest Aug 12, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
4
Latest Jul 3, 2024
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
17
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 198 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2007 BMW 328XI, most frequently naming the electrical, engine and airbags categories. 4 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 125 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

4 campaigns cover this model year

View all 4

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
24V513000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jul 3, 2024
394,029 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
20V017000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Jan 15, 2020
59,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
The risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
17V676000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Oct 25, 2017
702,965 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
The risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 198
Electrical
Filed Aug 12, 2025

Keeps dying out. Can't drive it at all.

NHTSA ID
11680290
Incident
Jul 1, 2025
ElectricalEngine
Filed May 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was smoke and a burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was a smoldering sound coming from the dashboard. The contact turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained hot, and the smoke started to increase as if the vehicle was not turned off. The contact disconnected the battery to get the smoke to settle and get the engine to cool down. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11659207
Incident
May 3, 2025
Mileage
200,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11650516
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Sep 26, 2024

Quote: Report Receipt Date: NOV 12, 2013 NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 76,565 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC The Problem: The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury. Repair: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, anticipated to be in March 2014, BMW will send a second letter and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. This is reproducible with the front passenger seat. The seatbelt light and airbag light turn on when a passenger is present. This car is unsafe for anyone to be seated in the front passenger seat even when buckled as the red seatbelt and red airbag turn on and stay on until the passenger unbuckles and exits this vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11616745
Incident
Sep 26, 2024
Engine
Filed Sep 12, 2024
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that upon reaching his destination, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection, the contact then observed flames within the engine compartment, shortly after which the entire vehicle became engulfed in flames. Emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection but did not provide the contact with diagnostic information. The vehicle was towed to a towed yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11614200
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Electrical
Filed Apr 20, 2023
Fire reported

I was driving to my appointment about 3 weeks ago. When all of a sudden I start to smell smoke. I started to brake at the light when I seen flames coming from underneath my glove box. I pulled over as fast as I could by that time my entire glove box with my documents were on fire.The only thing I had was a gallon of apple juice so I put that on the fire to put it out. That was the only I could contain the fire. From that point my car wouldn't turn back on. So I had to pay to get my vehicle to my home.

NHTSA ID
11518100
Incident
Feb 22, 2023
Engine
Filed Oct 21, 2022

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11490314
Incident
Oct 21, 2022
Engine
Filed Sep 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil odor detected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover was leaking oil and the head gasket cover needed to be replaced. The dealer informed her that the failure was not related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11487316
Incident
Jul 1, 2022
Mileage
50,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B510819

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

B610322

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

B340414

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC; STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR

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.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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.

B110208

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 328XI by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2016411—
2015142154.9
2014173156.0
2013272152.5
2012140—
2011673053.2
2010173049.5
2009114047.6
2008993054.3
2007Viewing1984049.3
2006530—
2005003—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.