RoadVitals

2009 BMW 335I Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints 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.
15
Latest May 27, 2023
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
18%
of 85 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
6
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2009 BMW 335I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 15 reports on file name it.

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

Owner reports naming electrical

Shown in the owner’s own words, exactly as filed

Electrical
Filed May 27, 2023
Fire reported

Car caught fire in driveway spontaneously. It had not been used since the previous day and had been sitting atleast 16 hours since last use. We woke up and black smoke and flames coming from car taller than our house. Significant damage to other three cars in driveway and side of our house. Car that caught fire is totaled

NHTSA ID
11524106
Incident
May 27, 2023
ElectricalExterior lightingPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 15, 2022
Fire reported

Positive battery cable heat up cause fire above battery. Blow off wire worked blowing off. Distribution box and power pole connection sparking heating up causing arc fire. No recalls for my specific Vin but 2008 through 2012 recalls this part but not for my vehicle. 2009 335 convertible. ? $1132 to fix. 9 months ago 2021 BMW could not find problem recommended changing my alternator never recommended changing the recalled part that I am now having changed at my own expense. Very scary I have the car returned to me but I was only able to drive limited distances as the cable deteriorated I was limited more and more use of the vehicle until ultimately I drove to BMW to have it fixed and the wire exploded a mile before exiting the freeway very scary.

NHTSA ID
11460971
Incident
Apr 12, 2022
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jun 9, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was made. There was no injury sustained. The police arrived and started an investigating however, a police report was not filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance provider was contacted and informed the contact that fire coverage was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11420297
Incident
Dec 8, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 9, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and, the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no damages to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. A police investigation was started however, a report was not yet provided. A local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that fire protection was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11420296
Incident
Dec 8, 2020
Mileage
138,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 7, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle in the driveway at his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was called out and arrived and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed. There was no injury sustained. An investigation was started by the local police department however, a police report was not yet filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that there was no fire coverage included on his policy. The contact mentioned NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, not further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

NHTSA ID
11419933
Incident
Jun 6, 2021
Mileage
138,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Nov 20, 2020

RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WHEN STATIONARY MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED GOING HAYWIRE INCLUDING MY GAUGES AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AS WELL SOME OTHER SAFETY FEATURES WITH TTHE SEATBELT WERE DISABLED WITH & WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. I KEEP GETTING A WARNING SCREEN THAT TREAD AS FOLLOWS: "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER." AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED ON THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11375586
Incident
Nov 20, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 29, 2020

I BOUGHT A 2009 BMW 335I OFF OF A FRIEND OF MINE KNOWING THAT THE CAR DID INDEED HAVE FEW ISSUES BACK IN DECEMBER OF 2019. WHEN I HAD RECEIVED THE CAR THE BACK LEFT STRUT WAS OUT. I REPLACED ALL OF THEM INCLUDING THE BRAKES AS WELL AS PREFORMED A SIMPLE SERVICE. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR A DIAGNOSIS FOR THE CAR NOT WANTING TO START PROPERLY TO BMW FOR A PROPER CHECK UP. I LEGIT GET TWO STARTS BEFORE HAVING TO LET IT SIT FOR A WHILE BEFORE I CAN START IT AGAIN. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE AFTER WHAT I THOUGHT COULD POSSIBLY BE A STARTER ISSUE. BUT IT WASNT, THE CAR DOESNT CRANK; IT CLICKS ALMOST AS IF IT WANTS TO TURN OVER AND RUN AS A SELF SUSTAINING MECHANISM. INSTEAD I MUST LET IT SIT FOR A COUPLE HOURS UNTIL I CAN YET AGAIN START IT BACK UP AND ITS FINE. THIS CAR HAS MADE ME SIT AND WAIT COUNTLESS TIMES AT FRIENDS HOUSES AND PUBLIC PLACES. BMW TOLD ME THAT IT IS THE POSITIVE BATTERY TERMINAL AND CABLE FROM THE START PORT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO CORROSION. THEY SENT ME A FULL INSPECTION SUMMARY AS A VIDEO FOR ME TO SEE AND YES THAT RED CABLE DOESNT LOOK TO GOOD BEHIND THE WHEEL WELL LEADING TO THE BATTERY. OF COURSE I DID MY RESEARCH AND FOUND MANY OTHER BMW'S ALIKE HAVE THE SAME EXACT ISSUES. I DONT WANT TO HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET $3000 FOR A PIECE OF HARDWARE THAT IS BOND TO DECAY. THATS A HUGE OBLIGATION FOR MYSELF AND A LARGE SAFETY ISSUE FOR MANY OTHERS. THIS IS MY DAILY AND I DONT WANT TO RISK ANYTHING UPON MYSELF OR ANYONE ELSE THAT MAY OWN THIS SAME MODEL AND OR HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AGAIN. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY. THE DATE FOR WHEN IT OCCURRED IS THE DATE BMW SENT AN INSPECTION VIDEO BACK FOR MYSELF TO VIEW.

NHTSA ID
11351930
Incident
May 20, 2020
Mileage
100,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed May 17, 2020

FUEL PUMP LEAKING GASOLINE LEAVING A STRONG ODOR IN THE CAR AND FOOTWELL MODULE IS BAD

NHTSA ID
11324841
Incident
Jan 15, 2020
Mileage
100,786 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jul 1, 2019

THE VEHICLE'S WIRING HARNESS WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING ARE EXPOSED, IT NO LONGER HAS THE RUBBER COATING THAT SURROUNDS THE WIRES.I AFRAID THIS COULD CAUSE A SHORT CIRCUIT OR FIRE!

NHTSA ID
11228591
Incident
Jun 3, 2019
Mileage
50,300 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 14, 2018
Fire reported1 injury reported

BLOWER MOTOR WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND SPREAD THROUGHOUT REMAINDER OF CAR. INITIALLY SAW SMOKE COMING FROM VENTS WHILE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A STOP IN A STAPLES PARKING LOT. FIRE SPREAD INTO ENGINE AND INTERIOR OF CAR, BURNING MY HAND AND BRINGING CAR TO A TOTAL LOSS. EXISTING RECALL NUMBER: 17V-676

NHTSA ID
11151514
Incident
Nov 11, 2018
Mileage
98,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 13, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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. MARIN MAZDA (807 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415) 454-7000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11119721
Incident
Aug 13, 2018
Electrical
Filed Jun 11, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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 AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER SIX MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (SOUTH BAY BMW, 18800 HAWTHORNE BLVD, TORRANCE, CA 90504) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11101244
Incident
Jun 10, 2018
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Mar 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO BMW OF SCOTTSDALE IN SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED IN MARCH OF 2017 PER AN UNKNOWN FUEL PUMP RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON MARCH 29, 2018 AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,725.

NHTSA ID
11082201
Incident
Mar 29, 2018
Mileage
91,725 mi
ElectricalFuel systemSuspension
Filed Mar 3, 2018

STARTING WITH ELECTRICAL THE DASH SCREEN HAS BEEN TURNING ON AND OFF ON ITS OWN SINS I BOUGHT THE CAR. DEALER CANT REPLICATE PROBLEM BECAUSE IT ONLY HAPPENS SO OFTEN. WATER PUMP AND GAS PUMP HAVE GAVE ME PROBLEMS EVEN AFTER THEY FIX IT. AFTER RECALL FOR HEATER ISSUES, MY CAR ABSORBS FUMES FROM THE ENGINE. ADVISER AND SUPERVISOR FROM BMW DEALER SAY THAT IS NORMAL CAUSE THAT'S WHERE THE CAR GETS THE HEAT FROM. CENTER DIVIDER FROM INSIDE OF THE CAR GETS EXTREMELY HOT WHEN I HAVE HEATER ON, TO WHERE I CAN FEEL THE HEAT GO THROUGH MY JEANS. ADVISERS AND SUPERVISOR ALSO STATE THAT IS NORMAL, BECAUSE EXHAUST PIPES RUN THROUGH THERE. NONE OF THIS MAKES ANY SENSE TO ME. I'VE CALLED CORPORATE PLENTY OF TIMES THROUGH OUT THE YEARS AND THEY TEND TO HELP AT TIMES. BUT THIS TIME I FEEL LIKE I HAVE A LEMON PROBLEM. WHAT CAN I DO?

NHTSA ID
11076055
Incident
Apr 7, 2014
ElectricalSteering
Filed Oct 24, 2017

TAKATA RECALL AIR BAGS NEED TO BE SERVICED 1000 DOLLARS TO SERVICE

NHTSA ID
11039349
Incident
Oct 9, 2017
Mileage
60,000 mi

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.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .