RoadVitals

2007 BMW 530I Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

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.
73
Latest Sep 28, 2025
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
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.
8

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 BMW 530I, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

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

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags2020.4%
  • Electrical1616.3%
  • Engine1313.3%
  • Steering66.1%
  • Brakes66.1%
  • Seat belts55.1%
  • Powertrain (other)44.1%
  • Interior & seats33.1%
  • Driver assistance33.1%
  • Other / unspecified33.1%
  • Fuel system22.0%
  • Visibility22.0%
  • Body & structure11.0%

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

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

20
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Well was driving fine one day then the next it didn't do nothing an still hasn't done or moved since found that the module in the truck were the spare was got wet an melted then I got another put it in an still nothing changed starter still nothing an found out a recall was found called bmw but they wasn't willing to have it towed to a service provider

NHTSA ID 11525149 · filed Jun 3, 2023

MY CAR WAS IN MY DRIVEWAY. MY COMPLAINT IS I JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM A FRIEND OF OUR FAMILY AND EVERYTHING WAS. ABOUT A MONTH LATER WHEN I START THE CAR I GET THIS ERROR" FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM EFFECTING AIRBAG-BELT TENSIONER OR BELT FOR DELIMITER. SO I CALL BMWUSA TO SEE IF THIS WAS RECALLED. THE MAN I SPOKE WITH SAID YES IT WAS BUT I LET ME HAVE YOUR VIN# OH NO I'M SORRY NOT FOR YOUR VIN " I WAS SHOCKED TO THINK IT WOULD BE A RECALL ON ONE BUT NOT ANOTHER. IF IT IS EFFECTING MY AIR BAG U WOULD THINK. IT WOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ALL CARS THAT GET THAT ERROR. OR WAS THAT CAR BUILT KNOWING IT WAS EVENTUALLY GOING TO GO OUT AND WE THE CUSTOMERS ARE GOING TO HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. I WOULD RATHER NOT HAVE THAT AT ALL. IT MAKES NO SENSE. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR OK TO FIX SOME CARS AND NOT ALL OF THEM AFTER ALL WHY WOULD WE WANT SOMETHING IN THE CAR IF WE KNOW ONE ITS JUST GOING TO GO OUT AND WE HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. AND FOR THE SAFETY PART . IT EVEN SOUNDS MORE CRAZY THAT SOMETHING LIKE THAT COULD MALFUNCTION AND I NOT EVEN SURE IF ANYBODY SHOULD RIDE IN MY PASSENGER SEAT. WELL IT'S [XXX] AT [XXX] IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY. GOOD BLESS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

NHTSA ID 11328082 · filed Jun 10, 2020
All 20 reports naming airbags

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

BMW 530I headlights have faulty wiring. Insulation is crumbling an severly degraded leaving bare wires exposed to short circuits. Discovered the faulty wire when I went to replace the parking / angel eye lights. I have attempted to solve the problem short term with electrical tape. As soon as you touch the wire to put electrical tape on it, more of the faulty insulation comes off. Wire has essentially lost all insulation.

NHTSA ID 11690187 · filed Sep 28, 2025

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR ISSUES

NHTSA ID 11405363 · filed Mar 29, 2021
All 16 reports naming electrical

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT - REPLACED BULBS AND STILL NOT WORKING. REMOVED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY AND NOTICED EVERY WIRE WAS BARE WITH BARELY ANY COATING LEFT TO PROTECT THE WIRES- AT LEAST 15 WIRES. HEADLIGHT REPLACEMENT COST IS OVER $650.00.!! THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD AND COULD CAUSE SHORTING OUT AND A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION IN THE LEAST.

NHTSA ID 11318308 · filed Mar 16, 2020

INSULATION ON ELECTRICAL WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY IS CRUMBLING APART. THIS LETS BARE WIRE TOUCH EACH OTHER AND SHORTS OUT HEADLIGHT, LEADING TO MALFUNCTIONING / VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND DANGEROUS LIGHTING. OTHER DRIVERS MAY NOT SEE YOU COMING

NHTSA ID 11217523 · filed Jun 3, 2019
All 14 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood. The "transmission overheating" message was displayed. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11503658 · filed Jan 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the A/C vents. The contact also noticed the burning odor whenever opening the hood. The message "Service Engine Soon" was displayed. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). However, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated while driving 65-70 MPH, he noticed smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact veered to the side of the road for a moment and then opened the hood. The contact was able to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure had reoccurred on two different occasions. 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 failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID 11480728 · filed Aug 23, 2022
All 13 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS SITTING STILL AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK CAME ON. IT STATED THAT THE CAR MAY NOT BE ABLE TO START. I AM TIRED OF PUTTING MONEY IN THIS. THEY WANY $130.OO JUST TO DIAGNOSIS IT BEFORE THEY EVEN WANT TO FIX IT. PLEASE MAKE THIS A RECALL. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT

NHTSA ID 11190076 · filed Mar 19, 2019

MY 2007 BMW 530I HAS A MESSAGE IN THE DASH WITH A RED STEERING WHEEL SAYING "STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION!" "STEERING WHEEL MAY STAY LOCKED/UNLOCKED AND VEHICLE MAY NOT START"..... I HAVE CALLED THE BMW MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THIS ISSUE STATING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS 11 YRS OLD AND PROBLEMS WILL ACCRUE WITH THAT AGE ON ANY VEHICLE. YES THAT MAY BE TRUE BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL COULD LOCK WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE RD AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I ALSO CALLED THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE ON MY OWN AND THE SAID THAT THE PART ITSELF WAS AROUND $600!!! THEN ADD ON 4HRS OF LABOR TO THAT WITH A LABOR RATE OF $145 AND HE! THAT ADDS UP TO ALMOST $1200.00, HOW CAN A STEERING WHEEL LOCK COST SO MUCH! AND US CUSTOMERS BE FORCED TO PAY THIS AMOUNT BECAUSE IF WE DON'T WE MAY END UP ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH AND THE STEERING LOCKUP AND HAVE MAJOR ACCIDENT. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP WITH THIS ISSUE!

NHTSA ID 11075144 · filed Feb 26, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the brakes would not engage when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact also stated that he had to use additional force on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the vacuum hose and the brake booster needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 10V446000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 137,745.

NHTSA ID 11424047 · filed Jul 9, 2021

BRAKE PRESSURE LOSS, UNABLE TO STOP VEHICLE IN A SAFE MANNER. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR. CHECKED BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR & FLUID LEVEL LOW. DEEPER INSPECTION REVEALED CORRODED REAR BRAKE HARD LINE. VERY COMMON ON E60 & PREVIOUS GENERATION E39 BMW'S.

NHTSA ID 11338837 · filed Jul 12, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR VIBRATES WHEN AC IS ON. PASSENGER SEAT BELT BUZZES WHEN NO ONE IS IN THE SEAT AS WELL AS SEAT BELT TIGHTEN WHILE DRIVING. TRANSMISSION HESITANT AT TIMES. ( TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT COME ON AT TIMES, WHEN CAR HAS ALREADY BEEN SERVICE).

NHTSA ID 11267933 · filed Oct 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WAS CONNECTED, THE SAFETY SEAT AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE MESSAGE INDICATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT WAS FAULTY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FERMAN BMW (31400 US HWY 19 N, PALM HARBOR, FL 34684 AT (727) 785-3900) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V205000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ID 11047498 · filed Nov 20, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, there was smoke coming from the hood. The "transmission overheating" message was displayed. The vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID 11503658 · filed Jan 25, 2023

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS AND TRANSMISSION REPAIR ISSUES

NHTSA ID 11405363 · filed Mar 29, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION LIGHT IS ON DUE TO THE MAT CUSHION FAILURE. THIS IS VERY COMMON ON BMW AND MOST OF THEM HAVE A RECALL ISSUED, BUT NOT FOR MY 2007. PLEASE ADVISE AS THE DEALERSHIP WANTS $1800 FOR A NEW ONE. PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT WORK UNLESS REPLACED

NHTSA ID 11180906 · filed Feb 18, 2019

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR HAS FAILED AND IT HAS TRIGGERED THE SEAT BELT AND AIRBAG LIGHT SENSOR FOR MY BMW. BMW SAYS IT IS NOT UNDER RECALL, BUT THEY HAVE RECALLED THE 2006 BMW E60 (MINE IS A 2007) FOR THE SAME PROBLEM.

NHTSA ID 11162827 · filed Dec 20, 2018

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKES, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT OF INJURIES TO THE RIBS AND MUSCLE TEARING. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 148,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10559201 · filed Jan 9, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD UNTIL IT CRASHED INTO A ROCK. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID 10437841 · filed Nov 30, 2011

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WIRING ON HEADLIGHTS FLAKING APART LEAVING BEAR EXPOSE WIRES !!!

NHTSA ID 11130557 · filed Sep 21, 2018

I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 530I WITH LIGHT ALLOY RIMS AND "RUN FLAT" TIRES FROM WEATHERFORD BMW IN BERKELEY, CA. IN JUNE 2008, WITH ONLY 10836 MILES ON MY ODOMETER I WAS ADVISED THAT I HAD TO HAVE MY TWO REAR RIMS REPLACED AT $491.19 EACH FOR A TOTAL OF $982.38. THE PART NUMBER FOR THESE RIMS ARE 36-11-6-760-616. I WAS NOTIFIED BY MY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THAT SOME OF THE RUBBER ON THE MY REAR TIRE TIRE WAS SEPARATING AND FLAPPING THUS THE NOISE IN MY REAR TIRES. WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE FOR TIRE REPLACEMENT AT THE TIRE FIRM, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE SAME TWO RIMS THAT WERE REPLACED IN 2008 AT 10836 MILES WAS CRACKED (NOW AT 77633 MILES). I ATTEMPTED TO RESOLVE THIS MATTER WITH THE BMW DEALER BUT WAS PROMPTLY DISMISSED BY THE SERVICE TECHNICIAB AND TOLD "TOUGH LUCK" AND IF I WANTED 2 NEW RIMS, I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THEM. SINCE THESE RIMS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO MY PERSONAL SAFETY AND I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT THAT AS BAD AS THE HIGHWAYS IN CALIFORNIA ARE NOT A+, THAT THESE RIMS WOULD FAIL AT 10,836 MILES OF NORMAL DRIVING EVEN WITH THE "RUN FLAT" TIRES. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S SAFETY ISSUE SINCE THIS SITUATION APPEARS TO BE ALMOST A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE SAME VEHICLES, ALL WITH MANUFACTURER'S RIMS. SINCE THE SAFETY OF THE PASSENGERS DEPENDS ON THE DEPENDABILITY OF THE RIMS AND TIRES I FEEL IT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY YOUR DEPARTMENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10452674 · filed Mar 22, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased my BMW & got inside to drive off jumping on 275 freeway & the whole car just started smoking out nowhere the whole car was scorching hot & smoking other cars had to literally pull over because of so much white smoke I took it to several certified car doctors & they all refused to touch it because of the PVC recall valve

NHTSA ID 11527640 · filed Jun 19, 2023

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 530I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000.

NHTSA ID 10668357 · filed Dec 26, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE RUBBER GASKETS FOR BOTH THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND BACK ARE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. THIS MAY CAUSE WINDSHIELD TO FLY OFF WHILE DRIVING THEREBY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND THE CASE # IS 1-4829383813.

NHTSA ID 10724328 · filed Jun 9, 2015

VEHICLE SENT ERROR MESSAGE ABOUT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG FAILURE IN THE AM, COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILURE IN THE EVENING WHEN I WENT TO RETURN HOME. DEALER FOUND WATER IN TRUNK, BELOW SPARE TIRE. TRUNK ABOVE SPARE TIRE WAS DRY, NO SIGNS OF MOISTURE. WE EXPERIENCED HEAVY RAINFALL ON 3/17. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS FRIED - VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE. APPEARS TO BE FAILED SUNROOF WATER SEALS PER BMW SERVICE BULLETIN SI B 61 13 06. IN MY PROFESSIONAL OPINION AS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER, THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW. MULTIPLE OWNERS' FORUMS CONCUR. *KB

NHTSA ID 10452325 · filed Mar 20, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I OWN A 2007 BMW 530I. WATER CAN GET BELOW THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE WHERE A RDC MODULAR IS LOCATED AND CAUSE THE RDC TO FAIL. THIS RDC FAILURE IN TURN CAN CAUSE YOUR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO FAIL. THIS HAPPENED TO ME AND AS OF TODAY, BMW ONLY REPLACED THE RDC, ON MY DIME OF COURSE EVEN THOUGH I HAVE A CPO WARRANTY. WATER CAN COME FROM CLOGGED DRAINS AT THE SUNROOF AND OTHER PLACES. BMW KNOWS OF THIS ISSUE AND DOESN'T WANT TO FIX THIS ISSUE. IT APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. AFTER REVIEWING BMW FORUMS, THIS APPEARS TO BE AN ISSUE WITH MANY PEOPLE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10356868 · filed Sep 21, 2010

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

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.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .