Model year record

2009 BMW 328i recalls & problems

The 2009 BMW 328i has 6 safety recalls and 193 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (66 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints193filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 10reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths3 · 0reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Air bagsJul 3, 2024

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 24V513000394,029 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.

Components: Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module; Air bags › Frontal

Air bagsJan 15, 2020

Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 20V01700059,965 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: 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.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemJun 19, 2019

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 19V47200016,641 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables; Electrical system

Engine and engine coolingOct 30, 2017

Exhaust system › Emission control › Crankcase (pcv)

Recall 17V683000740,561 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical systemOct 25, 2017

Wiring

Recall 17V676000702,965 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: 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.

Electrical systemFeb 7, 2013

Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers

Recall 13V044000516,791 vehicles

Problem: BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Components: Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers; Electrical system › 12v/24v/48v battery › Cables; Electrical system

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

328i

22mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,750/year to fuel

328i

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

328i Sport Wagon

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $3,900/year to fuel

328i xDrive

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

328i xDrive

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

328i Sport Wagon

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

328i Sport Wagon xDrive

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Manual 6-spd · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

328i Sport Wagon xDrive

20mpg combined

City / highway	17 / 25 mpg
Fuel	Premium Gasoline

3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S6) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsSensor › Occupant classification	66	4	1	1	75,450 mi
Electrical system	61	2	6	1	77,000 mi
Engine	47	0	7	1	99,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling	21	0	1	0	103,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	20	0	0	1	90,500 mi
Seat belts	14	0	0	0	80,000 mi
Steering	9	2	0	1	82,000 mi
Unknown or other	9	0	0	0	60,000 mi
Exterior lighting	8	0	0	0	65,000 mi
Power train	8	0	0	1	90,038 mi
Seats	8	0	0	0	100,000 mi
Electronic stability control (esc)	6	1	0	1	51,900 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
The security system, alarm system and lock were all tampered with.
Dec 31, 2025
Electrical system
The security system, alarm system and key fob have all been tampered with.
Dec 31, 2025
Electrical system
UNKNOWN- The wiring system/ security system is faulty and requires attention.
Dec 31, 2025
Electrical systemFire
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheating warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the intended destination, which was nearby. The contact stated that the temperature gauge was displayed at 240. The contact stated he went inside the friend's residence, and when the contact walked back outside five minutes later, the entire front hood was engulfed in flames. The vehicle was unoccupied. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. The contact was informed of the loose wires; however, the cause of the fire had not been confirmed. The contact stated that the vehicle was consumed in the fire. The…
Jan 7, 2026 · 132,150 miles
Air bags
Seat occupancy sensor -- seat belt is inoperable on passenger side. Seat belt stuck in passengers seat back. "Active fault for seat occupancy sensor." Belt tensioner - "Drive belt starting to walk off tensioner pulley"
Sep 17, 2025
Fuel/propulsion system
Car running lean oil leak getting hot,loss of power,jolting forward also my car has been in dealership shop for 2 years I'm being charged for services I know weren't done,overcharged,and my car still isn't fixed also the service manager told me he was aware of the recalls,when I told him to this was 4 days ago,however my car is being withheld from me,recalls have been known if it's been two yrs,they filed a lien June of last year I opposed it and they never responded back! My car still sits there causing injury to my livilyhood I've missed almost 1year of work I live in the Sierra's where it snows I can't get to work with no car!
Jul 12, 2023
Unknown or other
While driving the car stalled. It happened multiple times. While driving and at a stop.
Apr 2, 2025
Electrical systemFire
One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ... The other was a part of the computer pretty much in charge of cooling the car down it can make fire from melting and cause unfixable/ to constant issues .... Well my hole engine stopped working it was getting too hot miss firing coolent mixing with oil and started to smoke it was white smoke that came out didn't smell like anything crazy maybe mostly coolent and pretty much it had electric issues since I got it so the recall issue makes sense so I took it in to bmw Riverside they said they will fix all…
Mar 1, 2025

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.