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BMW 3 Series 2006–2011 problems by year and mileage

E90/E91/E92/E93 (5th generation)

NHTSA data through 24 September 20264,439 complaints, 2,998 with mileageMethod

A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation — check the VIN before driving it home.

Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.

The 2006 BMW 3 Series

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Median failure report
80,000 mi
Complaints filed
1,173
Recalls naming this year
11

Most reported on the 2006

  1. Airbag system618 reports · median 81,000 mi
  2. Electrical system186 reports · median 84,000 mi
  3. Steering106 reports · median 76,000 mi

11 recall campaigns name the 2006: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system; Air bags. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2007 BMW 3 Series

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Median failure report
65,000 mi
Complaints filed
1,040
Recalls naming this year
8

Most reported on the 2007

  1. Electrical system288 reports · median 81,000 mi
  2. Airbag system226 reports · median 85,000 mi
  3. Engine163 reports · median 88,000 mi

8 recall campaigns name the 2007: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system; Electrical system — wiring. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2008 BMW 3 Series

Close
Median failure report
61,000 mi
Complaints filed
691
Recalls naming this year
8

Most reported on the 2008

  1. Electrical system212 reports · median 80,000 mi
  2. Airbag system164 reports · median 72,000 mi
  3. Engine146 reports · median 79,000 mi

8 recall campaigns name the 2008: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system; Electrical system — wiring. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2009 BMW 3 Series

Close
Median failure report
69,000 mi
Complaints filed
388
Recalls naming this year
8

Most reported on the 2009

  1. Airbag system126 reports · median 77,000 mi
  2. Electrical system101 reports · median 80,000 mi
  3. Engine74 reports · median 83,000 mi

8 recall campaigns name the 2009: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system; Electrical system — wiring. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2010 BMW 3 Series

Close
Median failure report
78,000 mi
Complaints filed
274
Recalls naming this year
11

Most reported on the 2010

  1. Airbag system78 reports · median 85,000 mi
  2. Engine71 reports · median 78,000 mi
  3. Electrical system66 reports · median 95,000 mi

11 recall campaigns name the 2010: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — engine; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

The 2011 BMW 3 Series

Close
Median failure report
82,000 mi
Complaints filed
873
Recalls naming this year
13

Most reported on the 2011

  1. Engine275 reports · median 78,000 mi
  2. Engine and its cooling system192 reports · median 117,000 mi
  3. Electrical system191 reports · median 85,000 mi

13 recall campaigns name the 2011: Air bags — frontal; Engine and engine cooling — engine; Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system. Not every car in a campaign is affected — check the VIN at NHTSA. Recall repairs are free.

When each system fails on this generation →

Each tile shows the median mileage at which that model year’s failures were reported. The 2011 reports latest and the 2008 earliest, but part of that gap is age: the 2008 has had 3 more years on the road to accumulate mileage.

The short answer

“Is the 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series reliable?”

Median of reported failures
73,000 mi
90% of reports came by
133,000 mi
Reports with mileage
2,998
Recalls
20

Most reported

  1. Airbag system31.2% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
  2. Electrical system23.5% of complaints · median 84,000 mi
  3. Engine18.4% of complaints · median 84,000 mi

When each system fails ↓

Documented problems

What each one is ↓

Owners filed 4,439 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series; the airbag system leads with 31.2% of them, and half of the 2,998 that record an odometer reading came by 73,000 miles. A count like this can’t rate reliability on its own: NHTSA records what owners chose to report, not how many of each car were sold.

Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 44,000 and 102,000 miles.

Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗

How many miles does a 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series last?

Complaint records can’t measure how long a car lasts; they show when reported failures happened. On the 2006–2011 BMW 3 Series, half of the 2,998 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 73,000 miles and 90% by 133,000 miles.

188 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 33 past 200,000 — each one proof that a 3 Series reached that mileage, not that it failed there.

Figure 1 · BMW 3 Series 2006–2011 · 2,998 reports with mileage

Mileage at failure

Complaints per 5,000-mile bin, 0 to 200,000 miles, equal bins on a linear scale. Tallest bar = 160 complaints.

Mileage at failure, BMW 3 Series 2006–2011Histogram of 2,998 owner-reported failures by mileage, in 5,000-mile bins from 0 to 200,000. The tallest bin is 80,000 to 85,000 miles with 160 complaints, 5.3 percent of the total. Failures are spread across the mileage range, with the middle half between 44,000 and 102,000 miles. A further 33 complaints, 1.1 percent, were reported above 200,000 miles and are shown as a separate detached bar. Median mileage at failure is 72,719.
  • Rest of the range
  • Median
  • 200,000+ — 33 complaints (1.1%), plotted separately
10%
16,700
25%
44,500
Median
72,719
75%
102,300
90%
133,000

Tallest bin: 160 complaints between 80,000 and 85,000 miles. Based on 2,998 complaints that record mileage. Bin width 5,000 miles.

Show the numbers
Complaints by mileage bin
MileageComplaintsShare
0–5,0001314.4%
5,000–10,000782.6%
10,000–15,000632.1%
15,000–20,000762.5%
20,000–25,000682.3%
25,000–30,000792.6%
30,000–35,000772.6%
35,000–40,000822.7%
40,000–45,0001043.5%
45,000–50,0001013.4%
50,000–55,0001464.9%
55,000–60,0001224.1%
60,000–65,0001444.8%
65,000–70,0001354.5%
70,000–75,0001224.1%
75,000–80,0001194.0%
80,000–85,0001605.3%
85,000–90,0001043.5%
90,000–95,0001224.1%
95,000–100,0001003.3%
100,000–105,0001454.8%
105,000–110,000732.4%
110,000–115,000882.9%
115,000–120,000622.1%
120,000–125,000882.9%
125,000–130,000551.8%
130,000–135,000672.2%
135,000–140,000270.9%
140,000–145,000391.3%
145,000–150,000331.1%
150,000–155,000401.3%
155,000–160,000210.7%
160,000–165,000220.7%
165,000–170,000100.3%
170,000–175,000190.6%
175,000–180,000170.6%
180,000–185,00070.2%
185,000–190,00040.1%
190,000–195,000100.3%
195,000–200,00050.2%
200,000+331.1%

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain. Complaint counts reflect what owners reported and are not a measure of failure rate per vehicle sold.

What this can and cannot tell you: these are complaints owners chose to file, not a failure rate. Popular models accumulate more of them simply by being common. How this is built.

Common 3 Series problems, and when they happen

Figure 2 · BMW 3 Series 2006–2011

When each system fails

Bar spans the middle half of reports; the notch inside each bar is the median. Miles at failure on a proportional scale — equal distances are equal ratios, not equal miles.

  1. Fuel system246 reports18,0007,000–37,000Fuel system: 246 reports, median 18,000 miles, middle half 7,000 to 37,000 miles.
  2. Steering276 reports75,00048,000–104,000Steering: 276 reports, median 75,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 104,000 miles.
  3. Airbag system1,387 reports80,00058,000–106,000Airbag system: 1,387 reports, median 80,000 miles, middle half 58,000 to 106,000 miles.
  4. Electrical system1,044 reports84,00057,000–110,000Electrical system: 1,044 reports, median 84,000 miles, middle half 57,000 to 110,000 miles.
  5. Engine817 reports84,00060,000–111,000Engine: 817 reports, median 84,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 111,000 miles.
  6. Problems owners could not categorise242 reports90,00060,000–120,000Problems owners could not categorise: 242 reports, median 90,000 miles, middle half 60,000 to 120,000 miles.
  7. Engine and its cooling system450 reports94,00048,000–129,000Engine and its cooling system: 450 reports, median 94,000 miles, middle half 48,000 to 129,000 miles.
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it in “Where your car sits”

Ordered by median mileage, earliest first. The first 12,000 miles are shaded: that is the boundary this site uses between a manufacturing defect and ordinary wear, not a property of the world.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

All systems in a table
Complaints by vehicle system
SystemComplaintsShareMedian25–75%
Airbag system1,38731.2%80,00058,000–106,000
Electrical system1,04423.5%84,00057,000–110,000
Engine81718.4%84,00060,000–111,000
Engine and its cooling system45010.1%94,00048,000–129,000
Steering2766.2%75,00048,000–104,000
Fuel system2465.5%18,0007,000–37,000
Problems owners could not categorise2425.5%90,00060,000–120,000
Seat belts2205.0%86,00062,000–109,000
Fuel and propulsion system2174.9%84,00062,000–112,000
Latches and locks2084.7%53,00038,000–70,000
System by system, in words

Complaints about this generation are not spread evenly across the vehicle, and the systems that generate the most of them do not all fail at the same point in a car's life. The median failure across all systems here is 73,000 miles; the figures below show which parts of the car run ahead of that and which run behind.

The airbag system accounts for 31.2% of complaints (1,387 reports, 819 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 80,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 58,000 and 106,000 miles.

A single system taking 31.2% of all complaints is a concentration worth noting. It means that for this generation, most of what owners reported came back to one area of the car rather than being distributed across many small faults.

The electrical system accounts for 23.5% of complaints (1,044 reports, 654 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 84,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 57,000 and 110,000 miles.

The engine accounts for 18.4% of complaints (817 reports, 501 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 84,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 60,000 and 111,000 miles.

The engine and its cooling system accounts for 10.1% of complaints (450 reports, 277 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 94,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,000 and 129,000 miles.

The steering accounts for 6.2% of complaints (276 reports, 233 of them with a mileage figure), with a median of 75,000 miles, close to the vehicle's overall pattern. The middle half of these reports falls between 48,000 and 104,000 miles.

The fuel system accounts for 5.5% of complaints (246 reports, 226 of them with a mileage figure), and it fails early — a median of 18,000 miles, well before the vehicle's overall median. Failures clustered this far below the rest of the car usually point to a design or manufacturing problem rather than wear, because wear does not selectively target one system on low-mileage examples. The middle half of these reports falls between 7,000 and 37,000 miles.

Known problems with the 2006–2011 3 Series

Fuel System 2007–2010

N54 high-pressure fuel pump failure causing extended cranking, stalling, and limp mode. BMW recalled roughly 130,000 N54-equipped US vehicles from MY2007-2010 and extended HPFP warranty coverage to 10 years / 120,000 miles.

Turbocharger 2007–2010

N54 wastegate rattle from bushing wear, and direct injection index-12 injector failures.

Cooling System

Electric water pump and thermostat failure on N51/N52 engines, typically without warning.

Engine

Oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket leaks; VANOS solenoid faults on N52.

Before you buy a 2006–2011 3 Series: the 3-minute check

Generated from 2,998 mileage-tagged complaints, 20 recall campaigns, 4 documented problem areas. Print this page — the checklist survives print.

  1. A DO NOT DRIVE recall covers part of this generation. Run the VIN before you drive it home — the fix is free at an authorized dealer.
  2. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 20 campaigns cover this generation; an open recall is a free repair you can make the seller's problem.
  3. Check fuel system on 2007–2010 cars. N54 high-pressure fuel pump failure causing extended cranking, stalling, and limp mode. BMW recalled roughly 130,000 N54-equipped US vehicles from MY2007-2010 and extended HPFP warranty coverage to 10 years / 120,000…
  4. Check turbocharger on 2007–2010 cars. N54 wastegate rattle from bushing wear, and direct injection index-12 injector failures.
  5. Check cooling system. Electric water pump and thermostat failure on N51/N52 engines, typically without warning.
  6. Complaint reports are not spread evenly across model years here — see the by-model-year table below before you settle on a year.
  7. End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car. Aggregate data describes the population; the example in front of you has its own history.

For a buyer, failures on this generation are spread rather than concentrated: the middle half falls between 44,000 and 102,000 miles, with a median of 73,000. There is no single mileage threshold to watch, which means condition and maintenance records are more informative than the odometer.

On inspection, the airbag system and the electrical system are where this generation's reports concentrate, so those are the areas worth a specific look. The airbag system in particular shows a median failure mileage of 80,000, which gives a concrete number to compare against the odometer of any car you are considering.

None of this is a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on the individual car. Aggregate patterns describe a population; the example in front of you has its own history.

3 Series problems by mileage: where your car sits

Type your odometer reading, or read the common mileages in the table. Your marker lands on the timing chart above and on the curve below.

earlier most reports on that system came below this mileage — ask for repair records. in window this mileage sits inside the middle half of its reports. later most reports came above it. That describes reports, not your odds.

Where each system’s reports sit against common odometer readings
SystemMiddle half of reports, miAt 60k mi38% belowAt 90k mi64% belowAt 120k mi83% belowAt 150k mi94% belowAt 200k mi99% below
Airbag system58,000–106,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Electrical system57,000–110,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Engine60,000–111,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Engine and its cooling system48,000–129,000in windowin windowin windowearlierearlier
Steering48,000–104,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier
Fuel system7,000–37,000earlierearlierearlierearlierearlier
Problems owners could not categorise60,000–120,000in windowin windowearlierearlierearlier

Figure 3 · BMW 3 Series 2006–2011 · 2,998 reports with mileage

Share of reports below each mileage

Share of mileage-tagged reports filed at or below each odometer reading. Steps rise only at bin edges, by exact counted shares.

Cumulative share of reports by mileage, BMW 3 Series 2006–2011Of 2,998 reports that record mileage, the share filed below each odometer reading, rising in steps at each 5,000-mile bin edge. 38 percent below 60,000 miles. 64 percent below 90,000 miles. 83 percent below 120,000 miles. 94 percent below 150,000 miles. 99 percent below 200,000 miles. Median 72,719 miles.
  • 60,000 mi — 38% of reports below
  • 90,000 mi — 64% of reports below
  • 120,000 mi — 83% of reports below
  • 150,000 mi — 94% of reports below
  • 200,000 mi — 99% of reports below
  • Median — the staircase crosses the 50% line here
  • Your odometer — appears after you enter it above

The staircase tops out at 99%: the remaining 1.1% of reports (33) came above 200,000 miles.

Nothing is smoothed or interpolated. Linear axis, same as Figure 1.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.

2006–2011 BMW 3 Series recalls (20)

NHTSA records 20 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation. A recall means the manufacturer or the regulator concluded there was a safety defect or a standard was not met, and that a free remedy is owed to owners — including second and later owners.

1 of these carry a severe advisory — NHTSA's do not drive or park outside warnings, which the agency applies only when it considers the risk immediate. If you own one of these vehicles, that is the first thing to check by VIN.

The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (7), the engine and its cooling system (5), the electrical system (4). Several campaigns against one area can mean a remedy that did not hold, or separate defects in parts filed under the same heading; the summaries below name each defect.

Recall status is specific to the individual vehicle, not the model. Checking a VIN against NHTSA's lookup is free and takes under a minute, and it is the only way to know whether a particular car has had the work done.

Recall repairs are free at an authorized dealer, for any owner. Summaries below shorten NHTSA’s own wording.

  1. Jul 2024 · 2006–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting…

    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…

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 24V-513 (2024-07-03).

  2. Oct 2023 · 2010–2011 · Engine and Engine CoolingLoose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2012 1 Series Coupe, 1 Series Convertible, 3 Series Sedan, 3 Series Convertible, 2010-2011 3 Series Sportswagon, 3 Series Coupe, 5 Series Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, X3 xDrive 30i, X5 xDrive30i, and Z4…

    What can happen. Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed December 18, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June…

    NHTSA campaign 23V-707 (2023-10-20).

  3. Mar 2022 · 2006–2011 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving…

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi…

    What can happen. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

    The free fix. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected…

    NHTSA campaign 22V-119 (2022-03-02).

  4. Jan 2020 · 2006–2011 · Air BagsAn inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in…

    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…

    What can happen. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 20V-017 (2020-01-15).

  5. Jun 2019 · 2009–2011 · Electrical SystemA loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-472 (2019-06-19).

  6. Apr 2019 · 2006 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even…

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short…

    What can happen. 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.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is…

    NHTSA campaign 19V-273 (2019-04-04).

  7. Jun 2018 · 2006 · Air Bags do not driveIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal…

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons…

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and…

    The free fix. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-428 (2018-06-11).

  8. May 2018 · 2010–2011 · Electrical SystemA loss of electrical power to the vehicle can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of…

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2010-2011 BMW 335d vehicles with diesel engines. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade over time, possibly resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.

    What can happen. A loss of electrical power to the vehicle can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free 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 June 29, 2018. Owners may contact BMW…

    NHTSA campaign 18V-314 (2018-05-14).

  9. Oct 2017 · 2007–2011 · Engine and Engine CoolingAn electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. 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.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-683 (2017-10-30).

  10. Oct 2017 · 2006–2011 · Electrical SystemWiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even…

    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…

    What can happen. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-676 (2017-10-25).

  11. Jul 2017 · 2006 · Air BagsShould the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing…

    The defect. BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front…

    What can happen. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-428 (2017-07-06).

  12. Feb 2017 · 2011 · Power TrainIf the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive, 535i Gran Turismo and…

    What can happen. If the CV joint breaks, the vehicle may have a loss of propulsion, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear driveshaft CV joint and, based on its production date, will replace it, free of charge. The recall began April 21, 2017. Owners may contact…

    NHTSA campaign 17V-067 (2017-02-02).

  13. Feb 2016 · 2006–2011 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture…

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans…

    What can happen. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or…

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW…

    NHTSA campaign 16V-071 (2016-02-05).

  14. Apr 2014 · 2010–2011 · Engine and Engine CoolingIf the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall.

    The defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5…

    What can happen. If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year…

    NHTSA campaign 14V-176 (2014-04-10).

  15. Nov 2013 · 2006–2007 · Air BagsShould the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing…

    The defect. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i…

    What can happen. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-564 (2013-11-12).

  16. Feb 2013 · 2007–2011 · Electrical SystemIf there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the…

    The defect. 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…

    What can happen. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free 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…

    NHTSA campaign 13V-044 (2013-02-07).

  17. Sep 2011 · 2011 · Power TrainIf the bolts loosen, it could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown…

    The defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 328i xdrive and 335i xdrive vehicles manufactured from february 8, 2011, through july 29, 2011. The front driveshaft attachment bolts may not have been tightened to specification. If the bolts were not tightened to…

    What can happen. If the bolts loosen, it could lead to a loss of power to the front wheels and ultimately a vehicle breakdown, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driveshaft attachment bolts free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during october 2011. Owners may contact BMW customer…

    NHTSA campaign 11V-476 (2011-09-15).

  18. Jul 2009 · 2008 · Seat BeltsIf that happened, it would be possible for the side air bag and/or the safety belt tensioner not to deploy…

    The defect. BMW is recalling 2,350 my 2008 1-series and 3- series passenger cars. Incorrect crimp connectors may have been used on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. As a result sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug may not…

    What can happen. If that happened, it would be possible for the side air bag and/or the safety belt tensioner not to deploy and will not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

    The free fix. BMW will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2009. Owners may contact BMW customer relations and services toll-free at 1-800-525-7417.

    NHTSA campaign 09V-257 (2009-07-08).

  19. Aug 2008 · 2006 · Air BagsIn this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would…

    The defect. BMW is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 Series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 Series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat.…

    What can happen. In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.

    The free fix. Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on november 6, 2008. BMW will also extend…

    NHTSA campaign 08V-384 (2008-08-05).

  20. Oct 2006 · 2006 · SuspensionThe bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a…

    The defect. On certain vehicles, one of the suspension control arm and swivel bearing connection bolts was not tightened correctly. The bolted connection could loosen.

    What can happen. The bolted connection could break which could impair vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    The free fix. Dealers will inspect the bolted connection and, if necessary, adjust the connection. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the suspension control arm and the swivel bearing. The recall began…

    NHTSA campaign 06V-400 (2006-10-18).

Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported

What owners reported alongside the failure itself, out of 4,439 complaints against this generation:

Crashes
124 (2.8%)
Fires
232
Injury reports
92
Fatality reports
1

These flags are self-reported by complainants and unverified by NHTSA; one report can carry several flags, so the counts overlap and do not sum to a total. They are not adjusted for how many of these vehicles are on the road. No chart is drawn here on purpose: overlapping counts spanning very different magnitudes cannot be honestly encoded as lengths.

3 Series problems by model year

The 2006 drew the most complaints of this generation, 1,173, most of them about the airbag system, and the 2010 the fewest, 274. A typical year drew about 782.

Complaints by model year
YearComplaintsWith mileageMedian milesMost reportedRecalls
20061,17393280,000Airbag system (618)11
20071,04076665,000Electrical system (288)8
200869145961,000Electrical system (212)8
200938824069,000Airbag system (126)8
201027416078,000Airbag system (78)11
201187344182,000Engine (275)13

What 3 Series owners reported

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 335I. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode before shutting off. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact connected a diagnostic scanner, which indicated an inability to read or establish…

2011 · 130,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working…

2011 · 110,000 miles · Electrical system

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), 17V676000 (Electrical System), and 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer in June 2026. The contact later received a phone call on June 23…

2010 · 201,000 miles · Electrical system

The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was whitish grey smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the residence where it was parked, and there…

2007 · 198,000 miles · Engine and its cooling system

Built from 2,998 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-09-26 · open data · how it is built

Other 3 Series generations

Other compact luxury cars from the same years