BMW 3 Series 2006–2011 problems by year and mileage
E90/E91/E92/E93 (5th generation)
NHTSA data through 18 October 20264,440 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
Close- Median failure report
- 80,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,173
- Recalls naming this year
- 11
Most reported on the 2006
- Airbag system618 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Electrical system186 reports · median 84,000 mi
- Steering106 reports · median 76,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system · Air bags
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2007 BMW 3 Series
Close- Median failure report
- 65,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 1,041
- Recalls naming this year
- 8
Most reported on the 2007
- Electrical system289 reports · median 81,000 mi
- Airbag system226 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine163 reports · median 88,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system · Electrical system — wiring
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
- Electrical system212 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Airbag system164 reports · median 72,000 mi
- Engine146 reports · median 79,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system · Electrical system — wiring
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
- Airbag system126 reports · median 77,000 mi
- Electrical system101 reports · median 80,000 mi
- Engine74 reports · median 83,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system · Electrical system — wiring
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
- Airbag system78 reports · median 85,000 mi
- Engine71 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Electrical system66 reports · median 95,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
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
- Engine275 reports · median 78,000 mi
- Engine and its cooling system192 reports · median 117,000 mi
- Electrical system191 reports · median 85,000 mi
Recall areas Air bags — frontal · Engine and engine cooling — engine · Engine and engine cooling — exhaust system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2011; earliest: the 2008, and the 2008 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age).
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
- Airbag system31.2% of complaints · median 80,000 mi
- Electrical system23.5% of complaints · median 84,000 mi
- Engine18.4% of complaints · median 84,000 mi
Owners filed 4,440 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 — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 44,000 to 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?
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 (why that is not a lifespan).
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
5,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 160 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 33 complaints (1.1%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 17,000
- 25%
- 44,000
- Median
- 73,000
- 75%
- 102,000
- 90%
- 133,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5,000 | 131 | 4.4% |
| 5,000–10,000 | 78 | 2.6% |
| 10,000–15,000 | 63 | 2.1% |
| 15,000–20,000 | 76 | 2.5% |
| 20,000–25,000 | 68 | 2.3% |
| 25,000–30,000 | 79 | 2.6% |
| 30,000–35,000 | 77 | 2.6% |
| 35,000–40,000 | 82 | 2.7% |
| 40,000–45,000 | 104 | 3.5% |
| 45,000–50,000 | 101 | 3.4% |
| 50,000–55,000 | 146 | 4.9% |
| 55,000–60,000 | 122 | 4.1% |
| 60,000–65,000 | 144 | 4.8% |
| 65,000–70,000 | 135 | 4.5% |
| 70,000–75,000 | 122 | 4.1% |
| 75,000–80,000 | 119 | 4.0% |
| 80,000–85,000 | 160 | 5.3% |
| 85,000–90,000 | 104 | 3.5% |
| 90,000–95,000 | 122 | 4.1% |
| 95,000–100,000 | 100 | 3.3% |
| 100,000–105,000 | 145 | 4.8% |
| 105,000–110,000 | 73 | 2.4% |
| 110,000–115,000 | 88 | 2.9% |
| 115,000–120,000 | 62 | 2.1% |
| 120,000–125,000 | 88 | 2.9% |
| 125,000–130,000 | 55 | 1.8% |
| 130,000–135,000 | 67 | 2.2% |
| 135,000–140,000 | 27 | 0.9% |
| 140,000–145,000 | 39 | 1.3% |
| 145,000–150,000 | 33 | 1.1% |
| 150,000–155,000 | 40 | 1.3% |
| 155,000–160,000 | 21 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–165,000 | 22 | 0.7% |
| 165,000–170,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 170,000–175,000 | 19 | 0.6% |
| 175,000–180,000 | 17 | 0.6% |
| 180,000–185,000 | 7 | 0.2% |
| 185,000–190,000 | 4 | 0.1% |
| 190,000–195,000 | 10 | 0.3% |
| 195,000–200,000 | 5 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 33 | 1.1% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common 3 Series problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · BMW 3 Series 2006–2011
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Fuel system246 reportsmedian 18,000middle half 7,000–37,000
- Steering276 reportsmedian 75,000middle half 48,000–104,000
- Airbag system1,387 reportsmedian 80,000middle half 58,000–106,000
- Electrical system1,045 reportsmedian 84,000middle half 57,000–110,000
- Engine817 reportsmedian 84,000middle half 60,000–111,000
- Problems owners could not categorise242 reportsmedian 90,000middle half 60,000–120,000
- Engine and its cooling system450 reportsmedian 94,000middle half 48,000–129,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 1,387 | 31.2% | 80,000 | 58,000–106,000 |
| Electrical system | 1,045 | 23.5% | 84,000 | 57,000–110,000 |
| Engine | 817 | 18.4% | 84,000 | 60,000–111,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 450 | 10.1% | 94,000 | 48,000–129,000 |
| Steering | 276 | 6.2% | 75,000 | 48,000–104,000 |
| Fuel system | 246 | 5.5% | 18,000 | 7,000–37,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 242 | 5.5% | 90,000 | 60,000–120,000 |
| Seat belts | 220 | 5.0% | 86,000 | 62,000–109,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 217 | 4.9% | 84,000 | 62,000–112,000 |
| Latches and locks | 208 | 4.7% | 53,000 | 38,000–70,000 |
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.
- 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.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 20 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check fuel system on 2007–2010 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check turbocharger on 2007–2010 cars.
- Check cooling system.
- Years differ here: from 274 to 1,173 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
3 Series problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi38% below | At 90k mi64% below | At 120k mi83% below | At 150k mi94% below | At 200k mi99% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag system | 58,000–106,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 57,000–110,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine | 60,000–111,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 48,000–129,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 48,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel system | 7,000–37,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 60,000–120,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · BMW 3 Series 2006–2011 · 2,998 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 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 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2006–2011 BMW 3 Series recalls (20)
NHTSA records 20 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
1 of these carry a severe advisory — do not drive or park outside; check those first by VIN.
The campaigns cluster around the airbag system (7), the engine and its cooling system (5), the electrical system (4) (why one area can repeat).
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 4,440 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 124 (2.8%)
- Fires
- 232
- Injury reports
- 92
- Fatality reports
- 1
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.
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 1,173 | 932 | 80,000 | Airbag system (618) | 11 |
| 2007 | 1,041 | 766 | 65,000 | Electrical system (289) | 8 |
| 2008 | 691 | 459 | 61,000 | Electrical system (212) | 8 |
| 2009 | 388 | 240 | 69,000 | Airbag system (126) | 8 |
| 2010 | 274 | 160 | 78,000 | Airbag system (78) | 11 |
| 2011 | 873 | 441 | 82,000 | Engine (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 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other 3 Series generations
- 3 Series 1999–2005 1,865 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- 3 Series 2012–2018 628 reports with mileage, most about the engine