bmw 328i 2009 Complaints

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

i purchased a 2009 bmw 238i. i took it to get an oil change on 30 sept 11. i dropped it off, got a loaner, and went to work. before i dropped it off that morning the car ran great, it had no ticking, no engine lights nor loss of power. i hadn't heard from bmw so i called them, they said that they had talked to bmw na and i need to agree to them removing my valve cover, at my expense $700. i said that i only wanted an oil change. he told me they terminated my warranty. my warranty was for 4yr/50,000 miles, it had not expired. i was very upset and made multiple attempts to call bmw na and the supervisor told me that they would have to go with what the service center said and there was no one else to talk to. disappointed, i picked my car up. the check engine light came on and while i was on the highway the car made some loud ticking noises and the car seemed to be experiencing some power loss, in the mist of high traffic. i was in the middle lane when it started and i immediately got over to got off the highway. and as i pulled off the highway the car suddenly shut off (no power), i barely made it off the road. it just shut off! i had to call for a tow. that weekend the car cranked up and it seemed to be nothing wrong. i took it around the block to see if it was okay. the ticking returned and the car shut off again and i had to coast it off the road onto church grounds and call a tow truck again. and now it will not crank at all. this is my only car and i have to rent a car. i did some research online and found several recalls, for example: bmw high-pressure fuel pump voluntary emissions recall and voluntary emissions and safety recalls and tons of complaints about safety and how bmw terminates a lot of people's warranties prior to their expiration date. bmw seems to be putting all of our lives at risk and terminating warranties at will.

Reported in: LUDOWICI GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWB33519P

VISIBILITY

after only 16,000 miles of use, the windshield first appeared to be completely "sandblasted" with tiny indentations. when driving into the sun the glare becomes so intense that you can no longer see the road. you effectively become blinded and certainly would not be able to react to an emergency situation. the same situation occurs at night when driving towards oncoming headlights. this particular vehicle is rarely driven on highways and is always garaged. bmw does not consider this to be a safety issue, will not replace the windshield under warranty and cannot guarantee that a replacement windshield will not perform in the same manner.

Reported in: GREENVALE NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPK53589A

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

make : 2009 bmw 328i sedan e36 problem : 11/11 : engine stop running, lose power assist for steering and brakes. tried to re-started my car but could not - long-crank engine starting times along with the illumination of "service engine soon" light. towed to bmw of san diego. 1 week repair and had been told fuel pump module need to be replaced. paid $730.68 for replacement. 01/12 : same problem - engine stop running, lose power, long-crank. towed to bmw of san diego again. had been told fuel pump broken and cause fuel pump module burning. paid again $7xx for replacement for same problem.

Reported in: SAN DIEGO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH53519A

TIRES

2009 bmw 328i. consumer writes in regards to issues with vehicle tires *tgw the consumer stated the vehicle came equipped with the extra cost sport package which included 18 inch sport wheels and lower profile tires than the base car. the tires were michelin run flat tires which were installed by bmw so that they could avoid the weight of the spare tire. there was no spare tire, jack, inflation device or other backup. the tires had routinely failed due to an inherent defect, before their normal service life was complete. the tires failed in as little as 8,00 miles and a couple have lasted until they were at 3/32, still before the normal service life was complete. the reason for the failure, was due to a sidewall bulge that developed in the area between the tire bead and the sidewall. after the bulge began, a tear developed and after the tear began, the tires at that point of the bulge became unsafe to drive on at any speed. the consumer had to replace all four tires and the right rear tire twice. *jb

Reported in: VALENCIA CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWR33579P

WHEELS

while having new tires installed, installer identified a crack in the rim of the right rear tire. told me he had seen this on similar bmws before, told me to return it to dealer right away, which i did.

Reported in: SAN DIEGO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH57549N

STEERING

i began to feel strong rapid pulsating and audible vibrations through steering wheel every time when i park the car. once i experienced the same while driving at about 25 mph while making lane change to the right. and these vibrations and noise still continue to be felt since then.

Reported in: SAN FRANCISCO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH53509A

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 328i. while driving approximately 10 mph, the air conditioning unit activated independently and the contact could not turn the unit off manually. in addition, the radio would activate without engaging the control device. the trunk lid opened independently on three separate occasions while the contact was driving. the failure recurred when driving at any given speed. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer eight times and they were unable to duplicate the problem. most recently, the computerized system was updated however, the failure recurred after the repair. the contact was in the process of taking the vehicle back to the dealer for diagnosis. the manufacturer was not notified of the problem. the approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH53519A

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

soon after purchasing my 2009 bmw 328i (with a manual transmission), i had the dealer install bmw customized 328i rubber floor mats. the mats have a fitted slot for the gas pedal and anchors to prevent them from moving after installation. unfortunately, the length of the mat on the driver's side is too short for a vehicle with manual transmission. when you depress and release the clutch, it catches the top edge of the mat and lifts it up, covering the clutch and the brake pedal. when you put your foot back down, you end up stepping on the mat, partially depressing the brake and/or clutch while the car is in gear and moving. i've taken the vehicle back to the dealer several times to have them adjust the installation but they can only move it a few inches because of the gas pedal slot, so the problem wasn't fixed. i don't drive this vehicle very often but last month (9/2012) i finally got fed up and contacted bmw to let them know their rubber mat design has a safety flaw and that i was filing a complaint with nhtsa. they recorded my complaint but said there would be no additional follow-up. so, for safety reasons, i have now removed the driver's mat from the vehicle.

Reported in: AMISSVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWL13579P

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

soon after purchasing my 2009 bmw 328i (with a manual transmission), i had the dealer install bmw customized 328i rubber floor mats. the mats have a fitted slot for the gas pedal and anchors to prevent them from moving after installation. unfortunately, the length of the mat on the driver's side is too short for a vehicle with manual transmission. when you depress and release the clutch, it catches the top edge of the mat and lifts it up, covering the clutch and the brake pedal. when you put your foot back down, you end up stepping on the mat, partially depressing the brake and/or clutch while the car is in gear and moving. i've taken the vehicle back to the dealer several times to have them adjust the installation but they can only move it a few inches because of the gas pedal slot, so the problem wasn't fixed. i don't drive this vehicle very often but last month (9/2012) i finally got fed up and contacted bmw to let them know their rubber mat design has a safety flaw and that i was filing a complaint with nhtsa. they recorded my complaint but said there would be no additional follow-up. so, for safety reasons, i have now removed the driver's mat from the vehicle.

Reported in: AMISSVILLE VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWL13579P

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

i was driving south on rte 495 in ma in the left lane and had just passed the exit ramp to rte 3 when the car seized and dramatically slowed down, i was going 70-75 mph with other cars behind and next to me going the same speed. it's only due to the alertness of the driver behind me that both of us are not dead. he swerved into the middle lane and went by me. after that i crossed three lines of traffic going at 10-20 mph on a major highway. i survived the experience, but i feel it is my responsibility to report this incident and hopefully save the life of somebody else in the future if bmw can be compelled to fix their fuel pump issue on the 328i. i called bmw as i was waiting for a tow and was told that there's a recall on the 335's fuel pump, but not on the 328i. i believe only a death will compel them to take action. as for me, i paid the bmw dealership in sudbury, ma $800 to replace the fuel pump and drove the car straight to a mazda dealership and traded it for a cx-5 because i believe the bmw is unsafe and a possible death trap.

Reported in: MEDFORD MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWV53519P

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 328i. the contact stated that while driving 26 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact stated that the lights on the instrument panel were blinking and the brakes seized. the front passenger and driver's side air bags then inadvertently deployed. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic performed a diagnostic but the cause of the failure was not determined. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was provided. the failure and current mileage was 62,000.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH77599N

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 328i. the contact stated that while driving 26 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. the contact stated that the lights on the instrument panel were blinking and the brakes seized. the front passenger and driver's side air bags then inadvertently deployed. the vehicle was towed to a repair shop and the mechanic performed a diagnostic but the cause of the failure was not determined. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure but no further assistance was provided. the failure and current mileage was 62,000.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH77599N

WHEELS

i had a tire with low pressure. took car in to replace tires. tire service station attendant refused to mount the new tires due to cracks in three of the wheels. i have never hit a pot hole nor driven on rough pavement.

Reported in: DENTON NC || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWB33579P

WHEELS

while driving at about 26mph, i heard and felt two loud cracks on my left side of the car. immediately after, my car slouched on the left-hand side, the vehicle stopped suddenly and both airbags deployed. i was knocked out for a while and when the authorities arrived, we investigated the area and noticed that there was no collision with anything or anyone, other than both of my two left-side rims were cracked radially and there was damage to the suspension. in addition, the authorities confirmed there were no potholes, obstacles, or any other object that could have produced the incident.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:

AIR BAGS

while driving at about 26mph, i heard and felt two loud cracks on my left side of the car. immediately after, my car slouched on the left-hand side, the vehicle stopped suddenly and both airbags deployed. i was knocked out for a while and when the authorities arrived, we investigated the area and noticed that there was no collision with anything or anyone, other than both of my two left-side rims were cracked radially and there was damage to the suspension. in addition, the authorities confirmed there were no potholes, obstacles, or any other object that could have produced the incident.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:

SUSPENSION

while driving at about 26mph, i heard and felt two loud cracks on my left side of the car. immediately after, my car slouched on the left-hand side, the vehicle stopped suddenly and both airbags deployed. i was knocked out for a while and when the authorities arrived, we investigated the area and noticed that there was no collision with anything or anyone, other than both of my two left-side rims were cracked radially and there was damage to the suspension. in addition, the authorities confirmed there were no potholes, obstacles, or any other object that could have produced the incident.

Reported in: SAN ANTONIO TX || Crash: N || VIN #:

ENGINE

i had a low battery issue on my 2009 bmw 328i about 3 months after i had it serviced for a battery cable recall at motorwerks bmw dealer in bloomington, mn. motorwerks diagnosed that the alternator was not working properly and needed to be replaced. i had tires plus replaced the alternator and battery for half the price compared to motorwerks. unfortunately, the aftermarket alternator that tires plus installed caused my car to over heat because it was over charging. i eventually took my car back to motorwerks to replace the alternator and battery. i emailed the service consultant if it was normal for the original alternator to malfunction so quickly on a 2009 bmw 328i. i also informed him that i had my car serviced at motorwerks for a battery cable recall in march 2013 and asked him if it was possible that the original alternator issue was related with fixing the battery cable. he strangely has not answered my question which makes me wonder if they are not taking responsibility for the original bad alternator if it was related to the battery cable recall service. i'm also wondering if other 2009 3 series bmw owners had a low battery issue due to a bad alternator after having their cars serviced for the battery cable recall in march 2013. if the original alternator issue is found to be related while servicing the battery cable recall then i would like to get a full refund for their service on my new alternator and battery. thank for taking the time to investigate my car issue.

Reported in: BLAINE MN || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH73549E

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

leds failing in tail light turn signal. non-consumer replaceable. $350 part. bmw issued service bulletin to replace under warranty, but not out of warranty. their sib630610.

Reported in: ALPHARETTA GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH77529N

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

tl* the contact owns a 2009 bmw 328i. the contact stated that after activating the right turn signal light, the light began flashing abnormally fast. the contact replaced the bulbs but it failed to remedy the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 43,000. updated 11/19/13*lj

Reported in: MIAMI SPRINGS FL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH73569E

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl - the contact owns a 2009 bmw 328 conv. the contact stated that burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician diagnosed that the wires connected to the a/c heater blower and fuses box were burning causing it to malfunctioned. as a result result, the a/c heater blower needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 100,000. pm

Reported in: MADISON AL || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWL13599P

ENGINE

tl* i was driving on when my car caught fire. the fire broke out inside the cabin, directly behind the rear passenger-side seat. i believe this fire could have been easily avoided if the sonnen bmw service department had performed their job more diligently. a week before the fire, i began to smell a burning rubber odor when i turned on my heater/defroster. i immediately drove the car to sonnen bmw. the service advisor responded that it was not bmw¿s problem. i brought the car back into bmw for service. i also mentioned repeatedly that i smelled burning rubber whenever i turned on the heater/defroster. bmw kept the car for a week. apparently, because i mentioned the heater, bmw got fixated on looking for the problem within the heating ducts and never thought to check the electrical system. after having the car for a week, they told me that they had determined that the cause of the odor was a leaf that had gotten sucked into the blower assembly. they charged me $320 to open the assembly and clean out the leaves. when i picked up the car i insisted to speaking with one of the service managers, as this made no sense to me. i pointed out that burning leaves do not smell like burning rubber, and i doubted this was the cause of the problem. the service manager insisted that they were unable to find anything else wrong with the vehicle and that, after cleaning out the blower assembly, they were unable to duplicate the issue. it is apparent to me that bmw never once turned on the defroster during the whole time they had the car¿even though i indicated that this was part of the issue. if they had, they would have immediately replicated the issue and known that it had nothing to do with leaves in the blower. rather then apologizing, the assistant manager immediately tried to shift the blame be stating that we told them the odor was coming from the heating ducts.

Reported in: NOVATO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH57579N

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* i was driving on when my car caught fire. the fire broke out inside the cabin, directly behind the rear passenger-side seat. i believe this fire could have been easily avoided if the sonnen bmw service department had performed their job more diligently. a week before the fire, i began to smell a burning rubber odor when i turned on my heater/defroster. i immediately drove the car to sonnen bmw. the service advisor responded that it was not bmw¿s problem. i brought the car back into bmw for service. i also mentioned repeatedly that i smelled burning rubber whenever i turned on the heater/defroster. bmw kept the car for a week. apparently, because i mentioned the heater, bmw got fixated on looking for the problem within the heating ducts and never thought to check the electrical system. after having the car for a week, they told me that they had determined that the cause of the odor was a leaf that had gotten sucked into the blower assembly. they charged me $320 to open the assembly and clean out the leaves. when i picked up the car i insisted to speaking with one of the service managers, as this made no sense to me. i pointed out that burning leaves do not smell like burning rubber, and i doubted this was the cause of the problem. the service manager insisted that they were unable to find anything else wrong with the vehicle and that, after cleaning out the blower assembly, they were unable to duplicate the issue. it is apparent to me that bmw never once turned on the defroster during the whole time they had the car¿even though i indicated that this was part of the issue. if they had, they would have immediately replicated the issue and known that it had nothing to do with leaves in the blower. rather then apologizing, the assistant manager immediately tried to shift the blame be stating that we told them the odor was coming from the heating ducts.

Reported in: NOVATO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH57579N

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i took my car into eastbay bmw for a lightbulb change (a tail/brakelight) and the technician noticed the housing of the taillight is melting on both sides, not just the one that needed a light bulb change. he mentioned it was part of a recall and then the representative said, that my car wasn't included in the recall. bmw has stated that it probably isn't the light bulb and that even though this isn't something that i have caused, that they are not responsible. they agreed that this is a faulty part, but is not covered under any recall or warranty. bmw offered to pay half the repairs which my responsibility is $475, which seems like they are admitting some fault in the matter. i have called bmw customer relations and the representative [xxx] said she isn't willing to escalate the issue because she knows it won't go anywhere. in addition, i did some research and there were over 241,000 bmw's recalled for this same reason that the cars were older than mine and out of warranty. since this is occurring on both sides and not just one, it seems that part, the electrical receptacle is producing too much heat on both sides and therefore melting the taillight which is a major safety issue and should be considered part of another recall & therefore fixed at no cost to the consumer. thank you. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Reported in: SAN LEANDRO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH57539N

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

i took my car into eastbay bmw for a lightbulb change (a tail/brakelight) and the technician noticed the housing of the taillight is melting on both sides, not just the one that needed a light bulb change. he mentioned it was part of a recall and then the representative said, that my car wasn't included in the recall. bmw has stated that it probably isn't the light bulb and that even though this isn't something that i have caused, that they are not responsible. they agreed that this is a faulty part, but is not covered under any recall or warranty. bmw offered to pay half the repairs which my responsibility is $475, which seems like they are admitting some fault in the matter. i have called bmw customer relations and the representative [xxx] said she isn't willing to escalate the issue because she knows it won't go anywhere. in addition, i did some research and there were over 241,000 bmw's recalled for this same reason that the cars were older than mine and out of warranty. since this is occurring on both sides and not just one, it seems that part, the electrical receptacle is producing too much heat on both sides and therefore melting the taillight which is a major safety issue and should be considered part of another recall & therefore fixed at no cost to the consumer. thank you. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Reported in: SAN LEANDRO CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPH57539N

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

as i was driving my car normally my car just turned off on me while going 50. its telling me on the screen its the fuel pump

Reported in: NEW BRITAIN CT || Crash: N || VIN #:

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

as i was driving my car normally my car just turned off on me while going 50. its telling me on the screen its the fuel pump

Reported in: NEW BRITAIN CT || Crash: N || VIN #:

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

my vehicle suddenly stopped in the roadway at approximately 10:30pm. i was unable to restart the car and vehicle had to be towed. it was later found that the fuel pump failed. no indication as to why the pump failed.

Reported in: MARLBOROUGH` CT || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPK53529A

SEAT BELTS

the warning light for not wearing the seat belt has stopped working for the front passenger seat. when the passenger is not wearing the seat belt the warning light no longer comes on and the warning sound no longer happens.

Reported in: ARLINGTON VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAUT93529A

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

purchased the car used appx 4 months ago with just under 25k miles. last week while driving in traffic appx 45 - 50 mph the car started to skip and lose forward power. while waiting for a tow truck the car just lost all electrical power as well. i could hear relays clicking but nothing worked. at the shop (non-bmw) to be evaluated i had to purchase a new battery (this replaced the original). final evaluation was that the fuel pump needed to be replaced which i have now paid for out of pocket. i am afraid that there is some electrical issue lurking as well, but so far the car is driving well. since i purchased the car used i was not aware of any recalls but now i have searched by vin and found the recall on the battery cable and have that scheduled. 29,520 miles is too soon to need a fuel pump replacement!

Reported in: SUWANEE GA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAWV13589P