bmw 530xi 2007 Complaints

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

2008 bmw 535xi diagnosed with defective fuel pump. engine malfunctioned and power reduced to half during operation. ** please note: actual vehicle is a 2008 535xi sports wagon the vehicle section does not have actual selection available.

Reported in: LOS ANGELES CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBAPT73588C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

this vehicle, unlike all other bmw automobiles has no rock guard in place on the lower front bumper protecting the radiator, etc from road hazards. a rock was thrown by a vehicle in front of me that pierced the condenser attached to the front of the radiator resulting in the car being taken to a service center on a roll back. i see this as a design flaw, (corrected on the 08 model), that can result in dangerous driving situations.

Reported in: WAVERLY PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73587C

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

this vehicle, unlike all other bmw automobiles has no rock guard in place on the lower front bumper protecting the radiator, etc from road hazards. a rock was thrown by a vehicle in front of me that pierced the condenser attached to the front of the radiator resulting in the car being taken to a service center on a roll back. i see this as a design flaw, (corrected on the 08 model), that can result in dangerous driving situations.

Reported in: WAVERLY PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73587C

VISIBILITY

panoramic moonroof shattered while driving - bmw fixed at no cost. i had just closed the shade prior, and if had not, would of fallen on me while driving.

Reported in: MARBLEHEAD MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN73557C

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

my 2007 bmw 530xi's automatic transmission slams as down shift from 2nd to 1st gear. this happens during stop and go traffic and when the transmission gets hot. it felt like i got rear ended every time. the car jerks so hard, it feels like i got whiplash. my wife refuse to drive the car and think the car has brake defects. i went to the dealer at least 5 times and still no resolution. bmw offered 2 software updates and it did not fix the issue.

Reported in: SILVER SPRING MD || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73597C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

a 2007 bmw 530xi caught fire shortly after it was started. the lamp control module burned, causing sparks, smoke, and burning various parts. the mechanic at chambers bmw said that the left front head light collected moisture, and the lights drain clogged. the accumulated moisture caused the fire. the car has ahistory of electrical problems. in dec. 2008, 1 year prior to the fire, the rear sunroof drain clogged, causing water to collect in the spare tire well. it caused the tire pressure light to falsely signal, as rdc module had burned out. there were other electrical problems, which required a radio replacement. a few days before the fire, the dashboard signal for engine overheating went on during a cold winter day. we towed the car to the dealer who claimed he fixed it. two days after we got the car back, my wife turned it on, started to drive, and the fire started.

Reported in: WESTON MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73507C

STRUCTURE:BODY

2007 bmw 530xi, has water leaking onto rear floor from roof drain behind sunroof. this roof drain requires the sunroof to be removed, headliner to be taken down and rubber pipes to be changed in order to ensure proper drainage. this is obviously a design flaw and is something that bmw should be covering the repair fees for instead of charging $700 to fix. the water in the car damages the electronics under the passenger seat which causes safety issues with the airbags etc. bmw is stating that this is a maintenance issue which seems strange as i have never had to pay $700 to fix a roof drain on any other vehicle i have ever owned in the past. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Reported in: PEABODY MA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

when refeuling on low fuel in temperatures below 15 deg f the tank seals fail and leak or emit fuel vapors after filling tank between half way and full. this has occurred and been in for service 5 times on the same mode of failure although 1 was in warmer temperatures. the entire tank was replaced the first time, 2nd time the fuel pump, 3rd time no issue found (higher temp), 4th time 2 seals replaced, 5th time one seal replaced. given the mode of failure strongly suspect a pressure equalization problem is occuring with warmer 40-50 deg f fuel entering the colder tank causing subsequent seal failures.

Reported in: HIGHLANDS RANCH CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73567C

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

gas odor in garage; seals leaking on the fuel tank; seals replaced.

Reported in: HIGHLANDS RANCH CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73567C

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

fuel leaks in garage after fillup of empty tank. occurred after temperatures below 20 deg f.

Reported in: HIGHLANDS RANCH CO || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73567C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

water collects in spare tire well, battery well, and passenger front headlight, causing massive electrical failure. first occurrence was 2009 after ownership of this used bmw 2006 530xi wagon from the bmw dealership. the second occurrence was 23 may 2011.

Reported in: ANN ARBOR MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN735X6C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 530xi sports wagon. the contact stated that a message indicating that the passenger side airbags would not deploy was illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the diagnostic test indicated that the mat sensor needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was notified, but the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 87,000 and the current mileage was 87,400.

Reported in: MONETA VA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN73587C

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL

tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 530xi. the contact stated the front passenger air bag warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact researched the nhtsa campaign id number: 08v384000 (air bags:frontal), but the dealer and manufacturer stated the vin was not associated with the recall. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 35,000 and the current mileage was 35,000.

Reported in: WAYNE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73507C

AIR BAGS

tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 530xi. the contact stated that the air bag light was illuminated upon starting the vehicle. the failure recurred on an intermittent basis. the vehicle was not taken to have the failure diagnosed or repaired. an authorized dealer was notified and the contact was informed that a seat pad would most likely need to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 85,000.

Reported in: ERIE PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF735X7C

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 530xi. the contact stated that the vehicle was constantly overheating. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer where the dealer replaced both the water pump and the thermostat. the dealer told the contact that the failure could have started a fire if it was not corrected. the failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 75,578. updated 6/4/12 *cn the consumer stated he paid for the repairs. the recall did not cover his model year. updated 06/07/12 *js

Reported in: MENDHAM NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

SEAT BELTS

vehicle says passenger restraint malfunction - passenger air bag will not deploy in an event of an accident. there was a recall for the year 2004-2006 models, for the same reason (passenger restraint malfunction). the recall does not cover the 2007 model. this is a serious defect and a safety issue! bmw is charging for this when it should be free. there needs to be a recall for the later models as well. what happens if i am in a accident. this is gross neligence and they deserve to be sued.

Reported in: PLYMOUTH MEETING PA || Crash: N || VIN #:

STEERING

steering wheel lock warning appears necessitating expensive repair. this flaw appears since 2006 and across models: the 1 series 3 series and 5 series. the condition isn't brought on by any incidents.

Reported in: MARLBORO NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73547C

STEERING

the car battery died after sitting for 6 days, upon recharging the battery, the car started up and many warning lights came on including stability control issue, high discharge on battery, steering lock; and date/time reset. once we restarted the car and began driving, all of the warning lights went away except for the steering wheel lock warning light. warning light says "electric steering wheel malfunction. the wheel cannot be unlocked/locked. please see the nearest bmw dealer for service". after reading reviews, i see a similar occurrence where the warning light occurs once a battery becomes discharged. once brought to the dealership, they require a whole steering wheel column to be replaced. i feel that if the battery did not die due to it sitting, this should never have been an issue. thank you

Reported in: BUFFALO NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73547C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

the car battery died after sitting for 6 days, upon recharging the battery, the car started up and many warning lights came on including stability control issue, high discharge on battery, steering lock; and date/time reset. once we restarted the car and began driving, all of the warning lights went away except for the steering wheel lock warning light. warning light says "electric steering wheel malfunction. the wheel cannot be unlocked/locked. please see the nearest bmw dealer for service". after reading reviews, i see a similar occurrence where the warning light occurs once a battery becomes discharged. once brought to the dealership, they require a whole steering wheel column to be replaced. i feel that if the battery did not die due to it sitting, this should never have been an issue. thank you

Reported in: BUFFALO NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73547C

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

the problem that i am having started on june 18, 2012, when i heard a clicking sound coming from the drivers? side every time i turned off the ignition. the clicking sound only occurred when i turned off the ignition, and was only heard from the front of the car. on june 19, 2012, i decided to visit the bmw service department to see if they could get to the bottom of this clicking my 530xi had. at this time, no error messages were present on the idrive system. i did not have time to have a diagnostic test that day, so i decided i would return the following day to have a diagnostic test performed on it. on my way home (1.5 mile drive), i had the following message on my idrive system ?awd, dsc, abs, and emerg ebv? this had me very worried, and i started researching if other bmw owners were having the same problem as i did. after talking to several bmw owners, they pointed out to me that they also experienced this problem in the past, and that the problem that they had involved a defective transfer case actuator motor (bmw part 27-10-7-546-671). on june 20, 2012, i again visited the bmw service center and had the diagnostic test run on my vehicle. the problem came back as a defective transfer case actuator motor. *tt

Reported in: TRAVERSE CITY MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

SERVICE BRAKES

the problem that i am having started on june 18, 2012, when i heard a clicking sound coming from the drivers? side every time i turned off the ignition. the clicking sound only occurred when i turned off the ignition, and was only heard from the front of the car. on june 19, 2012, i decided to visit the bmw service department to see if they could get to the bottom of this clicking my 530xi had. at this time, no error messages were present on the idrive system. i did not have time to have a diagnostic test that day, so i decided i would return the following day to have a diagnostic test performed on it. on my way home (1.5 mile drive), i had the following message on my idrive system ?awd, dsc, abs, and emerg ebv? this had me very worried, and i started researching if other bmw owners were having the same problem as i did. after talking to several bmw owners, they pointed out to me that they also experienced this problem in the past, and that the problem that they had involved a defective transfer case actuator motor (bmw part 27-10-7-546-671). on june 20, 2012, i again visited the bmw service center and had the diagnostic test run on my vehicle. the problem came back as a defective transfer case actuator motor. *tt

Reported in: TRAVERSE CITY MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

POWER TRAIN

the problem that i am having started on june 18, 2012, when i heard a clicking sound coming from the drivers? side every time i turned off the ignition. the clicking sound only occurred when i turned off the ignition, and was only heard from the front of the car. on june 19, 2012, i decided to visit the bmw service department to see if they could get to the bottom of this clicking my 530xi had. at this time, no error messages were present on the idrive system. i did not have time to have a diagnostic test that day, so i decided i would return the following day to have a diagnostic test performed on it. on my way home (1.5 mile drive), i had the following message on my idrive system ?awd, dsc, abs, and emerg ebv? this had me very worried, and i started researching if other bmw owners were having the same problem as i did. after talking to several bmw owners, they pointed out to me that they also experienced this problem in the past, and that the problem that they had involved a defective transfer case actuator motor (bmw part 27-10-7-546-671). on june 20, 2012, i again visited the bmw service center and had the diagnostic test run on my vehicle. the problem came back as a defective transfer case actuator motor. *tt

Reported in: TRAVERSE CITY MI || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

STEERING

awd and dsc malfunction error message .awd and dsc have malfunctioned. limited driving stability. drive moderately. steering angle sensor.

Reported in: NEW CITY NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73577C

ENGINE

the engine overheated on the highway and the car stopped. i had to wait a lil while before stated back up then he overheated again. took it to the dealer and he told me that could off cause a fire. but after review of the key data he realized that no service was overdue and ask me to let the car for the week end . i'm still waiting for the diagnostic and don't know if this malfunction is cover by a recall.

Reported in: LAKESIDE CA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73597C

POWER TRAIN

very common problem in 2007 bmw 530 xi is transmission gasket leak and i came to know from web this is happened to many vehicles.

Reported in: HILLSBOROUGH NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

STEERING

steering angle sensor problem.

Reported in: HILLSBOROUGH NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL

steering angle sensor problem.

Reported in: HILLSBOROUGH NJ || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73527C

ENGINE

tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 530xi. the contact stated that the temperature warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the technician stated the water pump would have to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

Reported in: CENTERREACH NY || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73597C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i was recently made aware that there is a recall regarding the rear tail lights on 2008+ 5 series vehicles. i recently expereinced the same symptoms as the recall notice on my rear tail lights; however my car is a 2007 model. the i-drive would intermittenly alert that a bulb is out. i have replaced it but it would go out again. i inspected the bulb carrier and bulb socket and noticed severly burned contact area's where one of the bulb sockets plug in. the recall clearly is for sedans 2008+ but i seem to have the exact issue and there are others who have the same issues (see 5series.net forum website).

Reported in: NORWALK CT || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN73547C

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

i was recently made aware that there is a recall regarding the rear tail lights on 2008+ 5 series vehicles. i recently expereinced the same symptoms as the recall notice on my rear tail lights; however my car is a 2007 model. the i-drive would intermittenly alert that a bulb is out. i have replaced it but it would go out again. i inspected the bulb carrier and bulb socket and noticed severly burned contact area's where one of the bulb sockets plug in. the recall clearly is for sedans 2008+ but i seem to have the exact issue and there are others who have the same issues (see 5series.net forum website).

Reported in: NORWALK CT || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN73547C

STRUCTURE:BODY:TAILGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

i discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. through research online i have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. the failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. this is not an easily repaired problem. it would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. i discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. as i investigated i found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Reported in: KIRKLAND WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN735X7C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

i discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. through research online i have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. the failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. this is not an easily repaired problem. it would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. i discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. as i investigated i found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Reported in: KIRKLAND WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN735X7C

VISIBILITY/WIPER

i discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. through research online i have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. the failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. this is not an easily repaired problem. it would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. i discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. as i investigated i found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Reported in: KIRKLAND WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN735X7C

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

i discovered failures of multiple wires in the tailgate/rear window wiring harnesses. through research online i have found this is a common problem with this vehicle over several model years - search for bmw e61 tailgate wiring problems. the failures are caused by a poor design where the wires entering the hinge guides (4) for the glass and tailgate are repeatedly flexed at a sharp angle until the insulation, then the copper wire breaks. safety issues - possible electrical short circuit leading to fires (highest load is for rear defroster); lighting failures (rear high brake light, license plate lamps and others); reduced visibility due to loss of wiper/washer/defroster; rear glass latch opening while underway, possibly resulting in loss of cargo or ingress of exhaust fumes. this is not an easily repaired problem. it would be beyond the capabilities of all but a skilled mechanic with proper tools. i discovered it when the remote lock/unlock using the key fobs failed. as i investigated i found the broken wire, along with several others with broken insulation, some with broken copper strands.

Reported in: KIRKLAND WA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANN735X7C

STEERING

dsc and awd lights come up intermittently. dealer reported failure in steering angle sensor. checked in forums to find that this is a common failure for all e60 bmw cars.

Reported in: NEW MILFORD NJ || Crash: N || VIN #:

STEERING

have researched numerous forums regarding car issues. "passenger restraint malfunction" alarm appears on idrive with airbag light illuminated and seat belt light illuminated on dash board. reads that parts of the passenger restraint system have failed or are faulty. front passenger air bag may or may not deploy, along with other passive restraint devices. have not received any notifications from bmw regarding recall issue, but discovered recently there is a recall for my car model/year. am awaiting a service appointment to have it evaluated, will not pay to have it repaired if dealership says it is not part of the recall. "steering wheel lock malfunction" on idrive. light illuminated recently and continues to stay on. can currently start and run my car, along with turn steering wheel and hear the steering wheel unlock when key is inserted into ignition. also researched on bmw forums, known to many 3/5/6 series in my year of production having similiar issues in europe and usa. no recall from bmw on this also? will also not pay for this repair as it appears to be a defective part for the model year by bmw.

Reported in: ELIZABETHTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73547C

AIR BAGS

have researched numerous forums regarding car issues. "passenger restraint malfunction" alarm appears on idrive with airbag light illuminated and seat belt light illuminated on dash board. reads that parts of the passenger restraint system have failed or are faulty. front passenger air bag may or may not deploy, along with other passive restraint devices. have not received any notifications from bmw regarding recall issue, but discovered recently there is a recall for my car model/year. am awaiting a service appointment to have it evaluated, will not pay to have it repaired if dealership says it is not part of the recall. "steering wheel lock malfunction" on idrive. light illuminated recently and continues to stay on. can currently start and run my car, along with turn steering wheel and hear the steering wheel unlock when key is inserted into ignition. also researched on bmw forums, known to many 3/5/6 series in my year of production having similiar issues in europe and usa. no recall from bmw on this also? will also not pay for this repair as it appears to be a defective part for the model year by bmw.

Reported in: ELIZABETHTOWN PA || Crash: N || VIN #: WBANF73547C

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE

headlights went crazy 4x4 lights came on took into a tech and found code 93b3 steering angle failure.. found campaign si b 34 05 06 from bmw rec a problem with steering angle sensor. my car falls in the date range but not vin number .. the bulletin states that the vin should not be the deciding factor on repairs....

Reported in: COVINGTON KY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1FTPW14564K

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

headlights went crazy 4x4 lights came on took into a tech and found code 93b3 steering angle failure.. found campaign si b 34 05 06 from bmw rec a problem with steering angle sensor. my car falls in the date range but not vin number .. the bulletin states that the vin should not be the deciding factor on repairs....

Reported in: COVINGTON KY || Crash: N || VIN #: 1FTPW14564K