Bmw problems
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, commonly abbreviated to BMW (German pronunciation: ⓘ), is a German multinational manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. The company was founded in 1916 as a manufacturer of aircraft engines, which it produced from 1917 to 1918 and again from 1933 to 1945 creating engines for aircraft that were used in the Second World War.
Automobiles are marketed under the brands BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce, and motorcycles are marketed under the brand BMW Motorrad. In 2017, BMW was the world's fourteenth-largest producer of motor vehicles, with 2,279,503 vehicles produced and in 2022 the 7th largest by revenue. In 2023, the company was ranked 46th in the Forbes Global 2000. The company has significant motor-sport history, especially in touring cars, sports cars, and the Isle of Man TT.
BMW is headquartered in Munich and produces motor vehicles in Germany, Brazil, China, India, Mexico, the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Quandt family is a long-term shareholder of the company, following investments by the brothers Herbert and Harald Quandt in 1959 that saved BMW from bankruptcy, with the remaining shares owned by the public.
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Common Bmw problems
BMWs are known for their high-quality components and unmatched driving experience, but they can also have common problems that can affect the driving experience. Here are some of the most common issues that BMW owners face, along with tips on how to maintain and repair them:
- Cooling System Failure: BMW cooling systems are critical in regulating the engine’s temperature and preventing overheating. However, various BMW users have reported the coolant system failing on them, causing them to spend a lot on extensive engine repairs. To prevent cooling system failure, it’s important to get a regular service once you reach 80,000-120,000 km and identify any issues with the coolant system through a 360-degree health check.
- Shaking Steering Wheel: A lot of BMW owners have reported feeling strong vibrations from the steering wheel while driving. This is one of the most common symptoms of having a wheel misalignment. To prevent this issue, it’s important to get a BMW wheel alignment service to inspect all the elements, such as the caster, camber, and toe.
- Tail Lamp Problems: BMW tail lamps can have issues with bad bulb connections at the tail lamp circuit board, causing a “Check Rear Lamp/Brake Lamp” message on the dashboard. To prevent this issue, it’s important to get regular services and identify any issues with the tail lamp assembly.
- Ignition Coil Failure: Ignition coil failure is a common problem in BMWs, causing the engine to misfire or run poorly. To prevent this issue, it’s important to get regular engine inspections and replace any faulty ignition coils as soon as possible.
- Faulty Automatic Headlights: BMW automatic headlights can have issues with staying on even when they’re not needed, drawing on the car’s battery and causing other electronics problems. To prevent this issue, it’s important to find a mechanic that specializes in BMW repair to address the problem.
- Discharging Batteries: BMW batteries can discharge overnight due to accidentally leaving lights on or doors open, or if the smart key is too close to the vehicle when it’s parked. To prevent this issue, it’s important to properly diagnose and fix the problem with a BMW repair shop.
- Corrosion of Alloy Wheels: Some BMW vehicles exhibit premature corrosion on the wheels. To prevent this issue, it’s important to avoid automatic car washes and find out what options exist for replacement and prevention with a BMW mechanic.
- Malfunctioning Fuel Pumps: BMW fuel pumps can fail, causing poor acceleration, sputtering at a high speed, or an engine that refuses to turn. To prevent this issue, it’s important to fix the problem with a repair shop that specializes in BMW repair.
In summary, BMWs are reliable cars that offer a high-quality driving experience. However, they can have common problems that can affect the driving experience. To prevent these issues, it’s important to stay on top of regular maintenance, keep an eye out for warning signs, and drive responsibly. Additionally, choosing a BMW garage can help ensure that any issues are diagnosed and addressed properly.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Bmw models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Bmw cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Bmw models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Bmw brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Bmw models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Bmw cars:
Distribution of Bmw car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Bmw related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Bmw cars are the following:
- Air bags problems
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Steering problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Bmw vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Bmw models
A total of 734 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Bmw models
There were a total of 582 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Bmw models
There were a total of 774 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Bmw models
There were a total of 16 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 15162 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Bmw Bmw. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Bmw models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Bmw models
Bmw Ix 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WB533CF01PC
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Car suddenly went into neutral and a drivetrain fault error message popped up. Unable to set to drive to continue driving. Powered off car and back on and same error message.
Bmw 328i 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBAPH5C52BA
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Recall for 2011 BMW 328i PCV Heater valve was conducted on or around March 12, 2023 at my local BMW private shop Bimmer Engineering located in Lancaster, CA. After service was performed was contacted by BMW representative that this service I paid out of pocket would be reimbursed, but would need to take to BMW dealership to be inspected to ensure BMW part had been replaced properly and with the authorized OME part manufactured by BMW. Vehicle was inspected at the Valencia BMW dealership on or around March 15, 2023 and verified manufactured part was replaced properly. After submitting a claim, letters, and invoices to BMW North America which concluded roughly a year later. I was informed that the reimbursement would not be honored due to recall not affiliated and TREAD ACT does not apply. This information was provided on or around October 11, 2024 by Executive Customer Care Relations and Services Specialist Kurt Westrich.
Bmw 328i 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBAPK7C58BA
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The vehicle owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred several times while driving on the same day. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle shuddered and surged. The vehicle was taken to the O'Reilly, where diagnostic trouble code P054B, which indicated a VANOS bolts failure, was retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000(Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the dealer charged a diagnostic fee and informed the contact that the vehicle would need to be diagnosed for 2 hours prior to the recall repair. The contact denied to pay the fee. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.
Bmw 528i 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-05
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBAXG5C56DD
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The electrical connector of the engine coolanta pump could become damaged. Small drops of liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system could drip down onto the electrical connector of the pump.
Bmw X7 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5UXCW2C06L9
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The car just stopped in the middle of the road and wouldn’t restart. The starter is fried. I didn’t know about the starter recall
Bmw M550i 2018
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBAJB9C5XJB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger restrained seatbelt signal. There is bulletin in google: SIB 72 04 17. There are recalls for this vehicle but dealer want accept it.
Bmw 528i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBA5A5C55FD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 528i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X5 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5UXKT0C57G0
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X5 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5UX23EU06R9
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: The contact owns a 2024 BMW X5. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V104000 (Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw 328i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBA3A5C51FP
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact’s mother owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated with a message to “Drive with Caution” displayed. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the failure was remedied; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and linked the failure to the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 134,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw 428i 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-13
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBA3V9C59F5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw X1 2016
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBXHT3C39G5
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 BMW X1. The contact stated that after arriving to the destination and shifting the vehicle into park(P), the message "Secure Vehicle against Rolling Malfunction" was displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission shifter lever control cable. The contact was informed that the transmission shifter lever control cable was abnormally stretched. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 46,000.
Bmw 328i 2013
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBA3B3C53DF
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Engine Timing Chain and Oil pump drive chain modules failed. I found this from BMW website that Defect Code: SI B11 03 17: For this vehicle the timing chain and the oil pump drive chain modules (N20, N26 engines) limited Warranty for in defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 7 years / 70000 miles as determined from the original in-service date. This coverage is subject to the same vehicle eligibility requirements, limitations, and exclusions that apply to the BMW New vehicle limited warranty for passenger cars and light trucks. for eligible vehicles that are beyond this 7/70 coverage, please refer to SI B11 02 21 for additional coverage that may also apply. I filed a case directly with BMW of NA - they told me get it towed to BMW dealership and get it diagnosed, I followed the instructions and got it diagnosed. BMW dealership confirmed the main cause was the Timing chain broke and engine seized. but BMW declined to do anything about it. please see the link by BMW below: [XXX] $ INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Bmw 328i 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-24
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-24
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBA3A5G59CN
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 5 MPH, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Bmw 535i 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-23
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: WBAFU7C5XCD
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 BMW 535I. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the engine temperature and "Pull Over - Stop Vehicle" warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and let the vehicle cool down and drove to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the water pump needed to be replaced. The mechanic advised the contact that there was an active recall, NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Latest 5 Bmw recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2128 recalls involving various Bmw models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Bmw X3 2022
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2018
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2020
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
- Model: Bmw X3 2019
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-15
- Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2022 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X3 M vehicles. The attachment for the rear cargo rail may become damaged in a rear crash and result in the cargo rail detaching.
- Consequence: Interior rear cargo rail detachment during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the rear cargo rail attachment bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicles in this recall were previously remedied for this issue under recall number 24V-534 and will need to have the new repair completed.
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