VehicleVerdict

2007 BMW 328i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 571 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.6 times the median 328i year — the 2007 model ranks #2 of 21 328i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (136), airbags (112), and engine (100), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

571

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

43

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other 328i years?

See all 328i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 BMW 328i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System13624%
Airbags11220%
Engine10018%
Steering5710%
Latches & Locks366%
Other204%
Body & Structure193%
Seat Belts153%
Fuel System153%
Lighting132%
Tires & Wheels122%
Seats102%
Visibility & Wipers92%
Brakes61%
Transmission61%
Suspension20%
Speed Control20%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2007 BMW 328i have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

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 wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 1-800-525-7417.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

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 xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V683000EngineOctober 30, 2017 · 740,561 units

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 crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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 October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

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 controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V564000AirbagsNovember 12, 2013 · 76,565 units

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 sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

13V044000Electrical SystemFebruary 7, 2013 · 516,791 units

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 manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 30MPH PASSING VEHICLE ALLERTED ME OF FIRE AND SMOKE COMING FROM MY REAR. AS I SLOWED DOWN FLAMES AND SMOKE INCREASED. SMOKE FILLED INTERIOR UPON MY EXITING. REAR FIRE CO0NTINUED TO BURN UNTIL FIRE DEPARTMENT. DOOUSED CAR WITH WATER. POLICE REPORT TAKEN. CAR TAKEN TO REPAIR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 8, 2015 · fire

WE WERE IN THE LEFT LANE ABOUT TO TAKE A CURVE TO THE LEFT WHEN A CAR IN THE RIGHT LANE RAN US OFF THE ROAD STRAIGHT INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND MY AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, AS THE DRIVERS SIDE DID. MY HEAD HIT THE DASH AND I BROKE MY NOSE, MY TEETH, AND SUFFERED A MAJOR…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 22, 2012 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE CONTACT'S DRIVEWAY, A LOUD ABNORMAL SOUND WAS HEARD AND THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES AROUND THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 7, 2017 · fire

MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WENT OFF IMMEDIATELY AND I WAS TRAPPED IN CAR. A NEARBY PASSENGER BROKE MY WINDOW TO ME OUT. IF IT WASN'T FOR THE MAN I WOULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE!!

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · February 13, 2019 · fire

DOOR ACTUATORS ON MY 2007 BMW 328I FAILED. IT BEGAN WITH JUST THE FRONT TWO DOORS AND THEN THE REAR DOORS. A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR, MOSTLY LABOR EXPENSE. I AM THANKFUL THAT THIS DID NOT OCCUR WHEN AWAY FROM HOME AS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING THE DOORS WAS NOT POSSIBLE. ALSO, IF SOMEONE HAD BEEN IN THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 13, 2010

2007 BMW 328i — common questions

Is the 2007 BMW 328i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 571 complaints put the 2007 model at #2 of 21 328i years. It is one of the 328i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 328i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (136 complaints), airbags (112 complaints), engine (100 complaints).

Does the 2007 BMW 328i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 BMW 328i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328i years to avoid are 2011, 2007, 2013, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2010, 2015, 2012, 2016. The cleanest record among 328i years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.