VehicleVerdict

2007 BMW 328xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 287 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 13.4 times the median 328xi year — the 2007 model ranks #1 of 12 328xi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (63), airbags (51), and engine (47), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

287

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2007 compare to other 328xi years?

328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted287 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 6 complaints2007: 287 complaints2008: 152 complaints2009: 18 complaints2010: 29 complaints2011: 99 complaints2012: 1 complaints2013: 33 complaints2014: 21 complaints2015: 22 complaints2016: 4 complaints
328xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2007 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 328xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2007 BMW 328xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System6322%
Airbags5118%
Engine4716%
Latches & Locks269%
Steering259%
Other135%
Transmission103%
Seat Belts83%
Fuel System83%
Tires & Wheels72%
Lighting62%
Speed Control52%
Body & Structure52%
Brakes41%
Seats41%
Suspension31%
Visibility & Wipers21%

Does the 2007 BMW 328xi have recalls?

4 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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AFTER A SHORT DRIVE I PARKED THE CAR. I STARTED TO NOTICE SMOKE COMING FROM THE VENTS. I CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD BUT COULD NOT SEE ANY SOURCE. AFTER CLOSING THE HOOD I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND THEN NOTED FLAMES COMING FROM JUST FORWARD OF THE DASH BOARD. WITHIN SECONDS THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 23, 2012 · fire

“FOR TWO YEARS MY SEATBELT SENSOR PAD IN THE PASSENGERS SIDE HAS BEEN BROKEN. THE COST IS $1400. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER ONLY FOR THEM TO SAY THEY DON'T SEE A RECALL ON MY CAR. I LOOKED IT UP HERE AND THE SAME RESULT. I RESEARCH RECALLS ON THE 3 SERIES 328XI ON THE INTERNET AND I SEE A SEAT SENSOR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 3, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. WHILE STATIONARY, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED WITHOUT WARNING AND SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 27, 2017 · fire

“2007 328XI CURRENTLY AT 65700MI. UNABLE TO UNLOCK CAR USING KEY FOB OR INSIDE BUTTON ON DASH. WINDOWS WORK, HANDLES LIGHT UP. CAN HEAR AN AUDIBLE SOUND WHEN CAR IS TRYING TO UNLOCK. CANNOT OPEN WITHOUT USING VALET KEY. CAN EXIT FROM DRIVER SIDE ONLY USING HANDLE. ALL OTHER DOORS CANNOT UNLOCK AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · August 6, 2011

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 328XI. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME STUCK, CAUSING HIM TO HIT A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO FILED A REPORT WITH THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 18, 2010 · crash

2007 BMW 328xi — common questions

Is the 2007 BMW 328xi reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 287 complaints put the 2007 model at #1 of 12 328xi years. It is one of the 328xi years to avoid.

What are the most common 2007 328xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (63 complaints), airbags (51 complaints), engine (47 complaints).

Does the 2007 BMW 328xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2007 BMW 328xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 328xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 328xi years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2014, 2016. The cleanest record among 328xi years belongs to 2005.

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.