BMW 328i Complaints (2011)

580 consumer complaints on file.

#11464269May 11, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vanos solenoid bolt came apart and manufacturer refuses to service vehicle advising my car is not part of recall notice # 14V-176. Also denying me SULEV warranty services basically do not want to honor any recalls or EPA compliance warranties.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11463911May 9, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked and upon returning to the vehicle, he noticed that all four windows had rolled down independently. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461765April 22, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle overheated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure to be the heater coil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461650April 21, 2022
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car was brought in to the BMW dealership for knocking noises, a fire smell, and shaking. I was told my car could not be repaired due to engine failure.l was informed that replacing the engine would cost me more than the vehicle is worth. He recommended l sell it for parts. Currently there are no lights/ indicators present on my dash board indicating that something is even wrong . l did not receive any warnings before the shaking and /or during the knocking . On the other hand; I have made multiple complaints to my mechanic about smelling fire or burnt rubber for the past six months and he thought it was coming from the radiator and he replaced it.. The smell did not improve .. he was still in the process of guessing what it could be . I guess we know now. The safety of my family has been at risk for months, knowing that burnt rubber smell could have evolved into something major at anytime . My life was in danger when the car began shaking while driving on the highway on my way to work . The car has been parked for a week now due to me not knowing what to do with a dead 10 years young vehicle. I have not called the police and my insurance company states they don’t cover mechanical issues. My car has only been viewed by a dealership and my mechanic shop. To make my situation worse , I am currently working overseas in Germany on orders and l don’t know what to do with this car. I don’t live a lifestyle where I can afford to purchase a vehicle with the intentions of it lasting 10 years or less . My car is definitely available for inspection upon request.. if someone could advise me on whom to contact , that would be great . The set back this has caused me is unrealistic. If there is anything I can do as a costumer please let me know .l am a healthcare worker .l am very reliant upon my vehicle . I need my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461280April 19, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle and a burning rubber odor was detected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with engine failure. The mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461349April 19, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while her son was driving at approximately 70 MPH the vehicle began to emit smoke from under the hood. The contact's son was able to safely pull off of the highway, there was no fire and the smoke abated after the vehicle was turned off. The contact stated that her son did not notice any warning lights being illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine, Engine Cooling). The mechanic determined that the entire engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461112April 18, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started smoking from the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the smoke extinguished by itself. The contact drove the vehicle home and called the dealer. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer but the vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacture was not informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460904April 15, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she smelled a strong burning odor inside the vehicle. The warning message "Service Engine Soon" was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the service brakes, spark plugs, and radiator needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460729April 14, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer had been notified of the issue and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460665April 13, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer had been notified of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460681April 13, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the "Engine Service Soon" warning message was displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460539April 12, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice to be diagnosed. The diagnostic test was performed; however, the contact was unsure of the results. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460543April 12, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH that all the lights became illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the vehicle began to emit smoke from under the hood, the vehicle lost power, and additionally, the contact had a failure of power steering and brakes. The contact was able to safely coast off the roadway and stopped. The vehicle continued to emit smoke but eventually, no more smoke was observed. The fire department was not summoned. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had locked. The mechanic attempted to unlock the engine and failed and advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460077April 7, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
BMW HAS A RECALL ON THIS VEHICLE 328XI ABOUT THE PCV VALVE HEATER AND HAD SENT NOTICE OF THE NEED TO REPLACE AND IT HAS BEEN OVER 2 YEARS AND THEY HAVE NOT FOUND A REMEDY FOR THE FIX. THE BMW WARRANTY GROUP CONFIRMED A DATE ON MARCH 7, 2022 FOR THE REPAIR. UPON GOING TO THE HERB CAMBERS IN BROOKLINE, MA. THEY TOLD ME THEY DID NOT HAVE A REMEDY TO FIX THE ISSUE AND WILL CONTACT WHEN THEY HAVE A FIX. ON APRIL 2022 THEY SENT A LETTER STATING THE PCV VALVE HEATER NEEDS TO BE FIXED UNDER (17V-673 / 19V-273) AND THE REMEDY IS UNAVAILABLE AND A NEW REMEDY NEEDS TO BE PERFORMED. ISSUE IS THAT IF THEY DO NOT FIX THE VALVE HEATER THE ENGINE COULD HEAT UP AND COULD CAUSE A FIRE. THEY SAY A REMEDY IS BEING WORKED ON, BUT BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE IF A FIRE DOES OCCUR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11459157March 31, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VISIBILITY/WIPER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Footwell module. Computer system that controls turn signals, headlights, highbeams, windows, door locks etc. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I can't use my turn signals, highbeams, headlights, Windows. I can't signal my cars lane changes or see clearly at night. I can't roll the windows down or up which creates a unsafe hazard. My child is able to climb out of the window in the back seat while I'm driving. I have zero control over the windows. I can't determine if my child's door is open or closed when the car is in motion. My car doors no longer lock at all. My child can open up the door at any moment that the car is in motion. I'm unable to see at night without my highbeams. I'm now forced to drive with reduced visibility. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Both by a dealership and independent shop. There have been reconcurring warrantee coverages offered but no recalls despite the clear determinant to safety. Common usage of the vehicle at this point in time is a safety concern of all surrounding users and transportation vehicles. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The manufacturer has inspected this module concern. I'm very sure that there have been accidents associated with this module malfunction. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There are zero signs of this issue prior to it's failure. The failure had no warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11458841March 29, 2022
ENGINE
I have a 2011 BMW 328i Sedan, the car has only 50,000 miles on it. No accidents. The VIN number is [XXX] I've been hearing the increased engine noise on my vehicle, then the car engine has stalled while it's stopping in the intersection a couple of days ago. The engine has failed to start after that. I've called my mechanic he removed the engine's valve cover, he found 4 bolts attached to the VANOS adjusting unit have broken off. I checked online it looks like there's a safety recall on these bolts (see the attachment). I visited the BMW service center in San Francisco, they claimed they couldn't find any related safety recall on these bolts and refused to fix the issue. I'm glad that there's no crash or injury during the engine stalled event. These VANOS bolts are clearly not safe. I saw the manufacturer recall these bolts awhile ago. Recall Campaign 14V-176: VANOS Assembly Bolts - Engine Failure 2011 328i Wonder if the recall applies to my vehicle? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11456994March 16, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The FRM module has failed for a 3rd time in my 328xi. This module distributes power to many components and since it has failed I have no headlights, no turn signals, no interior lights, no dashboard lights, and cannot roll my windows up or down. This is a known flaw with these cars and if you look on eBay there are bootleg repair services than can temporarily reset it however they often fail again. There are dozens of these sellers on Ebay and all list +1000 sales for their repair services so clearly this is widespread and affects many BMW owners. BMW denies there is an issue but has placed a 10 year warranty on the part, however all 3 series affected by this part are over 10 years old and not eligible for this warranty. Digging around on BMW forums this seems extremely common and almost anything can cause the FRM to fail. Headlights burning out, weak batteries, replacing interior dome lights, and even BMW connecting to the OBDII port to read the ecu are common causes of the FRM failing. I don't understand how they can get away with putting a limited warranty on this and not a full recall when it's clearly a safety concern as I can't safely or legally drive my car with no working lights, and in the event of an emergency cannot roll down my windows to get out of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11452089February 15, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I owned a 2011 BMW 328i vin number [XXX]. My car first began having problems with the coils, which I had repaired. Then, my engine light came on at least 7 different times and had to return to the the dealership for repair. Sometimes I was not even out of the driveway of the dealership before I had to return the car. They eventually repaired the systemic problem as well as recall notices. On May 3rd, 2020, my car was parked in my driveway and caught on fire and burned to the ground. These BMW fires that we keep hearing about are real issues and need to be investigated. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11451815February 14, 2022
SEATS
Driver side seat gets so hot that the seat warmer cannot be kept on, even at the lowest setting, for longer than a few minutes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11449710February 1, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, she heard an abnormal whistling sound and a rattling sound coming from the engine while the vehicle was idling. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and received a code for the camshaft housing bolts of the engine. The contact researched the failure and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V176000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000. Manufacturer offered an extended warranty for the E91 wagon owners but failed to include the E91 model in the 14V-176 recall campaign and notify owners of the issue. The E91 shares the same model engine found in the E90 and E92 models that were part of the recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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