BMW 335xi Complaints

154 consumer complaints on file.

#11764599September 16, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The ibs sensor on the negative battery cable failed on me causing the car to die and not start back up. It also caused my new battery to die within a year due to charging information it was sending to the car. And I keep getting codes such as battery exhausted and signal issues from the battery
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672981July 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
the component that failed involved 4 wires (pictures available); that somehow grounded against a cross member that wouldn't have been previously visible due to their location hidden by the under car shielding. the car is at the wrecking yard that the police called. i wanted triple a to come and get it, but was told by an officer that they didnt have time for that. i had to go in to the tow company, and sign my title over to cover towing, and avoid further billing. as of 2 weeks ago it was still there. my safety was at risk due to the electrical fire that then caught the shielding on fire, and desperately try to put it out, and no luck. the problem has not been confirmed, by anyone beside me. i have pictures and evidentally showing where the fire started. in the images it shows one and maybe two areas of toning where the wire(s) fused to the cross member about 12 inches back from the firewall in the middle on the underside of the car. the car has only been inspected by me. i retrieved the fire fighters report, and have not been able to get the police report yet due to financial constraints. though the car is being picked off of; as of the last time i took pictures, the area that caused the incident was still intact. i had been in the car no longer than 7-10 minutes of operating it when it went into limp mode and probably travelled 50 feet until it came to a complete stop; then i noticed smoke coming out from the hood; so i popped the hood, jumped out, and opened it. that when i saw an orange glow obscured by the firewall. i then ran to the passenger side, and saw a relatively small fire. so i took my coat off and tried to smother it, but then my coat caught fire, and it grew from there. when the fire department engaged the fire with water; there were 2 to 4 times that firemen ran up to me asking if it was a hybrid, and i answered no. it flared up several times creating increasing difficulty for the fire fighters; that an educated guess was caused from electrolysis.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664177June 1, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
What happened: While driving, steering system malfunction warning appeared, power steering felt normal. Within 5 sec the HVAC blower quit, A/C shut off, and “Transmission not in Park” flashed although shifter was untouched (in Drive). All cluster gauges began sweeping randomly; iDrive screen flickered. Within 10 seconds, I heard a loud pop from passenger-side engine bay; voltage warnings continued. Pulled over immediately, switched ignition off, opened hood: active flames at passenger side of engine bay. Fire spread rapidly. Fire dept arrived within 5 min, but vehicle was fully engulfed. Total loss. No injuries. Suspected root cause: BMW’s PCV valve-heater (“blow-by heater”) or electric coolant-pump connector short-circuited, causing a massive current draw that browned out control modules (explaining the cascading warnings) and started the fire. These parts are the subjects of recalls 22V-119 (PCV heater, build cutoff 10 Oct 2013) and 24V-608 (water-pump connector, N20 engines only). My VIN shows NO open recalls, yet the failure sequence and fire origin perfectly match the defects acknowledged in those campaigns. Damage & consequences Complete destruction of vehicle forward of the firewall and significant damage to cabin. Towing, tow-yard and haz-mat cleanup fees incurred in excess of $1300 I only have liability coverage on the vehicle, so insurance will not get involved. Request to NHTSA Please investigate 2014 335i GT (N55) models excluded from 22V-119 and 24V-608. Evidence suggests the same defective components are present and can cause in-motion engine-bay fires. Please advise if I have any recourse on this matter.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619884October 15, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 335xi. The contact stated while her son was driving at various speeds, the engine was misfiring and making an abnormal loud knocking sound. No further information was provided. The driver pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuel injectors had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to BMW Campaign Number: SIB130120. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was unsure whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11532997July 18, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 335xi. The contact stated after parking the vehicle at a parking lot, he noticed smoke exiting the center dashboard. The contact detached the plastic kickboard and saw the fire located in the wires. A bystander had a fire extinguisher available and was able to extinguish the fire. The contact burned his left hand but declined medical attention. The fire department arrived at the location and filed a fire report. The fire department informed the VIN was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System). A police report was not filed. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where they associated the failure with the recall. The contact stated a manufacturer inspector, later on, informed the recall was not associated with the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 123,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11495879December 3, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car hasn't start up for 2 years now. 1st it started with a dead starter, then alternator, then the radiator and water pump bursted, and as i was standing outside of my car the passenger air bag deploys while the car was off and key out of the ignition. Luckily no one was in my car but now my car doesn't and wont crank or turnover, it makes a buzzing noise for a split second when i hit the start/stop button and thats all. I'm getting full voltage to it. Every time i run my scanner, i get different codes every time, i bought a 2nd scanner (carly) to compare and both threw out different codes every time but the main ones was the starter and pcv code; which i got 3 different starters put in, all new and the code was still ahowing. Ive spent more time researching and more money buying parts to fix my car then what I bought the car for which was $6k. Worst part is that My car wont even start so i cant take it to the shop and im definitely not paying a toll fee just to have the shop tell me what i already know. Ive looked up forums and multiple people is facing the same issues as i am with their results ending with a "please help if anyone finds out what this issue is". I've replaced the battery 3 times and registered the batteries each time. I have a new starter, alternator, radiator, radiator fan, water pump, thermostat, reservoir, crankshaft and camshaft position sensor, battery, ibs cables, power distribution box, ground straps, oil filter, oil filter housing, spark plugs, coil packs, manifold and gaskets, pcv valves, start/stop switch, relays, fuses, and I still get the same results which is no crank/no start and a buzzing noise. When i spoke with BMW customer support i told them that the closest BMW repair shop is 2 hours away from me and the lady replied "that's going to be a huge chunk of money for towing". I mean seriously, BMW should be paying for or that and fixing their mess but won't own up to it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476621July 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
July 28 2022 while parked and I. The off position my 2007 b.m.w 335xi began bellowing black smoke from under the hood of the vehicle. I quickly discovered the origin was behind was in the housing for the vehicles blower motor. Once I realized I could put the fore out I called emergency services, they responded but the vehicle was completely destroyed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11468776June 11, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pump. I believe there was a recall for the 335i model not the 335xi. These are the same exact engines and were produced at the same exact time with the same exact parts. BMW created index 1 injectors and has since remanufactured to what today is now called an index 12 injector. I believe my model is well over due to qualify for this recall because old injectors can cause a fire WHILE DRIVING. Fuel leaks around electrical spark plugs and bmw knows this but they only recalled for the RWD model which is ridiculous. Not only could this cause a fire, but it could danger the lives of the driver, passenger, and others on the road. Without a recall owners are forced to try and scrape together at least $2,850 just for the updated injectors not including the labor fee. Pressure builds up and these injectors could pop out (due to pressure) which could cause a serious accident. BMW needs to do what is right and recall the 2007-2011 335XI because they know these have the same problems as a regular 335. Please help insure the safety of vehicle operators and general public by investigating this issue and demand BMW to provide customers with the 335XI recalls. There is also an issue with the TURBOS that often fail due to “wastegate rattle”. This is highly dangerous because if the turbo fails while driving your cars engine will stop and overheat risking potential fire and crashing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11406219April 3, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT YESTERDAY AT MY JOB PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE FOOT ON BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN MY CAR ACCELERATED INTO A PARKED TRUCK. I AM STILL IN DISABLED THIS HAPPENED. I KNOW I DID NOT BIT THE GAS BY MISTAKE AS THAT I WASN'T USING THE GAS PEDAL I WAS PULLING IN THE SPACE USING THE BRAKE I DRIVE WITH MY RIGHT FOOT ONLY AND CAN'T PUSH TWO PEDALS AT ONCE. I TURNED THE CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY AND THEN STARTED IT AGAIN AND BACKED OFF THE TRUCK . I'VE PARKED IN PARKING SPACES FOR YEARS AND NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS BEFORE .
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11397169February 21, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CENTRAL LOCKING ISSUE. THE DOORS NEITHER LOCK NOR UNLOCK WITH KEY FOB, AND THE CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON INSIDE THE CAR DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. THE DOUBLE PULL METHOD ALSO DOES NOT UNLOCK THE DOORS. SEEMS LIKE A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE ESPECIALLY WHEN I HAVE 4 OTHER PEOPLE IN THE CAR AND GET T-BONED, FLIP THE CAR AND IT CATCHES FIRE, AND NOW ALL OF US HAVE TO GET OUT OF THE PASSENGER DOOR. NOT SURE WHERE TO GO FROM HERE !
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11384029December 18, 2020
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY BMW 2014 335XI GT 63900 MILES VIN:[XXX] SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL WHEN DRIVING IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY AND LOSE POWER WITHOUT WARNING LIGHT AND STUCK ON ROAD AND TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SUGGEST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE COST 23K, AND THE REPORTS SAID THE REASON MAY BE DUE TO FUEL PUMP OR PREVIOUS OIL LEAK. THIS ISSUE IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN LEAVE ANYONE STRANDED ANYWHERE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. NO WARNING LIGHT SHOWED PREVIOUSLY. I WAS DOING REGULAR OIL CHANGE AND MAINTENANCE AND FIXED THE OIL LEAK. I THOUGHT IT DUE TO THE RECALL CASE BELOW: IMPROPER PLATING ON FUEL PUMP MAY RESULT IN STALL IF THE FUEL PUMP FAILS, THE VEHICLE MAY STALL WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V189000 MANUFACTURER BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC COMPONENTS FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS INDICATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V189000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) BUT VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL OF BMW POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED 18,054 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11365528October 21, 2020
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY VEHICLE HAS MULTIPLE CODES FOR FAULTY FUEL INJECTORS. A RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS INITIATED I N 2010 TO REPAIR THESE INJECTORS. I BELIEVE THE RECALL CAMPAIGN WAS TITLED 10E-A02: REPLACE FUEL INJECTORS. THE ELIGIBLITY WAS LISTED AS VEHICLES WITH PRODUCTION DATES FROM 4/01/2007 TO 11/30/2008. VEHICLES INCLUDED WERE BMW E90 MODELS. I HAVE A 2007 E90 MODEL WITH A PRODUCTION DATE OF 3/2007. IT IS PECULIAR THAT THE PRODUCTION DATE DID NOT INCLUDE ALL VEHICLES IN THAT MODEL YEAR. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND DETERMINED THAT THE PART NUMBER ON MY FUEL INJECTORS WERE THE SAME AS THE PART NUMBERS OF THE FUEL INJECTORS FOR VEHICLES PRODUCES IN 4/2007 AND FOR THE REST OF THAT MODEL YEAR. I FEEL MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THAT RECALL, PLEASE ADVISE.10
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11365595October 21, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I WRITE REQUESTING THAT MY VEHICLE 2008 BMW 335XI VIN NUMBER [XXX] BE TAGGED/LISTED AS NEEDING THE REVISED SIB 13 01 20 -EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 10E-A02 ISSUED BY BMW ON 01/17/2020. THIS REVISED 2020 BMW INTERNAL AMENDED RECALL INSTRUCTIONS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT OF ALL ORIGINAL FUEL INJECTORS. IT AMENDS WHAT WAS BEING DONE SINCE THE ORIGINAL RECALL SIB 13 14 20 FROM THE YEAR 2011 WHICH REQUIRED ONLY INDIVIDUAL FAILING INJECTORS BE REPLACED. BACK IN 2011, THE BMW SERVICE CENTER THAT WORKED ON MY CAR, REPLACED TWO (2) FAILING INJECTORS AND REMOVED THE CAR FROM THE RECALL LIST PREMATURELY. THAT WAS WRONG BECAUSE FUEL INJECTORS ARE ?INDIVIDUAL? PIECES OF EQUIPMENT, AND MY CAR NEEDS SIX (6) OF THEM. IN THE YEAR 2013, BMW REPLACED THREE (3) FUEL INJECTORS IN A DIFFERENT BANK UNDER WARRANTY. MAKING IT THAT WAS STILL ONE MORE ORIGINAL INJECTOR LEFT (INJECTOR NUMBER #5) IN THE CAR. THIS REMAINING INJECTOR #5 IN MY CAR IS AN ORIGINAL INJECTOR AND SHOULD STILL BE SUBJECT TO THE RECALL. I CALLED BMW USA ASKING FOR THE UPDATED 01/17/2020 RECALL BE COMPLETED ON MY CAR AND THEY DENIED MY REQUEST STATING THEY HAVE PROPERLY COMPLETED THE ORIGINAL RECALL BACK IN 2011. I HAD THEM REVIEW THE RECORDS WHICH INDICATE THAT BACK IN 2011 DURING THE ORIGINAL RECALL SIB 13 14 20 ONLY FUEL INJECTORS 4 & 6 WERE REPLACED UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE INJECTORS. INJECTOR NUMBER 5 IS STILL ORIGINAL AND IT IS SUBJECT TO THE 01/17/2020 SIB 13 01 20 -EMISSIONS RECALL CAMPAIGN 10E-A02 ISSUED BY BMW. CURRENTLY, THIS FUEL INJECTOR LEAKS FUEL DOWN INTO THE CYLINDER HEAD AND CREATES POLLUTION. I AM ATTACHING SERVICE RECORDS. I APPRECIATE YOU TAKING THE TIME TO PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS AND HAVE BMW DO THE RIGHT THING BY REPLACING THIS OLD ORIGINAL INJECTOR THEY LEFT BEHIND BACK IN 2011. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR LOOKING INTO THIS. --- [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11348644August 11, 2020
ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE STARTER SLOWLY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE INSPECTING UNDER THE HOOD, HE NOTICED A FUEL LEAK INTO THE SPARK PLUGS. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER ORANGE COUNTY BMW LOCATED AT 101 MAHER LN, HARRIMAN, NY 10926, (845) 782-4269 AND WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH MANUFACTURER RECALL 10EA02, HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11325671May 23, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CAR HAS ISSUES WITH COLD START, LONG CRANK, RPM SURGE, CYLINDER MISFIRES. CAR HAS INDEX 5 AND INDEX 8 FUEL INJECTORS. THE CAR IS SHOWING CODES FOR ISSUES WITH THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11321294April 16, 2020
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL INJECTORS ARE DUMPING EXCESS FUEL INTO THE CYLINDERS. ENGINE WILL SURGE CAUSING CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO COME ON. SURE HAPPENS ON COLD START AND ALSO CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11317471March 11, 2020
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ENGINE MISFIRED AND FAILED TO RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CASEY BMW LOCATED AT (12861 JEFFERSON AVE. NEWPORT NEWS. VA) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11316868March 8, 2020
STRUCTURE:BODY
DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOOR LOCK INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO OPEN AFTER BEING DRIVEN BY PULLING ON THE DOOR HANDLE TWICE. ONLY REMEDY IS TO USE THE CENTRAL LOCKING/UNLOCKING SWITCH ON THE DASH TO OPEN THE DOOR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11220278June 15, 2019
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. THE FUEL PUMP ON PREVIOUS N54 ENGINE WERE RECALLED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT CHANGED FOR THE NEWER N55 ENGINE AND THEY ARE CONTINUING TO FAIL.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11189763March 18, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR WHEN THE ENGINE SOUNDED SOMETHING SIMILAR TO IS IF I HAD A MISFIRE. I STARTED SLOWING DOWN BY THE TIME I GOT TO ABOUT 5 MILES AN HOUR SMOKE STARTED COMING THROUGH THE VENTS. OPEN THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A FIRE BETWEEN THE BACK OF THE ENGINE IN THE FIREWALL. WITHIN 15 MINUTES THE CAR COMPLETELY BURNED DOWN. IT IS UNKNOWN WHAT CAUSED THIS SO FAR.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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