BMW 328i Complaints (2011)

580 consumer complaints on file.

#11574109February 26, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER
Previously reported on February 20, 2024. NHTSA #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that NHTSA obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to NHTSA. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with NHTSA".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.NHTSA: #23V-707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year warranty without mileage limitation was created but BMW owners were not notified - unless engine failure occurred and the car presented to a BMW dealership. I am more than frustrated that repairs have not been initiated. The local BMW dealership would like to repair the car but cannot proceed without corporate approval. Parts are indeed available locally. BMW has been aware of the problems for a DECADE. Furthermore, the valve cover gasket has been replaced twice since 2014. The VANOS bolts were never inspected. The valve cover was replaced last at 149,000 miles. A mechanic advised replacing the VANOS bolts but did not inspect them. Cost of repair $1500. I declined. Abysmal customer service!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573670February 23, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving he observed a rattling noise emanating from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573353February 22, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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. 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573132February 21, 2024
ENGINE
There is a known issue with my vehicles Vanos assembly (bolts). BMW issued recall 23V-707 in October 2023. To date both local dealerships and bmw North America will not make the necessary repairs to the vehicle as they claim parts are not available. My vehicle is sporadically experiencing the issues related to this recall which includes sudden power loss while driving which is a major safety issue. Continued driving could result in complete engine failure. As the vehicle is needed and self cost of repair is cost prohibitive it also leaves owners with no choice but to drive the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573165February 21, 2024
ENGINE
I currently have my service engine light on because of VANOS issues. I took my vehicle to a BMW service center where I was informed that the issue is because of a faulty VANOS unit that would be fixed when the 'Recall Campaign No. 23V-707' has a remedy to be performed. My registration expired January 1st of this year, but can't get a new one since the vehicle won't pass emissions (I live in Arlington, VA). The BMW service center told me to go to DMV to get a possible emissions waiver. The DMV told me to contact Virginia DEQ. I've been in contact with Vehicle Emissions Compliance Officer trying to receive an emissions waiver. He has told me to reach out to BMW of North America to try to get parts expedited to perform the recall, but they told me that I would have to wait until a remedy is available. He has now told me to contact you all to file a complaint. This recall was sent to me in early December of last year, and there is still no update on when the remedy will be available. I'm paying taxes (high ones because of where I live) on a car that is perfectly drivable, but can't pass emissions because of it having the service engine soon light on. I need this recall to happen sooner rather than later. Thanks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573011February 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY/WIPER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572046February 15, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571775February 13, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked down my other gate. I turned the car off when it accelerated because the brakes locked and even with the power off the car accelerated. There is no possible way my foot was on the gas because I was pulled in my driveway facing my house and had that been the case I would’ve went backwards not forward. The very second I took the car out of park it accelerated forward and would not stop. Luckily I thought to turn it off as a last resort and even then it continued to accelerate and knock down my second gate as well. I was very scared and as a safety precaution, I will no longer drive the car. Had I been anywhere but home this could’ve caused serious injury to myself or others and had it been parked a few feet over it would’ve accelerated into my living room where my son was sitting.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571457February 12, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into Safe Mode and shut off. The vehicle stalled on three occasions. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle was running rough. The contact stated that the service and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570976February 9, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle was at an independent mechanic having minor body repairs completed; however, while the vehicle was being test driven, the engine caught on fire. The independent mechanic extinguished the fire. The contact was no Police or Fire Department report filed. The contact reported the failure to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The dealer informed the contact that the VIN was included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and deemed the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571033February 9, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, after which the vehicle lost motive power. The driver was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle initially failed to restart. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance due to an error with the VIN. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571133February 9, 2024
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
Received letter of recal Dec 2023 For recall Campaign No 23V-707 Is been almost two months and BMW not communicating with me to find solution letter said remedi unavailable Engine bolts may over time loosen and eventually break how they want public to drive like that this should be a priority is dangerous
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570777February 8, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with failed VANOS bolts. The contact was informed that the VANOS bolts needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11570415February 6, 2024
ENGINE
There is a recall campaign no. 23v-707 Vanos assembly bolts on this car that began with correspondence in December 2023. This is a dangerous situation if the bolts break, therefore I have parked the car upon receipt of the letter. I contacted both BMW of North America and a local dealer in both December and February and they have stated that there is not a remedy for this and have no information as to when one may be available. When contacting BMW, they have me call the dealer, and the dealer recommends that I call BMW. I am concerned with the car sitting for this time period, seals and the like are going to deteriorate and BMW will not cover the cost.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569921February 5, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the PCV heater overheated and was melting. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was confirmed that the parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000. VIN tool confirms part not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569785February 4, 2024
ENGINE
2011 BMW 328i stalled in an intersection, car then started to act bogged down. Waring light came on. I took the car to a mechanic shop where they found a bolt head inside / bottom of our oil pan. I then researched online and found that BMW has a recall for a (Vanos failure sheared bolts/recall). I contacted my local dealership and received a very unwelcomed response to this issue. They told me because another mechanic worked on this vehicle other than a certified BMW mechanic/location that the recall would not be valid. I called BMW customer service line and was told that is not true. It is a safety recall and to try calling another dealership to set up an appointment. Unfortunately, other dealerships won't even call me back to set anything up. It seems no one cares even though we have the proof with this bolt in hand. We cannot drive the car based on the BMW's recall information as to a safety risk, yet no one wants to help. There's no offer to get us a rental car or any solution to when we can take our car in for repair. Shame on you BMW for your lack of empathy to your millions of customers who have supported and purchased your product through the years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569225February 1, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway however, the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The VIN was included however, parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11569130January 31, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11568030January 26, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, after which the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the sprocket bolts were fractured, requiring a replacement of the camshaft sprockets. The vehicle was repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 30,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11567713January 25, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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