BMW 135i Complaints

158 consumer complaints on file.

#11727086March 25, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 BMW 135I. The contact stated that the A/C system and the blower motor were intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the blower motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710933January 14, 2026
SUSPENSION
When the car was in a local Tire Discounters for an unrelated repair the mechanics noted that the rear subframe had significant degradation and the car was unsafe to operate without immediate replacement of the entire subfrane - at a cost of roughly $5,000. I know there have been subframe recalls of BMWs in the past. While this vehicle was not part of those recalls its obviously been an area of concern with this auto maker.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11641816February 10, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE:BODY
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, (CHMSL), lense breaks/detaches repeatedly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616579September 26, 2024
ENGINE
BMW Series 135I2011 - Engine/Vanos bolts failed/failing! When it's started, you can total tell there is an issue with it...Car is basically NON-Drivable due to this condition due to safety concerns! The vin is not being covered by the recall due to but this is a SERIOUS issue! This needs to be covered by BMW! We've taken it to the mechanic who said this needs to be towed to the dealership due to the recall and because of the specific issue but once at the dealership, where it's sitting now, they are saying due to vin not popping up, they can't cover it as well as BMW's customer service line but this is SERIOUS and needs to be covered!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11566657January 20, 2024
ENGINE
the vanos bolts failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521626May 12, 2023
ENGINE
Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [XXX] lied and said nothing was wrong. After signing all documents she started pretending to look for the title. She promised i would get it in a week or so in the mail. The car had a ruined engine and radiator, missing front air intake ducts completely, who knows what else. They only paid 2700 bc it states stationary with mechanical damage from auction. I paid the $10,700 in cash they charged me. I'm sick to death just thinking about it. She will not repair, refund or anything like that. She finally today sent a pic of a title to the car and its got a man in Mobile, AL name on it. I don't think she ever even tried to get it and doubt she is now either. I have wasted more time and money on this, I feel robbed of over 10k. I have no car to start my new job the 24th. Please help me, [XXX] 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
#11515609April 5, 2023
ENGINE
The owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. On several occasions the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated to approximately 35 MPH. The contact performed a diagnostic test on the vehicle and determined that the fuel injectors were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11494665November 23, 2022
AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger occupancy sensor mat to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V428000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 39,850.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11461159April 18, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
glass sun roof exploded spontaneously while driving at freeway speeds.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11460025April 7, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I had two situations in which my car would unexpectedly lurch forward after coming to a complete stop with my foot on the brake pedal, and another case in which I could not place the vehicle in park with the DCT Shift lever malfunctioning and making the car undrivable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11453558February 23, 2022
ENGINE
Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424454July 12, 2021
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 135i. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11424303July 11, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The headlights are failing due to wiring rotting and falling aaprt inside the headlight units similar to the wiring failure in the blower motor
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11415310May 5, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON TAKING HIS VEHICLE FOR SERVICE AT OTTO'S BMW (1275 WILMINGTON PIKE, WEST CHESTER, PA 193820) HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE ROLL OVER CONTROL MODULE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPAIR WHICH HE DECLINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. I TOOK MY CAR TO OTTO'S BMW FOR A STATE INSPECTION, NOT FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, AND OTTO'S DID NOT INFORM ME THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED. I FOUND OUT THE MODULE HAD FAILED BY USING MY CODE READER. WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR TO TAKE IT FOR THE STATE INSPECTION, I FOUND THE BATTERY HAD DIED. WHEN I REPLACED THE BATTERY, I FOUND THAT THE ROC MODULE HAD FAILED JUST BECAUSE MY CAR BATTERY DIED. THE ROC MODULE IS A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE, THAT EXTENDS THE HEAD PROTECTION IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT. THIS MODULE SHOULDN'T FAIL SIMPLY BECAUSE YOUR CAR BATTERY DIES. RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS MANY OWNERS OF BMW'S EXPERIENCE THIS MODULE FAILURE JUST BECAUSE THEIR BATTERY WAS DISCONNECTED OR THEIR BATTERY HAD FULLY DISHARGED. I HAVE NEVER OWNED ANY OTHER CAR THAT A MAJOR SAFETY MODULE FAILED JUST BECAUSE THE BATTERY DISCHARGES. EVERY OTHER CAR, I WOULD SIMPLY REPLACE THE BATTERY AND EVERYTHING STILL WORKED. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN THIS MODULE FAILS, AS THE ROLL OVER PROTECTION DEVICES WILL NOT ACTIVATE IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT, AND THIS CAR IS A CONVERTIBLE. THIS MODULE COSTS OVER $500 AT BMW DEALERS, AND SEVERAL HUNDRED MORE FOR INSTALLATION CHARGES. FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT MANY OWNERS FAIL TO HAVE THIS REPAIR DONE DUE TO THE VERY HIGH COST, OR THEY GO TO A SECONDARY MARKET WHERE THESE MODULES ARE REPAIRED FOR A LOWER PRICE. ALL OF THIS IS SETTING UP OWNERS FOR MAJOR INJURY OR DEATH IF THEY ARE INVOLVED IN A ROLL OVER ACCIDENT AND THIS MODULE IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAIR THIS OR AT LEAST OFFER A COST EFFECTIVE SOLUT
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11402494March 11, 2021
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SUSPENSION
VEHICLE STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOPPED POSITION. SEVERAL TIME, WHILE STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION WITH CROSSING TRAFFIC, I ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BUT THE CAR FAILED TO ACCELERATE. I TRIED SHIFTING FROM AUTO TO MANUAL BUT THE CAR STILL FAILED TO ACCELERATE FOR AT LEAST 5 SECONDS AT WHICH TIME IT JOLTED FORWARD. THE ISSUE STARTED AT AROUND THE 50K MILE MARK 3 YEARS AGO AND CONTINUES STILL TODAY (~90K MILES). I AM NOT SEEING MY VEHICLE LISTED UNDER RECALLS RELATED TO LOSS OF ELECTRICAL POWER/STALLING FROM 2/7/2013 AND HAVE NOT HAD ANY RECALL NOTIFICATIONS RELATED TO MY CAR SINCE 2017. I HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE A CONSTANT PROBLEM WITH CRACKING SOUNDS FROM FRONT SUSPENSION WHEN TURNING. TO DATE, I HAVE HAD THE ENTIRE FRONT SUSPENSION REBUILT INCLUDING; CONTROL ARM ASSY, SWAY BAR ASSY, BEARING, STRUTS, AND U-JOINTS. I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY DURING COLDER WEATHER DAYS. NOW I AM LEARNING THAT THERE IS A RECALL FROM 8/1/2020 RELATED TO MY CAR MODEL BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED. NHTSA ID NUMBER: 10179812 MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: B310112. SUMMARY CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONTAXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATION: CRACKING NOISES ARE HEARD FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE MANEUVERING AT LOW SPEEDS (E.G., PARKING LOT MANEUVERS) OR WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE STATIONARY.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11389074January 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAIL LIGHTS BURN OUT AND REQUIRE ENTIRE HOUSING TO BE REPLACED INSTEAD OF JUST BULBS. LED'S BURN OUT VERY QUICKLY, CONTRARY TO TYPICAL LED'S AND ARE COSTLY TO REPLACE
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11353369September 5, 2020
AIR BAGS
MY VEHICLE IS A LOW MILEAGE (36K) WELL MAINTAINED CAR. MY LOCAL DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AIR BAG UNDER A RECALL JUNE 29, 2020. SHORTLY AFTER WITHIN 250 MILES/2 MONTHS A SRS/AIR BAG SYSTEM FAULT/WARNING STARTED HAPPENING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY PASS OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT THEY WANT $3600 TO REPLACE. UNFAIR, THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL PASS OCCUPANCY SENSOR RECALLS FOR OTHER MODELS OF THE SAME VINTAGE (2006-2008). THIS SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE 15 YR EXTENDED LIMITED WARRANTY OFFERED TO OTHER BMW MODEL OWNERS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11329311June 17, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THEIR WIFE WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE POWER STEERING CEASED WITH AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CONTACTED A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *LN *TR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11322928May 1, 2020
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
MISSING
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11321309April 16, 2020
ENGINE
ROD BEARINGS FAILURE WHICH COULD CAUSE ENGINE SEIZING WHILE DRIVING.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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