Owners have filed 37 complaints
about the 2009 BMW 128I with NHTSA between 2013 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 5 of 6 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 47
Against the median year of the BMW 128I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 42
8.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 11
6% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
10,000 – 24,999 miles
16.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
212.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
318.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
956.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
16.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2013peak 5Dec 2024
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 BMW 128I
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Pensacola, FLFire
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Blackwood, NJ
ENGINE
VANOS chamshaft bolts broke, and had to pay $3,200 to replace assembly, and restore timing in engine. There is currently an open recall for 2010+ models but the problem still occurs on 2009 models as well. This is a huge risk for drivers as the car can randomly stall and cause fatal accidents and/or financial burden. This problem has been addressed for earlier models, and needs to be held to the same standard for later models with the same engine.
NHTSA complaint #11631292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. 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 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. Parts distribution disconnect.
NHTSA complaint #11622707 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My electric water pump failed and my car overheated 3 times (once resulting in thick white smoke coming from the engine) tow trucks were called and fire department notified. Car is now unused on drive way as it just overheats constantly when turned on.
NHTSA complaint #11609838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Los Angeles, CA
ENGINE
My electric water pump failed and my car overheated 3 times (once resulting in thick white smoke coming from the engine) tow trucks were called and fire department notified. Car is now unused on drive way as it just overheats constantly when turned on.
NHTSA complaint #11609838 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 84,000 milesHumboldt, TN
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact stated the vehicle overheated. There was a hole in the radiator. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the radiator needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
NHTSA complaint #11496457 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Water pump failure Radiator hose disconnected Thermostat Assembly
NHTSA complaint #11460589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
ENGINE
Water pump failure Radiator hose disconnected Thermostat Assembly
NHTSA complaint #11460589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
ENGINE
Broken coolant pipe causing engine to overheat
NHTSA complaint #11460590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Monmouth Junction, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Water pump failure Radiator hose disconnected Thermostat Assembly
NHTSA complaint #11460589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesTHE Woodlands, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
FIRST WE HAD THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT ERROR CODE, WE ALSO HAD FREQUENT BLOWN BULBS. AFTER PULLING THE COMPLETE UNIT OUT FROM THE CAR NOTICED THAT ALL THE WIRING INSULATION IS CRUMBLING AND FALLING OFF THE WIRING LOOM. MULTIPLE WIRE WERE BONDED TOGETHER CAUSING HEAT AND SHORT CIRCUITS.
NHTSA complaint #11361671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carneys Point, NJ
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG ON MY VEHICLE WAS REPLACED DURING THE FIRST AIRBAG RECALL. DOES THE AIRBAG NEED TO REPLACED AGAIN?
NHTSA complaint #11300096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Visalia, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TAIL LIGHTS DOESN'T WORK
NHTSA complaint #11230516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,758 milesST. Petersburg, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN WE SAW THE CAR WE NOTICED THE WIPERS WERE ON AND WOULD NOT QUIT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALER TOLD US HE WOULD GET IT FIXED, THAT THIS WAS NO PROBLEM. WHEN WE CAME BACK, THE WIPERS WERE OFF AND WE DID NOT CHECK THEM. AFTER WE LEFT, THE CAR DIED ON US AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH. WE DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WE WANTED OUR MONEY BACK, BUT HE SAID THAT WE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR "AS IS" AND THAT MEANT THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE. I TOLD THEM THAT IF I BUY A CAR FOR THE SAKE TO BE GOOD THE CAR MUST BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT HE SAID THAT HE WOULD FIX THE WIPERS ON THURSDAY, BUT THAT'S ALL HE'D DO FOR US.
NHTSA complaint #11218811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,758 milesST. Petersburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHEN WE SAW THE CAR WE NOTICED THE WIPERS WERE ON AND WOULD NOT QUIT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALER TOLD US HE WOULD GET IT FIXED, THAT THIS WAS NO PROBLEM. WHEN WE CAME BACK, THE WIPERS WERE OFF AND WE DID NOT CHECK THEM. AFTER WE LEFT, THE CAR DIED ON US AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH. WE DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WE WANTED OUR MONEY BACK, BUT HE SAID THAT WE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR "AS IS" AND THAT MEANT THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE. I TOLD THEM THAT IF I BUY A CAR FOR THE SAKE TO BE GOOD THE CAR MUST BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT HE SAID THAT HE WOULD FIX THE WIPERS ON THURSDAY, BUT THAT'S ALL HE'D DO FOR US.
NHTSA complaint #11218811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,758 milesST. Petersburg, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
PURCHASED THIS CAR YESTERDAY (06/08/2019), AND AFTER BUYING IT NOTICED THAT THE PROMETER WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE WIPERS, WHICH THEY SAID WOULD BE FIXED, HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED. THE CAR DIED ON ME WHEN WE WERE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH BOARD. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS AND DID NOT LET ME EVEN TELL HIM ABOUT THE ODOMETER. HE PROMISED TO FIX THE WIPERS ON THURSDAY, THOUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11218814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,758 milesST. Petersburg, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
WHEN WE SAW THE CAR WE NOTICED THE WIPERS WERE ON AND WOULD NOT QUIT. THE MANAGER OF THE DEALER TOLD US HE WOULD GET IT FIXED, THAT THIS WAS NO PROBLEM. WHEN WE CAME BACK, THE WIPERS WERE OFF AND WE DID NOT CHECK THEM. AFTER WE LEFT, THE CAR DIED ON US AND ALL THE LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH. WE DROVE BACK TO THE DEALER AND TOLD THEM WE WANTED OUR MONEY BACK, BUT HE SAID THAT WE HAD BOUGHT THE CAR "AS IS" AND THAT MEANT THAT WE HAD NO RECOURSE. I TOLD THEM THAT IF I BUY A CAR FOR THE SAKE TO BE GOOD THE CAR MUST BE ABLE TO BE DRIVEN, BUT HE SAID THAT HE WOULD FIX THE WIPERS ON THURSDAY, BUT THAT'S ALL HE'D DO FOR US.
NHTSA complaint #11218811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,758 milesST. Petersburg, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
PURCHASED THIS CAR YESTERDAY (06/08/2019), AND AFTER BUYING IT NOTICED THAT THE PROMETER WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE WIPERS, WHICH THEY SAID WOULD BE FIXED, HAD BEEN DISCONNECTED. THE CAR DIED ON ME WHEN WE WERE DRIVING AT AROUND 35 MPH AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON ON THE DASH BOARD. I WENT BACK TO THE DEALER AND HE SAID I BOUGHT THE CAR AS IS AND DID NOT LET ME EVEN TELL HIM ABOUT THE ODOMETER. HE PROMISED TO FIX THE WIPERS ON THURSDAY, THOUGH.
NHTSA complaint #11218814 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesWoodruff, SC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, THE REAR WINDOW DETACHED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CENTURY BMW (2934 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 214-3449) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WINDOW NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #11210693 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,694 milesHayward, CA
AIR BAGS
DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR INTERMITTENTLY GOES ON AND OFF. IF THE ELECTRONIC SENSING MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILS, THIS WILL DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11196725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,694 milesHayward, CA
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
DEFECTIVE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT SENSOR INTERMITTENTLY GOES ON AND OFF. IF THE ELECTRONIC SENSING MAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FAILS, THIS WILL DISABLE THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY DURING A CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11196725 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLFire
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pensacola, FLFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) MONTHS AGO. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT WALTON BEACH, 1000 N. BEAL PARKWAY, FORT WALTON BEACH, FL 32547, (850) 863-2167) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PART WOULD BE SUPPLIED FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED SEVERAL FAILURES THAT PROGRESSED WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REMEDY, SUCH AS AN ABNORMAL BURNING ODOR. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AFTER THE DEALER COMPLETED AN AIR BAG RECALL REPAIR AND THE DEALER WAS SERVICING THE COMPUTER TO DETERMINE IF A SENSOR OR THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11079742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,500 milesDecatur, GA
ENGINE
NALLEY BMW IS SAYING THEY DO NOT HAVE THIS RECALL ON MY CAR, BUT IT IS COMING UP IN THE RECALL DATABASE AND I AM HEARING A NOISE IN MY CAR (A WHIRRING / HIGH PITCHING HUMMING SOUND) POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER : THIS RECALL INVOLVES AN ENGINE COMPONENT KNOWN AS THE POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER.
NHTSA complaint #11043652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Germantown, TN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL
NHTSA complaint #11015423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.