Owners have filed 34 complaints
about the 2009 BMW 135I with NHTSA between 2009 and 2022.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 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 — 52
Against the median year of the BMW 135I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
67% 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.
Under 1,000 miles
13.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1343.3%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
516.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
13.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
516.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
413.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13.3%
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.
Aug 2009peak 4Apr 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 BMW 135I
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...
Recalls on the 2009 BMW 135I
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
20V017000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
19V579000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
16V071000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
13V044000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Cumming, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
glass sun roof exploded spontaneously while driving at freeway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11461159 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesChester Springs, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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
NHTSA complaint #11415310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 57,000 milesChester Springs, PA
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
NHTSA complaint #11415310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesThree Bridges, NJ
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
NHTSA complaint #11389074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesThree Bridges, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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
NHTSA complaint #11389074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesThree Bridges, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
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
NHTSA complaint #11389074 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesPflugerville, TX
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
THE WIRING OF MY 2009 BMW HEADLIGHTS, BOTH SIDES, HAS ITS INSULATION DISINTEGRATE, EXPOSING BARE COPPER WIRE (AS IT IS MADE OF BIODEGRADABLE MATERIAL) TO THE POINT WHERE MY DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS HAVE SHORTED OUT AND THE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHT CONTROL ON THE PASSENGER HEADLIGHT IS STUCK AT AN ANGLE THAT IS TOO HIGH. AS THESE ARE ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS, A SHORT HERE CAN RENDER THE CAR'S HEADLIGHT IN A BLINDING STATE. LOCAL SHOPS WANT TO CHARGE $900+ PER LIGHT HOUSING TO COMPLETELY REPLACE THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA complaint #11257434 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesJohnson City, TN
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS BAD IN CAR. THE CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE ON HIGHWAY WHEN PASSING CAR LEAVING YOU NO POWER TO GET OUT OF THE WAY OF CAR GOING 75 MPH. BMW KNOWS IT BAD BUT WILL NOT HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11150173 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLoveland, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS INSUFFICIENTLY INSULATED WIRING. THE WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF DUE TO HEAT EXPOSURE FROM NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. FIRE POTENTIAL. LIGHTS COULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11043012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLoveland, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRING INSIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS INSUFFICIENTLY INSULATED WIRING. THE WIRE INSULATION IS FLAKING OFF DUE TO HEAT EXPOSURE FROM NORMAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM. FIRE POTENTIAL. LIGHTS COULD STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT.
NHTSA complaint #11043012 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlisle, PA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (SUN MOTOR CARS, INC. 6677 CARLISLE PIKE, MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 (717) 691-3333) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED WITH THE CONTACT THAT HIS VIN WAS IN PRIORITY GROUP 5 AND PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL LATE SEPTEMBER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11010246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
AIR BAGS
THERE IS A RECALL AND IT IS INCOMPLETE DUE TO IT NOT BEING REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER NO INCIDENT AS OF NOW BUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #11002908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Orange, NJ
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/12/16*LJ UPDATED 07/14/16.
NHTSA complaint #10863013 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,500 milesWard, AR
ENGINE
AT 8,532 MILES MY BMW 135I HAD A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO DECELERATE BELOW THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. AT 24,384 MILES THE CAR ILLUMINATED A ENGINE CAUTION FOR OVER TEMPERATURE. THE ONLY GAUGE AVAILABLE WAS FOR OIL TEMPERATURE WHICH DID NOT INDICATE HOT. THERE WAS NOT A SHOULDER TO PULL OVER FOR 3 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10705277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,500 milesWard, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AT 8,532 MILES MY BMW 135I HAD A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO DECELERATE BELOW THE SPEED OF TRAFFIC. AT 24,384 MILES THE CAR ILLUMINATED A ENGINE CAUTION FOR OVER TEMPERATURE. THE ONLY GAUGE AVAILABLE WAS FOR OIL TEMPERATURE WHICH DID NOT INDICATE HOT. THERE WAS NOT A SHOULDER TO PULL OVER FOR 3 MILES.
NHTSA complaint #10705277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesAlpharetta, GA
ENGINE
I HAVE A WELL MAINTAINED 2009 BMW 135I WITH 65000 MILES. YESTERDAY, 1/21/15, WHILE TRAVELING AT 75MPH IN 6TH GEAR IN THE LEFT LANE OF GA400, THE CAR ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING OVERHEATED AND LOST ALL POWER. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING 100% NORMAL, OIL TEMPS WERE NORMAL, AND HAD BEEN IN FOR A RECENT OIL CHANGE AND INSPECTION TWO WEEKS PRIOR WITH NO SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO COAST ACROSS CROSS 4 LANES OF HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC TO MAKE IT TO THE SHOULDER. WHEN I CALLED TWO DIFFERENT BMW SERVICE CENTERS FROM THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT SEE THE CAR UNTIL FEBRUARY 3RD (TWO WEEKS) AND WERE BACKED UP ON LOANERS AND RENTALS AS WELL. I CALLED BRAXTON AUTOMOTIVE ((404) 367-4767), AN EXPERIENCED REPAIR SHOP, AND THEY, FROM MY BRIEF OVER-THE-PHONE DESCRIPTION, INSTANTLY IDENTIFIED THE ISSUE AS A WATER PUMP FAILURE, A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN THIS N54 ENGINE. WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE CAR, THEY CONFIRMED A CATASTROPHIC WATER PUMP FAILURE AND A CONSEQUENTLY CRACKED RADIATOR. I CALLED BMW USA THE NIGHT OF THE INCIDENT AND LEARNED THAT THERE IS NO RECALL OR SERVICE BULLETIN IN PLACE. THEY WERE APOLOGETIC BUT REFUSED TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE UNLESS I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A DEALER SERVICE CENTER. THIS WAS UNREASONABLE BECAUSE OF THE TIME LAG AND BECAUSE I HAD ALREADY TOWED THE CAR TO BRAXTON, WHO HAD ALREADY IDENTIFIED AND BEGUN REPAIR ON THE PROBLEM. I HAD SWORE OFF BMWS WHEN I HAD MY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED 3 TIMES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THIS 2009 CAR. NOW I AM GOING TO SELL THIS DANGEROUS PIECE OF CRAP. TOO BAD, I LOVE THE WAY IT LOOKS AND DRIVES, WHEN ITS NOT IN THE SHOP OR SHUTTING DOWN AT HIGH SPEEDS.
NHTSA complaint #10678230 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,100 milesHuntington, WV
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
I OWN A 2009 BMW 135I WITH THE N54 TWIN TURBO ENGINE. ONE DAY I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 70MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST ALL POWER AND SUDDENLY DECELERATED. A WARNING LAMP ON THE DASH CAME ON INDICATING THE CAR WAS ONLY OPERATING AT HALF ENGINE POWER. THE CAR WAS RUNNING VERY ROUGHLY AND SHOOK AND SHUDDERED VIOLENTLY WHEN I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR....I WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN A VEHICLE SPEED ABOVE 50MPH. I FINALLY HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND LET TRAFFIC PASS. WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT WAS STILL SHAKING AND HEAVING. I REPORTED THIS IMMEDIATELY TO THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHERE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE. WHILE I WAS TOLD IT WAS DUE TO THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, I WAS TOLD THAT BMW WAS UNABLE TO OFFER ANY RESOLUTION AT THIS TIME. SINCE THEN, THIS HAS HAPPENED THREE TIMES, EACH TIME IN HEAVY RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I FEEL THAT THIS IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE AND IS LIKELY GOING TO RESULT IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM AND YET SEEMS TO BE UNABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. MANY OTHER OWNERS OF THE 135I, 335I AND 535I HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR INSTANCES. WILL YOU PLEASE ENCOURAGE BMW TO RECALL THESE UNSAFE VEHICLES BEFORE SOMEBODY IS HURT OR KILLED?
NHTSA complaint #10356846 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,500 milesPalm Coast, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 135I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WHEN THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED AN UNUSUAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STARTED THE VEHICLE AND A NOISE WAS EXHIBITED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NEED TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE CONTACT DECLINED THE REPAIR. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING CERTAIN BMWS HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND REPROGRAMMING THE VEHICLE IF A WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,500 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,500.
NHTSA complaint #10356563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 9,000 milesHanover, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2009 BMW 135I HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. THIS HAS BEEN A BAD PROBLEM WITH 3 MODEL YEARS (2008, 2009, AND 2010) OF BMW 135I CARS. LUCKILY MY CAR WAS FIXED DUE TO LONG START CRANKS BEFORE THE COMMON SYMPTOM OF ENGINE DYING DURING DRIVING CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #10352196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 15,000 milesMarina DEL REY, CA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2009 BMW 135I BEGAN EXPERIENCING "LONG CRANKS" WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE ENGINE COLD. WHILE DRIVING AT FREEWAY SPEEDS THE CAR BEGAN EXPERIENCING INTENSE VIBRATION WHEN ACCELERATING. FOLLOWING THE VIBRATION, THE CAR EXPERIENCED LACK OF POWER AND ENGINE LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THIS COULD RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND SHOULD BE FURTHER INVESTIGATED DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM WITH BMW'S HPFP. THE DEALERSHIP UPDATED THE CARS SOFTWARE AND REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10345556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesEdmonton, 00
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
VEHICLES AFFECTED: BMW 135I, 335I, 535I...ANY BMW USING THE N54 ENGINE WILL HAVE A PART CALLED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. MINE HAS FAILED ON ME TWICE, THE FIRST TIME THE PUMP FAILED I WAS STATIONARY. SECOND TIME THE PUMP FAILED I WAS DRIVING AT 60KM/H AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO OVERTAKE...THE PUMP FAILED AND VEHICLE HAD SHUT OFF AND INSTANT LOSS OF POWER CAUSING CARS TO RAPIDLY BRAKE. THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE AND CAN BE DANGEROUS IF THE PROBLEM HAPPENS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTED. BMW HAS TRIED TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BY ISSUING NEW PARTS...I HAVE OBTAINED NEW PARTS AND I AM ON MY 3RD PUMP AND THIS IS SHOWING SIGNS OF FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10323014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 18,000 milesCarlisle, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
CAR RUNNING ROUGH, MISS-FIRING, AND LOSS OF POWER WHILE IN TRAFFIC. NOVEMBER 2009 OCCURRENCE, HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED. JANUARY 2010 OCCURRENCE, DEALER REQUESTED PERMISSION TO REPLACE PARTS CALLED FOR UNDER THE FAULT CODE, BMW NA REFUSED TO GRANT PERMISSION. MARCH 2010 OCCURRENCE, DEALER REQUESTED PERMISSION TO REPLACE PARTS CALLED FOR UNDER THE FAULT CODE, BMW NA REFUSED TO GRANT PERMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #10321322 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,500 milesStafford, VA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
EVEN THOUGH IT SHOWS A BMW 135 ON THE VEHICLE DESCRIPTION THIS IS FOR 2009 BMW 335I, IT DOES NOT HAVE THAT CHOICE ON THE MENUS. ALSO I DID NOT INCLUDE THE VIN NUMBER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE IS STILL IN GERMANY AND HAS NEVER BEEN REGISTERED IN THE USA.. AT LEAST UNTIL THIS APRIL WHEN I GET BACK THERE IF I DON'T GET RID OF IT BEFORE THEN. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON ANY SURFACE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE VEHICLE WOULD GO ON "SAVE MODE" LOOSING POWER. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THIS WILL HAPPEN ALL THE TIME... THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AFTER A WEEK OF TROUBLESHOOTING AND CONTACTING BMW IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE HP FUEL PUMP WAS THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS REPLACED. THREE MONTHS LATER THE CAR STARTED TO TAKE TOO LONG TO START WHEN COLD SO BACK TO THE DEALER AND IT'S BEEN THERE FOR OVER A WEEK AND THE LAST UPDATE I RECEIVED WAS THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP AGAIN. THIS IS A BRAND NEW CAR BUILT IN APRIL 2009 WHICH I PICKED UP AT BMW HERE IN GERMANY WITH US SPECS. THE CAR HAS AROUND 7K MILES.*CW
NHTSA complaint #10302473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 27,056 milesTaylor, MI
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
THERE IS NO MODEL OPTION FOR A 335I OR 335 XI FOR 2009. THIS NEEDS TO BE CHANGED. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON HIGHWAY. I WAS SURROUNDED BY OTHER VEHICLES INCLUDING TRUCKS DOING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. I CAME CLOSE TO GETTING REAR ENDED WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY SLOWED WITHOUT ANY BRAKE LIGHTS AND I COULD NOT GO FASTER THEN 40 MPH. THIS IS THE THIRD FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, (HPFP) ON THIS 2009 BMW 335I. THE DEALER REPLACED THE HPFP AGAIN BUT EXPECTS THE FAILURES TO CONTINUE AS BMW HAS NOT PROVIDED ANY RESOLUTION FOR THE HPFP FAILURES AND SAFETY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH SAME DESPITE THIS PROBLEM EXISTING FOR FOUR MODEL YEARS.
NHTSA complaint #10301840 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 500 milesAurora, CO
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
MY 2009 BMW 335 I WITH XDRIVE EXHIBITS SLOW STARTING, TURBO LAG, DECREASED FUEL ECONOMY AND PERFORMANCE. THIS HAS LED TO A FEW INSTANCES WHERE I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO QUICKLY MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC, MERGE WITH QUICKLY MOVING TRAFFIC, ETC. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS. ON TWO THEY REPLACED THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. RECENTLY, THE CAR STARTED EXHIBITING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AND I WAS FORCED TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING ON THE OUTCOME. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA complaint #10301748 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.