Owners have filed 30 complaints
about the 2012 BMW 335I with NHTSA between 2013 and 2024.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 9 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 — 12
Against the median year of the BMW 335I. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
23.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 66
38% 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
215.4%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
323.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
17.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
646.2%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
17.7%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2012 BMW 335 I 4 DR RWD
9.5% risk
2012 BMW 335 I C RWD
—
—
—
9.3% risk
2012 BMW 335 I 2 DR RWD
—
—
—
9.3% risk
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.
Jul 2013peak 4Jul 2024
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
SEATS
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,460 milesArlington, VACrash
ENGINE
ON SATURDAY 8/8/15, I WAS PARKING MY BMW 335I CAR TO GET GROCERIES, AND WHILE ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT, THE ENGINE BEGAN RACING OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE AND WOULD NOT MOVE. LASTLY I FINALLY HIT THE STOP ENGINE BUTTON, AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, BUT NOT AFTER I HAD BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IN MY PARKING SPACE. AS I WAS RESTING AGAINST THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I HAD BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER AFTER STOPPING THE CAR'S ENGINE INTO PARK, AND RE-STARTED THE CAR. THE ENGINE IDLED AT 7000 RPM, TOTALLY RACING AGAIN. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND SAT THERE FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES. I TURNED THE ENGINE ON AGAIN, AND IT FINALLY IDLED NORMALLY AT 800-1000 RPM, PUT IT IN REVERSE, AND BACKED OFF THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I GOT OUT, AND SAW NO DAMAGE THANKFULLY, BUT WAS VERY AFRAID OF THIS OUT OF CONTROL CAR BEHAVIOR THAT I EXPERIENCED. I NOW KNOW TO HIT THE STOP BUTTON IF THE BRAKES JUST DON'T WORK WELL ENOUGH IF THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN. I AM CONTACTING MY DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE IN THE 335I, AND SEE IF THEY CAN EFFECT A REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10747397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Alhambra, CA
ENGINE
on my car there is what is called the bowden cable that works to open and release the hood so that it can be opened. The problem with the design of the cable is that it sits right over a coolant hose leading to the engine. What happens is that the coolant hose gets very hot and the bowden cable that sits right over it melts along with the coolant hose. I just noticed this and felt it is a huge problem that could cause the coolant hose to either burst over time.
NHTSA complaint #11600854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
SEATS
While driving with a passenger in front passenger seat, I occasionally receive a warning that there is a malfunction in passenger restraint system. At that time, the "pass airbag off" light goes on. I took the car to the dealer and was told it is likely a faulty passenger airbag seat occupancy sensor mat. The car is available for inspection. Our safety is potentially compromised because the passenger airbag may not go off in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11576914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seattle, WA
AIR BAGS
While driving with a passenger in front passenger seat, I occasionally receive a warning that there is a malfunction in passenger restraint system. At that time, the "pass airbag off" light goes on. I took the car to the dealer and was told it is likely a faulty passenger airbag seat occupancy sensor mat. The car is available for inspection. Our safety is potentially compromised because the passenger airbag may not go off in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11576914 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
SEATS
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stockbridge, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Celebration, FL
AIR BAGS
While driving with a passenger in front passenger seat, I occasionally receive a warning that there is a malfunction in passenger restraint system. At that time, the "pass airbag off" light goes on. I did take this to the dealer and was told it is likely a faulty passenger airbag seat occupancy sensor mat. The car is available for inspection Our safety is potentially compromised because the passenger airbag may not go off in an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11418072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesDallas, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
MY CAR WAS STATIONARY AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD NOT RESPOND. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW. MY KEY FOB WOULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS, NO INSIDE ELECTRONICS ON, IGNITION SWITCH DID NOT RESPOND. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE REGARDING THE BATTERY CABLE CONNECTOR AND THE CORRESPONDING FUSE BOX TERMINAL DEGRADING OVER TIME. THIS COULD CAUSE THE CAR TO STALL AND LOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A CRASH. I DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY EACH DAY TO WORK AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WOULD RESULT IN A SERIOUS INCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #11183863 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesSunnyvale, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOOR LOCKS DO NOT UNLOCK ON BOTH THE FRONT DOORS. THEY ARE JAMMED. THE FAULT IS IS BECAUSE OF BAD DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS. UNLESS I PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD MANUALLY, THEY DON'T UNLOCK THEY SOMETIME DON'T UNLOCK EVEN WHEN I PRESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON ON MY REMOTE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IF SOMEONE IS IN A ACCIDENT, THE BATTERY GETS DISCONNECTED. THIS WILL PREVENT OCCUPANTS FROM OPENING THE DOORS. THIS IS HAPPENING ON MULTIPLE OF MY FRIENDS CARS AND BMW DOES NOT TREAT THIS AS SAFETY HAZARD.
NHTSA complaint #11055388 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johns Island, SC
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALER ON 9-25-17 WHEN I RECEIVED THE SAFETY RECALL LETTER. AFTER 2 MONTHS THE PART IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND ON 11-30-17 I WAS TOLD THAT THE PART MAY BE AVAILABLE IN FEBRUARY 2018. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING MY CAR. CAN YOU HELP ME TO GET THE PARTS MUCH SOONER THAN FEBRUARY OF NEXT YEAR? THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION.
NHTSA complaint #11051445 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 61,000 milesVersailles, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DOOR LOCK ON DRIVER SIDE WILL NOT RELEASE. THE LOCKING PIN GOES UP AND DOWN, BUT THE DOOR LOCK WILL NOT RELEASE AS IT IS SUPPOSED TO UNLESS THE UNLOCK BUTTON IS PRESSED. IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY, THE DRIVER CANNOT GET OUT BY SIMPLY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE.
NHTSA complaint #11043569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Worth, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BRAMAN MOTORCARS IN WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER ORIGINALLY STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE IN LATE AUGUST OR EARLY SEPTEMBER OF 2017. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #11035923 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Maryland Heights, MO
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG RECALL HAS BEEN IN PLACE FOR 17 MONTHS AND NO RESOLUTION. APPARENTLY IT CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH IF I AM IN AN ACCIDENT - AND STILL NO RESOLUTION FOR MY CAR TO ADDRESS THE RECALL FROM BMW.
NHTSA complaint #11011165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sherwood, AR
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. 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 CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL 1-2 WEEKS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10981296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Irvine, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10969256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesKirkland, WA
SEATS
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND CANNOT READ WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IN TURN THE AIRBAG IS OFF DUE TO THE CARS ECU. BMW DEALERSHIP IN BELLEVUE HAS REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IS TO BUY A NEW SEAT AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ALONG WITH MY TAKATA AIRBAG THAT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY SORT OF NOTICE FOR REPAIR OR EVEN THAT I FALL UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10960406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesKirkland, WA
AIR BAGS
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND CANNOT READ WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IN TURN THE AIRBAG IS OFF DUE TO THE CARS ECU. BMW DEALERSHIP IN BELLEVUE HAS REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IS TO BUY A NEW SEAT AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ALONG WITH MY TAKATA AIRBAG THAT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY SORT OF NOTICE FOR REPAIR OR EVEN THAT I FALL UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10960406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 53,000 milesKirkland, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE PASSENGER SEAT HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND CANNOT READ WHETHER OR NOT A PERSON IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IN TURN THE AIRBAG IS OFF DUE TO THE CARS ECU. BMW DEALERSHIP IN BELLEVUE HAS REPEATEDLY TOLD ME THAT THE ONLY WAY TO REMEDY THE SITUATION IS TO BUY A NEW SEAT AT MY OWN EXPENSE. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE ALONG WITH MY TAKATA AIRBAG THAT I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY SORT OF NOTICE FOR REPAIR OR EVEN THAT I FALL UNDER THE RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10960406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT....UPDATED 03/08/17 *BF UPDATED 8/16/2017
NHTSA complaint #10938612 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Altamonte Springs, FL
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
NHTSA complaint #10926164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oakton, VA
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE IN MARCH 2016. REPAIRS NOT YET COMPLETED. BMW STATES THEY DO NOT HAVE THE NECESSARY PARTS. BMW STATES THEY ARE PRIORITIZING REPAIRS FIRST FOR THE HOT AND HIGH HUMID US SOUTHERN STATES. WE ARE IN VIRGINIA WHICH IS A VERY HOT AND HIGH HUMIDITY STATE DURING THE SUMMER. WE ARE AFRAID TO USE THE CAR UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10894809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Flatrock, NC
AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.
NHTSA complaint #10884238 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Grove, NY
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN MARCH OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10870268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesMartinsville, IN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE EMITTING FROM THE VEHICLE AND SUDDENLY IT STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VANOS BOLTS WERE LOOSE AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED DUE TO IT NOT BEING INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 14V176000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
NHTSA complaint #10851884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 39,460 milesArlington, VACrash
ENGINE
ON SATURDAY 8/8/15, I WAS PARKING MY BMW 335I CAR TO GET GROCERIES, AND WHILE ENTERING THE PARKING SPOT, THE ENGINE BEGAN RACING OUT OF CONTROL. I HIT THE BRAKES HARD, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. I TRIED TO SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL, BUT THE SHIFT CONTROL WAS LOCKED IN DRIVE AND WOULD NOT MOVE. LASTLY I FINALLY HIT THE STOP ENGINE BUTTON, AND THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED, BUT NOT AFTER I HAD BUMPED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IN MY PARKING SPACE. AS I WAS RESTING AGAINST THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I HAD BEEN ABLE TO MOVE THE SHIFTER AFTER STOPPING THE CAR'S ENGINE INTO PARK, AND RE-STARTED THE CAR. THE ENGINE IDLED AT 7000 RPM, TOTALLY RACING AGAIN. I TURNED THE ENGINE OFF AND SAT THERE FOR ABOUT TWO MINUTES. I TURNED THE ENGINE ON AGAIN, AND IT FINALLY IDLED NORMALLY AT 800-1000 RPM, PUT IT IN REVERSE, AND BACKED OFF THE BUMPER OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I GOT OUT, AND SAW NO DAMAGE THANKFULLY, BUT WAS VERY AFRAID OF THIS OUT OF CONTROL CAR BEHAVIOR THAT I EXPERIENCED. I NOW KNOW TO HIT THE STOP BUTTON IF THE BRAKES JUST DON'T WORK WELL ENOUGH IF THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION ISSUE HAPPENS AGAIN. I AM CONTACTING MY DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE IN THE 335I, AND SEE IF THEY CAN EFFECT A REPAIR.
NHTSA complaint #10747397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.