glass sun roof exploded spontaneously while driving at freeway speeds.
The worst 2009 BMW 135I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Fuel system16
- Engine5
- Electrical4
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Body1
- Brakes1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 BMW 135I
Recalls 4
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V‑676.
Recall number 19V579000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 16V071000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: fuses and circuit breakers
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Recall number 13V044000 · Recall details
See all 4 recalls for the 2009 BMW 135I
Defect investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW 135I 102
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Class action settlement: N54/N54T/N55 electric engine coolant pump .
- Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Power Reduction, FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The ?Service Engine Soon?...
- Power Reduction FC2A82 Intake VANOS and/or FC2 A87 Exhaust VANOS Camshaft Fault: The "Service Engine Soon"...
- Cic
- Outside Door Mirror Moves when Locking or Unlocking the Vehicle
- Wear Marks on the C-pillar Area of the Soft Top Canvas
- Convertible Top Does Not Open Properly
2009 BMW 135I fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-18 | 25-26 | 20 |
What 2009 BMW 135I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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
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
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.
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!
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.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 bmw 135i convertible. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2009 bmw 135i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency 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.
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.
Compare the 2009 BMW 135I
Other model years
Questions about the 2009 BMW 135I
Is the 2009 BMW 135I reliable?
Owners have filed 29 complaints about the 2009 BMW 135I, 1.5 times a typical 135I model year.
What is the 2009 BMW 135I year score?
The 2009 BMW 135I scores 58 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 135I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 135I?
Fuel and propulsion system, with 16 complaints, typically around 8,500 miles. Next is engine (5).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 135I have?
4 recalls, covering air bags and electrical system.
What year does the BMW 135I have the most fuel system problems?
The BMW 135I model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2008 (18 complaints) and 2009 (16 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 BMW 135I get?
Official estimates for the 2009 BMW 135I range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-18 city and 25-26 highway.
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