2009 BMW 135I: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 22, 2015 · Engine · 65,000 miles · GA

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.

Filed Sep 21, 2010 · Fuel system · 11,100 miles · WV

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?

Filed Mar 31, 2010 · Fuel system · 10,000 miles · 00

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.

Filed Mar 22, 2010 · Engine · 18,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Jan 22, 2010 · Fuel system · 27,056 miles · MI

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.

Filed Dec 7, 2009 · Fuel system · 6,500 miles · CA

While driving, my car all of a sudden lost power and began to shake. The check engine light went on and the car went into "limp mode". I toot the car into the dealership and the fuel pump had to be replaced. The car has only 6500 miles and is 4 months old. This is the second time this has happened. The first time occurred at two months old with 2500 miles. This is very dangerous being that it happened on the fwy with no warning, I had to immediately pull over and turn the vehicle off and then back on. This is unacceptable for a new vehicle. I had my family in the car when it happened the second time and now feel the vehicle is unsafe for my family. Please make bmw recall this problem. Extending the warranty on the fuel pump is not sufficient and the problem needs to be addressed.

Filed Nov 6, 2009 · Fuel system · 3,000 miles · CO

1) car was slow to start up the day before the incident (cranked for 5-6 seconds). No indicator light or other warning. 2) high pressure fuel pump failed, causing car to lose power on a busy street. Car became nearly undrivable, with very little power and on the verge of stalling. If this occurred on the highway or on a steep hill, a crash likely would have resulted. Pump failed with 3,000 miles on the car. Other owners report pump failures as early as 1,000 miles and as frequently as every several thousand miles. 3) fuel pump replaced with a pump unit that has the same design and/or manufacturing defect.

Filed Sep 29, 2009 · Engine · 4,500 miles · CO

I was driving my 2009 335i bmw on highway 92 at ralston ave exit, and my car lost power when I stepped on the accelerator, the engine light came on and the malfunctioning engine warning. I felt very frightened thinking I would have.