I am filing this complaint regarding my 2007 BMW 328i and my recent experience attempting to have an active safety recall addressed by an authorized BMW dealership. My vehicle has an active safety recall involving the vehicle’s power supply system/positive battery cable connection. The vehicle has also been experiencing intermittent electrical power issues, which makes addressing this recall particularly important from a safety standpoint. I brought my vehicle to the dealership specifically to have the recall inspected and repaired. However, I was informed that the dealership would not replace the recall-related part because the vehicle has a salvage title. I am concerned because this is a safety-related recall, and the dealership’s refusal prevented me from having the recalled component properly inspected and, if necessary, replaced. The vehicle is also experiencing electrical symptoms involving the same general power supply system associated with the recall. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review this matter and determine whether the dealership’s refusal to perform or properly address the safety recall because of the vehicle’s salvage title is consistent with BMW’s recall obligations and applicable federal safety requirements. I am also requesting guidance regarding what steps I should take to have the recall properly inspected and completed by an authorized BMW dealer. My primary concern is safety. I want the recalled component and the vehicle’s power supply system properly evaluated to determine whether the vehicle presents an ongoing safety risk. VEHICLE INFORMATION Year: 2007 Make: BMW Model: 328i TITLE STATUS: Salvage RECALL INFORMATION Recall: Power Supply/Positive Battery Cable System DEALERSHIP INFORMATION Dealership: BMW of Birmingham Location: Irondale, Alabama ISSUE REPORTED The dealership refused to replace the recall-related component because the vehicle has a salvage title. I can provide documentation of the recall and dealership communications
2007 BMW 328I electrical problems
129 complaints (32% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 97,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 129
- of this car's complaints
- 32%
- typical mileage
- 97,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Alternator/generator/regulator2
- Wiring: interior/under dash1
- Wiring: fuses and circuit breakers1
- Wiring: front underhood1
- Instrument cluster/panel1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
BMW 328I electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2007 BMW 328I electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V676000 · 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
What 2007 BMW 328I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment. He wasn’t there on the day of and the other technician refused to conduct the recall repair and very rudely said to me you either pay $500 for diagnosing or you come pick up your car now otherwise I will charge you $200 daily storage he said the car didn’t start I told him yes of course is due to that recall which caused a meltdown leading to smoke coming in from the vents cutting all power to car . This guy refused to understand the situation and was really rude he said I have til the end of today to pick up the car and he disregard my appointment and refuse to fix it. So I call my AAA tow truck to pick up my vehicle and the refused to release it so now my car isn’t getting fixed and it’s being hold hostage
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormally strong burning odor coming from the vehicle. Additionally, the blower motor became inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had personally replaced the blower motor. The contact stated that while servicing the vehicle, he noticed that the wiring underneath the footwell had melted. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the recall repair failed to prevent the failure. The dealer was contacted and advised the contact that he had to pay for the diagnostic test and the repairs. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
Defective Professional Grade Radio. When you first start the vehicle the radio works fine. After driving the vehicle 30 minutes or so the digital display on the radio goes blank ( Cannot read the display). The radio is connected to the digital display underneath the speed odometer. So it’s untelling what all might happen if the radio issue is not resolved. It could Possibly cause the vehicle to not start or short out and cause a fire. Me personally, I would just recall it and upgrade it to digital Navi. System.(radio is included). This days time everything is digital.
we have taken the car to the dealership for the recall and was told they do not have the parts and also wouldn't know how to fix it. every time the car turns on, you can smell the melting of the plastic. it smells bad and am worried every time im driving about a fire. before the recall came out, we had asked about the unknown smell of something burning and was told it was "normal"
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50- 55 mph, the vehicle caught fire. There was an abnormal burning odor detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to use her fire extinguisher and extinguish the fire. There were no reported injuries, police reports filed, or air bag deployments. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed her that the battery pack wiring had melted. and the PCV and wiring needed to be repaired. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis regarding the electrical panel was provided. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 149, 000.
The wiring insulation is dry cracked everywhere in both headlights exposing a lot of the wires in many places. It can cause a short.
My vehicle caught on fire while parked and unoccupied. Fire started in the engine compartment.
Shutters all the time even after coils replaced. Engine line comes on and misfires. Wiring all messed up especially headlights and seats. Abs light won't go off.
Headlight wiring harness sleeves have rotted, the exposed copper wiring can short inside the vehicle causing a spark, prolonged contact between bare wires will generate heat capable of melting the headlight unit and plastic components around it.
Questions about the 2007 BMW 328I electrical
Does the 2007 BMW 328I have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 129 complaints about the electrical of the 2007 BMW 328I, 32% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2007 BMW 328I electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 97,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2007 BMW 328I electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 17V676000, 13V044000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 328I have the most electrical problems?
The BMW 328I model years with the most electrical complaints are 2011 (130 complaints), 2007 (129 complaints) and 2008 (85 complaints).
Other 2007 BMW 328I problems
Airbags 105Engine 100Steering 56Locks 36Body 18Fuel system 15Seat belts 15Lights 13Seats 10Driver assistance 9Visibility 9Tires 7Transmission 7Brakes 6Wheels 4Acceleration 2Suspension 2
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