Just finished driving about 10 miles from home to work, about 70 degrees-f outside, sunny, good weather around 11am. Did not operate air conditioner, heater or vent fan. Car seemed to drive fine, no strange noises. Had no recent major repairs. We are second owners of certified pre-owned bmw, have had vehicle for the past 7 years and driven about 50k miles since purchase. After arriving at workplace, stopped at workplace parking lot with engine idling for a few seconds to wait for parking gate to open. However, began seeing white smoke coming out of driver's side of engine hood. Tried to reverse the vehicle out to the street and moved about 10ft before engine shut off and would not restart. Within 15-30 seconds a plume of fire erupted out of the front hood through the grill. Within 3 minutes entire car was engulfed in flames and its proximity to other cars in the lot caused fire damage to 4 other vehicles. Car was a total loss including all possessions within it. Electronic locks quit working as soon as fire started.
2007 BMW 328I electrical complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 129, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The heater turns on by itself when the car is off and kills my battery....having lots of other electrical problems with the car not starting..the driver side mirror motor turns on sparatically which drains the battery...now the car doesn't start at all and the windshield wipers engage when I push the start button
I am having a no start, no crank problem, new battery, remove starter, checked ok, fuses, ok. Repair cable but code sill appear, month later n start or crank. This week brought new cable it detonated. Had car towed and now at home. Owned this car since july 2018 and totally upset. This is my second bmw and I love it. I am no sure but I believe the car was in an accident before I brought it.
My car caught on fire while sitting in the driveway due to a faulty wiring harness that bmw failed to notify owners about. The car had not been driven in several weeks. If the car was in the garage multiple fatalities could have occured.
Comfort access is blowing fuse. Can't exit my car w inside handles, all doors (only sometimes though) have to roll down driver window, insert manual key to unlock door. Other times, the passenger door will not unlock at all. This is dangerous. Without power to the windows, how would one escape? The fob will not unlock the doors at all. As mentioned, sometimes I can manually open with the handle inside the car and other times not at all. Locks broken at all stages, stationary or moving.
My car is losing power randomly, and has a burning smell. Inspected some of the wires and my main wire going into my fuse box looks a little burnt and has a color change to it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. While driving or when parking the vehicle, a strong burning odor of plastic emitted through the vents. The contact called classic bmw at (214) 778-2600 (located at 6800 dallas pkwy, plano, tx 75024) and was informed to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not driven to the dealer due to the burning odor. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000. *tt consumer stated vehicle was repaired.
My car burst into flames ahile driving down the highway. The electrical system went off immediately and I was trapped in car. A nearby passenger broke my window to me out. If it wasn't for the man I would have lost my life!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. While driving approximately 30 MPH and approaching a stop sign, the vehicle lost power and the steering wheel seized. When the vehicle was restarted, the service engine soon indicator illuminated and the failure recurred. The contact called bmw of wilmington at 910‑338‑2149 (located at 4920 new centre dr, wilmington, nc 28403) and the technician recommended a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. While entering a parking space at 1 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to bmw of bellevue (13617 ne 20th st, bellevue, wa 98005, (425) 243-5201) where it was diagnosed that the alternator needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Takata recall - I have had two separate major issues with this vehicle since I purchased it in may 2018. Over a month ago , my car started to make a loud squealing noise while idled at stop light and would ease up when I would accelerate. My engine was shaking so badly that I could feel it with my foot on brake petal. My roommate heard the squealing noise from inside my house and came out to see what was wrong. Entire engine was shaking as if something was not on properly. Happened one other time since while coming back from work. Second major issue occurred while on the way to work monday morning - I was making a semi sharp right turn off ruffin mill road in chester and my 'service engine soon' light immediate came on and the car went from 35mph to 0 - my car felt as if I couldn't turn the wheel and engine stopped. I cut the car off then back on - light went away and I was able to drive. Less than 5 minutes later, I was coming to a stop light, about to turn left and the same thing happened. Cut car off then back on and it was okay. I have had a lot of issues with this car and even had to get brand new starter two weeks after purchase. Attachment shows all issue with car given to me by mainentance.
Takata recall - I have had two separate major issues with this vehicle since I purchased it in may 2018. Over a month ago , my car started to make a loud squealing noise while idled at stop light and would ease up when I would accelerate. My engine was shaking so badly that I could feel it with my foot on brake petal. My roommate heard the squealing noise from inside my house and came out to see what was wrong. Entire engine was shaking as if something was not on properly. Happened one other time since while coming back from work. Second major issue occurred while on the way to work monday morning - I was making a semi sharp right turn off ruffin mill road in chester and my 'service engine soon' light immediate came on and the car went from 35mph to 0 - my car felt as if I couldn't turn the wheel and engine stopped. I cut the car off then back on - light went away and I was able to drive. Less than 5 minutes later, I was coming to a stop light, about to turn left and the same thing happened. Cut car off then back on and it was okay. I have had a lot of issues with this car and even had to get brand new starter two weeks after purchase. Attachment shows all issue with car given to me by mainentance.
Driver side light continue to go out...smoke coming from under the hood on start up periodically smell of burning plastic pulled over to turn turned the car off . Noticed white smoke coming from center console...random warning light indicated on display. Car keeps jumping into lag mode.
About a month ago, (today's date is 10/8/18) my drivers side reverse light went out. With it being a light that isn't really a necessity or safety hazard, I didn't have any urgency replacing. Last night I decided to peel the cover off the trunk to access my tail light, and once removed, the entire bulb housing falls out of the tail light. There is a lot of melted plastic (it was very very hot) in the tail light. I examine the bulbs, none being burnt out. No where on the part that the lights actually go into has any heat damage (burnt and cracked plastic). I then contact my mechanic with a video asking him what I need to resolve the issue now that I see my tail light is literally melted. He says he'll have to check it out and will come by in the morning. He was 'baffled' and said that it is entirely a manufactures defect, after inspecting the connector, as well as all the wiring. I then had him, (out of curiosity) check and see if the passenger side was also defected. I get on google and see that this is a common problem with my exact car, and numerous peoples vehicles have burst into flames but there isn't a recall?? Even people's cars that are turned off??? I have two toddlers and just traveled 750 miles away 1500 miles from home and back. I am very angry at the fact that they as well as my own safety was in danger the entire time and we had no knowledge of. And I'm even more angry that I could have been taking my niece to an appointment tomorrow morning (I do have to find other means to get her there) and my car just combusts, had I not cared to replace the bulb, my car could catch on fire while typing this complaint. I have seen a lot of people say bmw is taking no responsibility for this issue.
On the way home yesterday a red warning light "steering wheel with a pad lock on the top left corner" came on, after parking at home I got the manual out and found that this is an electric steering-wheel lock fault and now the car will not start. This is an issue with most bmw's manufactured between years 2006 to 2007. I learned about the issue when I did a search in bmw forum's. Both european and north american markets are effected with this fault.
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact was alerted by hospital staff that the vehicle was on fire. Upon leaving to confirm the failure, the contact noticed that the fire department had extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000(electrical system); 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. Grayson bmw (10671 parkside dr, knoxville, tn) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact was not offered any additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact called east bay bmw at 925‑264‑8570 (located at 4350 rosewood dr, pleasanton, ca 94588) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact smelled a burning odor when the vehicle was started and whenever the air conditioner was activated. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. * (recall related incident) ts
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The bmw dealer (sewell bmw of grapevine, 1111 e state hwy 114, grapevine, tx 76051, (817) 912-4500) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedies. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system); however, the parts to do the repair were not available. The dealer (sewell bmw of grapevine, 1111 e state hwy 111, grapevine, tx 76051, 817‑912‑4500) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they should have the parts in a few months. The VIN was not available. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts needed to schedule the recall repairs were specified as not being available until the manufacturer sent a second notice. The contact called the dealer (roadshow bmw, 405 n germantown pkwy, memphis, tn 38018, (901) 365-2584) several times, but the dealer was unable to determine when the parts would be supplied by the manufacturer. The manufacturer indicated that the parts would become available after august of 2018. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer was not contacted regarding part availability. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that the parts were unavailable for the recall remedy. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system); 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 was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed part unavailability. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. While the contact was attempting to start the vehicle, it lost all electrical power. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer (hendrick bmw north lake, 10720 north lake auto plaza blvd, charlotte, nc 28269). The dealer diagnosed that the distribution box had overheated and melted, which would be an out of pocket expense for the contact. The manufacturer was notified and stated that even though the vehicle was a 2007, it was manufactured in december of 2006. As a result, the vehicle was not eiligible to be repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v044000 (electrical system). The manufacturer continued to state that even though it was two months outside of the recall eligibility date, they still would not honor it if it had just been one day outside of the timeframe. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 156,000. *tt updated 11/7/18
Car had been parked in driveway for about 10 minutes after being driven for less than a mile. Then it went up in flames. Not totally sure what caused this, but I see that there are two safety recalls/alerts posted in oct 2010 that could result in this. We were never notified. This car was very well maintained and we certainly would have taken care of the problem if we had known it existed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v676000 (electrical system) and 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The dealer (brahman bmw in west palm beach, florida) was made aware of the recalls and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 bmw 328i. While driving with the cruise control set at 75 MPH and the heater at 70 degrees, there was an abnormal popping noise and a flash of light underneath the passenger side dashboard. The passenger air bag warning indicator illuminated. The contact stopped the vehicle and shifted the gear to the park position. Additionally, the contact smelled smoke inside the vehicle. Upon exiting and re-entering the vehicle, the cabin filled up with smoke and spontaneously caught fire. A police report was not filed. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow facility. The contact called bmw of concord (1967 market st, concord, ca 94520), but no further instructions were provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign numbers: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) and 17v676000 (electrical system). The parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Bmw of rochester hills (45550 daquindre rd, shelby charter township, mi) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not able to confirm when the parts were to become available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. When the contact started the vehicle and activated the air conditioner, he smelled smoke. There were no warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was taken to south motors bmw (16215 s dixie hwy, miami, fl), but were unable to assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. There were two recalls potentially related to the failure: the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v683000 (engine and engine cooling) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system). The approximate failure mileage was 130,000. - (recall related incident) ts
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 bmw 328i. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle overheated and smoke appeared through the vents of the vehicle. The the contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v676000 (electrical system); however, 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 contact called orland park bmw at (866) 460-4545 (located at 11030 w 159th st, orland park, il 60467) and was informed that the part was not available. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available. - (recall related incident) ts
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