2011 BMW 328I electrical problems

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Electrical · TN · fire

VIN [XXX] 2011 BMW 328i 4dr. Disabled widow, and on [XXX] while driving with my 3 minor children in vehicle, vehicle attempted to stall/loss of complete electrical power, smoke from trunk/rear seat. After stopping, got the trunk opened and discovered that the Battery Safety Terminal (BST) box and Battery Distribution Box in my trunk was on fire. After researching, it came to my attention that this incident matches the federal safety agency Recall 13V‑044 (positive battery cable to fuse box stall/loss) and 2012 battery cable fire recall (1.3M BMW 5/6/3 series - BMW stated "can result in electrical malfunction, failure to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire") re-expanded 2019. Obviously, I contacted BMW, and to say I was surprised at the complete lack of support, respect and help with this incredibly important and serious matter, would be an understatement. BMW NA rep 'Eddie' closed my case on Oct 21 (after telling me 2 days, yet waiting over a week, mind you) citing salvage/total loss, absolutely refused inspection and then with attitude, REFUSES to give me a supervisors info, told me he’s not allowed to give me any info in order to speak to anyone higher up, that he can pass along my info and if they WANT to, then THEY can contact ME. TN Certificate of Title [XXX] issued 07-31-2026 shows CLEAN title Remarks: Actual Mileage only, no brand. IF the title is/was salvaged, it was absolutely not disclosed by private seller at sale [XXX], nor stated on my title. Retaining burnt BST box and battery distribution box. Safety fire with children. Request investigation. Absolutely disgusted with the behavior from the BMW rep, ‘Eddie’ 🙄 Just completely careless and not even acknowledging how terribly close this came to ENDING THE LIVES of my 3 children and I. This has completely traumatized my daughter, as she felt the heat through the right of the backseat. Literal nightmares for her and crying if I even mention the car now. Incredibly difficult. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the headlights and taillights remained illuminated after the vehicle was turned off. Additionally, the vehicle intermittently failed to start up. The contact stated that AAA jump-started the vehicle, and it was determined that the battery was in good working condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact associated the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Jan 28, 2026 · Electrical · WI

The power cable to my battery needed to be replaced from the front to the rear. This seems like the recall the federal safety agency CAMPAIGN ID: 13V044000 but my car was not listed for it.

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · ID

Footwell module (FRM) module went out after negative battery disconnect to change fuse. Module being inoperable is causing windows to not operate,interior lighting not working, headlights stay dim (not good for nightime driving), blinkers inoperable (not good for driving with windows not working- no arm signals), dash light also inoperable.

Filed May 20, 2025 · Electrical · 116,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the electrical system failed to function as intended. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle eventually started; however, the failure occurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and transferred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Filed Feb 26, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Previously reported on February 20, 2024. the federal safety agency #1157301 RDC failure caused complete loss of all dashboard functions except the radio - loss of lights/turn signals/ speedometer/ tachometer/ HVAC etc. Received a call from BMW customer service today February 26,2024 at 4:38 EST duration 17 minutes. BMW informed me the conversation was recorded. I request that the federal safety agency obtain the transcript for that telephone call. This note will be sent to BMW with request to send a transcript of the call to the federal safety agency. BMW Custom Relations representative was polite. Her purpose for the call - "to inform me that BMW is cooperating with the federal safety agency".The person assigned had no useful information nor could she obtain any information to answer questions. Though BMW documents all reported parts failures and complications, she had no ability to provide information relevant to the RDC module problems.The call was useless from an owners viewpoint. It did not improve Customer Relations. The VANOS recall was also discussed.the federal safety agency: #23V‑707 Recall notification October 2023 BMW has not provided a date when the repair will be available. Vanos Bolt problems were identified for my vehicle in 2014!!! A 10 year warranty without mileage limitation was created but BMW owners were not notified - unless engine failure occurred and the car presented to a BMW dealership. I am more than frustrated that repairs have not been initiated. The local BMW dealership would like to repair the car but cannot proceed without corporate approval. Parts are indeed available locally. BMW has been aware of the problems for a DECADE. Furthermore, the valve cover gasket has been replaced twice since 2014. The VANOS bolts were never inspected. The valve cover was replaced last at 149,000 miles. A mechanic advised replacing the VANOS bolts but did not inspect them. Cost of repair $1500. I declined. Abysmal customer service!

Filed Feb 20, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · NY

Tire pressure yellow warning light on. RDC module ordered but repair not completed. After starting the car at a gas station, multiple warning lights appeared in red including "car on a raised lift in red" which signifies car is to be taken directly for service. Drove to local mechanic one mile away. While observing the car with engine running at idle, ALL dashboard lights and functions stopped: No speedometer, No tachometer, No warning lights, No turn signals, No headlights, RDC module subsequently replaced with resolution of the problem. Opening the old RDC module demonstrated significant green corrosion - likely occurred over a long period of time. IF the loss of all dashboard function had occurred while driving, it would have presented very dangerous safety issues. Situation reviewed with local BMW dealership and BMW corporate customer relations. No recalls or warnings have been issued. Expressed my concerns in detail. This is a potentially dangerous problem for the BMW E90 models. The RDC module is located in the passenger rear wheel well and repeatedly exposed to wet/ snow/ slush conditions. This is a dangerous location outside the vehicle for the RDC module. The Tire pressure monitor system is a non-critical function. Repair of the RDC module is considered optional - yellow warning light. This event demonstrates that there is a serious risk when the RDC module is not functioning properly. BMW should make owners aware and offer replacement before dangerous events occur.

Filed Feb 9, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

Received letter of recal Dec 2023 For recall Campaign No 23V‑707 Is been almost two months and BMW not communicating with me to find solution letter said remedi unavailable Engine bolts may over time loosen and eventually break how they want public to drive like that this should be a priority is dangerous

Filed Jan 7, 2024 · Electrical, Lights · TX

The electrical keeps shutting off and own after hitting speed bumps. It shuts off all power on hvac windows seats and the odometer. I have heard this same issue with many owners

Filed Nov 27, 2023 · Body, Electrical · CA

While driving at city speed limit the headlights started flicking on-off very difficult to see in the dark. I pulled over to the side of the road for safety but now realized the turn signals not working and also the hazard lights are not working either. I was in a very dangerous situation sitting on the side of the road without any warning light on. Not only for mine safety but also dangerous for other drivers passing by without seen my car in the dark. Its due to well known BMW FOOTWELL MODULE that has high failure incidents rate but BMW refused not to do a recall. Since this a safety issue the federal safety agency should request BMW to do a recall instead of just extended the warranty to 10/150K miles which my car is not qualify for. I've contacted BMW customer care but they refused to offer any assistance. I feel that BMW has deserted their customer and leaving a high cost burden on their customers although failure/flaw was directly from BMW.