BMW 328I stalling problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Dealership performed VANOS bolt replacement recall on 2011 BMW 328i. Vehicle has 63K miles and is otherwise in excellent condition. Post recall, vehicle experiences unstable idle with rpm dipping low when stopped in gear during initial engine warm up period. Issue stabilizes somewhat but not completely gone once engine is at operating temperature. This is a safety issue with engine surging, hesitating, and potentially stalling when stopped at stoplight or intersections.

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 5, 2026 · Fuel system · MN

On XXX, while driving on Interstate XXX with my family near [XXX], the engine shut off and the vehicle lost all power. The event was preceded by a "Reduced Power" error displayed on the dashboard. Traffic was moderate and I was able to pull over to the right shoulder. The engine shutting off while on an interstate highway is obviously quite dangerous. After waiting for a few minutes I was able to restart the car and continue travel. I took my vehicle to a mechanic and several potentially relevant codes were found: 110001: Cylinder injection shutdown: pressure too low in high pressure system 11A002: Fuel high pressure, plausibility: pressure too low 481B03: EKPS control current too low Review of the issue and codes with the mechanic and internet forums indicates the fuel pump control module (EKPS) is failing. This can be exacerbated by hot weather. A failing EKPS can cause sudden stalling at any time, including at highway speeds, making the vehicle unsafe to drive until repaired. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 100,000 miles · WI · fire

The contact owned a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled after overheating the previous day. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valvetronic system needed to be replaced; while the vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs, the contact was notified that the vehicle had sustained thermal damage over the weekend, caught fire, and burned completely, leaving only the frame. The vehicle was unoccupied during the fire. A police and fire department report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was later notified that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage approximately 100,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Fuel system · MS

When the fuel gauge reads 1/4 of a tank or less the car stalls sporadically and comes to a jerking stop. This causes the cars behind us to either slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid hitting us. We reported this to our local BMW dealer and were told this is a known issue on many models, including ours. However, our car was not included in the existing recalls, so we could either pay for a diagnostic test and the fix OR keep the tank filled. Existing recalls involved the following: In-tank fuel tank sensor getting stuck In-tank fuel line incorrectly attached In-tank fuel pump wires crimped Improper nickel plating within fuel pump Engine control unit software failure

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical · TX

The vehicle constantly and increasingly exhibits the symptoms described in RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V‑044: REPAIR BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE, dated XXX , i.e., various electrical malfunctions, including flickering of the instrument cluster, and brief loss of engine power. However, VIN [XXX] is NOT included in this campaign. It appears that the next possibility, even though deemed "extremely isolated" by the recall, is that "the engine may shut off while driving, which leads to a loss of power steering assistance." BMW and the federal safety agency each state that the other is responsible for including VINs in a recall, yet I am the one at risk of crash. Do I need to seek legal action against both BMW and the federal safety agency to determine who is responsible for adding the VIN to the recall so BMW can eventually reimburse me for the needed repairs? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 23, 2026 · Airbags, Brakes · MI

The contact owns a 2010 BMW 328I. The contact received notifications of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 24V513000 (Air Bags), 23V707000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that while accelerating from the vehicle idling, and turning left or right, the transmission hesitated before shifting hard. Occasionally, while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated, hesitated, and failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle intermittently stalled, and the contact would release the accelerator pedal, depress the brake pedal, and allow the steering wheel failure to self-correct. The failures became more persistent. The ABS, check engine, X-Drive Fluid, ESC, and TPMS warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after adding fluid, the failure persisted. The driver's front seat air bag failed to activate intermittently while the driver's seat was occupied. The heating system occasionally failed to operate. The contact became aware of fluid under the vehicle. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to be diagnosed, and the air bag and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The certified mechanic recommended an oil change because the engine oil was dirty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact radiator was repaired to resolve the failure with the heating system, but the failures persisted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failures. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Mar 25, 2026 · Engine · 157,637 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the VANOS bolts had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact related the failure to TSB Number: SIB 11 04 14. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was covered under the TSB. The failure mileage was approximately 157,637.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · 200,000 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving on the streets and the highway, the vehicle lost automotive power. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked unexpectedly, stalled, and failed to accelerate over 30 MPH. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for further assistance and stated that the failure could be related to a recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure started after the vehicle was repaired under an air bag recall by the dealer, and the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Engine · 133,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The odor was more prominent while the vehicle was idling. The RPM fluctuated while idling, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact would depress the brake pedal, place the vehicle in neutral, turn off, and restart the vehicle to accelerate and continue driving. The air bag warning light was illuminated, and the message, "Check Engine Soon," was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, and a diagnostic code was retrieved for Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) failure; however, no repairs were completed. The contact completed some research and learned that the failure could be occurring due to air entering the brake lines. The contact also found information about the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer, diagnosed, or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.