Car caught fire in driveway spontaneously. It had not been used since the previous day and had been sitting atleast 16 hours since last use. We woke up and black smoke and flames coming from car taller than our house. Significant damage to other three cars in driveway and side of our house. Car that caught fire is totaled
2009 BMW 335I electrical problems
15 complaints (18% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 100,786.
- owner complaints
- 15
- of this car's complaints
- 18%
- typical mileage
- 100,786
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
BMW 335I electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2009 BMW 335I 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 2009 BMW 335I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Positive battery cable heat up cause fire above battery. Blow off wire worked blowing off. Distribution box and power pole connection sparking heating up causing arc fire. No recalls for my specific Vin but 2008 through 2012 recalls this part but not for my vehicle. 2009 335 convertible. ? $1132 to fix. 9 months ago 2021 BMW could not find problem recommended changing my alternator never recommended changing the recalled part that I am now having changed at my own expense. Very scary I have the car returned to me but I was only able to drive limited distances as the cable deteriorated I was limited more and more use of the vehicle until ultimately I drove to BMW to have it fixed and the wire exploded a mile before exiting the freeway very scary.
The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was made. There was no injury sustained. The police arrived and started an investigating however, a police report was not filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance provider was contacted and informed the contact that fire coverage was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible solution to the failure however, the Vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked his vehicle in the driveway of his residence and, the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no damages to the residence from the flames. The fire department was contacted and arrived to extinguish the flames. A fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. A police investigation was started however, a report was not yet provided. A local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the Vin was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that fire protection was not included in his policy. The contact mentioned the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the vin was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
The contact owned a 2009 BMW 335i. The contact stated that he parked the vehicle in the driveway at his residence and the next morning his wife informed him that the vehicle was engulfed in flames. There was no damage to the residence from the flames. The fire department was called out and arrived and extinguished the flames. A fire report was filed. There was no injury sustained. An investigation was started by the local police department however, a police report was not yet filed. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the fire department. The insurance company was contacted however, informed the contact that there was no fire coverage included on his policy. The contact mentioned the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, not further assistance was offered. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.
Randomly while driving and sometimes when stationary my car's electrical system started going haywire including my gauges and the passenger airbag as well some other safety features with tthe seatbelt were disabled with & without a passenger in the car. I keep getting a warning screen that tread as follows: "restraint system malfunction. Fault in passenger-restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt-force limiter. Continue to wear the safety belt. Have the system checked by the nearest bmw center." after looking online it is a common problem but for some reason my VIN isn't included on the recall.
I bought a 2009 bmw 335i off of a friend of mine knowing that the car did indeed have few issues back in december of 2019. When I had received the car the back left strut was out. I replaced all of them including the brakes as well as preformed a simple service. I took the car in for a diagnosis for the car not wanting to start properly to bmw for a proper check up. I legit get two starts before having to let it sit for a while before I can start it again. This has been an ongoing issue after what I thought could possibly be a starter issue. But it wasnt, the car doesnt crank; it clicks almost as if it wants to turn over and run as a self sustaining mechanism. Instead I must let it sit for a couple hours until I can yet again start it back up and its fine. This car has made me sit and wait countless times at friends houses and public places. Bmw told me that it is the positive battery terminal and cable from the start port that needs to be replaced due to corrosion. They sent me a full inspection summary as a video for me to see and yes that red cable doesnt look to good behind the wheel well leading to the battery. Of course I did my research and found many other bmw's alike have the same exact issues. I dont want to have to pay out of pocket $3000 for a piece of hardware that is bond to decay. Thats a huge obligation for myself and a large safety issue for many others. This is my daily and I dont want to risk anything upon myself or anyone else that may own this same model and or have the same issue again. This needs to be fixed and addressed immediately. The date for when it occurred is the date bmw sent an inspection video back for myself to view.
Fuel pump leaking gasoline leaving a strong odor in the car and footwell module is bad
The vehicle's wiring harness within the headlight housing are exposed, it no longer has the rubber coating that surrounds the wires.I afraid this could cause a short circuit or fire!
Blower motor wiring caught fire and spread throughout remainder of car. Initially saw smoke coming from vents while vehicle was coming to a stop in a staples parking lot. Fire spread into engine and interior of car, burning my hand and bringing car to a total loss. Existing recall number: 17v‑676
Questions about the 2009 BMW 335I electrical
Does the 2009 BMW 335I have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints about the electrical of the 2009 BMW 335I, 18% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 335I electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 100,786 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW 335I electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 17V676000, 13V044000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 335I have the most electrical problems?
The BMW 335I model years with the most electrical complaints are 2007 (52 complaints), 2008 (35 complaints) and 2011 (16 complaints).
Other 2009 BMW 335I problems
Fuel system 33Airbags 29Engine 16Lights 6Seat belts 6Seats 4Transmission 3Driver assistance 2Acceleration 1Brakes 1Steering 1Suspension 1Visibility 1Wheels 1
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