While driving down the interstate, suddenly we began to smell 'something' burning, and then the idrive system displayed a battery icon light followed by the message "charging system malfunction" and control messages warning "your battery is not being charged". Seconds after that message the power in the vehicle began surging, and another message displayed "4x4 system and dsc have malfunctioned". At this point we were pulling over, and the cab of the vehicle began filling with smoke. The 4 of us exited the vehicle and witnessed flames and smoke coming from under the bonnet. We managed to move safely away from the vehicle and call for help as it went up in flames - burning completely (bumper to bumperr). It has been declared a total loss.
The worst 2009 BMW 525I problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical1
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- Risk
- An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 17V683000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 BMW 525I 5
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Engine will crank but not start
- Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
What 2009 BMW 525I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Compare the 2009 BMW 525I
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Questions about the 2009 BMW 525I
Is the 2009 BMW 525I reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 2009 BMW 525I, fewer than a typical 525I model year.
What is the 2009 BMW 525I year score?
The 2009 BMW 525I scores 95 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 525I: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 525I?
Electrical system, with 1 complaint.
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 525I have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
What year does the BMW 525I have the most electrical problems?
The BMW 525I model years with the most electrical complaints are 2004 (21 complaints) and 2007 (14 complaints).
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