Most common 2009 BMW 328 problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328 complaints by model year
Best 328 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 328 recalls (1)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2009 BMW 328:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2009 BMW 328 owners say
Air bags
I recall the moment my car accident happened : when I arrived the pharmacy parking lot, absolutely I slowed down my car and approaching the parking space. When my car 's front tires touch one side of the pavement ( there are 2 pavements separated apart about 3 feet with soil where are planted with flowers, each pavement is approximately 1/2 foot thick and 1/2 foot high ). While I stepped on my car's break pedal, I felt the car suddenly lost control and it jumped on my side's pavement, and almost at the same time, both air bags burst, made the car ran over to almost a half of the distance between 2 pavements ( about more than 2 feet ) and hitting the rear of another parking car ( on opposite side of my car's parking space ( lot ). …
Recall 13V044000 electrical system car is still affected by this recall and unsafe for driving. Vehicle has been losing power, stalling, jerking, sensors faulty, recall16v071000 airbags unsafe hazzard my son was driving the vehicle and the lights and sensors started to go, the headlight went out on the highway, he managed to get into the emergency lane and the vehicle completly stalled. He had no light including hazards on a busy highway at night. He could have been killed losing power while driving especially on the interstate. This has happened on more than one occasion and needs to be repaired, or refunded by BMW immediately. My son is 23 years old and should not have to fear for his life whenever he drives his vehicle. BMW claims the recall work was done, but this vehicle is obviously not repaired as far as the electrical system. …
Electrical system
Recall 13V044000 electrical system car is still affected by this recall and unsafe for driving. Vehicle has been losing power, stalling, jerking, sensors faulty, recall16v071000 airbags unsafe hazzard my son was driving the vehicle and the lights and sensors started to go, the headlight went out on the highway, he managed to get into the emergency lane and the vehicle completly stalled. He had no light including hazards on a busy highway at night. He could have been killed losing power while driving especially on the interstate. This has happened on more than one occasion and needs to be repaired, or refunded by BMW immediately. My son is 23 years old and should not have to fear for his life whenever he drives his vehicle. BMW claims the recall work was done, but this vehicle is obviously not repaired as far as the electrical system. …
Electrical dafety, battery wire pulls loose from fuse box, causing car to shut down, even while in motion, therefore losing brakes and steering. Thas exactly what happened to my car on the interstate in traffic. I narrowly avoided a crash and peake BMW in kener, la refuses to tow the car, fix it in a timely manner, or offer a rental or loaner at no cost.
Engine & cooling
I had to replace the positive crankcase ventilation pcv valve heater and harness in April of 2017 because it melted. This cost me $3000 at patrick BMW in schaumburg, il. I later found out that there is a recal # 17v-683 concerning this. I never received a letter from BMW about the recall. However, I'm looking to get reimbursed for my out of pocket charges. When I took my car to the closest dealer, I was told I had to wait to receive the reimbursement. Therefore, I'd like to file a complaint. In addition, I smell a burnt smell from time to time. I know there is a blower motor recall as well. I've experienced problems with the blower motor on my car since the first year of owning it. When I asked the dealer about the smell - I was told there were no signs of a burning smell. I'm concerned because the smell is not constant only on occasion. …
Takata recall: just cant believe my car just went dead while driving. There have been issues with the fuel pump but nobody is making people aware of this so it can get fixed.it was really scary . Belt tensioner was replaced from BMW in 2014. Then belt tensioner goes bad again in 2016. Steering super tight ,just replaced power steering pump 10 months ago..
2009 BMW 328 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 18 / 28 / 22 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | RWD | 18 / 28 / 21 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: Subcompact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 328 a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 328 rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 328 at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 328?
The air bags — 7 complaints, 64% of all complaints for this model year, most often about sensor › occupant classification. Next are the electrical system (5) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 328 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 328, the most recent from February 5, 2016 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the BMW 328?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2011. See the full BMW 328 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 328 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 14% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.