Electrical complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 21 | 37% | 115,000 miles |
| 2015 | 56 | 45% | 100,000 miles |
| 2014 | 52 | 34% | 89,000 miles |
| 2013 | 61 | 24% | 90,000 miles |
| 2012 | 23 | 18% | 84,000 miles |
| 2011 | 129 | 22% | 92,000 miles |
| 2010 | 38 | 25% | 107,000 miles |
| 2009 | 61 | 32% | 77,000 miles |
| 2008 | 85 | 36% | 93,000 miles |
| 2007 | 129 | 32% | 97,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 4% | 90,000 miles |
| 1999 | 7 | 7% | 108,000 miles |
| 1998 | 5 | 19% | 169,000 miles |
| 1997 | 7 | 28% | 0 miles |
| 1996 | 4 | 13% | 97,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily in front of a car shop as soon as i can get out of the car a worker from the shop ran outside yelling your car is on fire! We lift the hood and he had a water hose on the side of the shop he then sprayed the area of the fire and it was put out.I have kept regular routine maintenance on the car no prior signs of car malfunctioning or service engine light on no warning at all this was unexpected.This occurred February 8th 2022 I had the vehicle towed to my local Firestone auto care and they said …
The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound that worsened over time. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered smoke coming from the engine compartment; moments later the engine compartment engulfed in flames. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System). The vehicle was occupied however, no injuries were sustained and the contact's friend was able to exit the vehicle safely. The fire department came and extinguished the fire however, no report was filed. The police department was also present however, a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not totaled however, the vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an auto repair shop to get a diagnosis. …
The contact owned a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, and while at a complete stop, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the A/C only blew hot air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the timing belt, the oil gasket, the oil pan, and unknown fuses were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the charging port. The contact stated that the infotainment system then caught on fire. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with two extinguishers and with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. …
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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The failure mileage approximately 100,000.
The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine overheated. An alarm sound was coming from the vehicle. An unknown warning light was illuminated, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The mechanic called the BMW dealer to order the parts and asked if there was a recall for the water pump, and was informed that there was no recall for the water pump issued by BMW. Upon further investigation, the contact found a recall on the NHTSA.gov website issued by BMW for the water pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was a recall associated with the VIN. …
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started running rough with the temperature gauge rising. The stabilizer warning light was illuminated. On another occasion, while driving to the residence at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off. The contact stated that a message related to the fuel was displayed. The vehicle was under warranty and was repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle was difficult to start. The contact stated while driving approximately 25-60 MPH, the engine overheated with smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact would pull over and allow the engine to cool down before resuming to drive. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. …
Related recalls (4)
Electrical system › Wiring › Connectors/plugs/receptacles
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009 328i and 328xi, 2009-2011 335d, 2008-2012 M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible, and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. The connection of the positive battery cable at the fuse box terminal may degrade, resulting in an intermittent loss of electrical power.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and secure the positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system › Wiring
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.
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.
Electrical system › Wiring › Fuses and circuit breakers
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…
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW 328i years have electrical problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2007 (129), 2011 (129), 2008 (85), 2009 (61) and 2013 (61) model years. Electrical complaints make up 32% of all complaints for the 2007.
Is there a recall for BMW 328i electrical problems?
Yes — 4 recalls, including 24V-608 (connectors/plugs/receptacles, Aug 13, 2024); 19V-472 (fuses and circuit breakers, Jun 19, 2019); 17V-676 (wiring, Oct 25, 2017). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW 328i electrical problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles; 17% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the wiring › front underhood (10 mentions), followed by the alternator/generator/regulator (4).
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.