Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 BMW 328xi owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that upon reaching his destination, he observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. After a visual inspection, the contact then observed flames within the engine compartment, shortly after which the entire vehicle became engulfed in flames. Emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the flames. No warning lights were illuminated. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection but did not provide the contact with diagnostic information. The vehicle was towed to a towed yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. …
The contact owned a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that upon pulling into the driveway, he saw smoke coming out from underneath the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that the fire started inside the hood and extended to the rest of the vehicle. The contact stated that there were explosions of fire with objects flying all over the place. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. There was no police report filed. The contact stated that he sustained minor injuries but did not seek medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was totaled. The contact later received a recall notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine And Engine Cooling), which he associated with the failure. …
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving approximately 25 MPH, there was smoke and a burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle. There was a smoldering sound coming from the dashboard. The contact turned off the vehicle; however, the vehicle remained hot, and the smoke started to increase as if the vehicle was not turned off. The contact disconnected the battery to get the smoke to settle and get the engine to cool down. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal oil odor detected. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the valve cover was leaking oil and the head gasket cover needed to be replaced. The dealer informed her that the failure was not related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V676000 (Electrical System) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced an unstated failure and was no longer driving the vehicle. Parts distribution disconnect. The failure mileage was unknown
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
For two years my seatbelt sensor pad in the passengers side has been broken. The cost is $1400. I took it to the dealer only for them to say they don't see a recall on my car. I looked it up here and the same result. I research recalls on the 3 series 328xi on the internet and I see a seat sensor pad recall on some cars. What I don't understand is if it's the same sensor pad and/or same malfunction. Why is it only a fraction of the models? Also it's unfair for you guys to make mistake with this information. By the time you have corrected the issue I will have died or paid for every defect out of my own pockets. Remember BMW is a business I am not. The new issues is something that I have never had happen in 20 years of driving. I hit an average size pothole and my suspension locked-up then later something snapped. It was the rear wheel drivers side. …
Possible Class Action Law Suit knowingly neglect, mislead, purposely avoiding known recall & obvious risks of possible LIFE / PROPERTY LOST 08/2012, NYS Bear Mt Parks Camp ground Unknown reason Low battery resulted locked steering, stranded tow $450 /park+$450 tow truck to Shop E141st Bronx Friend a Westchester BMW dealer mechanic 1988~2019 (Will testify): official instruction to replace Steering column $2000-3000 job, replaced on the street, can't start w dealer computer+ $300 towed to Bronx BMW specialist & reset/ started for $450 2012 not much info online As my VIN isn't on the recall list, I was not aware of the other identical recalled issue til it happened again in 2015(?2016, can confirm w the NY Westchester BMW dealer parts receipt) Paid another $2000+ much nightmare only to realized the issue can easily be reset by any mechanic computer then restarted. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 BMW 328xi. While driving 25 MPH, the engine shook and smoke appeared under the hood and the muffler. The check engine indicator illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to BMW of freehold (4225 U.S. 9, freehold, nj, 07728) where it was diagnosed that the pcv valve heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost of the repair. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V683000 (engine), but the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer confirmed that the dealer could repair the vehicle at the contact's expense. When the remedy and parts become available, the contact could be reimbursed. The failure mileage was approximately 77,366. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine complaints in other 328xi years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 BMW 328xi?
NHTSA has 45 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 BMW 328xi, 23% of the model year's 198 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › fan (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 BMW 328xi engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 BMW 328xi, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 BMW 328xi engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 7 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.