Most common 2009 BMW 328xi problems
Share of the 11 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 328xi complaints by model year
Best 328xi years: 2012, 2006, 2009. Years to avoid: 2007, 2011, 2008, 2013. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 328xi recalls (4)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi,…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.
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.
What 2009 BMW 328xi owners say
Electrical system
While driving back from gulf shores alabama my headlights started flickering on and off while driving on the highway the power went off on the radio lights on the dashboard went off the steering wheel locked up and an sos button came on. The windshield wipers stopped and it was torrential rains and total darkness on interstate 75. When I could see well enough to get over to the brim I googled the codes that were flashing and was given further instruction on how to get my car started again. The headlights flickering on and off and visibility ( with the rain ) was impossible. Several various codes continued to pop up and this happened until we arrivd at our destination. It was if the whole computer board had gone haywire .every code imaginable came on and we had to stop to figure out what to do to get the car going. Since then my BMW will not start unless the battery is charged. …
Car experienced complete electrical system failure. All systems shut down (lights, ignition, locks, dashboard, gauges, radio). Car could not be operated. Locks would not operate using dash mounted button, door pulls or key fob. Drivers door could only be opened from outside using valet key. Emergency lights inoperable. Problem occurred 10/29, started 2 hours later. Failed again 10/30 at 5 pm. Restarted on 10/31. Dealer unable to duplicate. Car started 11/3 and failed 11/3. Battery checked--fine. Ibs checked--fine. (this car is not currently listed as part of the ongoing BMW battery cable recalls, but seems to exhibit exact same symptoms).
Fuel & propulsion system
I was driving my car and it just complete lost power,I called road side assistance and they did some testing. Keep in mind I just got a new battery three months ago,have shown no signs of any power ,start up issues,. I just don't understand how a car with a higher standard just dies. They said it was the fuel pump. Its seemly interesting how many people have had the same issue and BMW should be ashamed with themselves not to recall this issue ,at least address the people who are having the issue..fuel pump isn't something that should go at 100K.very disappointed. The car will not start,I can get a crank but nothing more.
2009 328xi BMW first battery goes dead,one month later car stops while driving,BMW said it was fuel pump and hose,they fixed that,while at dealer they said faulty code came up for alternator . All this within 1 month. No signs of lights dim,car not starting,how does this happen all at once and with no warning.seems there is a bigger issue.dealer fixed fuel pump.but how does alternator go with no signs.
Engine & cooling
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling) and 17V676000 (electrical system). The contact stated that the parts were not available within a reasonable time frame to schedule the recall repairs. The dealer (union park BMW, 1900 pennsylvania ave, wilmington, de 19806, [phone]) confirmed part unavailability and did not know when they would be supplied from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified. The contact was not experiencing a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V676000 (electrical system) and 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. Concours motors in milwaukee, wisconsin 53209 was made aware of the recall and stated that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 328xi a good car?
Based on 11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 328xi rates average: 19% fewer complaints than a typical year of the 328xi at the same age. It is one of the best 328xi years by this measure. 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 328xi?
The electrical system — 5 complaints, 45% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (4) and engine & cooling (3).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 328xi have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2009 BMW 328xi, the most recent from July 3, 2024 (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 328xi?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2006 and 2009. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2007, 2011, 2008 and 2013. See the full BMW 328xi years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 328xi problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 0% 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.