Most common 2009 BMW 335 problems
Share of the 12 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
BMW 335 complaints by model year
Best 335 years: 2007, 2008. Years to avoid: 2011. Compare all years →
2009 BMW 335 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 335:
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 335 owners say
Air bags
Takata recall faulty airbag deployment during minor accident causing no damage to vehicle. Impact occured from front of vehicle and air bags deployed after vehicle was at complete stop after accident causing nose damage and burn and bruise on left arm. Irregular deployment of air bags because the passenger air bag as well as the steering wheel air bag deployed. No one was seated on passenger side and the driver side vehicle side airbag where I was seated did not deploy.
Issue: when seat unoccupied, will receive seat belt warning as if a person is in the seat. Issue: when passenger is in seat, airbag and seat belt light comes on, with warning on the display that there is a restraint system malfunction. Defect with front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor mat, there are several recalls for this issue in different years/models. My year is not covered for the current recalls, even though its the same exact issue, and likely the same mat and/or seats. Example recalls: 17v-428 13v-564 17v-605
Engine & cooling
On 8/21/2015, I was driving my 2009 BMW 335d to work when it suddenly lost power and started spewing smoke on jefferson ave. I pulled over near my work and saw smoke seeping in from the steering column. I exited the vehicle immediately and opened the hood and saw that the engine compartment was on fire. I ran inside my workplace and grabbed a fire extinguisher and cautiously returned to the vehicle. I was able to put out the fire. After filing a claim with state farm, the claims adjuster and plaza motor company BMW came to the determination that the car's wiring harness malfunctioned and that they're going to replace it. But that's not my issue. I'm concerned with how the fire started in the first place. …
This is in reference to my car 2009 335d purchased in August 2009 from momentum BMW in houston, tx. I bought this vehicle primarily for its advertised fuel economy of city/hwy 23/36 combined with superb performance. I primarily use this car from highway driving from san antonio to houston, approx. 150 miles each way. I go to houston twice a month to visit my two sons who are doctors. I have put on an average of 10,000 miles per year, and today have approx. 40,000 miles. I also purchased BMW extended warranty of 7 yrs./70K miles. Before all the major software/firmware updates, I used to routinely get around 36-38 mpg on the highway at 70mph and since almost 1 year or more, I average like 28-30 mpg on the highway. It has dropped by more than 6-8 mpg before these updates for both highway and city mpg. Being an engineer by training, this is a statistical average for over a year. …
2009 BMW 335 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cyl diesel | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 23 / 36 / 27 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 26 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 25 / 20 |
| 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 16 / 25 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2009 BMW 335 a good car?
Based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 335 rates average: 2.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the 335 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 335?
The air bags — 7 complaints, 58% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the engine & cooling (3) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2009 BMW 335 have?
There is 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 335, 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 335?
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 335 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2009 BMW 335 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 87,000 miles; 17% 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.