2009 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems

The 2009 BMW 3 Series has 1 safety recall and 53 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

4 / 2

Injuries / deaths

9 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2009 BMW 3 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2009 BMW 3 Series recalls

Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling

Reported Mar 2, 2022 · 917,106 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Risk: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2009 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	15
Electrical System	8
Fuel/Propulsion System	6
Engine	5
Exterior Lighting	5
Visibility	4
Unknown or Other	4
Fuel System, Gasoline	3
Power Train	3
Engine and Engine Cooling	3
Seat Belts	3
Seats	3

Most reported parts

Power Train › Manual Transmission — 2
Visibility › Windshield — 1
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Fluid — 1
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Interior — 1
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 68,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2009 BMW 3 Series complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 89,800 miles · reported Apr 17, 2019

4 months ago my car stopped suddenly mechanic changed fuel pump , couple weeks after that it happens again I took it back and the mechanic said everything is ok , I went home and today I was driving on the highway when the car suddenly stopped again, I was so scared I just want to know if you going to fix this problem

Fuel/Propulsion System · reported Sep 30, 2018

I took my car to a bmw dealership in cannonsburg, pa. Had no issues whatsoever dropping it off. I had driven 3 hours to get to the dealership for the recall. By the end of the day I received a call telling me my car was over heating and not drivable. How is that my responsibility? When obviously I drove it a long distance to get 3 recalls taken care of. I was told the water pump, I think was not working? It was working when I dropped it off? If it was overheating I could have never been able to drive it. Please help me figure out our to resolve this issue. I need my car and I'm regretting…

Electrical System · at 78,000 miles · reported Sep 25, 2018

Recall # 17v676, 17v683 it has been nearly a year and I'm still unable to make repair appointment with bmw dealer for reason of parts unavailable. My air conditioning system couldn't keep car cool enough as heat from the engine is high.

Engine · reported Sep 20, 2018

In november 2017 I received two (2) recall notices for my 2009 bmw 328i. I was advised that the blower motor wiring (Recall campaign # 17v-676) and pcv valve heater (Recall campaign # 17v-676) were defective. I was further notified that no remedy for either defect was available at that time. It is now september 2018. I have contacted bmw and been advised that at this time a remedy remains unavailable. I AM considering selling or trading in my vehicle but because this recall has not yet been completed my resale price may be lowered. If two (2) recall repairs have not been performed 10 months…

Fuel/Propulsion System · at 1 miles · reported Jul 26, 2018

Fuel injectors began leaking and have become faulty causing mis-firing. Bmw had a similar recall involving cars with the same model year and engine as my car but has refused to claim it was also involved in the recall.

Other BMW 3 Series years

2023 2013 2012 2011 201020092008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all BMW 3 Series years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2009 BMW 3 Series: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2009 BMW 3 Series?

Owners report air bags problems most often (15 reports), followed by electrical system (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 68,000 miles.

Are BMW recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.