2009 BMW 328I Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2009 BMW 328I, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 77,000 miles. The words owners use most often: “electrical engine engine” (15% of reports).
- 61electrical system complaints
- 77,000median miles at failure
- 2mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 3related recalls
- 32%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Electrical engine engine: mentioned in 9 of 61 complaints (15%)
- Confirm become: mentioned in 5 of 61 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 29 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 61 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 1 an injury.
BMW 328I electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 328I | 21 | 37% | 115,000 |
| 2015 328I | 56 | 45% | 100,000 |
| 2014 328I | 52 | 34% | 88,200 |
| 2013 328I | 61 | 24% | 89,565 |
| 2012 328I | 23 | 18% | 84,000 |
| 2011 328I | 129 | 22% | 91,500 |
| 2010 328I | 38 | 25% | 105,900 |
| 2009 328I | 61 | 32% | 77,000 |
| 2008 328I | 85 | 36% | 92,936 |
| 2007 328I | 129 | 32% | 97,000 |
| 2000 328I | 5 | 4% | 90,000 |
| 1999 328I | 7 | 7% | 84,500 |
| 1998 328I | 5 | 19% | 167,000 |
| 1997 328I | 7 | 28% | 50 |
| 1996 328I | 4 | 13% | 96,720 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (3)
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Problem: 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.
Risk: A loss of electrical power can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Note: This recall is an expansion of a previous recall, number 18V-314.
Electrical system:wiring
Problem: 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. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Problem: 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 manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The security system, alarm system and lock were all tampered with.
The security system, alarm system and key fob have all been tampered with.
UNKNOWN- The wiring system/ security system is faulty and requires attention.
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2009 BMW 328Is have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 61 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2009 BMW 328I (32% of the 193 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2009 BMW 328I electrical system?
Yes: 3 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do electrical system problems start?
The median reported mileage is 77,000 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2009 BMW 328I?
The most frequent phrase is “electrical engine engine”, in 9 of 61 complaints, followed by “confirm become” (5).
Other 2009 BMW 328I problems
- Air Bags problems (63)
See all 2009 BMW 328I problems or electrical system problems across all 328I years.