BMW 335I Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 23, 2026 · 147 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the BMW 335I across 9 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (51). The words owners use most often: “blower motor” (5% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Blower motor: mentioned in 8 of 147 complaints (5%)
  • Key fob: mentioned in 8 of 147 complaints (5%)
  • Water pump: mentioned in 8 of 147 complaints (5%)

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 102 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles3 · 3%
10k–25k miles8 · 8%
25k–50k miles13 · 13%
50k–75k miles25 · 25%
75k–100k miles23 · 23%
100k–150k miles25 · 25%
150k+ miles5 · 5%

How serious are the reports?

Of 147 complaints, 2 mention a crash, 18 a fire, 1 an injury.

BMW 335I electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2007, with 51 complaints
2007: 512007512008: 352008352009: 152009152010: 9201092011: 162011162012: 2201222013: 112013112014: 4201442015: 420154

n = 147 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2015 335I440%42,000
2014 335I420%48,000
2013 335I1126%67,000
2012 335I29%40,750
2011 335I1616%62,450
2010 335I922%87,488
2009 335I1518%100,393
2008 335I3517%80,000
2007 335I5118%72,292

When owners reported it

Peak: 2018, with 25 complaints
2008: 2200822010: 222011: 4201142012: 772013: 142013142014: 11112015: 142015142016: 442017: 9201792018: 25252019: 102019102020: 10102021: 102021102022: 662023: 6202362024: 442025: 3202532026: 66

n = 147 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Electrical system:wiringOct 25, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · 702,965 vehicles

Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

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:cablesFeb 7, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V044000 · 516,791 vehicles

Model years: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011

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.

My vehicle has a defect with electric water pump, shorted by its factory connector due to unprotected electrical plug on water pump. BMW issued a recall to cover the defect but refusing to pay for repairs performed. Recall 24V-608 water pump electrical connector. Recall information includes same…

Received Jul 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11751957

"I am reporting a failed safety remedy by BMW of Macon regarding Recall 13V-044 (Battery Cable Connector). Following the recall service, the vehicle suffered a systemic digital failure and a legal odometer discrepancy of approximately 20,000 miles 73,547 to around 53,000k (The 53k miles was seen on…

Received Apr 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11733910

The vehicle underwent a BMW recall repair involving the blower motor wiring, completed at an authorized BMW dealership. Immediately after the recall repair, the blower motor began operating intermittently. The system turns on and off while driving. The blower motor function can be temporarily…

Received Apr 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11733326

The water pump runs all of the time and drains the battery completely overnight. The water pump runs even after the car is shut off. It seems like the water pump is shorted. The water pump connector appears to have the same issue as many other recalled BMWs but for some reason my VIN has not been…

Received Feb 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11718597

The car died without warning on highway. Lost control because of no power. Car was towed. no codes found. Car died again on highway, lost control no power to brakes and steering. Car was hit trying to got off into breakdown lane. High pressure fuel pump no good.

Received Feb 17, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11718453

Frequently asked questions

Do all BMW 335Is have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 147 owner complaints about electrical system for the BMW 335I. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the BMW 335I electrical system?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about electrical system problems on the BMW 335I?

The most frequent phrase is “blower motor”, in 8 of 147 complaints, followed by “key fob” (8).

Other BMW 335I problems

See all BMW 335I problems.