BMW 335XI Problems by Year

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · 154 owner complaints analyzed

Years with far more complaints than usual:

NHTSA has 154 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file for the BMW 335XI, across 12 model years (2005–2016). The 2008 model year has the most complaints (62). The most reported problem area overall is fuel system, gasoline.

Peak: 2008, with 62 complaints
2005: 0200502006: 0200602007: 202007202008: 622008622009: 182009182010: 112010112011: 232011232012: 2201222013: 9201392014: 7201472015: 2201522016: 020160

n = 154 complaints · Source: NHTSA

BMW 335XI years to avoid? What the complaint data shows

These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 335XI year: 2007, 2008, 2011. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.

Model years with the most complaints

  1. 2008 335XI: 62 complaints, 3 recalls
  2. 2011 335XI: 23 complaints, 3 recalls
  3. 2007 335XI: 20 complaints, 4 recalls

Model years with the fewest complaints

  1. 2012 335XI: 2 complaints, 1 recall
  2. 2015 335XI: 2 complaints, 1 recall
  3. 2014 335XI: 7 complaints, 2 recalls

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.

Most common BMW 335XI problems (all years)

Problem areaComplaintsModel yearsCrashes
Fuel System, Gasoline3540
Electrical System2950
Engine2571
Fuel/propulsion System2171
Air Bags1972
Engine and Engine Cooling740
Power Train730
Vehicle Speed Control752
Service Brakes641
Structure641
Wheels640
Latches/locks/linkages420
Fuel System, Other310
Steering331
Suspension330
Electronic Stability Control (esc)221
Equipment220
Exterior Lighting220
Tires220
Visibility220
Seat Belts111
Seats110
Service Brakes, Hydraulic110
Traction Control System110

All BMW 335XI model years

Model yearComplaintsRecallsCrash ratingTop problemCompared with other years
2016 335XI00——
2015 335XI21—Structure
2014 335XI72—Engine
2013 335XI91—Air Bags
2012 335XI21—Air Bags
2011 335XI233—Air BagsFar more complaints than other years
2010 335XI113—Fuel System, GasolineAbout as many complaints as other years
2009 335XI183—Fuel System, GasolineMore complaints than other years
2008 335XI623—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2007 335XI204—Electrical SystemFar more complaints than other years
2006 335XI03——
2005 335XI00——

More from BMW: all BMW models · BMW VIN decoder

Frequently asked questions

Which BMW 335XI years should you stay away from?

By NHTSA complaints, 2007 (20), 2008 (62), 2011 (23) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical 335XI year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.

What is the biggest problem with the BMW 335XI?

Fuel System, Gasoline, with 35 complaints across 4 model years.

How many recalls does the BMW 335XI have?

6 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.