2015 BMW 328I Electrical System Problems

52 complaints about Electrical System

52
Complaints
0
Crashes
3
Fires
0
Deaths

High Severity Issue

This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.

This Problem Across All Years

All Electrical System Complaints (52)

Oct 31, 2025

Tire Pressure Monitor failure intermittently reported while driving. The error lights up on the dashboard. Sometimes the TMP resets without my resetting the system. I took the car to the dealer and was told nothing is wrong with the system. The dealer told me to drive the car more frequently. This has happened over the last several years. Driver's door intermittently fails to lock and/or will not open (intermittently) using the interior door latch handle mechanism. The door will unlock using the electronic locking and unlocking switch/button located on the center of the dashboard. The problem would be exiting the vehicle in an emergency without electrical systems functioning. This has happened starting in the first year of purchase - 2017 continuing through 2025.

Oct 25, 2025 Fire

My 2015 BMW 328i xDrive (VIN [XXX] ) experienced an engine-compartment fire that began shortly after coolant sprayed from the front of the vehicle. This incident occurred before BMW’s official recall announcement for NHTSA Campaign 24V-608 / BMW 24V-608:474 (Safety: Engine Coolant Pump Electrical Connector). The fire originated near the coolant pump area, consistent with the recall’s described defect involving electrical shorting and overheating at the pump connector. The vehicle was declared a total loss by my insurance company. I believe this event was caused by the same defect identified in the recall and request that this incident be investigated and documented under campaign 24V-608. Supporting photos and insurance documentation are available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Sep 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact had been calling the local dealer for several months and was informed that the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer had not informed the contact about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Aug 7, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the A/C was blowing hot air, and the temperature gauge was rising. Additionally, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact had received the recall notification from the manufacturer. The contact called a local dealer and was informed that a plastic shield was to be installed on the water pump, but that the shield would not stop the engine from overheating. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure . The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

Mileage: 95,000

Jul 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Jun 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Jun 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

May 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a red light, the message "Drive Moderate Engine High Temperature - Turn off Engine" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle then lost automotive power, and the contact was forced to pull over onto the side of the road. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed because the parts were not available for the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Apr 29, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was fluid leaking on the ground. Additionally, the message "Engine Overheated, Please Stop Now" was displayed while driving, and smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and waited for the engine to cool down. Upon inspection under the hood, the contact discovered a hole in the coolant reservoir, with coolant all over the engine compartment. There was smoke coming from the coolant pump. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the coolant pump and coolant hoses; however, the failure persisted, with the engine overheating and the vehicle failing to accelerate above 60 MPH while driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 125,000

Apr 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, all four tires felt flat, and the vehicle was pulling to the left, with an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The message "Chassis Stabilization" error was displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle needed to be jump-started. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic for a second opinion, and the contact was advised to disconnect the battery after driving the vehicle as a temporary repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Apr 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Apr 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mar 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle started smoking from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received the recall letter and contacted the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired because parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 110,000

Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure had originated from the driver's side low beam headlight, which had become inoperable. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the headlight. The contact removed the bulb from the headlight housing. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was a smoky odor coming through the A/C vents upon activating the heat. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had become inoperable. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Mar 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure had originated from the driver's side low beam headlight, which had become inoperable. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the headlight. The contact removed the bulb from the headlight housing. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated there was a smoky odor coming through the A/C vents upon activating the heat. The contact stated that the instrument cluster had become inoperable. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Mar 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mar 10, 2025

The check engine light came on a few months ago and my mechanic informed me that the vehicle has a recall issues for it. No remedy has been identified and the car is not operable as doing so may result in the car catching on fire. BMW has no timeframe for when they will be fixing this issue.

Mar 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 45,000

Feb 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to immediately start. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 89,000

Jan 29, 2025

Date reported 08/13/2024 Description Manufacturer Safety recall issued NHTSA #24V-608 Recall #24V-608:474 ENGINE COOLANT PUMP Status Remedy Not Available There is no remedy for this issue that has rendered my vehicle inoperable. While I have to make payment on a vehicle I cannot use and cannot have repaired

Jan 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Jan 6, 2025

Recall notice # 24V-608 was issued in October 2024. BMW has not yet provided a remedy as of January 2025 (more than 3 months) for this safety issue. I therefore complain about BMW's lack of responsiveness to this recall. Please remonstrate with BMW to cause this repair to happen with alacrity. Please use whatever federal regulatory powers you wield to prod BMW into compliance.

Jan 3, 2025

There is an outstanding recall on the car and BMW reached out by mail. it's green months - and now my car is starting to smell liked it is on fire (burning plastic smell) and smoke is coming from the ventilation in the dash. Now I have no car I can drive.

Jan 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Dec 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Dec 27, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine And Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a burning odor was detected, and there was smoke coming from underneath the hood. No warning light was illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 60,000

Dec 26, 2024

There has been an open recall since August with no remedy as of now still. My concern is this is an electrical issue and the safety concern for this recall is possible fire.

Nov 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the engine was overheating. The contact noticed white smoke coming from under the hood on the passenger's side. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and stopped the vehicle. The message "Engine Overheating" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where two independent mobile mechanics diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 112,000

Nov 5, 2024

My vehicle has a open recall effecting the water pump and electrical issues. Whenever I drive it, the front hood starts to smoke. I notified the main bmw dealer and local bmw service. They stated there is no remedy available yet. This is my only source of transportation to work. Which is half hour away from my house. I explained the situation to the manufacturer. I have only been given the runaround from person to person promising they would return my call and nothing yet. My vehicle is very unsafe to drive .

Nov 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 325I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced the failure stated in the recall and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment with the check engine warning light illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The failure mileage was 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 100,000

Oct 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The VIN was unavailable.

Oct 24, 2024

The contact’s mother owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated that occasionally while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated with a message to “Drive with Caution” displayed. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the failure was remedied; however, the failure persisted. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) and linked the failure to the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 134,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Mileage: 134,000

Oct 23, 2024 Fire

The contact owned a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, and while at a complete stop, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood and through the A/C vents. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the A/C only blew hot air. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the timing belt, the oil gasket, the oil pan, and unknown fuses were replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was smoke coming from the A/C vents and from the charging port. The contact stated that the infotainment system then caught on fire. The contact exited the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the fire with two extinguishers and with the assistance of the fire department. A fire department report was filed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the fire had not occurred due to a manufacturing defect. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), which she related to the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Mileage: 59,000

Oct 21, 2024

The contact’s son owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was not able to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the timing chain had failed, causing the engine to seize. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

Mileage: 137,000

Sep 30, 2024 Fire

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and made an abnormal sound that worsened over time. The contact pulled over to inspect the vehicle and discovered smoke coming from the engine compartment; moments later the engine compartment engulfed in flames. The contact was notified that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling; Electrical System). The vehicle was occupied however, no injuries were sustained and the contact's friend was able to exit the vehicle safely. The fire department came and extinguished the fire however, no report was filed. The police department was also present however, a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not totaled however, the vehicle was not drivable and was towed to an auto repair shop to get a diagnosis. The contact received a diagnosis stating that the motherboard, navigation screen, along with other unknown components needed to be replaced. The check engine warning light was illuminated and several other unstated warning lights. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.

Mileage: 68,000

Aug 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Nov 5, 2023

I was driving hearing music, I did a reverse and hit the poll

Mar 21, 2023

Car isn’t receiving enough power to charge the battery so it’s cutting off while I’m driving

Aug 24, 2022

I brought my 2015 BMW 328i to a local BMW dealership service center to inspect why my check engine light turned on. As part of their multi-point inspection, the service technician found an unrelated problem with the rear left tail light. This was identified as a critical electrical issue that required immediate repair. The details are listed in the service center's repair estimate /invoice: Multi-Point Inspection Items requiring immediate attention Additional Service Repair Critical Cause UPON FURTHER INSPECTION OF VEHICLE, FOUND LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT CONNECTOR MELTED CAUSING TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION. RECOMMEND REPLACING LEFT REAR TAIL LIGHT CARRIER , PINS , CONNECTOR Upon further investigation, I found dozens of online posts from BMW 3 series owners with the exact same issue. As noted by a reply from a BMW master certified technician, this is a known issue and a defect/flaw in the design where the ground wire in the taillight is undersized, thus resulting in overload and subsequent melting of the connector. Post after post on multiple sites contain BMW owners stating the exact same issue and cause regarding the brown/ground wire leading to an electrical short. An electrical short causing a connector to actually melt seems like a safety issue. This can lead to a fire. I find this disturbing, especially with a toddler that is strapped into a car seat in the back. This is a known issue with the design that impacts the safety of the vehicle and should be a recall.

Mar 3, 2021

I HAVE A 2015 BMW 328I WITH JUST OVER 40,000 MILES. A FEW WEEKS AGO I BEGAN EXPERIENCING A DASH WARNING FOR A "LEFT TURN SIGNAL MALFUNCTION" HOWEVER IT WAS INTERMITTENT AND WOULD OFTEN GO OFF WHEN TURNING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING. THEN I BEGAN GETTING A "LEFT BRAKE LIGHT MALFUNCTION" WARNING AS WELL. SOMETIMES I'D GET ONE OR THE OTHER. SOMETIMES I WOULD GET BOTH. ALWAYS INTERMITTENT. SOMETIMES IT WOULD COME ON AT ENGINE START UP. SOMETIMES WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS NOW COME ON AND IS CONTINUOUS. I PURCHASED NEW BULBS HOPING IT WOULD SOLVE IT ALTHOUGH DOUBTFUL THAT THE BULB WAS ACTUALLY THE PROBLEM. AS IT TURNS OUT, THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION WITHIN THE PIGTAIL CONNECTOR AND ONE OF THE PRONGS IS BURNT OUT. SO I HAVE NO LEFT REAR TURN SIGNAL OR LEFT BRAKE LIGHT AFTER SOME GOOGLING, I DISCOVERED THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE FOR THIS CAR. I AM OUT OF FACTORY WARRANTY BUT DO PLAN TO FILE A CLAIM USING MY EXTENDED WARRANTY. THAT BEING SAID, WITH THE FREQUENCY THAT THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO OCCUR I AM INCREDIBLY SURPRISED THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL ISSUED.

Mileage: 40,000

Nov 27, 2019

MY 2015 BMW 328I X DRIVE LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND LEFT BRAKE HAVE MALFUNCTIONED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THE SAME THING HAPPEN IN MY MOTHER'S BMW 328 SERIES AS WELL AND A RECALL WAS OPEN. THERE IS A OPEN RECALL ON THE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNALS BUT NOT FOR MY ACTUAL VEHICLE. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS SO I KNOW IT IS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. BMW REFUSES TO FIX THE PROBLEM ALTHOUGH IT IS A KNOWN RECALL! I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED, AND JUST WANT MY LIGHT PANEL REPAIRED AS THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE BY BMW MANUFACTURERS NOT THE OWNER.

Feb 9, 2019

TRUNK WILL NOT OPEN. THE FOB, BUTTONS, LATCH...NOTHING WORKS TO OPEN THE TRUNK. THE ONLY WAY IT WILL OPEN IS IF I REACH INTO THE TRUNK FROM BEHIND THE REAR SEAT AND PULL THE EMERGENCY LATCH RELEASE.

Mileage: 35,000

Apr 25, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN AND LOST ACCELERATION INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS NOTIFIED AND DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING DRIVEN AT HIGH SPEEDS FOR A LONG TIME. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER AND THE SOFTWARE SYSTEM WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,455.

Mileage: 10,455

Feb 1, 2017

GRAN TURISMO TAILGATE CRASHED UPON MY HEAD WITHOUT TAIL WARNING LIGHTS FLASHING OR ALARM. NO FOOT KICKING TO ACTIVATE THE FEATURE WAS INVOKED. WHILE PARKED WITH THE HATCH OPEN, I WAS SIMPLY PLACING GROCERIES INTO MY TRUNK. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, AND CAN NOT BE REPEATED UPON DEMAND. I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DEMO THE PROBLEM SEVERAL TIMES SINCE THE FIRST EVENT. I ALSO UNCOVERED SEVERAL OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE TAILGATE. THE KICKING FEATURE TO ACTIVATE TAILGATE LIFTING AND LOWERING DOESN'T WORK 100%. VIGOROUS KICKING IN DIFFERENT SPOTS IS NEEDED TO ACTIVATE THE HANDS FREE FEATURE. SOMETIMES THERE IS A PARTIAL DROP AND REOPENING OF THE TAILGATE. SOMETIMES THE ALARM WORKS AND SOMETIMES NOT. WHEN HANDS FREE CLOSING OF HATCH, AN OBSTRUCTION WILL NOT CAUSE THE DOOR TO RETREAT. FINALLY THE HATCH WILL CLOSE WITHOUT ANY WARNING.

Mileage: 16,300