2007 BMW 3 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 115 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (24% of complaints); the 2005 and 2009 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Recall for front passenger seat occupant detection mat & pcv valve heater not complete. Dealer has not been able to obtain parts to repair these recalls.”Owner report · Air Bags · Dec 2018
“Dealer refused to make the repairs on my engine that was caused by the recall product the pcv valve. Dealer says their not required to make any repairs, their job is to replace the recall part”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“Stationary in parking lot. Front passenger door will not lock/unlock with any method attempted. Drivers door will only unlock using emergency key from exterior.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“Water leaks in my car on driver side front and back seat carpet is soak and smell. Not the first when going to get a car wash leaks occur. This is my second bmw I had a 2004 325l same problem with leakage. Also, no doubt rust have occur in this vehicle with on going leaks.”Owner report · Structure · Sep 2018
“Voluntary emissions recall campaign 10e-a02: n54 car is smoking excessively due to faulty fuel injectors dumping fuel into the engine in an uncontrolled manner. Fuel leaking and fumes/smell, hazard, will cause fire.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
“Takata recall the first complaint is that I am afraid to drive or allow anyone to drive a car with this airbag recall which has in some cases resulted in serious injuries or death. The car is thus parked in the garage while the dealer tells me they can't get the car in for repairs for 6 weeks at least which is unacceptable. Secondly, there are two additiona recalls that have no "fix" at this point which could also result in serious injury or death. I am at a loss for what to do with this vehicle. It is a hazard and completely useless for the purpose for which it was intended. The two additional recalls are both fire hazards and are not correctable at this juncture. This is unacceptable.”Owner report · Electrical System · Dec 2017
“Vehicle completely shut down while driving on the ramp to enter a highway and service engine soon light came up. The engine has only 42000 miles. Took it to bmw and was told that the vanos system needs to be repaired because the bolts probably came off. A recall is in place for exactly the same issue for other 3 series, but my VIN is not included in the recall and bmw is not covering the repair. What is the process for a vehicle to be included on a recall given that is the exact same issue?”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2017
“Replaced blower motor twice 4 months 1st one made noise and stop blowing air out vents now second one is making loud rattling noise. Constant tail light bulb issues display tail light malfunction.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2017
“I have a 2007 bmw 328i with 120,000 miles. My car started to smell like gas just about a month ago, every time I go into my car it smells like gas it gives me a headache.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2017
“The seat bag sensor is continuously on. There is no one in the seat. This started at about 65k, the car now has 106k...is this dangerous to a passenger? Of course, this seems to activate the seatbelt light also...”Owner report · Air Bags · Oct 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 3 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
How other years compare
Check your exact 3 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2007 BMW 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 115 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2007 BMW 3 Series. The most complained-about area is air bags (24% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2007 BMW 3 Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 62,347 miles or less.
Does the 2007 BMW 3 Series have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv). Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.