2009 BMW 328I engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

30 owners have reported engine problems with the 2009 BMW 328I, 55% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 121,246 mi.

Engine complaints
30
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Related recalls
1
Median mileage
121,246 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine and engine cooling16
Engine15

Engine complaints across BMW 328I years

2820074120083020096120102612011492012992013502014612015252016
Engine complaints by model year. The 2009 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k160k–100k6100k–150k1150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

  • Recall 17V683000Oct 30, 2017740,561 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

    BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

    Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

    Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

What owners say

  1. Filed Mar 13, 2025CAFireAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine
    One recall was for air bag deployed I had the light for it on but it was on when I got it the original owner said it popped on him well he was parked and he never fixed it or did anything ... The other was a part of the computer pretty much in charge of cooling the car down it can make fire from melting and cause unfixable/ to constant issues .... Well my hole engine stopped working it was getting too hot miss firing coolent mixing with oil and started to smoke it was white…
    NHTSA complaint #11648232 · source
  2. Filed Dec 4, 2024PAElectrical SystemEngine
    I was driving my car when all of a sudden the lights in the odometer started flickering and the car started putting and then shut off. Basically broke down on me. I cannot get it to stay on it feels like it has no power.
    NHTSA complaint #11628933 · source
  3. Filed Jul 25, 2024PAEngine
    BMW told me they would not be covering reimbursement for repairs/part replaced which I believe were damaged/failed directly as a result of failed PCC value. Now the RECALL notice for the PCV value does state that certain parts would be replaced or reimbursement paid if they were damaged /repaired as a result of failed PCV VALUE. Here is a brief summary… I purchased the vehicle in April 2024. At the time had a mechanic check out the car. May 15 - took the car to BMW for…
    NHTSA complaint #11604446 · source
  4. Filed Aug 3, 2023107,000 miINEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud squeaky sound. The check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV valve had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the failure persisted.…
    NHTSA complaint #11536284 · source
  5. Filed May 31, 202358,000 miCATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
    NHTSA complaint #11524661 · source
  6. Filed May 7, 2023DEFireEngine
    Unknown/ Had recall on pcv heater control valve done by authorized BMW DEALER about 2 weeks ago. On date May 5 2023 Parked car, shut of engine,a smell of plastic and smoke started coming from hood area, flames erupted right away . Total loss
    NHTSA complaint #11520810 · source
  7. Filed May 4, 202358,000 miCATowedEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact drove the vehicle to his residence. Later when the vehicle was started there was a large white cloud of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The vehicle was driven to his spouse's…
    NHTSA complaint #11520506 · source
  8. Filed Jan 20, 2023NCEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not experienced a failure. VIN…
    NHTSA complaint #11502747 · source
  9. Filed Jan 5, 2023CAEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
    NHTSA complaint #11500279 · source
  10. Filed Dec 16, 2022NJEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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.
    NHTSA complaint #11497759 · source
  11. Filed Dec 12, 2022OHEngine
    Received written Safety Recall Notice from BMW April 2022. To date, no more contact from BMW, and the NHSTA website has no update about a repair. This has been 8 months with no repair or resolution.
    NHTSA complaint #11497083 · source
  12. Filed Nov 29, 2022119,000 miGAEngine
    The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) 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 contact stated there was a burning odor coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.…
    NHTSA complaint #11495284 · source

Other 2009 BMW 328I problem areas

  • Electrical System (15)
  • Airbags (11)
  • Seats & Seat Belts (5)
  • Other / Unknown (4)
  • Steering (2)
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion (2)
  • Body & Structure (2)
  • Transmission & Drivetrain (1)
  • Brakes (1)
  • Lighting (1)

Back to all 2009 BMW 328I problems →

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology