Is the 2007 BMW 328I reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 BMW 328I is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 328I?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 328I have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2007 BMW 328I

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2007 BMW 328I
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 399
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Electrical system

Complaints per year

2007: 399 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1996	31
1997	25
1998	26
1999	98
2000	112
2001	4
2002	0
2003	0
2004	0
2005	0
2006	0
2007	399
2008	239
2009	193
2010	155
2011	576
2012	130
2013	257
2014	151
2015	125
2016	57

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

32% · 129 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and interior/under dash.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Hello I contacted bmw about a recall on my vehicle and made an appointment the gentleman I spoke with at first did the whole recall appointment.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-20

Also filed under Power train

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. The contact stated that smoke appeared under the hood and the vehicle was hesitant to operate. The battery was replaced, but the failure continued.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-29

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 BMW 328I. Upon starting the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke under the hood. The contact turned off the ignition and restarted the vehicle. The smoke cleared and he continued to drive the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-15

Also filed under Engine

Air bags

28% · 112 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and sensor/control module.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

We were in the left lane about to take a curve to the left when a car in the right lane ran us off the road straight into a telephone pole. I was in the passenger seat and my airbag did not deploy, as the drivers side did.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-09-25

BMW328xi got huge impact on the driver seat. The door bent inside and move the seat 2-3 inch inside,but the side airbag did not deploy !!! And BMW has not got the replacement part yet (Hornest fiber optic) for 3 months.

NHTSA ODI report, 2009-01-05

Driving a 2007 BMW 328I coupe (Only 7,000 miles on the car), I was involved in a severe front end collision...the car is not drivable and may even be totaled. None of my airbags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-14

Engine

16% · 65 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

14% · 57 reports

Most commonly citing tie rod assembly and column.

FIRE

Latches/locks/linkages

9% · 36 reports

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2007Complaint volume 399 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2013-03-13Electrical system13V044000 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…

Remedy: 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-29Air bags13V564000 BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports…

Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is,...

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2024-08-30Air bags24V513000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2007 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Electrical system: 129 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 112 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 65 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V044000 · Electrical system
Recall 13V564000 · Air bags
Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
Recall 24V513000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2007 BMW 328I reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2007 BMW 328I is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 328I?: The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2007 BMW 328I have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.