You enjoy driving your BMW 335i, but you also want it to be in the best mechanical shape possible. Sadly, these and other models can leave the factory with underlying issues that aren’t apparent until they’re already sold. A vehicle recall often becomes necessary to resolve these problems.
How many recalls exist for the BMW 335i?
There are 12 recalls in total, some of which include:
- Front driveshaft bolts may loosen
- Blower motor wiring may overheat
- Loss of electrical power/stalling
- Driver’s frontal airbag inflator may rupture
Fortunately, the following provides an in-depth look at each recall issued for the BMW 335i. You’ll also find steps to take to have your vehicle serviced promptly.
Front Driveshaft Bolts May Loosen
NHTSA Recall ID: 11V476000
On some BMW 335i xDrive models produced during 2011, the front driveshaft bolts might not be tightened to the proper torque specifications. This puts the bolts at risk of coming loose, which in turn could result in a loss of power to the front wheels.
Putting off this recall could turn your BMW 335i at risk of severe vehicle damage if the front driveshaft comes loose at normal vehicle speeds. The sudden loss of front-wheel power also increases your likelihood of a crash.
In response, your BMW dealer will replace the front driveshaft bolts and make sure they’re tightened according to the correct torque specifications.
Front Head Restraint may not Stay in Fully Extended Position
NHTSA Recall ID: 12V176000
On certain 2012 BMW 335i models, the front head restraints do not comply with federal safety regulations because they exceed the maximum allowable downward movement limit of 25mm.
When fully extended, the head restraint may move downward slightly during a crash.
You could risk additional injuries if the front head restraint suddenly moves during a crash. Your dealer will correct this issue by installing a clamp on the front head restraint posts.
Engine Cooling Fan Assemblies/Service Parts
NHTSA Recall ID: 12E029000
Certain engine cooling fans made by aftermarket parts supplier Valeo could fail due to an improperly installed metal-oxide semiconductor. The semiconductor may overheat, causing nearby circuit board components to also overheat and short circuit.
This affects BMW 335i vehicles made between 2006 and 2011.
Ignoring this recall could cause the engine cooling fans to stop working, which in turn could make the engine overheat. The circuit board itself can also overheat and potentially catch fire inside the engine compartment.
The fix for this issue involves replacing the fans, at no cost to the owner.
Loss of Electrical Power/Stalling
NHTSA Recall ID: 13V044000
On some BMW 3-Series vehicles, including the 335i, the positive battery cable connection between the battery and fuse box can degrade over time and eventually break. An unexpected break in battery connection could leave your vehicle without power and cause it to stall unexpectedly.
To remedy this problem, your BMW dealer will replace the faulty positive battery cable connector, free of charge. The connector will also be secured using a manufacturer-approved method.
Front Seat Occupant Protection Mat Defect
NHTSA Recall ID: 13V564000
On certain 2007 BMW 335i models, cracks can form in the front passenger seat occupant detection mat used to detect the presence and size of front passenger seat occupants. When the mat breaks, the front passenger airbag may not deploy during a crash.
Camshaft Housing Bolts May Loosen, Causing Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 14V176000
On certain 2011 BMW 335i models, the bolts for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) housing may come loose over time and eventually break.
Loose camshaft housing bolts can cause the VANOS unit to malfunction and even damage the camshaft as time goes on.
Ignoring this recall could cause more engine damage, making your vehicle unreliable and harder to drive due to the reduced engine power.
Repairs include tightening the four camshaft housing bolts securing both VANOS intake and exhaust units.
Improper Plating on Fuel Pump May Result in Stall
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V189000
Fuel pumps play a critical role in delivering fuel from the fuel tank to the engine. On certain 2014 model year 335i vehicles, the fuel pump may fail prematurely due to improper nickel plating of components inside the fuel pump.
Fuel pump failures can make your vehicle stall or stop running altogether, which could put a damper on the drive home. At best, you’ll need a ride home in a tow truck.
In a worst-case scenario, you could be at greater risk of a crash in certain driving situations.
BMW’s fix for this problem includes replacing the fuel pump, at no cost to owners.
Side Marker Lamps Inoperative/FMVSS 108
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V520000
Side marker lights are important for visibility, especially under cloudy and nighttime driving conditions. Unfortunately, the side marker lights on some 2012‒2015 335i vehicles may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to a software glitch.
This problem puts the vehicle in violation of the requirements established by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.” Having the problem fixed as soon as possible is crucial for vehicle compliance.
The fix involves uploading revised software that activates the side marker lights in tandem with the parking lights and/or headlights.
Driver’s Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V071000
Airbags should deploy without any issues. Unfortunately, the inflator in the 335i’s driver-side frontal airbag may rupture upon deployment, potentially sending metal fragments throughout the cabin. These fragments could strike you and other passengers during a crash, resulting in serious injuries or worse.
As a result, BMW issued a recall for 335i, 335xi, and 335i xDrive models built between 2006 and 2013. The fix includes replacing either the airbag inflator or the entire driver’s frontal airbag module at no cost to the owner.
Rear CV Joints May Fail
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V067000
Certain 2011 335i models may experience sudden rear constant velocity (CV) joint failure. Rear CV joints on affected vehicles can experience premature fatigue over time and break unexpectedly. Sudden CV joint failure not only causes loss of power, but you could also lose control of the vehicle.
Your BMW dealer will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear CV joint at no charge.
Blower Motor Wiring May Overheat
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V676000
On certain 2006‒2011 335i models, the wiring and connectors for the HVAC system’s airflow controls may overheat. This can cause the wiring and connectors to melt, preventing the system from operating properly while posing a fire hazard.
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty wiring and electrical connectors as a remedy.
Driver Airbag Inflators May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V017000
Some BMW 335i models use Takata driver’s side airbags that may have faulty inflators. The propellant found inside the inflators can degrade if exposed to high temperatures, humidity, and/or moisture over time, potentially causing the inflator to explode upon deployment.
This recall affects 2007‒2013 BMW 335i models.
If the driver’s side airbag deploys in the event of a crash, a faulty airbag inflator can send shards of metal flying through the passenger compartment. These metal fragments can cause serious injuries or worse.
The remedy involves replacing the driver’s side airbag.
How Do You Handle BMW 335i Recalls?
To find out more about recalls for your BMW 335i, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website and enter your VIN or vehicle year/make/model into the search field and click “GO.” The system will find recall information for your vehicle, if available.
If there’s a pending recall for your BMW 335i, your next step should be to contact BMW’s customer service line at 1-800-525-7417. You’ll get more information on how to proceed and what to expect while your vehicle undergoes repairs.
