What 125 owners told NHTSA about the 2015 BMW 328i Xdrive

I was driving this evening and the panoramic sunroof suddenly and unexpectedly shattered. There was no warning or event that led to this. No pothole or external factor. The road was smooth and no other cars were around my vehicle. I heard an extremely loud "pop" and thought something had hit my vehicle. When I stopped to identify the problem, I exited my vehicle ad saw the panoramic sunroof glass was cracked and shattered, but had lifted up in a domed shape, or a bubble. The outside temperature was about 17 degrees. Fortunately I had the headliner in the closed position so no broken glass would have fallen into the cabin.

NHTSA ODI 11505067

I was driving on an interstate highway this afternoon in Houston at approximately 65 mph when the non-panoramic (single window) sunroof of my 2015 BMW 328i exploded over my head. Sounded like a gunshot. Large and small glass shards all throughout the cabin. No other vehicles within particularly close range of my car when it happened. No visible rock or other debris. No sound or vibration from any impact. Appeared to be spontaneous and not the result of rock or debris. Upon inspection from the outside, it appears clear that there was an outward explosion - pictures and video show the glass around the perimeter of the hole angled upward toward the sky. Glass of course showered into the cabin as well. Despite the dispersion of glass within the interior of the cabin, fortunately I did not suffer any cuts or other injury. But the incident was extremely dangerous. The explosion was very loud and could easily cause a driver to become distracted and/or lose control of the vehicle, especially if occurring under heavier traffic conditions. Obviously the risk of a cut and/or injury to the eyes is significant as well. I called a local BMW auto dealership to discuss the issue. The service advisor indicated that he has seen this happen a number of times with BMW vehicles but that BMW will not cover the cost of repair unless the vehicle is still under warranty. Thank you for your time and consideration of this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11503883

while im driving at my normal speed about 70mph the car start to get in safe mode, i was on the free way at the time so the car start to stop and lost accerlation, when i checl with my mechanic he told me i need to change the fuel pump and i found out there is a complane "Report Receipt Date: MAR 31, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V189000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 18,054" but when i called the dealership they told me im not covered to fix the problem but my car was listed on here" Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

NHTSA ODI 11484264

BMW 328I check engine sensor light on code p0281 to replace coolant thermostat. Part has been replaced and code continually appears something’s as ABS CHASIS malfunction sensor or check engine. Code also reads thermostat stuck open.

NHTSA ODI 11482888

Driving to work and the engine oil pressure warning came up and the car began to decelerate and once completely stopped the power train malfunction warning popped up and I couldn’t restart the engine. Towed to BMW of Toledo and was Told the timing chain broke and destroyed the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11482766

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.

NHTSA ODI 11480954

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and independently restarted in LIMP mode. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure recurred and various speeds. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ODI 11477356

The drivetrain malfunction light came on and my car stopped on the main highway while I was driving out and it wouldn’t start back so a wrecker tow it then maybe 5 days later it just crank again but then it started to do it again. There was a recall for this but it had expired before I bought the car

NHTSA ODI 11465134

The horn doesn’t work. A common problem for this vehicle. And certainly a safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11453734

Vehicle smells like gas. Drivetrain malfunction light comes on, car sputters and shakes, goes off after a couple of days and then comes back on and shakes 4 months or more later. Loses power or won’t accelerate while traveling more than 50 mph

NHTSA ODI 11447442

Passenger side door lock stopped working at the mileage of 71,269. The door lock tab is in down position while door is unlocked. One can open the door while the car is unlocked. Security alarm does not get kicked in. I originally reported the problem of locks sticking when lock/unlock the car at the mileage of 45775 (under warranty). Dealer said that although they are sticking but still work. They are now charging $839 to have one replaced. My online research shows that this problem is very prevalent. It becomes a safety issue when one can break in the car without setting off alarm.

NHTSA ODI 11440315

- As I was driving down the road, my sunroof exploded. There was a large popping sound like the release of pressurized air, and glass began falling down. I had the visor closed so it was able to catch most of it. When I was able to pull over, There was a large hole, nearly the size of the sunroof. The surrounding glass that remained was shattered. - My safety was in danger from the falling glass, and the distraction while driving down an interstate. - I cannot find any delaer or recall that can help me, although it seems to be a common problem. - It has been inspected by my insurace company. - There were no warnings.

NHTSA ODI 11439363

At random the car will display “Drivetrain Malfunction” which causes the car to shift into neutral and begins to slow down until it doesn’t move anymore. There is no check engine light or any other indicator of what might be the problem. The message just pops out of no where. It’s happen in the freeway making me scare to cause an accident because it so random. I’ve had to quickly turn my hazards and beginning switching lanes to avoid any accidents.

NHTSA ODI 11427667

My girlfriend has owned this vehicle for about two years now. Along with other maintenance (all understandable until now) there is a $2000 cost. The Fuel tank has started leaking due to a major design flaw by BMW. To save money they (bmw) used tanks from previous model years and glued a cap over a no longer needed hole and now the cap is not sealing and the tank is leaking! If you do not believe me look at pictures of used 2015 BMW 328i fuel tanks. It is beyond me why a car so expensive could have something designed so amateur.

NHTSA ODI 11424997

WHILE DRIVING BOTH IN REGULAR TRAFFIC AND HIGHWAY TRAFFIC THE CAR HAS WITHOUT WARNING GONE INTO A LIMP MODE SHUDDERING ALLOWING NO POWER AT ALL TO THE ACCELERATOR. A MESSAGE POPS UP "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION MAXIMUM DRIVETRAIN OUTPUT NOT AT AVAILABLE. IF YOU GET PULLED OVER TURN THE VEHICLE OFF WAIT A COUPLE MINUTES TURN THE IGNITION BACK ON THE VEHICLE RUNS LIKE THAT NEVER HAPPENED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF THE VEHICLE GOES LIMP NO POWER WHILE ON THE FREEWAY IN FRONT OF A BIG 18 WHEELER IT HAPPENED TO ME THE OTHER VEHICLES DO NOT UNDERSTAND YOUR VEHICLE JUST DIED WHILE GOING 75 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11415281

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.

NHTSA ODI 11399044

THERE WERE MULTIPLE OCCASIONS (3 TIMES LAST YEAR AND 2 THIS YEAR) WHEN DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR. THE IMMEDIATE REMEDY IS TO UNLOCK USING THE CENTER CONSOLE LOCK/UNLOCK BUTTON. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION ESP. WHEN A CAR GETS IN AN ACCIDENT OR NOT REACH BUTTON PREVENTING SAFE ESCAPE. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHEN CAR HAS PARKED AND ATTEMPTING TO OPEN DOOR FROM LATCH. I ENDED UP HAVING THE CAR FIXED BY DEALER AT STEVEN CREEK BMW FOR $1200+ LAST WEEK REPLACING CABLE/LATCH ASSEMBLY. MY 328I XDRIVE IS BARELY 6 YEARS OLD AND FEEL THAT A MATURE PLATFORM SHOULD NOT PREVENT YOU FROM SAFELY EXITING YOUR CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11397830

TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF A CLIENT WHO OWNS A 2015 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE OWNER WAS STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE LOSS POWER STEERING FUNCTIONALITY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A.R.T.S. AUTO SERVICE (1899 GRAND CENTRAL AVE, HORSEHEADS, NY 14845) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT CORROSION CAUSED THE STEERING RACK TO SEPARATE AND DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,115.

NHTSA ODI 11397377

VALVE COVER SEAL FAILURE. SMOKE IN COMPARTMENT AND IN ENGINE BLOCK

NHTSA ODI 11394970

FUEL TANK SPLIT AT FACTORY SEAM CAUSING FUEL TO POUR OUT OF TANK WHEN FULL. THIS ISSUE HAPPENED AFTER FILLING TANK AND DRIVING A SHORT DISTANCE. WHEN I CAME OUT TO MY CAR WHICH WAS PARKED, I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GAS UNDER THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11363582

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2015 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BMW OF ROSEVILLE (500 AUTOMALL DR, ROSEVILLE, CA 95661) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE COOLANT THERMOSTAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI 11361183

2015 BMW 328. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO POWER TRAIN SAFETY RECALL.*LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME COMPLETING THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONSUMER REFERENCED RECALL 20V185000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED THE CAR PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTHS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT IN USE.*JS

NHTSA ODI 11352630

BRACKET USED TO HOLD EMERGENCY BRAKE LINE TO PANEL SNAPPED AND NOW BRAKE LINE IS RUNNING UP AGAINST THE DRIVE SHAFT WHICH COULD CAUSE CABLE TO SNAP. THIS SEEMS TO BE WEAR AND TEAR AS NOTHING HAPPENED TO THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS HAPPENED. MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS HAPPENING TO 2014-2016 VEHICLES AND SEEMS TO BE A SIMILAR ISSUE THAT HAPPENED ON RECALL OF THE 2001 M3.

NHTSA ODI 11348576

THERMOSTAT IS REPEATEDLY STICKING IN OPEN POSITION. VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 75,000 MILES. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11321234

MY 2015 BMW 328I LEFT TURN SIGNAL AND LEFT BRAKE HAVE MALFUNCTIONED FOR SOME MONTHS NOW. I HAVE REPLACED THE BULBS AND ITS NOT WORKING. I KNOW IT HAS TO BE SOME ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THERE ARE MANY KNOW ISSUE LIKE MINE BUT THERE IS NOT A RECALL FOR MY MODEL BMW.

NHTSA ODI 11302477