How common are electrical problems on the 2007 BMW 328i?

NHTSA lists 135 Electrical System complaints for the 2007 328i, which is 34% of all 398 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2007 BMW 328i electrical system?

Yes. Campaign 17V676000 covers wiring and electrical connectors, and campaign 13V044000 covers the positive battery cable connector.

Did the electrical problems cause fires?

NHTSA complaint data for this component on the 2007 328i lists 20 fires, along with 2 crashes and 2 injuries.

At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component on the 2007 328i is 97,250 miles.

What does the 17V676000 recall fix?

Dealers replace the wiring and electrical connectors free of charge on affected 2006-2011 3-Series and related BMW models, including the 2007 328i.

2007 BMW 328i Electrical System Problems

Owners filed 135 Electrical System complaints on the 2007 BMW 328i, 34% of the year's 398 total complaints, including 20 reported fires. Median mileage at failure was 97,250. Two related recalls, 17V676000 and 13V044000, cover wiring, connectors, and the battery cable.

Electrical System complaints: 135; 34% of 398 complaints
All complaints this year: 398
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 20
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 97,250 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report smoke or a burning plastic odor coming from under the hood or through the dashboard vents, sometimes while driving and sometimes after startup.
Several described the vehicle catching fire while parked minutes after being shut off, with the fire traced to the passenger side headlight or rear of the vehicle.
Some experienced a popping noise and a flash of light under the passenger dashboard along with an illuminated airbag warning indicator.
Owners who received the 17V676000 recall notice reported that replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving the wiring issue unresolved.
One owner reported the vehicle losing all electrical power on startup, later diagnosed at a dealer as an overheated and melted distribution box.

When 2007 BMW 328i electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 2, 2007, latest Jul 20, 2026.

135 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2007 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2018 Q1 (10).

Electrical System recalls for the 2007 BMW 328i

NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA 13V044000Feb 7, 2013Electrical System516,791 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers
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 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Electrical System complaints by 328i model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20050 (0%)
20060 (0%)
2007135 (34%)
200887 (36%)
200965 (34%)
201041 (26%)
2011131 (23%)
201226 (20%)
201363 (25%)
201459 (39%)
201561 (49%)
201621 (37%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2007 BMW 328i?: NHTSA lists 135 Electrical System complaints for the 2007 328i, which is 34% of all 398 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2007 BMW 328i electrical system?: Yes. Campaign 17V676000 covers wiring and electrical connectors, and campaign 13V044000 covers the positive battery cable connector.
Did the electrical problems cause fires?: NHTSA complaint data for this component on the 2007 328i lists 20 fires, along with 2 crashes and 2 injuries.
At what mileage do electrical failures typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component on the 2007 328i is 97,250 miles.
What does the 17V676000 recall fix?: Dealers replace the wiring and electrical connectors free of charge on affected 2006-2011 3-Series and related BMW models, including the 2007 328i.