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2007-2013 · 7 model years

BMW 135I Problems by year

Owners have filed 101 complaints about the BMW 135I across 7 model years, and it has 6 recalls. The 2011 has the most complaints once its age is allowed for (66), while 2007 has far fewer than a typical year. The most reported problem area is the airbags, followed by the engine & cooling.

Most complaints for its age201166 complaints · 6 recallsSee the 2011
Complaints
101
Recalls
6
Crashes
1
Fires
5
Injuries
1
Deaths
0

135I complaints by model year

Highlighted: the year with the most complaints for its age. Older vehicles have had more time to collect complaints - the Safety Index grade allows for that.

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201315201AirbagsD
201219600Engine & coolingF
201166614AirbagsF
20100400-C
20090400-C
20080400-C
20071000Fuel systemA

Most common 135I problems

BMW 135I recalls 6

Latest 135I complaints

2011 BMW 135IElectrical system

The contact owns a 2011 BMW 135I. The contact stated that the A/C system and the blower motor were intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the blower motor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V579000 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 66,800.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 11727086
2011 BMW 135IEngine & cooling

BMW Series 135I2011 - Engine/Vanos bolts failed/failing! When it's started, you can total tell there is an issue with it...Car is basically NON-Drivable due to this condition due to safety concerns! The vin is not being covered by the recall due to but this is a SERIOUS issue! This needs to be covered by BMW! We've taken it to the mechanic who said this needs to be towed to the dealership due to the recall and because of the specific issue but once at the dealership, where it's sitting now, they are saying due to vin not popping up, they can't cover it as well as BMW's customer service line but this is SERIOUS and needs to be covered!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11616579
2012 BMW 135IEngine & cooling

Continuing coolant problems, engine shut off going down the hwy bc overheated////engine not secure-moves around literally/////camshaft timing position sensor code. On Dec 24th I purchased a 2012 BMW 135i convertible from Alboet Motor Sports on Pass Rd in Gulfport, MS. Before I went I specifically asked if the car had any mechanical or cosmetic damage and [[redacted]] lied and said nothing was wrong. After signing all documents she started pretending to look for the title. She promised i would get it in a week...

Read the full complaint

or so in the mail. The car had a ruined engine and radiator, missing front air intake ducts completely, who knows what else. They only paid 2700 bc it states stationary with mechanical damage from auction. I paid the $10,700 in cash they charged me. I'm sick to death just thinking about it. She will not repair, refund or anything like that. She finally today sent a pic of a title to the car and its got a man in Mobile, AL name on it. I don't think she ever even tried to get it and doubt she is now either. I have wasted more time and money on this, I feel robbed of over 10k. I have no car to start my new job the 24th. Please help me, [[redacted]] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11521626
2011 BMW 135ITransmission & drivetrainElectrical system

I had two situations in which my car would unexpectedly lurch forward after coming to a complete stop with my foot on the brake pedal, and another case in which I could not place the vehicle in park with the DCT Shift lever malfunctioning and making the car undrivable.

Filed Incident Power train · Electrical system · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11460025
2011 BMW 135IEngine & cooling

Sudden catastrophic engine shutdown After 3weeks of investigation came back as bad crank posisition sensor

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11453558

Questions about the BMW 135I

Which BMW 135I years have the most problems?

By the number of complaints owners filed with NHTSA: 2011 (66), 2012 (19), 2013 (15). Allowing for how long each has been on the road, the 2011 stands out most. Complaint counts also rise with sales, so compare years of the same model rather than different models.

Which BMW 135I years have the fewest complaints?

Among model years that have been on the road for at least three years, 2007 have the best Safety Index - the fewest complaints, crashes and recalls for their age compared with other 135I years. Always check the exact vehicle's recalls by VIN before you buy.

What are the most common BMW 135I problems?

Across every model year, owners report problems with the airbags (36), engine & cooling (30), electrical system (19) most often.

How many recalls does the BMW 135I have?

NHTSA lists 6 recalls across all BMW 135I model years. Each year's page lists the recalls for that year; check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the repair has been done.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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