CarRecallWatchThe 2009 BMW 128i has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, including 1 fire.
The most-reported problem area is Air Bags (11 reports).
2009 BMW 128i recalls
Heater in crankcase valve can short and cause fire
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The driver-side frontal airbag inflator in certain vehicles contains an ammonium nitrate propellant that was not properly dried.
Overheating Wiring Can Melt Connectors and Cause Fire
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash
BMW is recalling certain vehicles because the driver's frontal air bag inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys.
Most common 2009 BMW 128i problems
Problem areas named in the 26 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 11 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
| Electrical System | 5 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 3 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 |
| Visibility | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
What owners report
VANOS chamshaft bolts broke, and had to pay $3,200 to replace assembly, and restore timing in engine. There is currently an open recall for 2010+ models but the problem still occurs on 2009 models as well. This is a huge risk for drivers as the car can randomly stall and cause fatal accidents and/or financial burden. This problem has been addressed for earlier models, and needs to be held to the same standard for later models with the same engine.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My electric water pump failed and my car overheated 3 times (once resulting in thick white smoke coming from the engine) tow trucks were called and fire department notified. Car is now unused on drive way as it just overheats constantly when turned on.
The contact owns a 2009 BMW 128I. The contact stated the vehicle overheated. There was a hole in the radiator. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him that the radiator needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 84,000.
Broken coolant pipe causing engine to overheat
2009 BMW 128i questions
Does the 2009 BMW 128i have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2009 BMW 128i: Heater in crankcase valve can short and cause fire; Driver Airbag Inflator May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Overheating Wiring Can Melt Connectors and Cause Fire; PCV Valve Heater Can Short and Cause a Fire; Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 128i?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (11), Exterior Lighting (5), Electrical System (5).
How do I check if a recall on my 2009 BMW 128i has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.