2009 BMW 3 Series Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 38,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2009 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 38,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On thursday, august 18, 2011, my 2009 328i shut down without notice in the middle lane of I-90 at mile marker 80.002 about a mile from ohare airport in chicago. It was unable to restart and I was left to call 911 and spend 10 minutes waiting for DOT to tow me off the middle of the highway and to a residential neighborhood to wait another hour for aaa to tow my car to perillo Bmw in chicago to assess the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #10422252, filed 2011-08, 38,000 miles“I have a 2009 bmw328xi, which I bought brand new and paid a lot of money for. I only have 59,000 miles. On august 3, 2013 the car temperature light went on, first yellow and not even two seconds later red. With out warning the car didn't move. So I shut off the engine immediately. Thinking the car is over heating. Instead, after getting it towed found out the water pump and electric thermostat went. I am very unhappy that a 4 and half year old car shouldn't have such problems. I've had many high end cars in the past for 11 years and never had a problem in such a short life of a car.”
NHTSA complaint #10543851, filed 2013-09, 59,000 miles“Engine will shut off when clutch is depressed. This situation happens when exiting the highway on hot days with the AC running. It has happened multiple times under the same scenario.”
NHTSA complaint #10404374, filed 2011-06, 35,000 milesRelated recalls
- 22V119000Mar 2, 2022BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV…Covers: BMW 3 Series 2006–2012, Z4 2006–2011, 128I 2008–2013 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 10037079Oct 1, 2014Bmw: service engine soon light is on. The vehicle lost power and the engine cranks with no start. *rm updated 5/19/15.
- 10053485Jan 1, 2014Bmw: service engine and engine malfunction light illuminates. Vehicle may have reduced power output. Fault code may not clear from dme fault memory. *kb updated on 11/8/2013. *kb…
- 10046861Mar 1, 2013Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. The replacing and/or checking of emissions monitoring components to increase emissions stability, high pressure (hp) egr valve…
- 10041407Mar 1, 2013Bmw: service engine soon light is on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10038217Mar 1, 2013Bmw: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. *rm updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10032779Nov 1, 2012Bmw vehicle: the service engine soon (mil) lamp is illuminated and a power reduction is clearly perceptible. This situation may occur after driving for some time with the engine…
- 10045279Jul 1, 2012Bmw: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling…
- 10037657Jun 1, 2012Bmw: there is a clanking noise from the engine or exhaust area. Wastegate valve is not completely closing and clanking. *rm updated 7/17/12.
- 10042684Sep 1, 2011Bmw: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting…
- 10033085Aug 1, 2011Bmw: complaint of a delayed engagement and a harsh jolt when accelerating from a stop. The situation occurs only during the engine warm up phase (cold engine), and cannot be…
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 BMW 3 Series
15 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology