2009 BMW 3 Series Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 1about this part
- Share
- 2%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 1 complaints about the body and structure of the 2009 BMW 3 Series, 2% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,000 miles.
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.
“Paint defect on new car, 2009 Bmw , purchased on march 2010. The paint is pealing in 4 places. Car purchased new in march 2010. Manufacturer claims pealing is from a external source . This is not plausible as pealing is in 4 spots, two different locations. Bmws own warranty vendor for body work indicated that is was apparently a paint defect .the Bmw regional inspector said no, an external problem, denying what is obviously a manufacturing ( painting )defect.. Bmw, offered, a good faith adjustment of 50% of repair cost but if it is a defect it should be covered in full as part of the warranty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10332649, filed 2010-05, 2,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10143557May 1, 2018Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10039592May 1, 2011Bmw: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 10040173Mar 1, 2011Bmw: poor electrical connections are causing the instrument cluster to show the doors are open while driving even though they are closed.
- 10041277Nov 1, 2010Bmw: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. Lubrication of the door can cause defects.
- 10037068Sep 1, 2010Bmw: on e91 models the instructions for repairing/removing the tailgate hinge has been revised.
- 10037067Sep 1, 2010Bmw: the tailgate opens slower in low temperatures and doesnt fully open.
- 10033135Oct 1, 2009Bmw vehicles: rear axle carrier (sub frame) support proposed class action settlement. Under certain circumstances, a fracture in the steel body structure could form in the area…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 14% |
| 2010 | 1 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 2% |
| 2008 | 3 | 4% |
| 2007 | 6 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 4% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 5 | 7% |
| 2002 | 1 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 6% |
| 2000 | 30 | 34% |
| 1999 | 1 | 17% |
| 1997 | 1 | 20% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsBrakes
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