CarBrief

NHTSA has 1,023 owner complaints on file for the 2007 BMW 3 Series, the second most of any 3 Series model year[1][2]. Seven recalls apply, and at least one still has no finished repair, so check the VIN before you rely on any car[3].

1,023owner complaints[1]
7recalls[2]
20–22MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

Owners filed 1,023 complaints with NHTSA for this model year[1]. Of these, 29 mention a crash, 59 a fire and 24 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

The largest component groups are these[1]:

We read a small sample of 12 complaint texts for each of the top four groups[5][6][7][8]. What owners describe in that sample:

This is a small sample, so it shows what kinds of problems owners report, not how often they happen.

Recalls

NHTSA lists seven recalls for this model year, newest first. Many of them cover other BMW models and years too, so confirm your exact car by VIN with BMW or NHTSA.

Fuel economy

EPA lists many versions of the 2007 3 Series, and all use premium fuel[17][4]. Ratings are 17 to 18 mpg city, 25 to 28 mpg highway and 20 to 22 mpg combined[17][18][19]. EPA's estimated annual fuel cost runs from $3,750 to $4,100, based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not 2007 prices[4][18].

So the spread between versions is small. The lowest combined number is 20 mpg[18].

Safety ratings

NHTSA lists its 5-Star Safety Ratings as not rated for all four variants listed for this model year[23][24][25][26]. That means there is no crash-test star rating to compare.

Engine and size

EPA lists the engines as 3.0L 6-cylinder, with a turbo version on the 335 models[17][27]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications, so US cars can differ slightly. They are for the 323i/328i 4-door sedan, rear-wheel drive[28].

Measure Value
Length[28] 178 in
Width[28] 72 in
Height[28] 56 in
Wheelbase[28] 109 in
Curb weight[28] 3,285 lb

How 2007 compares with other years

1995: 44 complaints, 2 recalls19951996: 42 complaints, 1 recalls1997: 36 complaints, 1 recalls1998: 56 complaints, 0 recalls1999: 243 complaints, 7 recalls19992000: 689 complaints, 7 recalls2001: 477 complaints, 7 recalls2002: 399 complaints, 7 recalls2003: 461 complaints, 7 recalls20032004: 554 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 227 complaints, 4 recalls2006: 1,232 complaints, 12 recalls2007: 1,023 complaints, 7 recalls1,02320072008: 676 complaints, 7 recalls2009: 365 complaints, 7 recalls2010: 265 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 829 complaints, 12 recalls20112012: 167 complaints, 10 recalls2013: 377 complaints, 8 recalls2014: 403 complaints, 12 recalls2015: 212 complaints, 8 recalls20152016: 105 complaints, 6 recalls2017: 79 complaints, 4 recalls2018: 73 complaints, 7 recalls2019: 41 complaints, 9 recalls20192020: 53 complaints, 12 recalls2021: 33 complaints, 9 recalls2022: 8 complaints, 3 recalls2023: 13 complaints, 4 recalls20232024: 11 complaints, 2 recalls2025: 6 complaints, 1 recalls2026: 1 complaints, 0 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each 3 Series model year. The 2007 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
1995442
1996421
1997361
1998560
19992437
20006897
20014777
20023997
20034617
20045544
20052274
20061,23212
20071,0237
20086767
20093657
201026510
201182912
201216710
20133778
201440312
20152128
20161056
2017794
2018737
2019419
20205312
2021339
202283
2023134
2024112
202561
202610

NHTSA counts complaints and recalls for each 3 Series model year[2]. The 2007 year has 1,023 complaints and 7 recalls[2]. Only 2006 has more complaints, at 1,232, and it also has more recalls, at 12[2]. The nearby years are lower: 2008 has 676 complaints and 7 recalls, and 2009 has 365 complaints and 7 recalls[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only[2].

Should you buy a used 2007 3 Series?

The record shows a model year with a high number of owner complaints, led by electrical, engine and air bag reports[1][5][6][7]. Several recalls involve fire risk or air bag parts, and the PCV heater remedy was still being developed in the recall text[3]. Before you buy or keep one, run the VIN for open recalls and ask for proof of completed repairs. The car uses premium fuel and EPA rates it at 20 to 22 mpg combined[4][18].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 BMW 3 Series?
By NHTSA complaint count, the biggest groups are electrical (281), engine (223) and air bags (221) out of 1,023 total[1][5][6][7]. In a small sample we read, owners describe door lock failures, sudden power loss and passenger seat sensor faults[5][6][7].
Does the 2007 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes, 7 recalls are listed[11][3][12][13][14][15][16]. They cover driver air bag inflators, the passenger seat occupant mat, PCV valve heater fire risk, heating and A/C wiring, and a battery cable connector that can cause stalling[11][3][12][13][14][15][16]. The PCV heater remedy in 22V119 was still being developed[3].
What gas mileage does the 2007 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA combined ratings run from 20 to 22 mpg, with 17 to 18 city and 25 to 28 highway, on premium fuel[4][18].
Is 2007 a bad year for the BMW 3 Series?
It has the second most complaints of any 3 Series year, 1,023, behind 2006 at 1,232[2]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so it is only a rough signal[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 1,023 owner complaints on file for the 2007 BMW 3 Series (29 mention a crash, 59 a fire, 24 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW 3 Series model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 22V119, filed March 2, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for 328ci, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 281 complaints name the electrical system component group (5 crashes, 38 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,427). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 223 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 30 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 221 complaints name the air bags component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 11 injuries, median mileage at failure 88,322). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 114 complaints name the steering component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 112 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,832). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 93 complaints name the latches/locks/linkages component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. Recall 24V513, filed July 3, 2024: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 20V017, filed January 15, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 17V683, filed October 30, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 17V676, filed October 25, 2017: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 13V564, filed November 12, 2013: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 13V044, filed February 7, 2013: Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for 328ci, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for 328cxi, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for 328i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for 328i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for 328xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for 335i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, WAGON W/SAB RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. EPA rating for 335ci, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 323i/328i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,285 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.