Model year guide

2009 BMW 3 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 BMW 3 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 406 on record.

2009 BMW 3 Series at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints387
Typical price$13,283

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2009 BMW 3 Series recalls 2

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:fan NHTSA Campaign #12E029000 · 10/08/2012

This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor o…

Fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.

Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv) NHTSA Campaign #22V119000 · 02/03/2022

BMW 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 (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 52…

Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2009 BMW 3 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 387 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2009 BMW 3 Series safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2009 BMW 3 Series Wagon w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2009 BMW 3 Series worth?

Low
$9,300
Typical price
$13,283
High
$17,300

From 403 comparable 2009 BMW 3 Series listings.

2009 BMW 3 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
328i · 335i · 328i xDrive · 335i xDrive · xDrive · 335d · SA
Engines
3.0L 6-cyl 230 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 300 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 265 hp

2009 BMW 3 Series vehicles on record

Other BMW 3 Series model years

2009 BMW 3 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2009 BMW 3 Series. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 BMW 3 Series?

Based on 387 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, air bags, engine.

What is the 2009 BMW 3 Series safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2009 BMW 3 Series crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2009 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2009 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $9,300–$17,300, typically around $13,283 (from 403 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.