The 2009 BMW 128i has 6 recalls, the most urgent being the driver's frontal airbag inflator, which can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
Two separate recalls cover the same airbag inflator defect, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue, so owners who had earlier work done may still be affected. On the fire risk side, the heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit and melt or overheat internal components, raising the risk of fire even after the engine is off and the car is parked. The blower-regulator wiring harness carries a similar risk: the wiring and electrical connectors in that circuit can overheat and melt, again posing a fire hazard even when the vehicle is unattended. Rounding out the electrical concerns, a separate wiring fault can cut power to the vehicle entirely, causing the engine to stall without warning while driving.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing an electrical fault.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV valve heater at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The driver frontal air bag inflator may explode due to chemical breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Replace the driver air bag inflator. On X5 and X6 models, only the inflator is replaced. Repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the blower-regulator wiring harness with a new part at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The heater inside the positive crankcase ventilation valve may short circuit, potentially causing it to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's front air bag inflator may build up excessive pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module or inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connector linking the positive battery cable to the fuse box can degrade over time. High current and heat from electrical resistance may break this connection, cutting electrical power to the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it using an improved method at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
