The 2007 BMW 3 Series has 4 recalls, with two distinct fire and power-loss risks: a positive battery cable connection that can fail at the fuse box, cutting engine power and shutting off lights while driving, and a PCV valve heater that can short and ignite surrounding plastic components.
Recalls 1 and 2 describe the same underlying defect: the positive battery cable where it connects to the fuse box can lose contact, causing the engine to stall and cutting power to lights and other electrical systems without warning. Losing propulsion and lighting simultaneously raises the crash risk for both the driver and surrounding traffic.
Recalls 3 and 4 also describe the same issue, affecting vehicles with the N52 six-cylinder engine. An electrical short in the crankcase ventilation valve heater can cause that heater to overheat and melt nearby plastic, which can then ignite. This fire risk is present both while the car is being driven and shortly after it has been parked, meaning the vehicle does not need to be running for the hazard to develop.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive battery cable connection at the fuse box may fail, cutting electrical power while driving. This can stop the engine and disable lights and other electrical systems.
What the fix does
BMW will mail you instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the positive battery cable connector with an updated version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The PCV valve heater can develop an electrical short due to manufacturing defects. If this happens, nearby plastic parts may overheat and melt, potentially causing a fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the PCV valve heater with a corrected part.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The positive battery cable connection to the fuse box may fail while driving, cutting off electrical power and causing engine stall, loss of propulsion, and failure of lights and other systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector with an updated version.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
