This page covers 2 recalls, 22 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 BMW 335i.
22–26 mpg combined
9–10.7 L/100km
Subcompact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2012 BMW 335i centers on the airbag and restraint system, which draws well over half of all owner complaints. The most commonly reported issue involves the passenger seat occupancy sensor mat triggering a restraint system malfunction warning, causing the passenger airbag-off light to illuminate intermittently while a passenger is present. Owners report this happening repeatedly, with dealers pointing to a faulty seat sensor mat as the likely cause. Engine complaints are a distant second, with a handful of owners describing a design concern involving the hood release cable routing near a coolant hose, where heat from the hose can cause the cable and surrounding components to melt. A single report describes a complete electrical lockout, the key fob, interior electronics, and ignition all failing to respond, attributed to degraded battery cable connectors and fuse box terminals.
22
Total Complaints
2
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 BMW 335i has 2 recalls, the most serious involving the driver's side airbag inflator, which can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The second recall concerns the side marker lights, which may fail to illuminate and make the vehicle harder to see at night, raising the risk of a collision.
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.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 3 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
At a glance
What can fail
The front side marker lights may not work when the parking lights or headlights are on due to incorrect software programming.
What the fix does
BMW dealers will upload corrected software to restore proper marker light operation at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
