PROBLEM GUIDE
Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.
Last updated June 2026
2004–2010
Model years affected
Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.
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Start my diagnosis →Overheating, burning smells, and fires
Check engine light: On
Approximately 40 complaints describe PCV valve heater failures leading to overheating, burning smells, and fires. A recall exists, but many owners cite delayed recall-remedy availability.
Overheating causing skin burns
Check engine light: Off
Approximately 20 complaints describe seat heating elements overheating and burning through leather; one incident specifically notes a passenger's thigh was burned.
Loss of control shortly after a recall repair
Check engine light: On
Following a recall service, one vehicle's transfer case reportedly failed, causing the vehicle to spin at a stop sign. The failure followed the recall repair itself.
Various electrical failures across systems
Check engine light: Off
Various electrical failures reported, including inoperable horns and steering wheel controls, and door lock malfunctions.
Oil leaks develop from the engine area
Check engine light: Off
Oil leaks develop from the engine area. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 128 owner reports on file.
Coolant is lost due to a leak from the expansion tank
Check engine light: Off
Coolant is lost due to a leak from the expansion tank. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 74 owner reports on file.
The A/C does not cool properly, possibly due to an evaporator or O-ring issue
Check engine light: Off
The A/C does not cool properly, possibly due to an evaporator or O-ring issue. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates and/or the engine overheats
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates and/or the engine overheats. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 20 owner reports on file.
A noise develops from the top of the front or rear doors when the windows are fully raised
Check engine light: Off
A noise develops from the top of the front or rear doors when the windows are fully raised. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.
Coolant leaks from the radiator
Check engine light: Off
Coolant leaks from the radiator. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.
The check engine light illuminates with code P30FF, along with a rattle from the engine
Check engine light: On
The check engine light illuminates with code P30FF, along with a rattle from the engine. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 10 owner reports on file.
This generation has a confirmed PCV valve heater recall and a passenger airbag occupant detection sensor recall — many owners cite delayed remedy availability for both. Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.
The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.
The most serious problem for this generation is a PCV valve heater defect causing overheating, burning smells, and fires — a recall exists, but many owners cite delayed remedy availability. A related problem is seat heating elements overheating and burning through leather, with one incident specifically noting a passenger's thigh was burned. Combined, these two defects are tied to at least 7 documented fire incidents. Fire-related complaints also appear on other BMW models.