EZ Swap LLC services the BMW 135I in Phoenix, AZ, covering model years 2007, 2011 to 2014. If your 135I has a warning light, a strange noise or a safety recall question, our mechanics can diagnose it and give you a clear quote first.
To help 135I owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 101 owner complaints on file for the 135I and 6 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (36), engine (30), electrical system (19).
Most-Reported BMW 135I Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the 135I (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 36 | 35% | |
| Engine | 30 | 29% | |
| Electrical System | 19 | 18% | |
| Power Train | 15 | 14% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 11% | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 | 6% | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | 2% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 2 | 1% |
Air Bags
36 of the 101 complaints (35%) mention airbags and seat belts. Airbag and restraint issues are often tied to open safety recalls, which are repaired by the manufacturer at no cost to you. Check your VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup first, and we can help with related warning lights and diagnostics. See our auto repair page.
Engine
30 of the 101 complaints (29%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
19 of the 101 complaints (18%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
BMW 135I Complaints by Model Year
The 135I model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2011, 2012, 2013. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | |
| 2011 | 66 | |
| 2012 | 19 | |
| 2013 | 15 |
BMW 135I Check Engine Codes
NHTSA owner complaints rarely cite specific trouble codes for the 135I, so we do not have a model-specific ranking to show. These are the check engine codes we see most often on vehicles in Phoenix heat, and any of them can show up on a BMW.
| Code | What it means |
|---|---|
| P0420 | Catalyst efficiency below threshold (bank 1) Often a worn catalytic converter, but failing oxygen sensors or exhaust leaks can set it too. Can cause an emissions test failure. |
| P0300 | Random or multiple cylinder misfire Worn spark plugs, failing ignition coils, fuel or vacuum problems. Do not ignore a flashing check engine light. |
| P0171 | System too lean (bank 1) Often a vacuum leak, dirty MAF sensor, weak fuel delivery or a failing oxygen sensor. |
| P0455 | EVAP system large leak Missing or loose gas cap, or a disconnected or cracked vapor hose. |
| P0128 | Coolant temperature below thermostat regulating temperature Usually a thermostat stuck open. Fix it to restore efficiency and cabin heat. |
| P0442 | EVAP system small leak Loose or worn gas cap, cracked hose or purge or vent valve. |
| P0301 | Cylinder 1 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. |
| P0401 | EGR flow insufficient Clogged EGR passages or a stuck EGR valve. |
Got a check engine light on your 135I? A code is a clue, not a diagnosis, so we scan it and test the system before replacing anything. See our check engine light diagnostics.
BMW 135I Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 135I in these model years, most often involving electrical system, air bags, power train. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2020 recall, Air Bags (campaign 20V017000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive,...
- 2019 recall, Electrical System (campaign 19V579000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
- 2017 recall, Power Train (campaign 17V067000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 1 Series M Coupe and 135i Convertible vehicles, 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i, 335i, 335d, 335i Coupe, 335is Coupe, 335i Convertible, 335is Convertible, 535i, 535i xDrive,...
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V071000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011...
- 2014 recall, Engine And Engine Cooling (campaign 14V176000): BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i...
- 2013 recall, Electrical System (campaign 13V044000): BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011;
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the 135I, 1 involved a crash, 5 involved a fire, 1 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a BMW 135I Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a BMW will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a 135I that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for 135I owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used BMW 135I, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
BMW 135I Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix BMW 135I repair service, or choose a service below.
Auto Repair
All makes and models, from domestic trucks to imports.
Details →Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →BMW 135I FAQ
What are the most common problems with the BMW 135I?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the BMW 135I are air bags (36), engine (30), electrical system (19). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which 135I model years have the most complaints?
The 135I model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2011, 2012, 2013. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What check engine codes are common on the BMW 135I?
NHTSA complaints rarely cite specific codes for the BMW 135I. On Phoenix vehicles in general, we see P0420, P0300 misfires, P0171 lean conditions and EVAP leaks such as P0455 and P0442 most often. Bring yours in and we will scan and test it.
Does the BMW 135I have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the BMW 135I across model years 2007, 2011 to 2014. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the BMW 135I in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains BMW vehicles including the 135I, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used BMW 135I?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my BMW 135I in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More BMW Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.