Alternator/generator/regulator Problems of BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series owners have reported 3 problems related to alternator/generator/regulator (under the electrical system category). The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Alternator/generator/regulator problem of the 2007 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 11/02/2017

When driving, the smell of burning or melting plastic is so strong, I have to roll down the windows. The smell occurs about 5 times a week and can be smelled both inside and outside the car. It occurs at various times. . . On the freeway, on surface streets, stopped at a red light etc. There is a safety recall, for positive crankcase ventilation(pcv) valve heater, but they don't have a plan or method of fixing this. Since it can lead to a fire, it needs to be fixed, but the dealership has no information about even how to fix the problem. The website and letter tells you to call the local dealership but they tell you to contact BMW north America, however they don't answer the phone. The service supervisor at the local BMW dealer ship in glendale CA has not returned my messages and the number they refer me to, BMW north America at 800. 831. 1117 just keeps ringing. . . No answer. I don't feel safe inhaling the plastic fumes and it could lead to my car catching on fire. BMW needs toanswer questions and provide customer service rather than referring me to advertisements to purchase a new BMW. (that is what happens on their "recall" website). I would like them to provide a car and keep my car at the dealership until they figure this out. I think they would find a solution very quickly if they had to provide alternator transportation. Thank you for your help!.

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2 Alternator/generator/regulator problem of the 2006 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 07/05/2013

First the driver side door lock actuator would not unlock so I would have to use the key to unlock the driver door. Bought a new actuator and had it replaced. Not even one month later the back seat driver side door lock actuator went out as well. However there is no key hole for the back door and it cannot be opened from the inside. I was told by a BMW dealer that I would have to have the door torn off and replaced with a new door because there was no way to open the door. But wait there's more! both back window regulators went out as well! got the back seat passenger side fixed. But can't get the driver side done yet. This all happened within a year.

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3 Alternator/generator/regulator problem of the 2003 BMW 3 Series

Failure Date: 08/03/2010

In 2010 the sunroof went bad I talked to a BMW dealer and they told me they have problems with them, in August of 2011 I noticed that my tail lights and blinkers were not working proper,nor was my horn,and the drivers window regulators are binding up, also a brake hose from my brake booster to the engine is collapsed in two spots. ??.

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Other Common Electrical System related problems of BMW 3 Series



Safety Ratings of 3 Series Cars
3 Series Service Bulletins
3 Series Safety Recalls
3 Series Defect Investigations