2008 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 691 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 15 involved a crash and 63 involved a fire. 25 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Mar 2, 2022
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 22V119000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, cooling system, fanAug 10, 2012
This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
Campaign 12E029000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalJul 8, 2009
BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 09V257000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: air bags
164 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2017
THE CAR IS NO GOOD ..THE COMPANY SOLD ME A UN SAFE CAR
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Oct 13, 2017
SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONING SHOWING NO PASSENGER WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED. THIS MAY PREVENT SEAT BELTS FROM FUNCTIONING AND AIR BAG DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND INCREASING INJURIES
Air bags, Sep 22, 2017, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH, THREE VEHICLES REAR ENDED EACH OTHER. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER REAR ENDED THE SECOND VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED, BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT'S DAUGHTER SUSTAINED A FACE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER (NEW CENTURY BMW, 1139 W MAIN ST, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 201-571-5859 AND STATED THAT THEY HAD TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND WOULD CALL THE CONTACT BACK. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000.
Air bags, Sep 5, 2017
TAKATA RECALL- VEHICHLE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL
Air bags, Aug 31, 2017
TAKATA RECALL
Air bags, Aug 30, 2017
TAKATA RECALL DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG: DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE MAY PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE.
Air bags, Aug 25, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BRAMAN BMW WEST PALM BEACH (LOCATED AT 2901 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS FOR THE REMEDY HAD NOT BEEN ORDERED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2017
I'M SUBMITTING THIS COMPLAINT PER INSTRUCTIONS ON LETTER I RECEIVED RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL ON BMW DRIVER SIDE AIRBAGS. ON AUGUST 15TH 2017 I WAS GIVEN A FOUR WEEK LEAD TIME FOR THE AIRBAG REPAIR TO BE COMPLETED ON MY BMW RELATED TO RECALL #16V071 BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP (NALLEY BMW OF SOUTH ATLANTA) THEREAFTER I CALLED BMW USA AND THEY WERE OF LITTLE TO NO HELP TO SPEED THIS UP. BECAUSE OF THE RISK OF DEATH / SERIOUS INJURY ASSOCIATED WITH THIS RECALL MY CAR REMAINS OUT OF USE SINCE AUGUST 14TH 2017. FOUR WEEKS WAITING FOR A CRITICAL SAFETY REPAIR IS BEYOND A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME!! I DEMAND EITHER MY REPAIR IS CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY OR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS.
Air bags, Seat belts, Seats, Aug 15, 2017
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR BROKEN. PROBLEM STARTED, 5 YEARS AGO. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY DIFFERENT BMW MODELS/YEARS. BMW WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SITUATION. PLEASE HELP.
Air bags, Aug 7, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (BMW OF ROCKVILLE IN ROCKVILLE, MD) AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. .. .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. UPDATED 10/11/2017*JS
Air bags, Aug 7, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 7, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED LAUDERDALE BMW (LOCATED AT 14800 SHERIDAN ST, PEMBROKE PINES, FL 33028) WHO STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Aug 3, 2017
TAKATA INFLATORS: WE RECEIVED A NOTICE FROM AUTO AIRBAG SETTLEMENT TODAY. OUR VEHICLE HAS THE AFFECTED AIRBAG(S). WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE.
Air bags, Aug 2, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH BMW OF MOUNTAIN VIEW 150 E EL CAMINO REAL, MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA 94040, PHONE NUMBER: (650) 200-0149 BUT THE DEALER CANCELLED THE APPOINTMENT DUE TO NOT HAVING ENOUGH PARTS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Electrical system, Air bags, Jul 27, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE RPM NEEDLE DROPPED AND THEN RETURNED TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED. ON SEVERAL OTHER OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT DUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS COULD ALSO BE DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE KEY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE STALLING WOULD OCCUR AND COULD CAUSE A CRASH. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND NO PARTS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION LETTER WHEN THE PART WAS AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Air bags, Jul 26, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. MOMENTUM BMW LOCATED AT: 10002 SOUTHWEST FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77074, (855) 645-6452 AND BMW OF HOUSTON NORTH LOCATED AT: 17730 NORTH FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77090, (281) 305-8901, WERE CONTACTED HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO BE MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jul 20, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AT: ADVANTAGE BMW, HOUSTON, TX, AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jul 13, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH MOTORS BMW (LOCATED AT 16215 S. DIXIE HWY, MIAMI, FL 33157, TEL: (305) 256-2200) FOR THE RECALL REPAIR; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE MORE THAN ONE HOUR TO BE COMPLETED. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED HER THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE AND TO WAIT THREE WEEKS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 09/06/17*LJ *CN
Air bags, Jul 12, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF FORT PIERCE, FLORIDA WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALL AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jul 10, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION STATING THAT THE REMEDY PART WAS AVAILABLE. WHEN LAUDERDALE BMW (LOCATED AT 1400 SOUTH FEDERAL HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33316, TEL: (954)527-3800) WAS CONTACTED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jul 5, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER (SANDY SANSING BMW 186 W AIRPORT BLVD, PENSACOLA, FL 32505 (850) 378-3382) WHO STATED THAT THE RECALL REMEDY PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jul 3, 2017
I HAVE RECEIVED AN INITIAL RECALL LETTER FROM BMW IN MARCH OF 2016. THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE PARTS TO SERVICE THIS AUTOMOBILE TO CORRECT THE RECALL.
Air bags, Jun 27, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (TOM BUSH BMW IN ORANGE PARK, FL) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEIR "HANDS WERE TIED" AND THE CONTACT WOULD BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS THE MANUFACTURER DELIVERED THE REMEDY PART. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED, BUT DID NOT OFFER ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jun 12, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF ARLINGTON 1105 E. LAMAR BLVD, ARLINGTON, TX 76011) CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Jun 5, 2017
TAKATA RECAL. PARTS FOR THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL CONTINUE TO BE UNAVAILABLE AFTER OVER A YEAR, THERE ARE NO COMMUNICATIONS FROM BMW ON WHEN THE REMEDY WILL BE PERFORMED.