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: electrical system
212 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 SOUTH ALBANY (617 US-9W, GLENMONT, NEW YORK 12077, (888) 542-9066) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2018
THE WIRES ON THE INSIDE OF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE CRACKED, AND HAVE A LOT OF BARE COPPER SHOWING. THE PLASTIC SHEATHING (CABLE JACKET) HAS BECOME BRITTLE FROM THE HEAT, AND IS FALLING APART, EXPOSING THE CONDUCTOR. THIS IS CREATING THE RISK OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND THE ANGEL LIGHTS OF MY CAR IS NOT WORKING IT WHEN OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION - ALL IT TAKES IS TO TOUCH A CABLE WITH YOUR FINGERS AND THE COOPER WILL BE EXPOSE. I'M REQUESTING IMMEDIATE RECALL FROM BMW - SEVERAL CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ELECTRICAL AND FIRE HAZARD ISSUES. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY GET'S HURT.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2018, fire
PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, SMELLED ELECTRICAL BURNING. STOPPED & GETTING OUT THE CAR, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAR UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEAR BY SO WE WE'RE ABLE TO KEEP THE FLAMES FROM BURNING THE ENTIRE CAR AND THE CARS NEXT TO US. INSURANCE COMPANY SAYS ITS THE RESULT OF 10/25/17 BLOWER MOTOR WIRING RECALL.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2018
DRIVING MY CAR FOR SHORT DISTANCE MAKES ENGINE HOT AND SMELL ELECTRICAL WIRE BURNING. THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR WITH DIFFERENT VIN HAS RECALL OF PROBLEM DESCRIBED. ATTACHED PHOTO DESCRIBES SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. PLEASE PROVIDE A SOLUTION
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2018
IT HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION BATTERY CABLE . IT SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY
Electrical system, Seats, Oct 5, 2018, fire
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT CAUGHT FIRE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (BMW OF SAN RAFAEL, 1599 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415)-482-2000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2018
A RECALL WAS ISSUE FOR BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. IT HAS ALMOST BEEN A YEAR AND EVERY TIME I INQUIRE WITH THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE REMEDY AVAILABLE. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE CATCHING FLAMES WHILE IN MY GARAGE?
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2018, fire
AFTER SITTING OVER NIGHT THE BMW 328I WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AND THEN PARKED. ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE.
Electrical system, Sep 22, 2018
AFTER ALMOST A YEAR, BMW IS STILL NOT READY TO 'REMEDY' AND PROVIDE A FIX FOR SAFETY RECALL 17V-676 (BLOWER MOTOR WIRING).
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 17, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE DEALER (BOBBY RAHAL BMW OF SOUTH HILLS, 2610 WASHINGTON RD, CANONSBURG, PA 15317, 1-(724) 746-2600) WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED NO OPTION OF A LOANER VEHICLE IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Structure, Engine, Sep 6, 2018, fire
ON 11/12, MY 2008 BMW 328XI CAUGHT FIRE IN A PARKING LOT. TWO PRIVATE APPRAISERS DEEMED THIS A MANUFACTURER ERROR BASED ON A FAULTY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Electrical system, Aug 29, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE RECALL WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 25, 2017. WITHOUT WARNING, SMOKE APPEARED FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND A FIRE STARTED. A PASSERBY EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE FIRE INSPECTOR ARRIVED AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED EXTENSIVELY AND TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL BY THE MANUFACTURER AFTER THE FIRE OCCURRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. * (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 28, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Aug 28, 2018
MANUFACTURER HAS NOT REMEDY THE SAFETY RECALLS IN A TIMELY MANNER AS IT'S BEEN ALMOST A YEAR SINCE THE RECALLS AND THERE ARE STILL NO PARTS/FIXES AVAILABLE. THERE ARE 2 RECALLS FROM OCT 2017 AND AS OF TODAY AUG 2018 THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO FIX THE ISSUES: POSITIVE CRANKCASE VENTILATION (PCV) VALVE HEATER AND BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. SAFETY RISKS: OVER TIME, IT COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING. AND CONNECTION BETWEEN THE WIRING AND THIS SYSTEM COULD DETERIORATE AND, IN RARE CASES, COULD LEAD TO OVERHEATING.
Electrical system, Engine, Aug 27, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, AN ODOR OF BURNING PLASTIC EMITTED THROUGH THE AIR VENTS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE REPAIRS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PRINCETON BMW (3630 QUAKERBRIDGE RD, HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ 08619, (609) 570-1520), BUT WAS NOT REPAIRED BECAUSE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Electrical system, Aug 24, 2018, fire
"BMW RECALL" ON 8/20/18 MONDAY MORNING I DROVE MY 2008 BMW 328I APPROXIMATELY 2.3 MILES AND PARKED THE CAR AT 7:00 AM. AT APPROXIMATELY 7:10 AM I WAS NOTIFIED THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE.
Electrical system, Aug 20, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); 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. PETER PAN BMW (2695 S EL CAMINO REAL, SAN MATEO, CA) WAS CONTACTED 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Aug 11, 2018
UNREASONABLE TIME TO REMEDY
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (CAIN BMW, 6461 WHIPPLE AVENUE NW, NORTH CANTON, OHIO 44720, 330-494-5588) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Aug 7, 2018, fire
AS WE WERE PULLING ON TO OUR STREET, SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE DASH. SMELLED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. THE AC MADE SOME WEIRD NOISE AS WELL. WE PROMPTLY STOPPED THE CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY (ABOUT 100FEET FROM WHEN IT STARTED), STOPPED ENGINE, TOOK OUT KEY. WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTED GOING BACK AND FORTH. WINDOWS STARTED GOING UP AND DOWN BY THEMSELVES. WITHIN MINUTES THE ENTIRE CABIN FILLED WITH DARK BLACK/GREY SMOKE. THE CAR THEN SET ABLAZE. 2 LOUD POPS WERE HEARD. THE ENTIRE CABIN CHARRED. THE BACK OF THE ENGINE WAS ALL ABLAZE. FIRE DEPT USED JAWS OF LIFE TO EXTINGUISH CAR. TOTALED. WE DO HAVE VIDEOS OF THE SMOKE STARTING AND ARE AVAILABLE - THEY ARE ON MY WIFE'S PHONE, AS WELL AS LOTS OF PICTURES.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Aug 3, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. CIRCLE BMW (500 NJ-36, EATONTOWN, NJ 07724, (732) 440-3640) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Jul 26, 2018
I CONTACTED BMW MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE THE RECALL NOTICE AND HAVE BEEN STONEWALLED SINCE. JUST TWO DAYS AGO MY BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING SUDDENLY AND GOT HOT UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED FOR OVER 1 1/2 TO NO AVAIL. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAVE NOT HELPED AND I NEED TO CONSULT THE NHTSA FOR HELP. I WANT THIS PROBLEM FIXED AND I WANTED IT YESTERDAY. DUE TO THE FACT THAT BMW HAS NOT PROVIDED A SOLUTION/REMEDY FAST ENOUGH, I HAVE HAD TO TRAVEL WITH NO AIR CONDITIONING IN THE FLORIDA HEAT, WHAT MAKES IT WORSE IS WUEN IT RAINS. THEY REFUSE TO OFFER ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND I HAVE BEEN RUDELY YELLED AT AND DISCOURAGED FROM TRYING TO REACH CORPORATE. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN MY SITUATION AND THE SERIOUSNESS OF MY SITUATION TO NO AVAIL. BMW HAS A LONG HISTORY OF GOOD AND BAD, YET THEY REFUSE TO HELP A CUSTOMER OR TO HELP RELIEVE THE BURDEN OF THE RECALL OR OFFER EXTRA ASSOSTANCE OR SATISFACTION IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE. I WISH TO HAVE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2018, fire
VEHICLE SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUST IN A RURAL DRIVEWAY AFTER SITTING FOR HOURS. FIRE STARTED IN THE CENTRAL DASH. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 335XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SMOKE WAS NOTICED COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED THAT THE BOTTOM OF THE DASHBOARD ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES AS THE VEHICLE BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN INSURANCE COMPANY'S TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 92,889.