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: engine and engine cooling
59 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was still safe to drive despite the parts for the recall not being available. The manufacturer was also notified of the issue and informed him that the vehicle was not safe to drive; he was instructed to leave the vehicle parked until parts for the recall were available. The contact was referred back to the dealer for a loaner vehicle; however, the dealer stated that there were no loaner vehicles available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2022, fire
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at 25-30 MPH for 10 minutes, the engine started misfiring, went on overheating mode and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that he turned off the vehicle for some time; however, when he restarted the vehicle, the coolant temperature warning light was still illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed white smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact drove back to his residence. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving and he could smell a burning odor . The contact became aware that his VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), which he associated with the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 102,300.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V044000 (Electrical System) 17V676000 (Electrical System) and 17V683000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted bit did not inform the contact on the status of the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts Distribution Disconnect.
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 18, 2021, fire
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the radiator would overheat as the temperature gauge would indicate that the engine was hot. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where it was discovered that plastic parts inside the reservoir including the head gasket had melted and entered the radiator, which caused the failure. The contact also stated that while driving at 35 MPH, a greyish smoke began to emit from both the undercarriage and the engine of the vehicle. The contact pulled over and exited the vehicle with his children as he witnessed flames emitting from underneath the vehicle. A motorist behind him was able to pour a jug of water onto the fire which extinguished the flames. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to his home. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and informed him that the vehicle would not be covered under warranty. The contact had made minor repairs to the vehicle but the vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Visibility, Nov 29, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE WALKING TO THE PARKED VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT OPENED THE DOOR AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM THE FLOORBOARD. THE CONTACT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR CAUGHT ON FIRE AND MELTED THROUGH THE DASHBOARD AND GLOVE BOX. THE DEALER (HANSEL BMW OF SANTA ROSA, 2925 CORBY AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95407) STATED THAT THEY HAD TO WAIT TO HEAR FROM THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE THEY COULD MAKE ANY DECISIONS ON HOW TO HANDLE THE FAILURE. THEY ALSO DIRECTED THE CONTACT NOT TO TOUCH ANYTHING IN THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE BLOWER MOTOR CATCHING ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V670000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 26, 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 TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (BMW OF MONTEREY, 1 GEARY PLAZA, SEASIDE, CALIFORNIA 93955) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jun 26, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (BMW OF PEABODY, 221 ANDOVER ST., PEABODY, MA 01960, (978) 532-8300) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER (CLASSIC BMW, 6800 DALLAS PARKWAY, PLANO, TEXAS 75024) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR WHENEVER THE HEATER OR AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 12, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR DETECTED IN THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER 40 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AND OPERATE NORMALLY. 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 REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED BRAMAN BMW OF WEST PALM BEACH AT (561) 609-0130 (LOCATED AT 1013, 2901 OKEECHOBEE BLVD, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33409) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. - (RECALL RELATED INCIDENT) TS
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 DEALER (BMW OF SPRINGFIELD IN SPRINGFIELD, NEW JERSEY) 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.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 4, 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 PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF MINNETONKA AT (952) 236-1263 (15802 WAYZATA BLVD, WAYZATA, MN 55391) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. 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. *TT *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 4, 2015
WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH IN AN AREA WHERE THERE WAS NO PULL OFF AND A BLIND TURN AND THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE WAS WELL WITHIN THE NORMAL RANGE, AN OVERHEAT ENGINE LIGHT INDICATOR CAME ON AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER LEAVING US IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD OBSTRUCTED AROUND A TURN. THE TIME BETWEEN THE WARNING AND THE CAR LAST POWER WAS A FEW SECONDS WITH NO OTHER WARNING. THIS WAS AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES, WE WERE ABLE TO RESTART THE CAR AND GET IT ABOUT 1/2 MILE, THUS REMOVING IT FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, AGAIN LOSING POWER WITH NO WARNING. A QUALIFIED CAR REPAIR CENTER SAID IT WAS A FAULTY WATER PUMP (THE CAR HAS 56,000) AND THEY SAID THAT MANY OTHER BMW OWNERS WITH MY TYPE OF CAR ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE; IN FACT THEY TOLD ME ANOTHER OWNER HAD THEIR CAR IN FOR REPAIR WITH THE SAME ISSUE AND BMW WAS NOT COOPERATING. I RESEARCHED BOTH COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE (WHICH CONFIRM THE SAME ISSUE) AS WELL AS BMW OWNER'S FORUMS WHICH LIKEWISE CONFIRM THE SAME ISSUE AS WELL. I CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS AND UNFORTUNATE POSITION FOR BMW TO TAKE. NOT ONLY IS IT UNACCEPTABLE FOR BMW TO IGNORE A KNOWN WATER PUMP ISSUE THAT FAILS PREMATURELY, BUT THE CAR LOOSES POWER WITHOUT TIME TO REACT. FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY, I ASK THIS PLEASE BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 17, 2013
MY MODEL CAR HAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL INJECTORS. MY VEHICLE'S FUEL INJECTORS HAVE MISFIRED AND HAVE CAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TO REMAIN ON IN MY CAR. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW SEVERAL TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THEY HAVE TOLD ME MULTIPLE STORIES AS TO WHY THEY WILL NOT HONOR MY CAR UNDER THIS RECALL. ONE REASON THEY GIVE IS MY VIN #, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AS THE RECALL WITH THE SAME ISSUE. THEN THEY SAY MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I THOUGHT THE PURPOSE OF A RECALL IS THAT IT REPAIRS YOUR CAR EVEN IF IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE SPENT OVER HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TRYING TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM, AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. BMW WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME OR FIX THE CAR UNDER THE RECALL THAT I KNOW MY CAR FALLS UNDER. THE RECALL IS EVEN LISTED ON MY FAILED DMV INSPECTION REPORT, AND THEY ARE STILL NOT COOPERATING. IS THERE SOMETHING YOU CAN DO? MY CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION, AND IT'S THE ONLY CAR I HAVE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 3, 2013
WHY DRIVING MY VEHICLE, I RECEIVED A YELLOW WARNING FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A RED WARNING. WHILE TRYING TO UNDERSTAND THE ISSUE THE CAR BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, CAUSING UNSAFE HIGHWAY HANDLING. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CAR WAS OVERHEATING. THE WATER PUMP FAILED RENDERING THE CAR DISABLED. I HAVE DRIVEN QUITE A FEW CARS AND HAVE NEVER SEEN A WATER PUMP DISABLE THE CAR SO QUICKLY AND CREATE A DANGEROUS CONDITION. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, TALKING TO REPAIR MECHANICS THIS PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAPPEN ALL TOO OFTEN IN BMW'S. *JB
Engine and engine cooling, Air bags, Seat belts, Jan 16, 2013
VEHICLE IS NOT ALLOWED RECALL SINCE VIN# DOES NOT APPLY HOWEVER ALL THINGS WRONG WITH VEHICLE ARE EXACTLY WHAT CAN BE FOUND UNDER RECALLS: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBERS 12E029000,09V257000, 09V257000. BMW FAIRFAX AND BMW NORTH AMERICA STATE RECALL CANNOT BE PROCESSED BECAUSE MY VIN DOES NOT APPLY. IT IS BOTHERSOME TO KNOW THAT I AM EXPERIENCING ONLY THESE 3 PROBLEMS THAT SO HAPPEN TO BE THE ONLY ERRORS AND ALL 3 ARE ON THE RECALL LIST FOR MY MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR. PERHAPS IF MORE VEHICLES WITH MY PART NUMBERS COME FORWARD THEN MAYBE BMW CAN OWN UP AND ACTUALLY HELP CURRENT BMW OWNERS WITH THESE MALFUNCTIONS INSTEAD OF FORCING CUSTOMERS TO PAY OUT OF POCKET ON KNOWN BMW RECALLS AND MALFUNCTIONS. THE ERRORS ARE ENGING AND ENGING COOLING: COOLING SYSTEM: FAN, SEAT BELTS: FRONT, AND AIR BAGS:FRONTAL. IF YOU ARE HAVING ISSUES WITH BMW AND THEM NOT BUDGING ON YOUR MALFUNCTIONS THAT HIT THE RECALLS PLEASE STEP FORWARD BECAUSE BMW NEEDS TO CORRECT THEIR MALFUNCTIONS AND NOT LET US PAY OUT OF POCKET ON SOMETHING PUT TOGETHER IMPROPERLY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2012
WHEN TRAVELLING ON HARLEM RIVER DRIVE MIDDLE LANE, MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN DISPLAYED AN ENGINE OVERHEAT LIGHT YELLOW THAT TURNED RED WITHIN 3 SECONDS AND STARTED LOSING POWER (FROM 50-60 MPH TO 1 MPH) WITHIN 5 SECONDS...THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AS I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH WARNING TIME TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. THE DEALERSHIP IS STATING THAT THIS IS A WATER PUMP FAILURE. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON X5S BUT NOT ON MY CAR. MY FRIEND WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR AND YEAR HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RESULTING IN THE SAME COST OF REPAIR ($1600). MY VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MANY RECALLS INCLUDING SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS, AND HIGH PRESSURED FUEL PUMPS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY BMW AND JUST OUT OF WARRANTY (LESS THAN 60000 MILES). NOT EVEN 4 YEARS YET. I HAVE OWNED MANY BMWS AND OTHER CARS AND NEVER HAD A WATER PUMP FAILURE THAT CAUSED A DANGER OF THIS MAGNITUDE... I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FOUR MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 20, 2011
MY 335I 2008 HAS HAD THREE RECALLS ALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. WITH 24,000 MILES IT NOW HAS ISSUES WITH STARTING.I RECENTLY HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO MY DEALER,LEFT IT FOR FOUR DAYS, PICKED IT UP WITH "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". IN LESS THAN A WEEK THE START UP HAS GONE FROM THREE TO FIVE UN,UN,UN,UN,UNS TO CRANK. THE CAR IS ABOUT TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE THAT BMW KNOWS THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND IS REFUSING TO REPAIR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO GET REPAIRS INCOME. I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE CANCELLED MY SPECIAL ORDER WHEN TWO WEEKS BEFORE DELIVERY THEY CALLED AND SAID MY CAR HAD ARRIVED IN US BUT WOULD NOT BE RELEASED DUE TO "ENGINE COMPRESSION PROBLEMS". ALL OTHER ISSUES I HAVE ASKED TO BE REPAIRED ARE NOT WITH DEALER NOTING "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE CALLED AND EMAILED BMW AND DEALER NO ONE RESPONDED. AND LET'S NOT EVEN GET TO THE TIRES! *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2011
WHILE DRIVING A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE CAR MADE NOISE AFTER THAT DRIVING IT. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND UPON EXAMINATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE MOUNTING BOLTS ( ALUMINUM ) FOR RIGHT ENGINE SUPPORT ARM BROKE. THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS THEY SAID IT WAS A FLAW IN THE ENGINE BOLTS. THE CAR HAD 40,984 MILES.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Jul 28, 2011
ON JULY 9, 2011, I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE PARKWAY, WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED OPERATING! THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, AND NOTHING WORKED IN THE CAR. I WAS UNABLE TO PUT ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS OR MORE THE STEERING WHEEL. AS THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN I KEPT TRYING TO RE-START THE CAR BUT NOTHING WORKED. AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, BY USING MY EMERGENCY BRAKE, I WAS ABLE TO PUSH THE KEY IN AND OUT AND HIT THE START/STOP AND THE CAR FINALLY STARTED. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO RALLYE BMW TO HAVE IT SERVICED AND ALSO CONTACTED BMW CORPORATE BECAUSE I DID NOT AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY CAR ANYMORE. I WAS REQUESTING EITHER A NEW VEHICLE OR FULL VALUE BACK ON THE CAR. BMW SERVICED THE VEHICLE AND STATED "BMW REVIEWED REMOTELY UNABLE TO REPLICATE STALLING. NO PROBLEM FOUND", AND DECIDED THAT MY CAR IS SAFE TO DRIVE. I COMPLETELY DISAGREE AND FEEL THIS POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING ISSUE SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
Engine and engine cooling, Jan 23, 2011
2008 BMW 328I STALLS WHILE DRIVING. ONCE STALLED UNDER POWER AS I WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ACROSS TRAFFIC - DEALER SAID NO CODE WAS THROWN SO THEY WERE UNABLE TO ADDRESS. THE OTHER STALLS HAVE NOT DURING SLOWDOWN PERIOD, NOT AS CRITICAL BUT THEY COME WITH NO WARNING WHATSOEVER WHICH IS DANGEROUS! NO ACCIDENT FROM IT YET BUT I NO LONGER FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS CAR. FIRST OCCURRENCE IN 2010, TWO MORE RECENTLY DEC 2010 & JAN 2011. *LN
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 7, 2010
AFTER STARTING MY BMW IT OCCASIONALLY WILL RUN FINE FOR BETWEEN SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET AND THREE QUARTERS OF A MILE AND THEN BRIEFLY STALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. IT SEEM TO HAPPEN AFTER IT HAS BEEN PARKED FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME (ANYWHERE FROM A FEW MINUTES TO A LITTLE OVER AN HOUR). ONE TIME I HAD TO COAST OFF THE ROAD AND RE-START THE CAR. THE OTHER TWO TIMES THE CAR HAS BRIEFLY STALLED (ALL THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON AS IF IT HAS BEEN SHUT OFF WITH THE KEY ON), THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AND THEN THE MOTOR CAUGHT AGAIN AND BEGAN RUNNING NORMALLY. MY CAR HAS BEEN INTO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES. THE LAST TIME THEY REPLACED THE #4 SPARK PLUG AND THIS SEEMS TO HAVE FIXED ANOTHER PROBLEM I HAD WITH THE CAR RUNNING WITH LOW POWER FOR A FEW MOMENTS, HOWEVER IT HAS NOT CURED THE STALLING ISSUE. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE I THINK THAT IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF SOMEONE WERE PASSING A CAR OR IN HEAVY HIGHWAY TRAFFIC WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I AM HOPING THAT THE DEALER WILL EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO FIX MY PROBLEM. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 44,000 MILES ON MY CAR SO I HAVE ABOUT 8,000 MILES LEFT IN WARRANTY. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Other, Oct 12, 2010
I PURCHASED A 2008 BMW 335I. SINCE 2008 IT HAS BEEN SERVICED AT LEAST TWICE FOR ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN REPLACING HPFP. IN AUGUST 2010, THE ENGINE SERVICE LIGHT ALONG WITH A SLOW AND RATTLING START, ODORS OF GAS, AND SHAKY ROUGH RIDE -SINCE THEN, MY 335I HAS BEEN SERVICED SIX TIMES WITHOUT AVAIL. BMW NA RECALL AND BMW FAIRFAX, VA MECHANICS REPLACED THE FUEL MODULE AFTER THE SEVENTH SERVICE APPOINTMENT SINCE AUG 10. THE CAR EXPECTEDLY LOOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. *TR