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: fuel system
82 reports, newest first. Show all
Fuel system, Other, Jan 17, 2010
2008 BMW 335XI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE. DEALER REPLACED. FAILED IN TRAFFIC AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 12, 2010
MY BMW 335I ONLY HAD A FEW THOUSAND MILES WHEN I BEGAN NOTICING IT TOOK AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME TO START THE ENGINE. IT WOULD CRANK FOR SEVERAL SECONDS BEFORE THE ENGINE FINALLY STARTED, ESPECIALLY IF IT WAS A COLD START. ONCE THE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP IT SEEMED TO RUN JUST FINE. THEN AFTER A FEW DAYS THE "SERVICE ENGINE" LIGHT AND EXCLAMATION POINT WERE LIGHT UP ON MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY EXPLAINED BMW WAS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM AND THEY WOULD TAKE PROPER STEPS TO ENSURE THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. TO MY KNOWLEDGE THEY CHANGED THE FUEL PUMP AND WHATEVER OTHER SEALS NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. CAR SEEMED TO WORK JUST FINE FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS, NOW THE PROBLEM HAS RETURNED. THE VEHICLE NOW HAS TO CRANK FOR AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF TIME AGAIN IN ORDER TO GET THE CAR TO START. I AM CONCERNED THIS WILL NOT BE PROPERLY FIXED AGAIN. THE CAR IS NOT YET AT 10K MILES AND I AM HAVING TO BRING IT IN TO BE FIXED FOR A SECOND TIME. THIS IS VERY DISCONCERTING. **PLEASE NOTE, THE SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW THE 335I AS AN OPTION FOR THE 2009 YEAR, ONLY WHEN I CHOSE THE YEAR AS 2008, PLEASE NOTE HOWEVER THAT THIS IS A 2009 BMW NOT A 2008** *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 5, 2010
MY CAR'S HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. I WAS ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR, THE CAR STUTTERED, AND THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" WENT ON. AFTER THIS OCCURRED, THE CAR COULD BARELY ACCELERATE. IT WAS THE WEEKEND, SO I HAD TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO MY DESTINATION, AS THERE WERE NO BMW DEALERSHIPS OPEN TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. THE LOSS OF ACCELERATION MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT, AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS, WHEN GETTING ONTO THE FREEWAY. ALSO, HAD THE CAR GIVEN OUT COMPLETELY, IT LIKELY WOULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. THE PROBLEM WAS REPAIRED THE NEXT WORK DAY (12/28/2009). ACCORDING TO THE SERVICE INVOICE PROVIDED BY THE BMW DEALERSHIP, THE PROBLEM WAS A "FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP." THE FAULTY HPFP WAS REPLACED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 29, 2009
OWN A 2008 BMW 335I. CAR "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" LIGHT WENT ON WHILE I WAS ON HIGHWAY. IT WENT INTO SAFETY MODE, IF I TRIED ACCELERATING THE CAR SHUDDERED AND SHOOK VIOLENTLY. BROUGHT THE CAR IN TO NEAREST BMW DEALER, DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. PUMP REPLACED. LESS THAN 1,000 MILES LATER, THE CAR STARTED AGAIN WITH THE SAME BEHAVIOR. DEALER "COULD NOT REPLICATE". CAR HAS LONG CRANKS WHEN STARTING COLD. SHUDDERS AND SHAKES. THIS CAR IS A HAZARD. BMW HAS ADMITTED THE PROBLEM BY EXTENDED THE FUEL PUMP WARRANTY FROM 50,000 MILES TO 100,000 MILES, BUT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. MULTIPLE ONLINE REPORTS OF REPEATED FUEL PUMP FAILURE. BUT, BMW WILL NOT REPLACE UNLESS A FAULT CODE IS CAPTURED. THIS CAR MUST BE RECALLED. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 29, 2009
CAR STALLS IF RUNNING AND IS UNDERPOWERED OR FAILS TO START. HAPPENED THREE TIMES DURING FIRST 15 MONTHS OF TAKING POSSESSION OF THE NEW VEHICLE. EACH TIME WAS THE RESULT OF THE FUEL PUMP NEEDING REPLACING. *TR
Fuel system, Other, Dec 21, 2009
2008 BMW 335I, FAILING HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. BMW WAS RELUCTANT TO REPLACE PART. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 9, 2009
I BELIEVE YOU HAVE RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP ON THE N54 ENGINE IN MY 2008 335XI HAS GONE BAD TWICE IN THE PAST MONTH. I AM VERY TIRED OF THIS PROBLEM AND I HAVE NOT SEEN ANY EVIDENCE OF BMW DOING ANYTHING TO FIX THIS HAZARD TO THE OWNERS OF THESE CARS. THERE WILL BE LONG CRANKS STARTING THE CAR AND AFTER A FEW DAYS/WEEKS THE FUEL PUMP WILL FAIL. IT FAILS PRETTY OFTEN IT SEEMS. MY FIRST ONE FAILED AROUND 27,500 MILES AND MY SECOND ONE FAILED TODAY AT JUST UNDER 29,200 MILES A MONTH AFTER I REPLACED THE FIRST PUMP. I HAVE THE OLD PART IN MY GARAGE AND I'LL HAVE A SECOND ONE AS SOON AS I RECEIVE AND INSTALL MY NEXT PUMP. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 8, 2009
THE CAR WENT INTO "LIMP" MODE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND HAD TO GO 35MPH THE REST OF THE WAY ON A 40MPH MINIMUM. THE DEALER SAID THAT IT WAS A FAULTY HIGH PERFORMANCE FUEL PUMP AND THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION AS I COULD HAVE ALMOST CAUSED A CRASH WHILE MOVING TO THE SHOULDER AT 35MPH ON A FAST HIGHWAY. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 8, 2009
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS FRACTURED THREE TIMES. THIS CONDITION CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ENTER INTO LIMP MODE, AND SUBSEQUENTLY STOPS FUEL DELIVERY INTO THE ENGINE. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 8, 2009
IN JULY OF 2009 THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT ON MY 2008 335I. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND WAS AWARE OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE. ON NOVEMBER 12TH THE FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AGAIN AND WAS REPLACED. BMW STATED THAT THEY HAVE EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE HP FUEL PUMP BUT COULD NOT GIVE A REASON TO THE DEFECT. ON NOVEMBER 30TH THREE FUEL INJECTORS AND 3 SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. ON ALL 3 OCCASIONS CAR LOST POWER AND OR STARTED TO SPUTTER. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON ALL 3 TIMES. I'VE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE AND AM CURRENTLY STARTING A LEMON LAW CLAIM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 4, 2009
MY 2009 BMW 335I EXPERIENCED A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING. THIS FAILURE CAUSED MY VEHICLE TO STALL AND BECOME INOPERABLE IN TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PUSHED OUT OF THE INTERSECTION AND REQUIRED A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. HPFP FAILURES ARE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE BMW N54 ENGINE AND HAVE BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM SINCE THE ENGINE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 2006 AND STILL PLAGUES VEHICLES CURRENTLY MANUFACTURED. SOME PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR FUEL PUMPS REPLACED 3 OR MORE TIMES. THE FAILURE MODE OF THIS COMPONENT CREATES A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE DRIVER. WHILE BMW HAS EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THIS COMPONENT THEY HAVE NOT ADDRESSED THE ROOT CAUSE AND THE SAFETY ISSUES STILL REMAIN. NOTE: THE VEHICLE SELECTOR DID NOT HAVE THE 335I AS AN AVAILABLE MODEL FOR MODEL YEAR 2009. I SELECTED 2008 SO THAT THE VEHICLE MODEL WOULD BE CORRECT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 3, 2009
BMW 335I 2008 HPFP FAILED. 2ND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 2, 2009
2008 BMW 335I SEDAN. HPFP (HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP) FAILED AT 11,000 MILES-CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE (HALF POWER). HPFP REPLACED AT DEALER. NEW PUMP FAILED AT 13,000-ALSO REPLACED. NOW AT 15,000 MILES, CAR IS EXPERIENCING LONG CRANKS AGAIN (SYMPTOMS OF PUMP FAILURE) AGAIN. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Dec 2, 2009
HPFP FAILURE ONCE ON 10/16/08 AND AGAIN ON 09/30/09. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 18, 2009
2008 BMW 335I ENGINE MALFUNCTION CAME ON FOR 3RD TIME THIS YEAR AND 1 WEEK AFTER THE LAST TIME. FUEL INJECTOR WAS REPLACED, BUT I'VE LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THIS VEHICLE. IT OCCURRED ON STARTUP. AFTER DROPPING OFF CAR FOR SERVICE I CONTACTED BMWNA CUSTOMER RELATIONS TO SEE WHAT OPTIONS I HAVE UNDER CA LEMON LAW AS I CAN'T DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WITH ANY CONFIDENCE. WILL HEAR BACK FROM THEM ON 11/19/2009. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 18, 2009
BMW 335I ENGINE MALFUNCTION LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN FOR SECOND TIME THIS YEAR. SECOND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED IN UNDER 1 YEAR. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 18, 2009
2008 BMW 335I THREW A ENGINE MALFUNCTION AND THEN WENT TO REDUCED POWER MODE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Oct 28, 2009
DEAR BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC: WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTORS ON THE ABOVE SUBJECT VEHICLE. WE'VE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL, 11458 ALPHARETTA HWY, ROSWELL, GA 30076 -- PHONE# 678-832-4600. UNITED BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC SENT US A LETTER SEVERAL MONTHS THIS YEAR IN 2008, INFORMING US THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF SOME ISSUES PERTAINING TO THE FUEL PUMP ON THE 335I'S. ALEXANDER MATHIS HAS ENCOUNTERED THESE "EXACT" ISSUES LISTED BELOW IN THE CORRESPONDENCE FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC. WE'VE TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO TAKE VEHICLE BACK TO THE UNITED BMW OF ROSWELL ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS PERTAINING TO ISSUES. TO OUR AMAZEMENT, BMW ROSWELL COMMUNICATED THAT THE FUEL IN THE VEHICLE HAD TO MUCH ETHANOL IN THE FUEL TANK. THEY SAID THE BMW ONLY ALLOWS 10% OF ETHANOL IN THE GASOLINE AND THAT SOME TEST WERE SHOWING THAT THERE WAS 15% OF ETHANOL IN THE FUEL. NONETHELESS, WE FAXED OVER A COPY OF THE GAS RECEIPT WHICH CERTAINLY SHOWS THAT WE PUT 93 OCTANE GAS IN BOTH OF OUR BMW'S. WE BOTH USE THE SAME GAS STATIONS AND THE SAME 93 OCTANE FUEL. HOWEVER, THE 2006 330I SEDAN IS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY PROBLEMS AT ALL, BUT THE 335I IS EXPERIENCING THAT VERY ISSUES THAT BMW NORTH AMERICA LISTED BELOW IN THEIR CORRESPONDENCE. WE NEVER BROUGHT THIS ISSUE TO BMW NORTH AMERICA, LLC'S ATTENTION. HOWEVER, WE STILL RECEIVED A LETTER IN MAIL PERTAINING TO THESE "EXACT" ISSUES. THE LETTER PRECISELY INDICATED THE SAME ISSUES THAT ALEXANDER MATHIS IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING WITH HIS VEHICLE. THIS IS EXTREMELY FRUSTRATING TO THE CUSTOMER THAT THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE CAUGHT UP IN AN ISSUE BETWEEN UNITED BMW ROSWELL, BMW NORTH AMERICA, LLC AND EXXON GAS STATION WHERE THE FUEL WAS PURCHASED. PERSONALLY, I JUST COULDN'T IMAGINE BMW ALLOWING THEIR VALUABLE CUSTOMERS TO GO THROUGH SUCH A CUMBERSOME AND TEDIOUS PROCESS TO GET THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY WITH A LITTLE OVER 46,000 MILE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 19, 2009
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP) FAILED AND THE CAR IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE PUMP FAILED BECAUSE IT DOES NOT REACT WELL TO SULFUR IN THE GASOLINE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Aug 10, 2009
I FEEL THIS SITUATION WARRANTS YOUR IMMEDIATE REVIEW FOR A POSSIBLE FORCED RECALL. MY 2008 BMW 335XI BEGAN HAVING SPORADIC PROBLEMS IN SEPTEMBER 2009. BECAUSE OF MY DISTANCE TO A DEALERSHIP AND LONG TIME BETWEEN PROBLEMS I DID NOT TAKE THE CAR TO A DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. BY DECEMBER THE PROBLEMS BECAME MORE SEVERE AND FREQUENT. THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WOULD BECOME ILLUMINATED, THE ENGINE WOULD HAVE SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER POWER AND THE CAR WOULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING. I HAD FIRST TAKEN THE CAR TO A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR ON JAN 2, 2009 AND THEN AGAIN TO A BMW SERVICE CENTER 3 MORE TIMES. IN ALL 4 CASES THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CLAIMED TO HAVE MADE A SOFTWARE ADJUSTMENT AND SAID THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. IN ALL 4 CASES THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED. IT WAS NOT UNTIL THE 5TH TIME TAKEN TO A DEALER AND MY CALLING THE REGIONAL MANAGER AND THREATENING TO RETURN THE CAR THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FINALLY REPLACED. BASED ON COMMENTS MADE BY TECHNICIANS I SUSPECT THAT BMW REALIZES IT HAS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM WITH THE FUEL PUMP AND THEY HAVE IMPLEMENTED A STALL POLICY ON REPLACING THE UNITS TO SPREAD OUT THE FINANCIAL IMPACT AND/OR HOPE THE PROBLEM EXTENDS BEYOND THE WARRANTY PERIOD. THE DANGER WITH THIS ACTION IS THAT IT PLACES THE DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS AT RISK AS THE CAR CAN STALL WITHOUT OUT WARNING SUCH AS IN AN INTERSECTION AS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 10, 2009
WHEN STARTING MY CAR THE ENGINE JERKED AND ALMOST STALLED ON START-UP. ALSO UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS CAR ACCELERATION IS SLUGGISH AND IS "JERKY" DURING BRAKING. THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING PROBLEM SINCE I TOOK DELIVERY IN OCTOBER 2007. FUEL PUMP AND FUEL INJECTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE. CAR IS IN THE SHOP ON AVERAGE OF ONCE EVERY 3 WEEKS! DEALER CONTINUES TO REPLACE PARTS BUT THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURS. PARTS SEEM TO BE DEFECTIVE! *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 17, 2009
I WAS DRIVING ON A THOROUGHFARE AND SUDDENLY THE WARNING LIGHT WENT OFF IN MY CAR AND THE POWER DECREASED. THE WARNING SAID "ENGINE MALFUNCTION--REDUCED POWER." THE CAR BASICALLY LOST POWER AND I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH NOT TO GET KILLED AS I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH CARS CAREENING AROUND ME AND ALMOST REAR ENDING ME. IT WAS TERRIFYING. I LOOKED UP THIS PROBLEM ONLINE AND FOUND THAT IT IS COMMON FOR THE 330 SERIES OF BMWS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS. THIS PROBLEM IS DUE TO A SUCCESSION OF HIGH POWER FUEL PUMPS IN THE TWIN ENGINES. WHY HASN'T THIS PROBLEM BEEN ADDRESSED? DOES SOMEONE NEED TO DIE? I AM A WRECK AND DON'T THINK I CAN TRUST BMW. THEY KEEP PUTTING IN DIFFERENT PUMPS IN OTHER PEOPLES CARS FROM THE BOARDS, AND THEY STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 13, 2009
ON SUNDAY MAY 10, 2009, I WAS DRIVING MY BMW 335 WHEN I EXPERIENCED THE CAR SHAKING AND BREAKING DOWN. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP TO BE NOTIFIED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND IT WAS BECAUSE I USED 15% ETHANOL GAS. THIS IS ABSURD AS I HAVE BEEN USING THE GAS RECOMMENDED BY BMW AND I HAVE ALL THE RECEIPTS TO PROVE IT, ALL GAS IN NEW YORK STATE CONTAINS THE LEGAL 10% ETHANOL SO I DON'T SEE HOW ANY CONSUMER COULD KNOW IF THE ETHANOL PERCENTAGE IS HIGHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE PUTTING IN. THE HPFP IS A HUGE PROBLEM IN MANY 335 MODELS AND BMW HAS EVEN ISSUED A RECALL OVER IT IN THE PAST, THE PROBLEM IS STILL NOT FIXED. THIS IS A FAULT IN THE FUEL PUMP AND BMW IS ATTEMPTING TO PIN IT ON BAD GAS AND TRYING TO DENY WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 8, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLS. THE RADIO AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS REMAIN FUNCTIONAL, BUT ALL THE OTHER COMPONENTS STOP WORKING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THEY PLACED GASOLINE IN THE FUEL TANK AND THE VEHICLE STARTED IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AT LEAST A QUARTER TANK OF GAS AND THAT THE LOW FUEL INDICATOR HAD NOT ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE HAS RECURRED AT LEAST FOUR TIMES SINCE THE REPAIR AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER 3 TIMES. THE SECOND TIME SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER, THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED 70 MILES REMAINING IN THE FUEL TANK. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO KEEP AS MUCH GASOLINE IN HER VEHICLE AS POSSIBLE. WHEN THE FAILURE RECURRED THE THIRD TIME, THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL LEVEL SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE VEHICLE. DURING THE FOURTH VISIT TO THE DEALER, THEY REMOVED THE FUEL TANK AND FOUND THAT ONE OF THE FUEL LINES WAS PINCHED. THE DEALER RE-ATTACHED THE FUEL RETURN LINE. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN AND DISPLAYED THAT THERE WAS 94 MILES OF FUEL REMAINING IN THE VEHICLE. THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT DID NOT ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT PLACED GASOLINE IN THE VEHICLE AND DROVE TO THE DEALER. TESTS WERE PERFORMED ON THE RIGHT LEVEL SENDER, THE HARNESS WAS DISCONNECTED AT THE JBE SENSOR, WIRES WERE REPLACED, AND THE HARNESS WAS REASSEMBLED. THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND IT PERFORMED NORMALLY FOR THREE WEEKS. RECENTLY, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH. THE FUEL GAUGE DISPLAYED 56 MILES REMAINING IN THE TANK. SHE PLACED FUEL IN THE VEHICLE, BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,025 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,425. UPDATED 06/09/09. *LJ UPDATED 06/10/09.*JB
Fuel system, Gasoline, Apr 25, 2009
HAVE HAD FUEL PUMP FAILURE FOUR TIMES THIS MONTH NUMEROUS OTHER PROBLEMS. *TR