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: other or unspecified
45 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 9, 2018
NHTSA RECALL NUMBER17V676 AND 17V683 WERE ISSUED IN OCTOBER 2017. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED MY NOTICE THAT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND THEY TOLD ME I WOULD RECEIVE ANOTHER NOTICE IN DECEMBER 2017. WE ARE PAST THE DEADLINE AND I HAVE NO WORKING AC OR HEATER DUE TO THE FAN GOING OUT AND WHEN I TURN THE CAR ON I GET A BURN SMELL. I CAN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2018
BLOW MOTOR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 7, 2017
RECENTLY I GOT A LETTER FROM BMW THAT MY VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR TWO ISSUES WHICH I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SINCE A YEAR. 1 OVERHEATING 2. PLASTIC BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE COMPARTMENT. I BROUGHT THIS TO THEIR BMW'S NOTICE MANY TIMES WHICH THEY IGNORED. AND RECENTLY WHEN I GOT THIS RECALL LETTER FROM BMW I GAVE THEM A CALL(PRINCETON BMW), THEY GAVE ME AN APPOINTMENT SAYING THEY WILL FIX THAT. I TOLD THEM CRYSTAL CLEARLY THAT I WAS THERE FOR THE TWO RECALL ISSUES ONLY AND NOTHING ELSE. AND TO MY SHOCK ,LET ALONE REPAIRING THE MANDATORY RECALL ISSUES, THEY GAVE A BIG LIST OF OTHER THINGS, WHICH I DID NOT EVEN ASK FOR, AND THEY CHARGED ME AROUND 170 DOLLARS(ATTACHED COPIES). I AM BRINGING THIS TO YOUR NOTICE FOR SOLELY ONE REASON, AND THAT IS THERE ARE MILLIONS OF UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE WHO ARE UNAWARE OF THIS MALPRACTICE WHO WILL BE FALLING INTO THIS KIND OF TRAP. BMW IS TRYING TO MAKE MONEY OUT OF THIS SITUATION TOO. I AM ATTACHING ALL THE COPIES. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER AND PLEASE MAKE THEM REALIZE THERE IS AN AUTHORITY WATCHING. I FELT LIKE SOMEBODY STOLE MONEY FROM ME. HOPE TO GET A RESPONSE FROM THE DEPARTMENT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2017
I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALER FOR MONTHS TRYING TO GET A REPLACEMENT AIRBAG INSTALLED. I HAVE RECEIVED NUMEROUS LETTERS IN THE MAIL SAYING THEY HAVE THE PARTS BUT ONCE I GO TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT THERE ARE NEVER ANY REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE. THIS DOES NOT MAKE IT SEEM SAFE TO DRIVE. HOW DO I GET MY REPAIR DONE? THANK YOU
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2017
MOTOR SYSTEM CONNECTORS RECALL
Electrical system, Air bags, Other or unspecified, Oct 24, 2017
THE CAR IS NO GOOD ..THE COMPANY SOLD ME A UN SAFE CAR
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2017, fire
ACCORDING TO FIRE FIGHTERS THE CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CAUSED A FIRE. THE SMOKE AND BURN PATTERNS INDICATED THE FIRE BEGAN IN THE FRONT DASH AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NOTHING WAS ON, NO ELECTRICAL DEVICES PLUGGED IN. IT HADN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN SEVERAL HOURS, NO ONE WAS IN THE CAR (DOORS WERE STILL LOCKED, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM NO LONGER OPERATED AND THE WINDOWS HAD TO BE BROKEN TO GET INTO THE VEHICLE). THE FIRE MELTED THE FRONT DASH, ESPECIALLY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, SMOLDERED FOR QUITE A WHILE, AND WAS HOT ENOUGH TO CRACK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THERE IS EXTENSIVE FIRE AND SMOKE DAMAGE TO THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2017
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2016
HEARD A NOISE WHEN TURNING LEFT THEREFORE I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. IMMEDIATELY. AS PER REPORT " FOUND THAT BOLTS TO MOTOR MOUNT SUPPORT ARM SHEERED OFF" - ALL 4 BOLTS WERE REPLACED. THIS CAR IS ONLY DRIVEN ON EVEN ROADS AND ONLY HAS 47,496 MILES AND HAD NO INCIDENT THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS ISSUE!!! THIS WAS ON A CITY STREET.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 18, 2016
I GOT LOCKED IN MY CAR SEVERAL TIMES AND IT WILL NOT UNLOCK.THIS CAN CAUSE DEATH ON A HOT DAY.THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2015
PURCHASED CAR AUGUST 29 2015. ON SEPTEMBER 15 2015 AFTER FUELING AND TURNING ON CAR THE BRAKE, ABS, TRACTION CONTROL AND SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED. WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE VEHICLE OUT OF GAS STATION PARKING LOT. LIGHTS WENT AWAY BUT INTERMITTENTLY WOULD COME ON WHILE DRIVING WHICH CAUSED SUDDEN INABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT CANNOT SWITCH AND GEAR AND IS BEING PUSHED BACK.WHEN THIS HAPPENS THE RESR LIGHTS STOP WORKING SO DRIVERS BEHIND COULD CRASH INTO ME BECAUSE OF SUDDEN DECREASE IN SPEED.TOOK TO DEALER SEPTEMBER 22. SAID THEY FIXED CONTROL MODULE. BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 24, 2015, fire
CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD. BROKE THE WINDOW TO GET THE CAR OPEN, TURNED THE GARDEN HOSE ON TO TRY AND STOP THE CAR FROM BURNING. CALLED 911 FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND HAD TO PRY THE TRUCK OPEN BECAUSE IT WAS STILL SIZZLING. FIRE DEPT CUT THE BATTERY CABLES AND SAID IT LOOKED LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE UNDER THE DASH. GLOVE BOX AND PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT WAS COMPLETELY CHARRED. AFTER 22 DAYS, A BMW ENGINEER AND ALLSTATE INS CALLED IT A TOTAL LOSS. BMW ENGINEERS REPORT STILL HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED. TOTAL LOSS ON A PARKED VEHICLE; CLEARLY THIS VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE AND A DESIGN FAULT. MANUFACTURERS ARE SUPPOSE TO ENGINEER CARS TO WITHSTAND FIRES.
Other or unspecified, Aug 9, 2015
ON THE MORNING OF JULY 25TH, 2015, MY FRIEND WENT TO PICK ME UP FROM NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN MY 2008 BMW 328 XI COUPE. MY CAR HAS BEEN PARKED AT HER HOME IN FAIRFIELD, NJ FOR APPROXIMATELY 7 DAYS WHILE I WAS AWAY ON BUSINESS. SHE DROVE MY CAR TO THE AIRPORT FROM FAIRFIELD, WHICH IS APPROXIMATELY 35 MINUTES. THEN ON OUR WAY BACK TO MY HOUSE, ABOUT 30 MINUTES INTO OUR RIDE, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED DURING THE DRIVE. I HAD THE INSIDE PIECE, CLOSED WHICH SAVED ANY PERSONAL INJURY FROM THE GLASS. I BROUGHT IT TO BMW TO GET THE WINDOW FIXED AND THE TOTAL COST WAS APPROXIMATELY $1,250. BMW SAYS THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURER DEFAULT, BUT ON A CAR THAT HAS ONLY 53K MILES, IT WAS RATHER ODD FOR THAT SUNROOF TO JUST EXPLODE. ALSO TO NOTE, THAT DURING OUR DRIVE BACK BECAUSE IT WAS 7AM ON A SATURDAY MORNING, THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS OR TRUCKS AROUND US THAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE WHICH IS WHAT BMW SUGGESTED.
Other or unspecified, Aug 4, 2015
PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY SHOULD THERE BE A CRASH. THIS VERY ISSUE IS A CAUSE OF A RECALL BY BMW IN 2008, BUT THIS MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2015
ELECTRONIC DOOR LOCKS FAILED TO UNLOCK THUS TRAPPING MYSELF IN THE CAR. NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE EXISTS TO MANUALLY UNLOCK THE DOORS. I HAD TO ROLL THE WINDOW DOWN AND CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE WINDOW. THE 4 DOOR SEDAN HAS SMALL WINDOWS AND I HURT MYSELF (PULLED MUSCLES AND JOINTS) CLIMBING OUT. IF THE WINDOWS FAILED (THEY DID NOT), I WOULD HAVE HAD TO BREAK THE WINDOWS AND THEN CLIMB OUT. ELDERLY OR HANDICAPPED OCCUPANTS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT! ANY POWER FAILURE WILL TRAP OCCUPANTS SINCE NO MECHANICAL OVERRIDE EXISTS!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 9, 2015
2008 BMW 335I COUPE PURCHASED ON JULY 15TH, 2013 FROM CARMAX. CURRENTLY DRIVABLE BUT HAS MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT IS STILL UNDER COVERAGE AND IS VALID AT THE BMW DEALER OR ANY CARMAX NATIONWIDE. WHEN CARMAX CAN'T FIX THE CAR IT'S HAULED OVER TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR AND A CHECK WOULD BE WRITTEN BY MAXCARE TO THE BMW DEALER. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I'VE HAD TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR MAJOR REPAIRS SEVERAL TIMES AND I'M NOT COUNTING MAINTENANCE VISITS. MOST OF THESE MAJOR REPAIRS WERE REPETITIVE MAJOR JOBS SUCH AS OIL LEAKS, FUEL PRESSURE SYSTEM, INJECTORS. AT ONE TIME MY CAR PING PONGED BETWEEN CARMAX AND BMW FOR CLOSE TO 2 MONTHS. CONSIDER THE TIME I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR AND HOW LONG AND HOW MANY TIMES IT'S BEEN OUT OF MY POSSESSION. I WAS PAYING A CAR NOTE FOR A BMW BUT DRIVING AROUND IN A A BASE MODEL RENTAL CAR MOST OF THE TIME. I'VE GOT INVOICES/ESTIMATES WHERE THE CAR WENT IN FOR MAJOR REPAIR OR DIAGNOSIS DURING THESE DATES: 07/22/2013 05/30/2014 06/13/2014 07/01/2014 11/05/2014 06/25/2015 THE REPAIR INVOICE/ESTIMATE ON 11/05/2014 WAS THE BIGGEST ONE. I WAS VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE AMOUNT OF WORK BEING DONE ON THE VEHICLE SO I GOT THE CAR APPRAISED TO SELL BACK TO CARMAX AND THEY TOLD ME $10,000 WHICH I THOUGHT WAS RIDICULOUS. THE WORK DONE ON THAT CAR AMOUNTED TO ALMOST $7,000 OR MORE JUST ON THAT ONE INVOICE WHICH IS 70% OF THE CAR VALUE. ALSO, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP I ACQUIRED THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY FROM BMW. THE HISTORY STATED THAT THE CAR HAD OIL LEAK REPAIR AT THE PAN AND GASKET AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK IN 03/06/2013 AND THE MILEAGE FOR THIS RECORD WAS COMPLETELY OFF. AS YOU CAN SEE THE DATE OF THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 22, 2015
EXPERIENCED SAME PROBLEM NOTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 14V176000. VANOS BOLT SHEARED OFF, CONNECTED TO THE INTAKE CAMSHAFT, THEN TIMING CHAIN BROKE AND CAME OFF.
Other or unspecified, Mar 22, 2013
TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WHEN A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD. CAR INITIALLY APPEARED TO RUN CORRECTLY, HOWEVER, A LOUD THUMPING SOUND (SIMILIAR TO A FLAT TIRE) WAS HEARD WHEN TURNING. HARD BRAKING RESULTED IN VIBRATION. *TR UPON INSPECTION BY THE DEALER, THE RIGHT SIDE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS WERE FOUND TO BE BROKEN. SITUATION APPEARS SIMILIAR TO NHTSA ID# 10435750
Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2012
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN EFFORT TO MAKE A FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE OCCURRING ON CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST, I HAD TAKEN MY CAR (2008, 335I) TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WHILE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, I NOTICED ALL MY SETTINGS WERE LOST. LATER, WITHIN THE HOUR, I NOTICED THAT I COULD NO LONGER UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE REMOTE DOOR OPENER OR FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. I COULD ONLY ENTER AND EXIT (VIA THE DRIVER DOOR) USING THE MANUAL KEY. IN ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, I HAD REVIEWED NUMEROUS SITES/BLOGS AND DISCOVERED THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE ACTUATOR CAUSING A FUSE TO CONTINUE TO BLOW. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY (9/4). THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO SCHEDULE ME THE NEXT DAY. ON TUESDAY, THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR (AS MANY HAVE REPORTED). THE DEALERSHIP ALSO CONFIRMED THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. I AM VERY SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS DEFECT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. INCASE OF AN ACCIDENT, WATER HAZARD AND/OR FIRE, ONLY THE DRIVER IS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALL OTHER PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE SEATS TO EXIT OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. IN CASE OF A FIRE, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2011
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK USING THE KEY FOB OR CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON HTTP://WWW.BMWTIS.COM/TSB/BULLETINS/...P/B511907G.HTM SITUATION ONE OR MORE OF THE DOORS MAY NOT UNLOCK WHEN USING THE REMOTE KEY OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, OR THE CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON INSIDE THE CAR. IT IS STILL POSSIBLE, HOWEVER, TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BY USING THE KEY IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR LOCK CYLINDER OR BY PULLING THE DOOR HANDLE ON THE INSIDE OF THE CAR. TYPICALLY FAULT CODES A6D4 AND A6D5 ARE STORED IN THE JUNCTION BOX ELECTRONICS (JBBF). CAUSE THIS IS DUE TO A BLOWN FUSE IN THE JBBF CAUSED BY EITHER: AN EXCESSIVE AMPERAGE DRAW BY ONE OF THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS, WHICH IS COMMONLY ATTRIBUTED TO SILICONE CONTAMINATION; OR AN INTERMITTENT, BUT ACCEPTABLE, AMPERAGE SPIKE SLIGHTLY ABOVE 15A, DUE TO NORMAL VARIATION IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM. CORRECTION REPLACE THE FUSE WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT RATING. REPLACE THE NECESSARY ACTUATOR AS WELL, BUT ONLY IF IT IS DRAWING EXCESSIVE AMPERAGE.