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
691 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2017
RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER INSIDE DOOR HANDLE BROKE. DOOR CANNOT BE OPENED FROM INSIDE.
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.
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2017, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE, A FIRE STARTED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO NOTIFY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A FIRE INSPECTOR EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. A FIRE INSPECTION REPORT WAS NOT PROVIDED AT THE TIME. THE FIRE BEGAN NEAR THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED AND THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
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.
Air bags, May 30, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A 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 SOUTH SHORE BMW DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED ANY FAILURES. THE VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PART NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, May 20, 2017
TAKATA RECALL.....DRIVERS FRONT SIDE SEAT BELT RECALL NEVER CORRECTED ...RECALL DATE RECEIVED MARCH 2016
Air bags, May 19, 2017
TAKATA RECALL IT HAS BEEN 15 MONTHS SINCE I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL, AND BMW HAS YET TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS REASONABLE.
Air bags, May 16, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE PARTS MAY BECOME AVAILABLE MID MARCH OF 2017 BUT THE PARTS HAD BEEN UNAVAILABLE FOR MONTHS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, May 12, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. RECEIVED FIRST NOTIFICATION ON 02/2016, NO RESPONSE TILL NOW. IT HAS BEEN OVER A YEAR, NEED TO KNOW IF THIS WILL BE FIX OR WHAT IS THE RISK OF KEEP DRIVING WITH THIS ISSUE, BMW WILL BE RESPONSIBLE IF SOMETHING HAPPEN TO ME OR WHO EVER DRIVES THE VEHICLE?
Air bags, May 10, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO THE AIR BAG MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, May 1, 2017
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Apr 28, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). 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 CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Apr 21, 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 MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Seats, Apr 20, 2017
PASSENGER SEAT MAT FAILED TURNING OFF PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FOR A CAR MANUFACTURED IN FALL 2007 IN GERMANY. BMW DON'T WANT TO TAKE OWNERSHIP OF THE PROBLEM DESPITE THIS BEING A SAFETY ISSUE AND MODELS PRIOR TO THIS CUT-OFF DATE HAVING ALREADY BEEN RECALLED FOR THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. THE PASSENGER SEAT IS RARELY USED AND THE CAR, DESPITE BEING 9 YEARS OLD, HAS ONLY DONE 39,000 MILES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION IF THE AIRBAG IS TRULY TURNED OFF THOUGH NO CODES INDICATE THIS IS THE CASE. DON'T KNOW WHAT TO BELIEVE
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Apr 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO SECOND GEAR, BUT LOST POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S JOB. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V067000 (POWER TRAIN). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000.
Electrical system, Structure, Apr 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NONE OF THE DOORS (EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) WOULD UNLOCK OR OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Apr 7, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH A MESSAGE INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY, IF NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SENSOR WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
Air bags, Apr 5, 2017
AFTER THE CAR WAS SERVICED ABOUT A YEAR AND A HALF AGO, THE AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON. WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER, HE SAID THE SENSORS ARE REALLY SENSITIVE ON THE BMWS. I RECENTLY FOUND OUT THAT THIS YEAR AND MODEL HAD A RECALL ON AIRBAGS. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALER THEY ASKED THAT I REFER THIS TO YOU GUYS BECAUSE MY PARTICULAR VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. I AM NOW CONSTANTLY DRIVING IN FEAR OF A AIRBAG MALFUNCTION.
Exterior lighting, Apr 3, 2017, fire
AFTER DRIVING UP TO 75MPH AT HWY, I PARKED MY CAR AT PARKING LOT AND 15 MINUTES LATER , SOMEONE NOTIFIED ME THAT THERE'S SMOKE COMING OUT FROM MY ENGINE BAY. I IMMEDIATELY OPENED THE HOOD AND THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT WAS ON FIRE ALSO SPREAD TO THE HEAT SHIELD (ATTACHED TO THE HOOD). I WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISED THE FIRE BUT THE TOP PART OF THE HEADLIGHT MELTED THRU THE WIRES. I READ THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL ISSUES WITH THIS HEADLIGHT AND WANT TO KNOW IF BMW HAS RECALLED THIS LIGHT. I LOOKED IT UP AND THE PART ITSELF COST AROUND $1,100 PLUS LABOR. IF THIS IS A DEFECT, BMW SHOULD REPLACED THIS PART AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER.
Exterior lighting, Apr 1, 2017
I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE INSULATION SLEEVES ON THE HEADLIGHT WIRING FLAKING OFF. I WITNESSED SHORT CIRCUITS AND SPARKS WHILE SIGNALING AND DRIVING AT NIGHT. ALL THE WIRES ARE ALREADY CLOSE TO EACHOTHER AND NOW THE INSULATION IS COMPLETELY OFF CAUSING A FIRE HAZARD AND FIXING THIS MYSELF IS IMPOSSIBLE AS WELL AS COSTING OVER 1200 DOLLARS JUST TO BUY NEW HEADLIGHTS.
Air bags, Mar 26, 2017
TAKATA RECALL. I WAS MAILED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW ALERTING ME TO THE FACT THAT MY AIRBAGS HAD BEEN RECALLED, AND THAT THEY POSED A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD. THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS IN SUPPLY CURRENTLY TO FIX THE ISSUE, BUT WOULD CONTACT ME AGAIN WHEN THEY HAD THE PARTS. THIS WAS OVER A YEAR AGO. THEY STILL HAVE NOT CONTACTED ME ABOUT REPLACING MY AIRBAGS. THIS HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF IN A TIMELY MANNER AT ALL.
Power train, Mar 9, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S SPEED DECREASED AND FORCED THE CONTACT TO PULL THE VEHICLE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. ...UPDATED 05/03/17 *BF UPDATED 09/21/2017*JS