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.
Air bags, Oct 25, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Oct 21, 2016
NO PROGRESS ON RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071 SINCE NOTIFICATION 7+ MONTHS AGO. GIVEN THE YEAR OF MY BMW SERIES 3 SPORTSWAGON (2008) AND MY COASTAL LOCATION, I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT PARTS ARE STILL NOT AVAILABLE TO CORRECT THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE RECALL NOTICE DIRECTS THE CONSUMER TO CONTACT WWW.SAFECAR.GOV "IF YOUR BMW CENTER IS UNABLE TO REMEDY THE DEFECT ... WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME."
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
Air bags, Oct 18, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. 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 FOR LONGER THAN 6 MONTHS. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACTS VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Oct 17, 2016
TAKATA INFLATORS ARE DEFECTIVE. I RECEIVED A LETTER SEVEN MONTHS AGO FROM BMW IN MARCH 2016 INFORMING ME OF A RECALL. I HAVE RECEIVED NO FURTHER NOTICE AS TO WIN THESE REPAIRS WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. BMW SHOULD HAVE TO COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR THEIR FLAWED AND DANGEROUS DESIGN. AS THIS CAR IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION I HAVE NO CHOICE THAN TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WITH SAFETY FEATURES THAT COULD ACTUALLY INCREASE MY RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. THIS WARRANTS FINANCIAL COMPENSATION FROM BMW. ALSO, THE CRUISE CONTROL STOPPED WORKING FOR ABSOLUTELY NO REASON.
Air bags, Oct 6, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR FOR OVER A YEAR. THE DEALER DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 30, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 24, 2016
I WAS DRIVING AT 60 MILES PER HOUR ON WOODALL ROGERS FWY IN DALLAS, WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHAKING AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I PULLED OVER ON THE HIGHWAY AND COULD NOT GET THE CAR TO START AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW. THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH A PREVIOUS RECALL ABOUT THE FUEL PUMP AND GAVE ME A $3,000 QUOTE. I HAD IT TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED A WATER PUMP AND OTHER ITEMS. HOWEVER, THE RECALL INFORMATION I HAVE BEEN READING DESCRIBES EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. WHENEVER I DRIVE MY CAR NOW AND I ACCELERATE, IT STILL GIVES ME AN ENGINE WARNING AND STARTS SHAKING. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS "SUFFERING" FROM THE WATER PUMP ISSUE.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Sep 21, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME. THE DEALER PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE FOR MONTHS AND LATER SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT, INDICATING THAT THE REMEDY WAS AN INTERIM SOLUTION UNTIL THE MANUFACTURER WAS ABLE TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REPAIR SOLUTION. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE LOANER VEHICLE WOULD NO LONGER BE PROVIDED AFTER THE INTERIM REPAIR WAS COMPLETED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED TO ADDRESS THE GUIDELINES OF THE INTERIM REPAIR AND TO DETERMINE WHEN THE PERMANENT REPAIR SOLUTION WOULD BE PROVIDED TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Sep 14, 2016
TAKADA RECALL. NEW OWNER OF USED 328I, I DO NOT SEE ANY PROOF THAT AIR BAG RECALL WAS PERFORMED ON THE USED CAR I BOUGHT. NO LETTER RECEIVED
Electrical system, Sep 13, 2016, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 328XI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S HOUSE, IT CAUGHT FIRE. THE ORIGIN OF THE FIRE WAS BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, WHICH CAUSED THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED DESTROYED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND THE INSURANCE ADJUSTER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 126,000.
Exterior lighting, Sep 12, 2016
I HAVE A 2008 BMW 335I, AND RECENTLY I NOTICED SOMETHING THAT IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE, AND IS A MAJOR FIRE HAZARD AS WELL. INSIDE OF THE SEALED HEADLIGHT HOUSING, IS A WIRE HARNESS THAT'S USED TO POWER THE HEADLIGHTS. THAT HARNESS HAS SEVERAL WIRES COMING OUT OF IT, AND EACH ONE OF THOSE WIRES HAS A PROTECTIVE COLORED INSULATED COATING THAT DISTINGUISHES THE WIRES FROM ONE ANOTHER, SUCH AS POWER, GROUND, ETC. WELL, EVERY SINGLE WIRE THAT COMES OUT OF THAT HARNESS IS CRACKED AND MISSING SECTIONS OF INSULATION ALL TOGETHER, WHICH EXPOSES THE COPPER WIRES UNDERNEATH. THIS IS A HUGE FIRE SAFETY ISSUE, AND UPON RESEARCHING IT I NOTICED DOZENS OF PEOPLE EXPERIENCING THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE. I HAVE GONE THROUGH TWO SETS OF HEADLIGHTS AND NOW IT IS VERY APPARENT AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THE WIRES INSIDE THERE ARE TOUCHING AND KEEP SHORTING OUT MY HEADLIGHTS. I'VE ATTACHED A PICTURE SHOWING THAT I'VE EVEN HAD TO STICK A PIECE OF ELECTRICAL TAPE IN THERE AS AN EFFORT TO TRY AND AVOID A CATASTROPHIC EVENT. HOPEFULLY THIS IS TAKEN A BIT MORE SERIOUSLY BY BMW AND THEY ARE MOTIVATED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE ANYTHING TRAGIC OCCURS.
Air bags, Sep 8, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Engine, Sep 7, 2016
VALVE COVER GASKET LEAKS OIL ON EXHAUST MANIFOLD CREATING BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN. THIS CREATES A FIRE HAZARD WITH OIL ON HOT EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WHEN STARTING CAR IN THE MORNING IS WHEN THE SMELL IS THE STRONGEST AND LAST THROUGHOUT THE DRIVE. THIS IS A DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. PARKING VEHICLE IN GARAGE CAN BURN HOUSE DOWN IF OIL CAUSES FIRE!
Air bags, Sep 6, 2016
EXCESSIVE TIME FROM NOTIFICATION TO RESOLUTION, CURRENTLY 7 MONTHS WITH NO RESOLUTION. NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: OPENS NEW WINDOW TAKES AWAY FROM VIN LOOKUP SECTION> 16V071 RECALL DATE: FEBRUARY 5, 2016 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: NA SUMMARY: DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG: DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT IN AN ACCIDENT, THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE MAY PRODUCE EXCESSIVE INTERNAL PRESSURE THAT COULD CAUSE THE INFLATOR TO RUPTURE. SAFETY RISK: INFLATOR RUPTURE COULD RESULT IN METAL FRAGMENTS STRIKING THE DRIVER OR OTHER PASSENGERS, POTENTIALLY RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. REMEDY: YOUR BMW CENTER WILL REPLACE THE DRIVER'S FRONT AIR BAG MODULE. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE LARGE VOLUME OF NEW INFLATORS NEEDED TO REPAIR VEHICLES, THE NECESSARY PARTS WILL NOT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE. AS A RESULT, OWNERS OF AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RECALL IN AN INITIAL NOTIFICATION LETTER. ONCE REPLACEMENT PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE BMW WILL SEND ANOTHER NOTIFICATION LETTER TO OWNERS, BEGINNING WITH OLDER MODEL YEAR VEHICLES LOCATED IN BMW'S PREVIOUSLY DEFINED HAH (HIGH ABSOLUTE HUMIDITY) REGION AND EXPANDING ACCORDINGLY AS MORE PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE. RECALL STATUS: RECALL INCOMPLETE. REMEDY NOT YET AVAILABLE
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2016
HEAD LIGHT WIRING SHEATHING IS DETERIORATING , IT IS FLAKING OFF CAUSING WIRES TO TOUCH, IT HAS CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND FRIED MY LIGHTING BALLAST AND BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 30, 2016
TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF STAYS ILLUMINATED EVEN WHILE PASSENGER IS IN THE SEAT WITH SEAT BELT ON! NOT SAFE!!!!
Air bags, Aug 29, 2016
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED 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 REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air bags, Aug 28, 2016
TAKATA RECALL BMW HAS YET TO REMEDY THE DEFECT WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME. I RECEIVED THE RECALL LETTER IN MARCH 2016 AND HAVE NOT HEARD FROM THEM SINCE ON THE STATUS OF THE RECALL. I I ALSO HAVE CONTACTED THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP AND HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM THEM REGARDING MY CONCERN FOR THE RECALL. I DO NOT HAVE ANOTHER VEHICLE TO DRIVE AND AM INCREASING THE RISK ON MY LIFE EVERY TIME I AM ON THE ROAD.
Engine, Aug 26, 2016
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND THE WATERPUMP I CHANGED TWO TIMES, KEEP OVERHEATING AND ALMOST GETTING IN FIRE FLAMES, I NEED HELP PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP ME, IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO GET TO THIS LEVEL, I SPEND ALL MY MONEY MOST OF THE TIME ON MY CAR. THE WATERPUMP STOP WORKING SMOKE COMES OUT OF ENGINE,BECOME SO HOT THAT BURNED MY FACE TWO TIME,WHEN WATERPUMP WHEN WRONG,HIT MY OIL COOLER,RADIATOR,AND MUCH MORE STUFF ALONE.
Air bags, Aug 24, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED 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 MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Aug 22, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. RECALL ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MARCH 2016 AND BMW DEALER STILL DOES NOT HAVE PARTS TO COMPLETE REPAIR. I HAVE BEEN ON A WAITING LIST FOR MONTHS, WITH NO FIRM DATE FOR WHEN THIS WILL BE FIXED.
Air bags, Aug 20, 2016
"TAKATA RECALL" I HAVE TIED TO GET A ON A WAITING LIST FOR THE RECALLED AIR BAGS BUT I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING BACK FROM OUR DEALER. MY WIFE'S CAR IS A 2008 BMW AND WE LIVE IN VERY HUMID CENTRAL FLORIDA. WE HAVE A 17 MONTH OLD SON WHICH ONLY INCREASES MY CONCERN. WHAT OPTIONS DO WE HAVE TO FIND OUT A PRIORITY ORDER FOR HER?
Structure, Engine, Aug 16, 2016
MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS SHEARING OFF. COMMON PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH A SAFETY RECALL.