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.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 24, 2013
AS I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ONE EVENING, MY 2008 BMW 328I COUPE BEGAN ACTING STRANGE. THE INTERIOR OVERHEAD LIGHTS AS WELL AS MOST ALL OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS (RADIO, HAZARD BUTTON, ON-BOARD COMPUTER ETC.) BEGAN TO FLICKER ACCOMPANIED BY A TICKING NOISE IN SEQUENCE WITH THE FLICKERING. THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING AS THOUGH IT WAS ABOUT TO SHUT DOWN; THAT'S WHEN I DECIDED TO PULL OVER. AS I PULLED OFF OF THE ROAD, THE STEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT AND THE FLICKERING BECAME MORE FREQUENT. WHILE COMING TO A STOP (TRAVELING AT ABOUT 10MPH), THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I LOST COMPLETE CONTROL OF VITAL MECHANISMS SUCH AS STEERING, POWER, LIGHTING (BOTH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR). THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT UNUSUALLY FIRM/STIFF (NOT SPONGY OR SOFT AS IT SHOULD FEEL). AT THIS POINT, THE VEHICLE HAD COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WITH THE GEAR SELECTOR STILL IN "DRIVE". I ATTEMPTED TO RE-START THE VEHICLE BUT IT FAILED TO START. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO MY APARTMENT AND THE FOLLOWING DAY, I TOOK IT TO A REPUTABLE, INDEPENDENT BMW MECHANIC. HIS DIAGNOSIS WAS THAT SOMETHING RELATED TO THE VEHICLE'S BATTERY, POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM/ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CIRCUITRY WAS FAULTY--WHICH IN TURN, KILLED THE STARTER. HE REPLACED THE BATTERY WITH A NEW OEM BATTERY AS WELL AS REPLACED THE STARTER WITH AN NEW OEM STARTER AND THE RELATED WIRING/CIRCUITRY. A FEW WEEKS LATER, I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL-- MARCH 2013 RECALL NO. 13V-044 : POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM. BECAUSE THE SYMPTOMS NOTED IN THE RECALL LETTER MATCH THOSE I EXPERIENCED IDENTICALLY, I AM SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR THE COST OF REPAIR THAT CORRELATES TO THIS ISSUE. HOWEVER, BMW STATES IT WILL ONLY REIMBURSE THE COST OF REPAIR PERTAINING TO THE SINGLE PART AT FAULT/RECALLED. THE CAUSE OF THIS RECALL IS KNOWN, BUT THEY ARE FAILING TO REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR THE DAMAGING EFFECTS THAT THE FAULTY/RECALLED PART MAY HAVE HAD ON OTHER COMPONENTS. *TR
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
Electrical system, Mar 4, 2013
MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED, ENGINE TURNED OFF, STARTED THE CAR AGAIN AND IT WORK. CAME BACK AFTER DROPPING THE KIDS AND AFTER THE CAR IN PARK, REMOVED THE KEY AND FAN WAS ON. TRIED STARTING THE CAR AND WHITE SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT. NOW THE BATTERY DRAIN, CAR WONT START, THE DASHBOARD FLICKERS. CALLED BMW AND TOLD THEM AND SAID THE SYMPTOMS POINT TO RECALL ISSUE, NO RESPONSE. *TR
Electronic stability control (ESC), Mar 1, 2013
DASHBOARD WARNING INDICATOR SHOWS THAT STABILITY CONTROL IS NOT FUNCTIONING. *TR
Engine, Feb 19, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 70 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ENGINE JUST SUDDENLY STOPPED. WHILE THE CAR WAS SLOWING DOWN I HAVE TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE CAR. THEN AFTER DRIVING FOR ANOTHER 10 MIN THE ENGINE STOPPED AGAIN THIS TIME I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO PULL OVER AND STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY. I HAVE TO KEEP TRYING BEFORE IT RESTARTED. I STOPPED AT A GAS STATION AND WAS AFRAID TO DRIVE IT AGAIN. FINALLY WITHOUT A CHOICE AFTER AN HOUR I STARTED THE CAR BACK UP AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME. *TR
Engine, Feb 16, 2013
I TOOK MY 2008 BMW 328I 51K MILES TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR A ROUGH IDLE/VIBRATION PROBLEM WHEN CAR IS STOPPED WITH BRAKE APPLIED. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND HAS TWO BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS ON THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF VEHICLE. THESE BROKEN BOLTS CAUSED THE ENGINE TO DROP WHICH CAUSED ADDITION DAMAGE TO ENGINE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND SOLE DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE AND IT HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR EXPERIENCED ANY HAZARDOUS ROAD CONDITIONS. I GOOGLED "BMW BROKEN MOTOR MOUNT BOLT" AND FOUND DOZENS OF FORUMS AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENING TO 2008, 2007 AND OTHER MODEL YEAR. THESE COMPLAINTS WERE FROM 328XI AND I OWNERS AS WELL AS MANY OTHER MODEL NUMBERS AROUND THE 2008 MODEL YEAR. I READ THAT BMW IS THE ONLY AUTO MAKER THAT USES ALUMINUM RATHER THAN STEEL BOLTS AND COULD NOT FIND ANY RECALL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ISSUE. THE COMPLAINTS I READ MENTIONED THAT BMW OF NORTH AMERICA DID NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. I WILL BE CONTACTING THEM ONCE THE REPAIRS ON MY CAR ARE COMPLETE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED. *TR
Engine, Feb 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FUEL INJECTORS AND SPARK PLUGS WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 76,400.
Engine, Feb 12, 2013
THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE WHILE MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE,. HOWEVER, I ONLY COME TO KNOW ABOUT THE RECALL WHEN THE PROBLEM EXISTED. I WOULD CHECK WITH YOUR SERVICE ADVISER BECAUSE BMW SEEMS TO BE HIDING THIS ISSUE! THIS IS THE 1ST INCIDENT AFTER BRINGING IN MY CAR FOR SIMILAR ISSUE AND 2ND TIME HAPPENING TO MY CAR. DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AT ABOUT 15 MILES/HR AND STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE CAR STARTED SHAKING WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS AND WOULDN'T MOVE FORWARD SMOOTHLY; FELT LIKE A CAR BREAKING DOWN. DRIVE ABOUT 1 BLOCK DOWN (TO THE NEXT LIGHT), THE CAR IS STILL SHAKING AND CAN'T DOESN'T MOVE. THE CAR CONTINUE TO SHAKE VICIOUSLY AS I WAS PARKED AT A RED LIGHT, SO I DECIDED TO TURN AWAY FROM MAIN STREET TO STOP. THE CAR DIDN'T REALLY MOVE, JUST GLIDED. STOPPED THE CAR COMPLETELY AND RESTARTED IT. AFTER RESTARTING THE CAR, THE CAR WAS BACK TO NORMAL. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 12, 2013
THIS IS THE 1ST INCIDENT. DRIVING LIKE USUAL, UP A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES PER HOUR THEN LET GO OF GAS AND BRAKE TO LET THE CAR GO DOWN THE HILL ITSELF. SUDDENLY, THE CAR SOUNDED LIKE IT HAS SHIFTED AND AT THE SAME TIME SPEED UP BY ITSELF. THOUGHT I SWITCHED TO MANUAL DRIVE, SO TRY TO SWITCH BACK, BUT NO SWITCHES WAS MAD. TRY TO STEP ON THE BRAKE, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. SO, TRY TO SWITCH FROM AUTO TO MANUAL DRIVE, CAR STILL HAS NO REACTION. STEP ON THE BRAKE FORCEFULLY TO HAVE THE CAR STOP. THANK GOODNESS THIS WAS LATE AT NIGHT SO NO CAR WAS BEHIND OR IN FRONT OF ME. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 12, 2013
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 75 MILES/HR, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY DROPPED DOWN SPEED DRASTICALLY (FELT LIKE SOMEONE DOWN SHIFTED THE CAR) AND STARTED TO SHAKE AND RUMBLE. TRY TO STEP ON THE GAS, BUT THE CAR WON'T RESPOND IN SPEEDING CAR; TRY TO STEP ON THE BREAK, THE CAR WON'T STOP EITHER. COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF THE CAR FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS. THEN, THE CAR SUDDENLY SHIFTED BACK IT IT'S NORMAL GEAR AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. READ THE TEMPERATURE OF THE ENGINE OIL, THE TEMPERATURE WAS ON "0". THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jan 22, 2013
AFFECTED STEERING, FAILING FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHING.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BATTERY CABLE FAILED AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,400.
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
Wheels, Jan 3, 2013
THERE IS A CRACK IN THE RIM WHICH IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THIS FINE CRACK CAUSES LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRE. THE TIRE ITSELF IS INTACT AND UNDAMAGED AS IS THE RIM. BOTH TIRE AND RIM ARE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT AND WERE ON THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF DELIVERY IN DEC. 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT OR STRUCK ANY OBJECT WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DEFECT. SINCE THE MANUFACTURING DEFECT CAUSES LOSS OF AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRE, THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE CRACK IN RIM WAS DIAGNOSED AFTER TWO VISITS BY DISCOUNT TIRE ON CERRILLOS ROAD IN SANTA FE, NM. [XXX] AT BMW N.A. SUGGESTED I CONTACT THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHO MANUFACTURED THE RIM AND THEN DEAL WITH THE RIM MANUFACTURER. HE SAYS THAT BMW ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR RIMS AND THAT RIMS ARE NOT COVERED BY THE VEHICLE WARRANTY. [XXX]. SAID HE COULD NOT TELL ME WHO MANUFACTURED THE RIM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 25, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE POWER DOOR LOCKS FAILED ON ALL OF THE DOORS. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE PREVENTED THE DOORS FROM BEING OPEN MANUALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IF YOU WAS INSIDE THE VEHICLE YOU HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE THE KEY ON THE OUTSIDE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ONLY DOOR THAT COULD BE UNLOCKED IN THIS SITUATION WAS THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR, ANY ONE ELSE IN THE VEHICLE HAS TO CLIMB OVER TO THE DRIVER SEAT TO EXIT. THE CONTACT FELT THIS WAS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR THE ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR ACTUATORS FAILED AND VERIFIED THAT THE DRIVERS DOOR WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT WOULD OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 31,000. UPDATED 12/06/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR WITH THE USE OF THE KEY WORKED. UPDATED 12/06/12
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2012
THE DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. THE LIGHTS FLASH ON THE OUTSIDE BUT EVEN WHEN PUSHING THE UNLOCK BUTTON FROM THE INSIDE OF THE CAR THE DOORS STAY LOCKED. I'M BEING TOLD IT IS A FUSE, BUT LITERALLY NONE OF THE DOORS WILL LOCK OR UNLOCK. THE ONLY WAY I WAS ABLE TO EXIT MY CAR WAS BY CRAWLING OUT OF MY WINDOW. *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 11, 2012
ONE OF THE ELECTRIC DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED AND CAUSED A FUSE TO BLOW. WHEN THIS OCCURRED THE DRIVER DOOR COULD ONLY BE UNLOCKED WITH THE METAL KEY AND NOT BY THE ELECTRONIC LOCK REMOTE. WHAT WAS SO DANGEROUS IS THAT NONE OF THE OTHER 3 PASSENGER DOORS COULD BE OPENED EITHER FROM OUTSIDE OR EVEN FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. ESSENTIALLY ALL THE PASSENGERS WERE TRAPPED IN THE CAR AND HAD TO CLIMB OUT THROUGH THE DRIVER DOOR WHICH COULD BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. HAD THERE BEEN AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY IT COULD HAVE TAKEN TOO LONG TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. THE 3 PASSENGER DOORS DID NOT BEGIN WORKING UNTIL THE FUSE AND DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR WAS REPLACED AT A COST OF NEARLY $700. BMW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM. SI B51 19 07 FACTORY SERVICE BULLETIN. *TR
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
Electrical system, Sep 10, 2012, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, SMOKE STARTED TO EMIT INTO VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT AN ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE ENGINE REDUCED IN POWER AS THE SPEED VEHICLE DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONING AND THE REDUCE SPEED WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER A MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER THE MANUFACTURER'S RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 51,000.
Tires, Aug 28, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I EQUIPPED WITH MICHELIN ENERGY LX4 RUN-FLAT TIRES, SIZE: P225/60R17. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES EXHIBITED SMALL PUNCTURES AND WOULD BECOME FLAT FREQUENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE CAUSE OF THE CONSTANT TIRE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Engine, Aug 27, 2012
VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY, APPEARS TO BE AN ENGINE MALFUNCTION. TOOK TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP, HOWEVER PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE WARRANTY HAS JUST EXPIRED SO I HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET. IT APPEARS MANY INDIVIDUALS HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUES WITH THIS PARTICULAR YR, MAKE & MODEL SO UNSURE OF WHY BMW HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. THIS ABSOLUTELY SHOULD BE LOOKED AT BY THE MANUFACTURER AS FROM MY EXPERIENCE WITH IT OCCURRING ON THE HIGHWAY IT CAN DEFINITELY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 23, 2012
SINCE PURCHASING THIS BMW IN FEB 2012, I HAVE HAD THIS CAR AT THE DEALER 4 TIMES ( AND ITS ONLY AUG. 2012) DUE TO AIR BAG & SEATBELT LIGHTS ON, BOTH FRONT SEATS HAVE HAD SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS REPLACED, & VARIOUS OTHER AIRBAG WORK, FRAYED WIRES UNDER SEAT. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE UNSTOPPABLE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS APPROX 104K MILES. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY ON ITS WAY TO THE DEALER TODAY 08/23/2012 FOR ITS 4TH TRIP -FOR THE UN-STOPPABLE AIRBAG & SEAT BELT LIGHT THAT IT SEEMS TO BE DOOMED WITH. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Aug 20, 2012
DOOR LOCKS WOULDN'T OPEN OR CLOSE. INSIDE UNLOCK CAPABILITIES NOT WORKING EITHER. ONLY ACCESS IN OR OUT IS THROUGH THE KEYED ENTRY. CANNOT EVEN OPEN THE OTHER THREE DOORS. *TR
Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 18, 2012
I HAVE HAD MY CAR IN AT LEAST THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS FOR MY 2008 BMW 328XI E90 SEDAN LOSING ALL POWER RANDOMLY! THE LATEST INCIDENT, IN THE FIRST WEEKS OF AUGUST, ALMOST GOT ME KILLED! A TRANSPORTATION BUS STOPPED SUDDENLY IN FRONT OF ME ON A 3 LANE HIGHWAY AND I WENT INTO THE MIDDLE LANE TO PASS THE BUS. I HAD SLOWED FROM THE SPEED LIMIT OF 55 DOWN TO ABOUT 30 MILES AN HOUR, SWITCHED LANES AND THEN PUNCHED THE GAS IN ORDER TO RESUME SPEED OF THE REST OF TRAFFIC. THE CAR STALLED WITH NO POWER WHATSOEVER FOR ABOUT THREE SECONDS. AN 18 WHEEL TRUCK CAME WITHIN 50 FEET OF ME OR SO AND ALMOST KILLED ME, THEN THE CAR SUDDENLY REGAINED ALL POWER AND I WAS ABLE TO AVERT THE COLLISION! IT IS SO FRUSTRATING THAT THERE ARE AT LEAST THREE OTHER OWNERS OUT THERE THAT HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE ONLINE AND BMW HAS DONE NOTHING TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. THERE ARE NO CODES, NO LIGHTS, NOTHING. I JUST HAD MY CAR IN THE DEALER FOR TWO WEEKS AND THEY RAN FUEL PRESSURE TESTS, DROVE THE CAR, ETC. THE CAR STALLED ONCE ON THEM, BUT THEN THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. I READ ON WWW.E90POST.COM SOME OTHERS HAD THE LEARNING COMPUTER IN THE TRANSMISSION RESET TO ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM. SEEMS THE COMPUTER GETS CONFUSED ON DRIVING HABITS OF OWNER AND FORGETS WHAT GEAR TO BE IN WHEN DRIVING, SO IT STALLS. I HAD DEALER RESET COMPUTER TO ZERO SO IT RELEARNS MY DRIVING HABITS AND I WILL SEE IF THIS FIXES THE PROBLEM. I WILL SAY, THE HESITATION ISSUE DOES SEEM TO BE A TRANSMISSION ISSUE TO MY OBSERVATIONS. SEEM LIKE TRANNY IS FIGURING OUT WHAT GEAR TO BE IN. I THINK THERE IS A GLITCH IN THE SW/TRANNY WHERE THE ECU GETS CONFUSED AND DOES NOT KNOW WHAT GEAR TO PUT THE CAR INTO, THEN IT HESITATES UNTIL THE ALGORITHM FIGURES OUT WHAT TO DO. THE PROBLEM IS THAT THIS 2-3 SECOND LOSS OF POWER, WHEN PASSING, GETTING ONTO A HIGHWAY OR PULLING IN FRONT OF TRAFFIC CAN KILL YOU! *TR