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.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 23, 2012
WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP SUDDENLY STOPPED FUNCTIONING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 22, 2012
FOURTH INCIDENT - ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE "MALFUNCTION PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" IN ELEVEN MONTHS FOR SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE YET TO BE SCHEDULED WITH DEALER. I KNOW THERE WAS RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM IN 2006 FOR BMW 3-SERIES. I THINK BMW IS INSTALLING FAULTY SEAT MATS. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 22, 2012
THIRD INCIDENT - ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE "MALFUNCTION PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" DEALER CLAIMED THEY FIXED PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 22, 2012
SECOND INCIDENT OF ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE "MALFUNCTION PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" DEALER CLAIMED THEY FIXED PROBLEM. *TR
Air bags, Seat belts, Jul 22, 2012
ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE "MALFUNCTION PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" DEALER CLAIMED THEY FIXED PROBLEM. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Jul 22, 2012
DRIVER EXITED CAR TO PUMP GAS. PASSENGERS REMAINED IN VEHICLE. GAS DOOR COULD NOT BE OPENED AS MAIN DOOR LOCK WAS ENGAGED (THOUGH DRIVERS DOOR WAS UNLOCKED). KEY FOB UNLOCK FUNCTION WOULD NOT WORK TO UNLOCK CAR / GAS CAP. DRIVER PUSHED KEY FOB BUTTONS TO ATTEMPT UNLOCK, DRIVERS DOOR BECAME LOCKED DURING THIS ACTIVITY. NOW NO DOORS COULD BE UNLOCKED. DUE TO FAILURE ALL DOORS EXPERIENCED "2 PULL" DOOR UNLOCK SYSTEM FAILURE, THIS "2 PULL" SYSTEM, THAT IS SUPPOSED TO ENSURE DOORS CAN BE OPENED FROM INSIDE IF LOCK IS ENGAGED APPARENTLY REQUIRE SAME POWER AS GENERAL LOCKING SYSTEM. DRIVER COULD ONLY ENTER CAR BY USING EMERGENCY KEY AND UNLOCKING DRIVER'S DOOR. PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS REMAINED LOCK (AND ARE STILL LOCKED / INOPERABLE DUE TO SYSTEM FAILURE). POWER FAILURE IN DOOR LOCK SYSTEM (OR OTHER ASSOCIATED FAULT) MADE DOOR OPERATION IMPOSSIBLE. ALL DOORS WERE COMPLETELY INOPERABLE FROM THE INSIDE. PASSENGERS COULD NOT EXIT VEHICLE AS DOORS WERE LOCKED AND HANDLES DID NOT WORK. DRIVER COULD NOT ENTER VEHICLE BY KEY FOB UNLOCK FUNCTION. DRIVERS DOOR EXPERIENCED INTERMITTENT OPERATION UNTIL SOME KIND OF MANUAL OVERRIDE, OR SOME OTHER SYSTEM CHANGE, MADE DRIVERS DOOR FUNCTIONAL BY "2 PULL" DOOR UNLOCK / OPEN METHOD. IF DRIVER HAD NOT BEEN PRESENT (IE: IN STORE PAYING FOR GAS OR FOR SOME OTHER REASON) PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED IN CAR. IF ANY PASSENGER HAD BEEN PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND UNABLE TO CRAWL OUT OF CAR VIA DRIVERS DOOR THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN NO WAY FOR PASSENGER TO EXIT CAR !!!!!. DOOR LOCK SYSTEM REMAINS INOPERABLE, PASSENGER AND REAR DOORS STILL LOCKED CLOSED WITH NO WAY TO OPEN THEM. *TR
Suspension, Jul 18, 2012
I HAVE BEEN TELLING THE BMW DEALER FOR A YEAR NOW THAT THE FRONT SUSPENSION IS BAD WHEN THE CAR HITS THE LITTLEST BUMP THE CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT EXPLODED I HAVE A BAD LEFT FRONT STRUT AND I THINK ITS A DEFECT AND I WOULD LIKE IT NOTED AND HAVE A RECALL PLACED ON THIS 328XI 2008. *TR
Visibility/wiper, Jun 25, 2012
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR WINDOW SHATTERED ON MY 2008 BMW 335XI WHILE THE CAR IS PARKED ON A HOT DAY AT AROUND 96 DEGREES OUTDOORS. THE GLASS IS COMPLETELY SHATTERED BUT HELD TOGETHER BY WINDOW TINT FILM. THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF IMPACT WITH ANY OBJECT OF ANY KIND ON THE GLASS OR SURROUNDING AREA. THERE IS NO HOLES ON THE GLASS. THIS IS OBVIOUS A CASE OF DEFECTIVE MATERIAL OF THE GLASS. BMW DEALERSHIP DENIED WARRANTY COVERAGE, ALLEGING THERE IS A PIT ON THE GLASS THAT CAUSES THE BREAKAGE. IF WHAT THE DEALERSHIP ALLEGED IS TRUE THEN IS THE WINDOW SUPPOSED TO FAIL COMPLETELY LIKE THIS WITH ONE PIT THAT WAS NOT VISIBLE TO ME? OR IS THE PIT THE RESULT OF DEFECTIVE PRODUCTION OF THE GLASS? *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, May 21, 2012
I WAS TRAPPED IN THE CAR. THE CARS LOCKS WOULD NOT UNLOCK USING THE UNLOCK BUTTON OR USING THE KEY FOB, NOR WOULD PULLING THE HANDLE UNLOCK OR OPEN THE DOOR. I CALLED BMW ASSIST AND THEY INDICATED THAT THEY HAD HEARD OF SEVERAL SIMILAR ISSUES AND THAT THE ONLY OPTION MAY BE CLIMBING OUT THE WINDOW. VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AS A CPO FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS PRIOR. *TT
Wheels, May 13, 2012
TOOK VEHICLE IN FOR LOW PRESSURE ON RIGHT REAR TIRE. TIRES HAD BEEN MOUNTED APPROXIMATELY 3 MONTHS PRIOR, WHEN MECHANIC TOOK RIM OFF TO TEST FOR LEAK DISCOVERED THREE CRACKS IN RIM ALONG OUTSIDE OF INNER RIM. HAS ORIGINAL RIMS THAT CAME WITH CAR, BMW 10 SPOKE 17" ALLOY STYLE 159. TIRES MOUNTED ARE RUN FLAT AS THEY ARE REPLACEMENTS FOR ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. *TR
Power train, May 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SHIFT ABNORMALLY HARD IN SECOND GEAR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE WEATHER WAS BELOW FREEZING, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE SHIFTED INTO REVERSE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A RANDOM OCCURRENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE DEALER WAS ALWAYS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE REVERSE FAILURE WAS A NORMAL OCCURRENCE IN COLDER TEMPERATURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
Air bags, May 1, 2012, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE PROCEEDING VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES TO THE FACE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED OF THE INCIDENT. THE AIR BAGS FILED TO DEPLOY DURING THE EXTENSIVE IMPACT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,284. UPDATED 05/31/12*LJ
Parking brake, Apr 18, 2012
PARKED CAR USING HAND BRAKE (STANDARD SHIFT CAR). LATER (APPROX 2 HOURS LATER) HANDBRAKE RELEASED AND CAR ROLLED INTO STREET. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, THE HANDBRAKE RELEASED 1 MINUTE AFTER I SET IT (I WAS STILL IN THE CAR AT THE TIME) AND WAS ABLE TO CATCH IT BEFORE IT ROLLED AWAY. *JS
Air bags, Apr 9, 2012
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANCY MALFUNCTION.FAULTY SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTOR MAT. WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON WHEN A PASSENGER SITS IN SEAT. LIGHT SAYS "PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF". THAT MEANS IT IS SET FOR A CHILD. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 22, 2012
WHEN TRAVELLING ON HARLEM RIVER DRIVE MIDDLE LANE, MY CAR ALL THE SUDDEN DISPLAYED AN ENGINE OVERHEAT LIGHT YELLOW THAT TURNED RED WITHIN 3 SECONDS AND STARTED LOSING POWER (FROM 50-60 MPH TO 1 MPH) WITHIN 5 SECONDS...THE CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AS I DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH WARNING TIME TO PULL TO THE SHOULDER. THE DEALERSHIP IS STATING THAT THIS IS A WATER PUMP FAILURE. I AM AWARE THAT THERE ARE RECALLS ON X5S BUT NOT ON MY CAR. MY FRIEND WHO OWNS THE SAME CAR AND YEAR HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM RESULTING IN THE SAME COST OF REPAIR ($1600). MY VEHICLE ALREADY HAS MANY RECALLS INCLUDING SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS, AND HIGH PRESSURED FUEL PUMPS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY BMW AND JUST OUT OF WARRANTY (LESS THAN 60000 MILES). NOT EVEN 4 YEARS YET. I HAVE OWNED MANY BMWS AND OTHER CARS AND NEVER HAD A WATER PUMP FAILURE THAT CAUSED A DANGER OF THIS MAGNITUDE... I WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU WOULD INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Mar 13, 2012
THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS FAILED ON MY CAR, THIS CAUSED THE REMOTE FOB AND ALSO INNER CENTRAL LOCKING BUTTON TO STOP WORKING, THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR WAS TO ROLL DOWN THE DRIVERS WINDOW AND TAKE THE KEY FOB APART TO REVEAL THE METAL KEY INSIDE, THIS COULD THEN BE USED FROM THE OUTSIDE TO OPEN THE DOOR BY PUTTING YOUR ARM OUT THE WINDOW HOWEVER ALL OTHER DOORS REMAIN LOCKED FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, THE OTHER DOORS DO NOT HAVE A KEYHOLE AND THE INNER DOOR HANDLES WERE DISCONNECTED AND WOULD NOT WORK. MY PASSENGERS THEN HAD TO CRAWL OVER THE FRONT SEATS TO ESCAPE THE CAR THRU THE DRIVERS DOOR AND IN AN ACCIDENT OR FIRE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN STUCK. I THINK THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND FROM SEARCHING ONLINE I SEE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL. *TR
Exterior lighting, Feb 17, 2012
RECALL CAMPAIGN LAMPS IN REAR QUARTER PANEL. LIGHTS ON ALL THE TIME. TOOK INTO BMW PASSPORT TO FIX. THEY CHARGED ME 277.75 TO FIX AND NOW WITH A RECALL ON THE SAME ISSUE THEY ARE NOT REIMBURSING ME. I HAVE RECEIPTS OF REPAIR, ALSO RECALL NOTICE AND DATE I TOOK IN, THEIR OWN RECEIPT SHOWS NO FIXING AS TAKEN CARE OF EARLIER WHEN THEY CHARGED ME $277.75. HELP! *TR
Air bags, Jan 29, 2012, crash
I LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE OVER BAD CONDITIONS ON THE ROADS AND THE CAR FLIPPED OVER MULTIPLE TIMES AND YET NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED IN THE VEHICLE. *TT
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jan 10, 2012
BMW 335I 2008. VEHICLE MALFUNCTION DURING HIGHWAY CRUISING. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL PUMP FAILURE. POSSIBLE CAUSE FOR ACCIDENT IF NOT TAKEN QUICKLY IN CONSIDERATION. DRIVEN THE REST OF THE WAY UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT AT 60MPH THE OR LESS. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 30, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO ADVISED THAT THE FOUR MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Fuel system, Gasoline, Nov 20, 2011
MY 335I 2008 HAS HAD THREE RECALLS ALL RELATED TO THE FUEL SYSTEM. WITH 24,000 MILES IT NOW HAS ISSUES WITH STARTING.I RECENTLY HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO MY DEALER,LEFT IT FOR FOUR DAYS, PICKED IT UP WITH "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". IN LESS THAN A WEEK THE START UP HAS GONE FROM THREE TO FIVE UN,UN,UN,UN,UNS TO CRANK. THE CAR IS ABOUT TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY AND I BELIEVE THAT BMW KNOWS THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS AND IS REFUSING TO REPAIR UNTIL THEY ARE ABLE TO GET REPAIRS INCOME. I GUESS I SHOULD HAVE CANCELLED MY SPECIAL ORDER WHEN TWO WEEKS BEFORE DELIVERY THEY CALLED AND SAID MY CAR HAD ARRIVED IN US BUT WOULD NOT BE RELEASED DUE TO "ENGINE COMPRESSION PROBLEMS". ALL OTHER ISSUES I HAVE ASKED TO BE REPAIRED ARE NOT WITH DEALER NOTING "CANNOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER COMPLAINT". AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE CALLED AND EMAILED BMW AND DEALER NO ONE RESPONDED. AND LET'S NOT EVEN GET TO THE TIRES! *TR
Wheels, Nov 16, 2011
WHEN I WENT TO A TIRE STORE TO PURCHASE WINTER TREADS I DISCOVERED THE RIM ON THE BACK LEFT WHEEL WAS CRACKED. THE MECHANICS TOLD ME IF I CONTINUED DRIVING ON IT THE CRACKED RIM, THE WHEEL COULD COME OFF. I HAVE OWNED A NUMBER OF BMW'S AND NEVER SEEN A CRACKED RIM. (EVEN WHEN I LIVED IN THE POT HOLE LITTERED NE) THREE DAYS AGO I WENT TO THE SAME TIRE STORE BECAUSE THERE APPEARED TO BE A LEAK IN THE NEW, LEFT REAR TIRE. THE RIM WAS CRACKED IN 4 PLACES. THIS IS SCARY AND IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY COSTLY AS THE RIMS ARE ABOUT $300+. TO HAVE TWO OF THESE RIM FAILURES IN A MONTH IS A BIT SHOCKING. BMW SAYS PARTS FAIL THROUGH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR (NOT ON ANY OF MY PREVIOUS BMW'S) THE TIRE STORE SAYS THE RIMS ARE A VERY THIN ALUMINUM TO MAKE THE CAR FASTER AND THEY SEE A NUMBER OF FAILURES. NOT SAFE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Nov 8, 2011
WHILE DRIVING A LOUD BANG WAS HEARD. THE CAR MADE NOISE AFTER THAT DRIVING IT. THE CAR WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND UPON EXAMINATION IT WAS DISCOVERED THE MOUNTING BOLTS ( ALUMINUM ) FOR RIGHT ENGINE SUPPORT ARM BROKE. THEY WERE REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP AS THEY SAID IT WAS A FLAW IN THE ENGINE BOLTS. THE CAR HAD 40,984 MILES.
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Oct 23, 2011
DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK. MANUAL KEY WILL WORK IN THE DRIVE SIDE DOOR OUTSIDE ONLY. OTHER 3 DOORS WILL NOT OPEN AT ALL. THE ONLY WAY TO GET OUT OF THE CAR IS TO CLIMB THRU THE WINDOW OR CLIMB OUT OF THE DRIVER DOOR. DRIVER HAS TO CLIMB OUT OF WINDOW AND USE MANUAL KEY TO OPEN DOOR. MANY POST ONLINE OF THIS PROBLEM. I WILL HAVE IT FIXED, HOWEVER, THE COSTS ARE VERY HIGH; THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD! IF CAR IS WRECKED OR ON FIRE, RESCUE WOULD NOT LIKELY BE ABLE TO HELP DRIVER OR PASSENGER TIMELY. RECALL IS NEEDED! *TR
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Sep 14, 2011
DRIVERS SIDE DOOR FAILURE. DOOR FAILS TO UNLOCK FROM EITHER THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF CAR. DANGEROUS IN CASE OF ACCIDENT WOULD BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. NO WAY TO OPEN THE DRIVERS DOOR. *KB