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.
Structure, Engine, Nov 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE FRONT END VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET BOLTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. *JS *BF *TR*JB
Air bags, Seat belts, Nov 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" DISPLAYED. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (BMW OF GWINNETT PLACE (3264 COMMERCE AVE, DULUTH, GA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 175,000. *TT*JB
Electrical system, Nov 13, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) IN 2017. THE DEALER (BMW OF MERIDIAN, 2000 MS-39, MERIDIAN, MS 39301) STATED THAT THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Nov 8, 2018
THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MEANT TO DISABLE THE AIR BAG FOR A CHILD DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT DOES NOT ILLUMINATE WHILE MY 55 LB CHILD SITS IN THE SEAT. INFREQUENTLY, THE LIGHT WILL ILLUMINATE BRIEFLY WHILE SHE IS IN THE SEAT, AND THEN GO DARK AGAIN. ATTEMPTING TO TEST THE SEAT SENSORS, I USED A SACK OF 20 LB POTATOES PLACED BOTH DIRECTLY ON THE PASSENGER SEAT, AND IN A CAR SEAT. IN BOTH CASES, THE SEAT WOULD INCONSISTENTLY DETECT THE "CHILD" AND ILLUMINATE THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT, AND SOMETIMES WOULD NOT. SOMETIMES IT WOULD DETECT THE "CHILD" INITIALLY AFTER ENGINE START UP AND SUBSEQUENTLY THE LIGHT WOULD GO DIM.OTHER TIMES THE LIGHT WOULD CYCLE ON AND OFF AT ENGINE START UP (NORMAL BULB CHECK) AND REMAIN OFF AT ENGINE START UP -- I.E., NOT DETECTED -- BUT IF THE SACK OF POTATOES WAS LIFTED OFF THE SEAT AND PLACED BACK DOWN, OR IF PRESSURE WAS MANUALLY APPLIED NEXT TO THE POTATOES ON THE CAR SEAT, THE "AIR BAG OFF" LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND DETECTION WOULD TRIGGER. THESE RESULTS WERE CONFIRMED BOTH SITTING IN DRIVEWAY IN NEUTRAL, AND OPERATING AT LOW SPEED.
Electrical system, Nov 8, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF MACON (LOCATED AT 4785 RIVERSIDE DR, MACON, GA 31210, (866) 980-4231) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Air bags, Nov 7, 2018
I HAVE THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THAT CAUSES WARNING SIGN ON THE INFORMATION CENTER. I TOOK THE CAR TO CREVIER BMW IN SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA TO HAVE IT CHECKED. THEY TOLD ME THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT SENSOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS THE PROBLEM THAT'S EXISTED BEFORE IN PREVIOUS YEARS OF THE SAME MODEL, ACCORDING TO NTHSA PUBLICATION ON 2013-12-14. WOULD YOU PLEASE EXTEND THE YEARS OF THE COVERAGE SINCE BASICALLY 2006-2011 IS THE SAME BODY TYPE AND COMPONENTS FOR BMW VEHICLE. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Air bags, Oct 30, 2018
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM FAILURE. THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR IS BAD, AND BMW HAS RECALLED IT FOR MY 2006-2007 CARS, BUT I HAVE AN EARLY 2008 PRODUCTION CAR THAT HAS THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DANGEROUS SAFETY PROBLEM AND AS IT STANDS I DO NOT BELIEVE MY AIRBAGS WILL DEPLOY.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 30, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED A FUME-LIKE ODOR INTENSIFIED. TOWNE BMW (8215 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NEW YORK, (716) 505-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS VIA A VOICEMAIL MESSAGE BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECTS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM).
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Oct 25, 2018, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 328XIT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, SMOKE CAME OUT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR VENT. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED INTO THE DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF. WITHIN TWO MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADMITTED THAT THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS FOR THE TWO RECALLS; HOWEVER, HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 AND 17V683000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2018
I'VE LOOKED UP MY VIN ON MY BMW 2008 328I IT HAS A RECALL ON THE BLOWER MOTOR WIRING, THEY HAVE A WIRING HARNESS KIT TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT WHEN I CALL DON JACOBS BMW THEY SAY THERE IS NO RECALL SHOWING FOR MY CAR, I HAVE NO HEAT IN MY CAR THE BLOWER MOTHER DOESN'T WORK, MY CAR IS ONE THAT IS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL, I JUST WANT MY CAR FIXED
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Oct 23, 2018
HEADLIGHT WIRING LOOM INSULATION ON WIRES ARE CRACKING AND SPLITTING EXPOSING BARE WIRES ON BOTH HEADLIGHTS.
Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2018
VEHICLE STOP BLOWING AIR THROUGH THE VENTS HEATER AND AC DON'T WORK VEHICLE WAS PARKED.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 22, 2018
HAD THE CAR CHECKED OUT FOR OVER HEATING PROBLEMS, EVERYTHING CHECKED OUT FINE BUT MY CAR IS RUNNING SUPER HOT AND IT HAS STARTED TO MELT SOME CABLES.
Air bags, Oct 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE DEALER (BMW OF FORT MYERS, 15421 S TAMIAMI TRAIL, FORT MYERS, FL 33908, (844) 283-1830) DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,750. *TT UPDATED 12/20/18*JB
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 19, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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. BMW OF SOUTH ALBANY (617 US-9W, GLENMONT, NEW YORK 12077, (888) 542-9066) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air bags, Seats, Oct 16, 2018
USE OF THE RIGHT FRONT (RF) PASSENGER SEAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AFTER A NUMBER OF IGNITION CYCLES IF THERE WAS NO RF PASSENGER, BUT WOULD REAPPEAR AFTER A PASSENGER USED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER ON 10/12/18 AND THEY FOUND THAT THE "OC3 MAT" WAS FAULTY AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THIS IS A SIMILAR ISSUE TO TWO OTHER BMW RECALLS (17V-428 AND 13V-564) RELATED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2008 BMW E90 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2018
THE WIRES ON THE INSIDE OF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE CRACKED, AND HAVE A LOT OF BARE COPPER SHOWING. THE PLASTIC SHEATHING (CABLE JACKET) HAS BECOME BRITTLE FROM THE HEAT, AND IS FALLING APART, EXPOSING THE CONDUCTOR. THIS IS CREATING THE RISK OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT AND THE ANGEL LIGHTS OF MY CAR IS NOT WORKING IT WHEN OFF WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION - ALL IT TAKES IS TO TOUCH A CABLE WITH YOUR FINGERS AND THE COOPER WILL BE EXPOSE. I'M REQUESTING IMMEDIATE RECALL FROM BMW - SEVERAL CARS ARE HAVING THE SAME ELECTRICAL AND FIRE HAZARD ISSUES. PLEASE FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEBODY GET'S HURT.
Electrical system, Oct 9, 2018, fire
PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, SMELLED ELECTRICAL BURNING. STOPPED & GETTING OUT THE CAR, SAW FLAMES COMING FROM INSIDE THE CAR UNDER THE GLOVE BOX. HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER NEAR BY SO WE WE'RE ABLE TO KEEP THE FLAMES FROM BURNING THE ENTIRE CAR AND THE CARS NEXT TO US. INSURANCE COMPANY SAYS ITS THE RESULT OF 10/25/17 BLOWER MOTOR WIRING RECALL.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 8, 2018
DRIVING MY CAR FOR SHORT DISTANCE MAKES ENGINE HOT AND SMELL ELECTRICAL WIRE BURNING. THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR WITH DIFFERENT VIN HAS RECALL OF PROBLEM DESCRIBED. ATTACHED PHOTO DESCRIBES SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. PLEASE PROVIDE A SOLUTION
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2018
IT HAS A ELECTRICAL POWER DISTRIBUTION BATTERY CABLE . IT SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY
Engine, Oct 5, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); 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 DEALER (HILTON HEAD BMW, 1230 FORDING ISLAND RD, BLUFFTON, SC 29910, (843) 815-1501) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Seats, Oct 5, 2018, fire
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT CAUGHT FIRE.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 1, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE DEALER (BMW OF SAN RAFAEL, 1599 FRANCISCO BLVD E, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901, (415)-482-2000) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical system, Sep 30, 2018
A RECALL WAS ISSUE FOR BLOWER MOTOR WIRING. IT HAS ALMOST BEEN A YEAR AND EVERY TIME I INQUIRE WITH THE DEALER THEY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE REMEDY AVAILABLE. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE VEHICLE CATCHING FLAMES WHILE IN MY GARAGE?
Electrical system, Sep 28, 2018, fire
AFTER SITTING OVER NIGHT THE BMW 328I WAS DRIVEN APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES AND THEN PARKED. ABOUT 10 TO 15 MINUTES LATER THE CAR CAUGHT FIRE.