2008 BMW 1 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 18 owner complaints on record; most reports concern exterior lighting; the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2012
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Major fueling issues with my car. So far I've had to replace injectors, low pressure fuel pump, fuel control module, and now I'm being told I need to replace the high pressure fuel pump. From reading the forums online it seems to be that all these parts are very faulty on the car especially the injectors and high pressure fuel pump.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2019
“The passenger seat occupancy sensor mat is defective and is a quite common occurrence on all bmw vehicles. The mat will send a trouble signal to the dash that brings up the airbag light on the instrument panel that will not go off.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2019
“Car goes into limp mode when passing car and goes into limp getting on interstate. The car has shown bad high pressure fuel pump but bmw will not stand behind there bad pumps.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · May 2018
Show 7 more owner reports
“"3rd brakelight" lens continues to break. I purchased the car in july of 2008 and will soon be on its 3rd lens. This is a bmw defect and is a very expensive part. I'm concerned about re-replacing this defective part over and over again and if I choose not to, others being able to see me when I apply the brakes! This has happened to numerous owners who I'm sure like me, have had no fault(like an accident) in the breakage. No specific date on when it breaks as it is probably cause by normal road vibrations. Light has broken due to normal driving a few occasions already.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2017
“Third brake light lens cracks and allows rain water into unit. After having the dealer replace the lens twice I decided to do it myself. The supplier "ecs tuning" features the lens assembly with the words -- "replace your cracked lens." this made me think the problem is more than a couple of assemblies. *tr”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Jan 2017
“Wiring insulation (in engine compartment) to headlights is deteriorating. Now, many exposed and uninsulated wires in the engine compartment. Headlights are now rendered unreliable and unworking. I have tried to wrap electrical tape around the exposed wires (see photo). I will next try liquid tape. Safety and fire hazard.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2017
“Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 bmw 1. 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 manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”Owner report · Air Bags · Aug 2016
“Takata recall. Bmw is providing replacement air bags to their dealers and the dealers are using them to replace air bags on their cars being sold, not to their customers. I received my recall notice may 27th 2016 and am still waiting for the replacement.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“Electric water pump failed with no warning, sending the car into "limp mode" with dramatically reduced power. Nearly caused a crash as this was on a major highway bridge with no shoulders. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2014
“"3rd brakelight" lens continues to break. I purchased the car in june of 2008 and it is on its 3rd replacement lens under warranty. This is a very expensive part and I'm concerned about others being able to see me when I apply the brakes!”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Feb 2010
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
Remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Remedy: 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.
How other years compare
Check your exact 1 Series by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 BMW 1 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 18 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW 1 Series. The most complained-about area is exterior lighting.
Does the 2008 BMW 1 Series have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning seat belts:front:retractor. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.