2008 BMW 3 Series: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 68 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (19% of complaints); the 2010 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Mar 2022
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My 2008 bmw 335xi with 42000 miles was stored in my heated shop. The car started on fire and destroyed the contents of my shop and the car. Bmw sent an inspector to check the damage and took hundreds of pictures. Clearly the fire started under the glove compartment area and continued to burn until the front of the car, windshield and interior was destroyed. Contents in my shop were destroyed and the interior of the building had to be gutted to the studs. Bmw offered nothing. Damages totalled more than $150,000. I received a recall letter from bmw 3 weeks after the fire. * (recall related incident)”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2018
“Manufacturer has not remedy the safety recalls in a timely manner as it's been almost a year since the recalls and there are still no parts/fixes available. There are 2 recalls from oct 2017 and as of today aug 2018 there are no parts available to fix the issues: positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater and blower motor wiring. Safety risks: over time, it could deteriorate and, in rare cases, could lead to overheating. And connection between the wiring and this system could deteriorate and, in rare cases, could lead to overheating.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2018
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“About a month ago, my 2008 bmw 3 series engine stalled while driving at speed 45 mph. I received no warning before the engine stalled. It was a miracle that I was able to move over a lane and get off the road before an impact from other vehicles. This occurs every time I drive the vehicle, multiple times and at various speeds. It's very dangerous because I receive no warning before it happens. The vehicle is always in motion when it happens and at various speeds, on highways, streets, anywhere while driving straight, turning and any other maneuvers.”Owner report · Engine · May 2018
“Hello theres two recall for bmw 3 series that need to done asap but when I check the parts are not yet available and it's a safety issue that need to fix immediately”Owner report · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Apr 2018
“While the car was travelling at a rate of about 45 mph, it did something I never experienced before. It started to shake, sputter and lose power while ascending a on a paved city street that had about a 20 degree uphill grade. The vehicle behind me didn't expect my sudden speed change and nearly rear ended me.. The engine icon appeared on the dash and I sputtered all the way home.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
“I received a recall letter telling me to stand by for another recall letter to then tell me to have the car fixed. The car blown up parked outside of my house it has not been used for 24 hours prior to the incident. I have just now recently recieved the second recall letter months later no. 17v-676”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2018
“Takata recall 1. Bmw sent me recall notice in march 2016, with no follow up repair implementation as of nov. 2017 = 1.5yrs since the initial recall notice = unreasonably long? 2. When I go to safercar.gov / airbag recall.com & check my VIN, my car does not show up w/ airbag inflator recall (it shows up for blower motor wiring recall, but that's it). Maybe I'm missing something?”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2017
“This is for 2 NHTSA recalls issued 10/25/17 and 10/30/17 NHTSA recall number17v676 and NHTSA recall number17v683. It is now 3 months later and bmw of north america still has no remedy available! Both recall statements caution that "over time" the part could deteriorate, leading to the car catching on fire. Since the car is 10 years old, I am concerned that the bmw definition of "over time" has been met, and therefore we are left with a non-driveable car due to their warnings. How long should one wait with no compensation, either mobility or financial?”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Oct 2017
“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?”Owner report · Electrical System · Oct 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 0 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
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.
Remedy: 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.
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 3 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 3 Series reliable?
NHTSA has 68 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 BMW 3 Series. The most complained-about area is electrical system (19% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 BMW 3 Series problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 55,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv). 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.