2008 BMW 1 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › BMW › 1 Series › 2008
These records cover every 2008 BMW 1 Series. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
3 recalls name the 2008 BMW 1 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
The insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
Owner complaints
18 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Air bags · Seat belts · Seats
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.
- Fuel/propulsion system
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.
- Air bags · Seats
The passenger seat occupant sensor began to sound off to secure the seat belt though no one sat there. I reported this problem to BMW when I got the takata airbag replaced and got a questions about my opinion on whether I considered it a safety issue. I declined to say and they just sent me away.…
The passenger seat occupant sensor began to sound off to secure the seat belt though no one sat there. I reported this problem to BMW when I got the takata airbag replaced and got a questions about my opinion on whether I considered it a safety issue. I declined to say and they just sent me away. a couple months later, I noticed that even when a passenger sat there the airbag activation did not turn off as it should. I took the vehicle in for a repair on the seat and told them that they should repair it at their expense 11/17/2017. I told them of a recall for the seat sensor on a MINI cooper(si-d651013tsb) another BMW product and they said without specific recall on my 128I, they would decline to repair it at their expense. They also told me that the airbag would deploy in an accident despite the light not going out with seat occupation, yet declined to give me that statement in writing. I then reported the problem to BMW of america in late 2017 and got a similar response. Complaint #36102215.
- Exterior lighting
"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…
"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.
- Electrical system
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.
- Exterior lighting
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
- Air bags
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.
- Air bags
BMW north america issued recall re: drivers front airbag module last march 2016. to date the BMW has been out of parts to comply with this recall. I believe BMW north america IS not taking this recall seriously. according to the safety risk: inflator may rupture resulting in metal fragments…
BMW north america issued recall re: drivers front airbag module last march 2016. to date the BMW has been out of parts to comply with this recall. I believe BMW north america IS not taking this recall seriously. according to the safety risk: inflator may rupture resulting in metal fragments striking driver. that seems like a serious risk to go unresolved for 6 months. given the serious nature of this risk, I would like the nhtsa put pressure on BMW north america to get the [xxx] parts and make the repairs. recalls are useless if car mfg don't make the repairs timely. do your job and require BMW north america to make the repairs timely or face fines and penalties considering the safety risk. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Air bags
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.
- Steering
Steering wheel completely locked up *while driving*, got stuck in a turn and caused a minor accident.
- Exterior lighting
The tail light assembly on the 2008 BMW one series IS now being replaced for the second time (three if you count the factory). the fist time the car had 6K miles on it the second time (aug 2015) it has 50K miles. per the dealer this IS being caused by a bad housing in the taillight kit. it has always been replaced at the dealer using BMW parts. currently both tail lights are not working.
- Air bags · Seats
My car warning message stated fault in passenger side airbag/belt tensioner, service asap, continue to wear safety belt (or something similar). Took vehicle to dealer, diagnosed with passenger seat mat occupancy sensor failure. Quoted $2600.00 for repair. This has been in the past and currently a…
My car warning message stated fault in passenger side airbag/belt tensioner, service asap, continue to wear safety belt (or something similar). Took vehicle to dealer, diagnosed with passenger seat mat occupancy sensor failure. Quoted $2600.00 for repair. This has been in the past and currently a recall problem that has affected over 200,000 vehicles due to a faulty/poorly designed part. Dealer and BMW of na state that my vehicle has not yet been included in recall. This IS an extreme safety issue, it should not take multiple complaints, injuries, or deaths before cars having this issue are placed on the recall list! In addition a repair to a safety component should not be put someone nearly $3000 in debt! Nhtsa please encourage BMW to enforce the recall/extended warranty to all vehicles having this same issue, there a hundreds of threads on the internet regarding bmws of all makes and models having the same problem with the sensors failing. Please do not wait for people to be injured or killed because of a faulty part not allowing the airbag to deploy! *tr
- Electrical system · Engine · Power train
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
- Engine
Was driving on highway and engine lost all power. *tr
- Exterior lighting
The 3RD brake light located on the truck lid, cracked and fell out. I took the car to my BMW dealer and they said it was not covered by my extended warranty (which IS still valid) and that bit would cost 360 to fix the problem. I did a search on line at http://www.1addicts.com/forums and found…
The 3RD brake light located on the truck lid, cracked and fell out. I took the car to my BMW dealer and they said it was not covered by my extended warranty (which IS still valid) and that bit would cost 360 to fix the problem. I did a search on line at http://www.1addicts.com/forums and found numerous other 1 series BMW owners had the same problem. it appears some did have their vehicles repaired by BMW without charge and others did not. on the forum I also learned BMW issued a technical service bulletin to their dealers about this issue. I believe this problem with the broken tail light IS a common problem for 1 series bmws between 2008 and 2011. given this IS a brake lamp this issue also presents a safety hazard. I called directly to BMW at 1-800-831-1117 and spoke with a company representative. after explaining the issue he advised me that BMW does not have a recall for this issue and they would repair my vehicle at my expense. I contend this IS a manufacturer's flaw and because it IS also a safety issue should be fixed under a recall. I request your assistance in resolve my issue with BMW. *js
- Fuel/propulsion system
BMW hfpf failure, has been replaced twice along with various software updates. Now it appears to be having issues again. *Tr
- Exterior lighting
"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!
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10249027The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle discharged battery complaints.
- 10240305Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.
- 10182619Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.
- 10056099BMW: when using iphone, various connectivity failures occur, such as disconnection of call, list of contacts incomplete, due to the variants and software used. Model 2008-2014.
- 10053585BMW: oil leaks from the air hose on turbocharger. This IS designated for E70, and E90 models with M57Y diesel engines. Service engine soon lamp may be illuminated.
- 10052013BMW: replacement of the OC3 sensor seat mat on the passenger seat. Models E82, E88, E90, E91, E92, E93. Model years unknown. Updated 12/6/13.
- 10052012BMW: battery has an increased demand due to developemental process of the electrical system. This IS causing the batter to need to undergo an energy diagnosis.
- 10051899Instrument cluster display IS intermittently inoperative. BMW F25, and F30 models.
- 10051898Instrument panel and guages are inoperative. BMW model F30.
- 10051897During the scheduled 3 month/ 5,000 mile service it could possibly be determined that some of the contact protective sleeve s in the charging socket may be missing. BMW model E28E.
- 10051892Asc (automatic stability control) operation to sensitive. Cruise control action function can occasionally activate and deactivate due to the asc implausability when the dsc warning lamp IS flashing on the instrument cluster. BMW.
- 10046899BMW: information on maintenance to e motor greasing where the eme/e motor assembly IS removed. The cables, eme high voltage, should be reinstalled in original factory position to avoid contact with exposed fasteners in rear right wheel housing and possible damage to insulation. Model E82E (1series). No model year listed.
- 10046721BMW: reinstall the eps harness in correctly, factory position, after replacing eps steering rack. If routed incorrectly, may contact subframe member and damage harness insulation. Model E82E (1 series). No model year listed.
- 10045285BMW: water penetrates the passenger compartment due to openings in service transmission tunnel with insufficient sealing, causing carpet to be wet in center tunnel area.
- 10045283BMW: experiencing loss of engine power, service engine soon lamp IS illuminated, a noise, like rattling, coming from engine compartment. Updated 10/31/12. Models 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. Updated 1/18/13. Updated 4/18/2013. Updated 05/13/2013 updated 5/19/15.
- 10045281BMW: parking lock adaption needs to be relearned, via service functions of ista activee, after eme, transmission/parking lock replacement of actuator.
- 10045279BMW: a failure of the turbocharger wastegates, caused by a defect, has an emissions extended warranty, 8 years or 82,000 miles, whichever comes first, not otherwise falling within coverage exclusion.
- 10042686BMW: on certain vehicles, the jbe (junction box electronics) module fails programming during a software update of the vehicle.
- 10042684BMW: on some vehicles, the high pressure fuel pump has an internal component that may fail and causing drivability symptoms such as erratic engine operation and longer starting times.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10041277BMW: the door cannot be locked or unlocked when using the key or key remote. Lubrication of the door can cause defects.
- 10041276BMW: service engine soon light IS on with a fault code stored. Internal dmtl pump failure.*rm
- 10040854BMW: the vehicle electrical system fails and the vehicle fails to start. The central locking system fails to operate with the remote key. The key cannot be inserted into the key slot. Communication to the vehicle IS not possible. The positive battery cable connection at the front power distribution box loses connection.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040368BMW service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. There may be a problem with the fuel pump which could not meet emissions requirements. There may be a long crank and a service engine soon light.
- 10040347BMW: fuel injectors may cause misfire faults with erratic engine operation. Updated on 11/1/2013.
- 10040170BMW: a software error IS causing the the service engine soon light to come on. There will be stored trouble codes.
- 10040045BMW: a new technical support process has been created regarding transmission concerns.
- 10039765BMW: the service engine soon light IS on while driving. This IS a programming issue. Updated 1/4/12. Updated 4/24/12.
- 10039591BMW: the service engine light IS on with stored fault codes. There IS a wiring/connection problem or a faulty sensor.
- 10038217BMW: crankcase pressure diagnosis and information for all vehicles. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10037700BMW: there may be excessive cranking before the vehicle starts. The service engine soon light may also be on with a lack of engine power.
- 10037537BMW: immediately after a cold start if electronic components are turned on such as heated seats it may switch off after 5-10 seconds because of a voltage level dip.
- 10037078BMW: the airbag warning lamp IS illuminated due to a software error.
- 10037069BMW: there IS a software problem with the dual clutch transmission module. Data can't be read from the module's memory. Updated 8/10/11.
- 10037025BMW: procedure for determining and replacing incandescent and halogen light bulbs under warranty.
- 10036986BMW: mounting tension or the cutout area of the trunk for the light IS causing the third brake light lens to crack. This IS allowing water to leak in. Updated 1/06/12.
- 10036980BMW: a new technical process IS being used on many models to determine the root cause of double-clutch transmission problems.
Every BMW 1 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.