2008 BMW 3 Series
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2008 BMW 3 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 3 Series. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
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.
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 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
68 complaints4 involved a fire1 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Engine · Steering · Unknown or other
Was driving on highway going 80 and the car just shut down, was unable to steer, left me and my 9 year old stranded for about 30 minutes untill it started back up, everyday everytime I drive it no matter what the speed it shuts down and have to pray that I don't get hit by a car or am able to glide…
Was driving on highway going 80 and the car just shut down, was unable to steer, left me and my 9 year old stranded for about 30 minutes untill it started back up, everyday everytime I drive it no matter what the speed it shuts down and have to pray that I don't get hit by a car or am able to glide to safety, very unsafe not knowing when the car will shut down on me, took to mechanic there were no codes no check engine light or anything, therefore couldn't be fixed, something IS not right with car, car only started doing this from april 2019 to present,it doesn't matter if I'm on highway, street, stopped has always happened, like I said I don't know when it's going to happen.im going to get killed one of these days or seriously injured
- Electrical system
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…
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)
- Electrical system
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
- Fuel/propulsion system
I own a 2008 335I twin turbo BMW 3 series, while driving I started smelling a fresh gas smell in the back of my car inside and outside, really strong smell so much I have to keep my windows down and it gives me a headache and I feel like my car IS going to catch on fire with any given spark and it…
I own a 2008 335I twin turbo BMW 3 series, while driving I started smelling a fresh gas smell in the back of my car inside and outside, really strong smell so much I have to keep my windows down and it gives me a headache and I feel like my car IS going to catch on fire with any given spark and it could, the certified mechanic said my fuel pump assembly IS faulty so I went online and there IS a recall on the 2008 335I twin turbo but for some reason when I called BMW they said my car IS not on the recall list so they wont fix it! My car has the problem, my car has apx 80,000 , eighty thousand miles oni it. why IS my car not covered when it has the problem of all the other cars? This IS a very dangerous situation I have. please help. Thank you for your time
- Electrical system
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…
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
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
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…
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.
- Electrical system
Unreasonable time to remedy
- Engine
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…
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.
- Engine
Blower motor wiring and pcv recall issued nov. 2017 remedy unavailable
- Unknown or other
There are (3) current recalls for this model, 2008 BMW 328I. Only (1) recall has a 'remedy' available. according to my local BMW dealership, the 'remedies' for the other (2) recalls, both of which could potentially cause a fire even in a non-running parked situation, are 'not yet available'. These…
There are (3) current recalls for this model, 2008 BMW 328I. Only (1) recall has a 'remedy' available. according to my local BMW dealership, the 'remedies' for the other (2) recalls, both of which could potentially cause a fire even in a non-running parked situation, are 'not yet available'. These recalls are: nhtsa #17v76 and nhtsa #17v683. BMW USA has 'recommended' that the affected vehicles always be 'parked outside'. I do not consider this an acceptable solution to these <possibly> dangerous and serious recall issues, as I live in a 'marginal' neighborhood prone to auto theft and weather damage. my question IS, when/how soon will nhtsa (federal government) force this auto mfr (BMW) to quickly and adequately address and provide permanent mechanical solutions for these (2) recalls. In fact, just recently (4/28/18) a house was destroyed by a fire <likely caused> by one of these BMW model recalls, parked in the garage and not running. BMW said they would contact owners of all affected vehicles when a solution has been found, but 'have no idea when that will be'. not acceptable. these are a serious safety issues that affects one million+ vehicles and the health and safety of millions of american families. please advise what you intend to do to protect these car owners?
- Air bags
Takata recall. I have not been able to have the defective airbags removed. I call my local dealer and all they say IS that the airbags are backorder. When they receive them they will call me. I have waited over one year and no answer.
- Electronic stability control (esc) · Power train
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
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
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.
- Electrical system · Fuel/propulsion system
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…
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?
- Electrical system · Engine · Unknown or other
Recently I got a letter from BMW that my vehicle was recalled for two issues which I have been experiencing since a year. 1 overheating 2. Plastic burning smell inside the compartment. I brought this to their bmw's notice many times which they ignored. and recently when I got this recall letter…
Recently I got a letter from BMW that my vehicle was recalled for two issues which I have been experiencing since a year. 1 overheating 2. Plastic burning smell inside the compartment. I brought this to their bmw's notice many times which they ignored. and recently when I got this recall letter from BMW I gave them a call(princeton BMW), they gave me an appointment saying they will fix that. I told them crystal clearly that I was there for the two recall issues only and nothing else. And to my shock ,let alone repairing the mandatory recall issues, they gave a big list of other things, which I did not even ask for, and they charged me around 170 dollars(attached copies). I am bringing this to your notice for solely one reason, and that IS there are millions of unsuspecting people who are unaware of this malpractice who will be falling into this kind of trap. BMW IS trying to make money out of this situation too. I am attaching all the copies. Please look into this matter and please make them realize there IS an authority watching. I felt like somebody stole money from me. Hope to get a response from the department. Thank you very much.
- Air bags
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?
- Air bags
Takata recall it has been 15 months since I was notified of the recall, and BMW has yet to remedy the situation. I do not think this IS reasonable.
- Air bags
Takata recall. Received first notification on 02/2016, no response till now. It has been over a year, need to know if this will be fix or what IS the risk of keep driving with this issue, BMW will be responsible if something happen to me or who ever drives the vehicle?
- Air bags
Takata recall I have yet to receive a secondary letter from BMW advising they are ready to replace my defective airbag inflator. I have been waiting a full year for this issue to be resolved.
- Air bags
No progress on recall campaign no. 16V-071 since notification 7+ months ago. given the year of my BMW series 3 sportswagon (2008) and my coastal location, I am very concerned that parts are still not available to correct this dangerous problem. the recall notice directs the consumer to contact www.safecar.gov "if your BMW center IS unable to remedy the defect ... Within a reasonable period of time."
- Electrical system
My car abruptly losses all power. It's lost power on the freeway (3 times), at stop lights (too many to count) and after the car sits; either at work, over night or even if I'm out running errands. In other words, the power failure cannot be duplicated, it happens randomly (my car IS unable to…
My car abruptly losses all power. It's lost power on the freeway (3 times), at stop lights (too many to count) and after the car sits; either at work, over night or even if I'm out running errands. In other words, the power failure cannot be duplicated, it happens randomly (my car IS unable to start as I type this!!). Needless to say my life as well as my families safety have been put to the test several times. On 2 separate occasions, I was nearly rear-ended on the freeway when my car lost power at highway speeds. I couldn't move over to the shoulder and ended up stalling in the slow lane. After spending a small fortune trying to fix this dilemma a friend sent me this letter that the nhtsa sent to BMW in 2013 regrading a power failure that many cars were experiencing at the time. Here's the letter: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/ucm433921/rcak-13v044-6848.pdf I've also drafted BMW this letter I sent them yesterday: (in part) to whom it may concern, I am writing to voice grave concern regarding my M3, which has: 1). Lost power several times while traveling on the freeway at highway speeds and has almost caused a crash on 2 separate occasions (near rear end collision) 2). Lost power at stop lights and several times as I started to accelerate 3). Consistent failure to start the car (no power) or it tries to start and immediately turns off after a brief second in addition to the imminent danger to my family and others, this has cost me thousands of dollars the included link below shows a document which was sent by the nhtsa to BMW na in 2013. I was happy to realize that BMW acknowledged the problem for the E92 3 series (my car shares the exact same part number for the mentioned faulty part), but I was equally shocked to find out that my specific vehicle was not covered under the recall which IS what my car IS experiencing.
- Air bags
Takata recall I received a recall notice in march for my 2008 BMW 3 series convertible, [xxx] stating that the driver's front air bag module needs to be replaced and that I would be notified when parts become available. I have recently purchased another car (not a BMW) but the trade in on the…
Takata recall I received a recall notice in march for my 2008 BMW 3 series convertible, [xxx] stating that the driver's front air bag module needs to be replaced and that I would be notified when parts become available. I have recently purchased another car (not a BMW) but the trade in on the BMW IS blocked by the pending recall repair. my local dealer, weatherford in berkeley, ca informs me that they still do not have the parts and have no information on when they may become available. There IS obviously a safety issue for me and for an eventual buyer of the car. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
Currently I have the high pressure fuel pump in my 335I (2008). I have my "service engine soon engine malfunction. Reduced power" light on - it just came on yesterday. Original warranty was 4 years 40,000 miles. Which according to BMW was extended 10 years 120,000. So I am out of warranty because…
Currently I have the high pressure fuel pump in my 335I (2008). I have my "service engine soon engine malfunction. Reduced power" light on - it just came on yesterday. Original warranty was 4 years 40,000 miles. Which according to BMW was extended 10 years 120,000. So I am out of warranty because I already have 130K, my car was brought to BMW several occasion, it was never brought to my attention that there may a potential problems with the high pressure fuel pump.
- Air bags
Takata recall
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.
- 10249437The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- 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.
- 10143557Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- 10057568BMW: on some vehicles, when starting, low beam, with 0552 option, would briefly flashes, due to a faulty led main light module that needs replacing. Model 2008-14 F01, F02, F06, F07, F10, F12, F13, F25.
- 10057527BMW: selective catalyst reduction module (scr) has a stored fault, pressure build up IS low, causing service engine soon light to illuminate. *
- 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.
- 10052365BMW: warning lamps are illuminated for the dsc, ABS and brake and a possible warning in control display for chassis control system failure. Models 2012 F25, 30, 01, 02, 07, 10, 12, 13, E70, 71, 84.
- 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.
- 10051519BMW: the high-voltage (hv) battery cells could be damaged if the vehicle IS prevented from entering sleep mode for an extended period of time. Updated 03/11/2013
- 10051459BMW: dsc warning light IS on. The warning lamps for dsc, ABS and brake warning illuminated. There may also be a warning in the control display for chassis control system failure.
- 10051359BMW: vehicle does not start: loose ground z6000 *4B. Covered under the terms of the BMW new vehicle/sav limited warranty.
- 10046861BMW: see document search button for owner letter. The replacing and/or checking of emissions monitoring components to increase emissions stability, high pressure (hp) egr valve restriction of excessive soot and improved diesel exhaust fluid (def) mixture introduced in exhaust system from scr mixer. Model 2008-2009 E70, E90. Updated 5/10/13.
- 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.
- 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.
- 10044032BMW: the left or right rear light in the side panel has condensation concerning vehicles produced up to february 27,2012.
- 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.
- 10041411BMW: E92. The seat belt extender on the front drivers or passenger side failed to deliver the belt. The safety belt extender extends but the belt slips off. The hand on the extender fails. The safety belt IS twisted. The extender will not operate and makes noise while extending.
- 10041407BMW: service engine soon light IS on and the engine has reduced power with trouble codes stored. Updated on 4/24/2013.
- 10041280BMW: the rear led lights are inoperative. There IS connection corrosion in the tail lamp.
- 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.
- 10040853BMW: a grinding noise IS coming from the differential during slow cornering. When turning a slip/stick effect IS created on the lining and steel discs incorporated in the differential clutch causes a grinding noise.
- 10040852BMW: the service engine soon light IS on. There are trouble codes stored for the crankshaft sensor. No driveability issues.
- 10040736BMW: various functions in the vehicle are not working including: instruments, door locks, wipers, and other electrical functions. There may also be warning lights on. K-can wiring in the vehicle shorted. Updated 10/5/11.
- 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.
- 10040057BMW: wiring on the headlights may have deteriorated due to environmental conditions and the cover not being secured properly. E60/e92. Updated 9/30/11.
- 10040047BMW: the seal on the rear lamps in the side panel emits a gas and causes damage to the electrical connectors on the leds inside the lamp. E91.
- 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.
- 10039592BMW: the painted surface on the interior door handle may peel due to exposure to hand creams and sun-tanning lotions.
- 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.
Every BMW 3 Series model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.