KnownCarProblems2008 BMW 328i Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 239 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 328i, most often about the engine (36% of complaints, typically around 98,500 miles). It is 4th of 12 328i model years by number of complaints and has 5 recalls.
Most common 2008 BMW 328i problems
Engine
86 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 98,500 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system, cooling system.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. While driving at an unknown speed, there was a burning odor detected in the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. After 40 minutes, the vehicle was able to restart and operate normally. The contact received notification of NHTSA…
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she noticed an abnormally strong burning odor coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously repaired the vehicle for a similar failure. The contact…
Electrical
85 complaints · 36%Half of these problems showed up before 93,000 miles. Parts named most often: wiring, 12v/24v/48v battery, starter assembly.
All four doors will not unlock. I am able to lock them with the remote but unable to unlock them. Once inside, you become trapped in the car. I have to unroll the window and use my key on the outside of the door to get out. This could be extremely dangerous in an emergency situation.
Drivers door locked as normal when car reached a certain speed but made a weird noise. Now it will not unlock with keyless or unlock button on dash of car. Will only unlock manually. Door lock actuator??? I have heard this is a common problem with these cars... I hope they are covered with a recall soon!
Air bags
83 complaints · 35%Half of these problems showed up before 76,000 miles. Parts named most often: sensor, frontal.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. Bill pearce motors (11555 south virginia street, reno, nevada 89511, ([phone]) was made aware of the failure and performed a diagnostic test. The dealer stated that…
I have contacted the dealer for months trying to get a replacement airbag installed. I have received numerous letters in the mail saying they have the parts but once I go to make an appointment there are never any replacement parts available. This does not make it seem safe to drive. How do I get my repair done? Thank…
Other or unspecified
19 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles.
I have contacted the dealer for months trying to get a replacement airbag installed. I have received numerous letters in the mail saying they have the parts but once I go to make an appointment there are never any replacement parts available. This does not make it seem safe to drive. How do I get my repair done? Thank…
Takata recall- my wife was driving home from work which is 1 1/2 miles from our home when her 2008 BMW 328i caught fire and burned, she said a puff of smoke care out of the AC vent then it quit blowing then hot slag was dripping out from under passenger dash the car is a total loss
Fuel system
13 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 80,500 miles.
The lines that are inside the fuel pump came off while I was driving and the car stopped working in the middle of the road. My mechanics had the exact same model car have the same exact issue and when they called BMW for the parts the service guy knew exactly what the problem was. They see it all the time in this…
I received recall notice for airbag, pcp valve heater,and blower motor wiring. In 2013-2015 my BMW was shaking heavily and scarily while driving and sitting at red lights. I spent $5,306 over 5 different bills from 4/1/2013 through 12/18/2015 which I will attach. As of today, 2/26/2018 the car is at the shop and a…
Seats
12 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 73,000 miles.
Seat sensor malfunctioning showing no passenger when passenger is seated. This may prevent seat belts from functioning and air bag deploying in the event of an accident and increasing injuries
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. While the vehicle was stationary and while driving various speeds, the air bag indicator illuminated without warning. Bill pearce motors (11555 south virginia street, reno, nevada 89511, ([phone]) was made aware of the failure and performed a diagnostic test. The dealer stated that…
Seat belts
11 complaints · 5%Half of these problems showed up before 70,000 miles.
Seat sensor malfunctioning showing no passenger when passenger is seated. This may prevent seat belts from functioning and air bag deploying in the event of an accident and increasing injuries
Since purchasing this BMW in feb 2012, I have had this car at the dealer 4 times ( and its only aug. 2012) due to air bag & seatbelt lights on, both front seats have had seat belt pretensioners replaced, & various other airbag work, frayed wires under seat. The problem seems to be unstoppable. The current mileage is…
Lights
8 complaints · 3%Half of these problems showed up before 100,000 miles.
The fotwell modules on these cars are defective..there was an extended waraanty covering this to replace the defective frm(or footwell module)but it does not include this car..the car's headlights, brakelights, domelites stay on with car off, thus drainig the battery. The car then lacks power and can shut off even…
Through out the past month I have had my car towed three times with five occurrences of the car not cranking and the electrical system shutting down leaving me stranded. Over the past year the airbag light has come on at least once a month for less than 5-10 minutes at the time. The first instance it was towed BMW of…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 BMW 328i recalls
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed august 30, 2024. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 series sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 series sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 series sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or m-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Air bags: inflator module
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On x5 and x6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began march 11, 2020. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i convertibles, 128i, 135i, and m coupes, 2007-2010 x3 30si and x3 xdrive30i, 2013-2015 x1 sdrive28i, x1 xdrive28i and x1 xdrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xdrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xdrive and m3 coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xdrive and m3, 2009-2011 335d, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xdrive, 2010-2011 x6 activehybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, m3 coupes, x5 30si, x5 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive35i, x5 48i, x5 xdrive48i, x5 xdrive50i and x5 m, 2009-2013 x5 xdrive35d and 2008-2014 x6 xdrive35i, x6 xdrive50i and x6m vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (psan) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradat
Engine: crankcase (pcv)
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the pcv valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pcv valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on november 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of october 2018. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xdrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, x3 3.0si, x3 xdrive30i, x5 xdrive30i, z4 3.0i, z4 3.0si and z4 sdrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve may short circuit.
Electrical: wiring
Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on november 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact bmw customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Full defect summary
Bmw of north america, llc (bmw) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and m3, 2007-2011 328i xdrive, 335i xdrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Electrical: fuses and circuit breakers
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on march 13, 2013. Owners may call bmw at 1-800-525-7417 or email bmw at [email protected].
Full defect summary
Bmw is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-series coupes and convertibles manufactured december 2007 through september 2011; and 2007-2011 3-series coupes and convertibles manufactured march 2007 through october 2011; 2007-2011 3-series sedans manufactured march 2007 through october 2011; 2007-2011 3-series sports wagons manufactured march 2007 through june 2011; and 2009-2011 z4 vehicles manufactured march 2009 through june 2011. In february 2013, bmw recalled 504,545 vehicles. In july 2013, bmw informed the agency that it was adding 1-series, 3-series, and z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a break
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 BMW 328i
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 328i?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: engine (86 complaints, typically around 98,500 miles); electrical (85 complaints, typically around 93,000 miles); air bags (83 complaints, typically around 76,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 328i have?
- 5 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from July 3, 2024 (air bags). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the BMW 328i?
- It is 4th of 12 328i model years by number of complaints, with 239 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.