2008 BMW 1 Series
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 18 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2001 | 1 |
| 2002 | 1 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 3 |
| 2006 | 5 |
| 2007 | 6 |
| 2008 | 18 |
| 2009 | 18 |
| 2010 | 8 |
| 2011 | 33 |
| 2012 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 18 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 18 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR BEGAN TO SOUND OFF TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT THOUGH NO ONE SAT THERE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180322
5 of 18 total reports mention: exterior lighting.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130925
"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!
NHTSA ODI report, 20100330
3 of 18 total reports mention: seats.
Show complaint excerpts
THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR BEGAN TO SOUND OFF TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT THOUGH NO ONE SAT THERE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180322
3 of 18 total reports mention: fuel/propulsion system.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181109
BMW HFPF FAILURE, HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE ALONG WITH VARIOUS SOFTWARE UPDATES. NOW IT APPEARS TO BE HAVING ISSUES AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20130405
2 of 18 total reports mention: engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 BETW
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.
Campaign 09V257000 — check if this car was fixed
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 AN
Campaign 10V254000 — check if this car was fixed
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 2008-20
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 co
Campaign 12E029000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for exterior lighting issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V257000 (air bags, seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V254000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 12E029000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW 1 Series reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 1 Series?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 1 Series have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.