MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 1 Series

○ Not enough data
2008 BMW 1 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:44:46.442Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
18

Too few to rank

Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2008: 18 complaints 2008 18 2009: 18 complaints 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2012: 0 complaints 2012
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 18 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012
2000: 1 complaint 2000 2001: 1 complaint 2001 2002: 1 complaint 2002 2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 3 complaints 2004 2005: 3 complaints 2005 2006: 5 complaints 2006 2007: 6 complaints 2007 2008: 18 complaints 2008 18 2009: 18 complaints 2009 2010: 8 complaints 2010 2011: 33 complaints 2011 2012: 0 complaints 2012

2008: 18 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20001
20011
20021
20031
20043
20053
20065
20076
200818
200918
20108
201133
20120

Known problem areas

Only 18 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

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, 2018-03-22

Also filed under Seats

Exterior lighting

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, 2013-09-25

"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, 2010-03-30

Seats

3 of 18 total reports mention: seats.

Fuel/propulsion system

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, 2018-11-09

BMW hfpf failure, has been replaced twice along with various software updates. Now it appears to be having issues again.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-04-05

Engine

2 of 18 total reports mention: engine.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2009-09-16Air bags, seat belts09V257000 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…

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2010-08-23Seat belts10V254000 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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2012-08-22Engine and engine cooling12E029000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW 1 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 6 reports on file for this year.
  • Exterior lighting: 5 reports on file for this year.
  • Seats: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V257000 · Air bags, seat belts
  • Recall 10V254000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.