2008 BMW 135I
Not enough comparison years on file yet 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 51 |
| 2009 | 29 |
| 2010 | 15 |
| 2011 | 27 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 12 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW I35I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171205
TAKATA RECALL. DISABLE & ENABLE AIR BAG SYSTEM 2 SCAN SRS, DRIVERS SIDE DURING ACCIDENT PART TYPE 72 12 6 981 121
NHTSA ODI report, 20170817
20% of complaints: fuel system, gasoline — 10 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON 2008 BMW 135I WITH N54 3.0L TURBO ENGINE. SYMPTOMS WERE LONG CRANKS PRIOR TO STARTING. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20090407
BOUGHT 2008 BMW 135I IN 7/2008. WITHIN FIRST WEEK OF OWNERSHIP MESSAGE CAME UP STATING "ENGINE MALFUNCTION, REDUCE POWER" CAR HAS BEEN IN NUMEROUS OCCASIONS-EACH TIME BMW ASSURES PROBLEM IS TAKEN CARE OF.
NHTSA ODI report, 20090218
I WAS GOING APPROX. 65MPH IN 5TH GEAR IN MY 2008 BMW 135I COUPE WHEN THE CAR STUTTERED AND I GOT A SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20081107
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 7 distinct reports on file.
10% of complaints: wheels — 5 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
Center High Mounted Stop Lamp, (CHMSL), lense breaks/detaches repeatedly.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250210
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Remedy: 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 a
Campaign 13V044000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d...
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 16V071000 — check if this car was fixed
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness may overheat.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Campaign 19V579000 — check if this car was fixed
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,...
Remedy: 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.
Campaign 20V017000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2008 BMW 135I — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, gasoline issues (10 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (7 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V044000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V071000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V579000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V017000 (air bags) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2008 BMW 135I 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 135I?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 135I have?
4 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.