2008 BMW 3 Series

● Typical for this model

2008 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-08-02T13:53:16.612Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2008: 68 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1986	1
1992	0
1993	0
1994	1
1995	3
1996	2
1997	5
1998	3
1999	6
2000	88
2001	36
2002	26
2003	51
2004	77
2005	25
2006	202
2007	115
2008	68
2009	53
2010	30
2011	1
2012	7
2013	21
2023	0

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 28%

28% of complaints: electrical system — 19 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20190603

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181213

CAR WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, DROVE IT EARLIER THAT DAY FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, PARKED IT 3PM AND 2 HOURS LATER NEIGHBOR CAME KNOCKING SAYING CAR WAS SMOKING. RAN OUTSIDE AND CAR WAS ON FIRE. INTERIOR WAS SMOKED OUT. KEYLESS ENTRY WAS DEAD.

NHTSA ODI report, 20150824

ENGINE 19%

19% of complaints: engine — 13 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 15%

15% of complaints: air bags — 10 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171110

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 7%

7% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 5 distinct reports on file.

TIRES 6%

6% of complaints: tires — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20090916 — air bags, seat belts

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

R 20120822 — engine and engine cooling

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

R 20220722 — engine and engine cooling

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...

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.

Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed