MYRModel Year Report

2008 BMW 3 Series

● Typical for this model
2008 BMW 3 Series
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:20.269Z

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
68
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2008

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Electrical system

28% of complaints

Complaints per year

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

2008: 68 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19861
19920
19930
19941
19953
19962
19975
19983
19996
200088
200136
200226
200351
200477
200525
2006202
2007115
200868
200953
201030
20111
20127
201321
20230

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Electrical system

28% · 19 reports
FIREINJURY
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, 2019-06-03

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, 2018-12-13

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, 2015-08-24

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Engine

19% · 13 reports

Air bags

15% · 10 reports
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, 2017-11-10

Fuel/propulsion system

7% · 5 reports

Tires

7% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing pressure monitoring and regulating systems.

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
    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 →

  3. R
    2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 BMW 3 Series — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Electrical system: 19 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 13 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 09V257000 · Air bags, seat belts
  • Recall 12E029000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years2 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 BMW 3 Series is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 3 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.