2008 BMW 328I
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than 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.
- Complaints
- 239
- Recalls
- 5
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
39% of complaints
Complaints per year
2008: 239 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 25 |
| 1998 | 26 |
| 1999 | 98 |
| 2000 | 112 |
| 2001 | 4 |
| 2002 | 0 |
| 2003 | 0 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 0 |
| 2006 | 0 |
| 2007 | 399 |
| 2008 | 239 |
| 2009 | 193 |
| 2010 | 155 |
| 2011 | 576 |
| 2012 | 130 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 151 |
| 2015 | 125 |
| 2016 | 57 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
39% · 94 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. While driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a sudden traffic stop and the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09
Electrical system
36% · 86 reportsMost commonly citing front underhood and cables.
Show complaint excerpts
My vehicle engine cooling fan caught fire one evening while following behind someone to make sure they made it to a parking lot safely due to their own vehicle having problems requiring them to stay under around 20mph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-09
Also filed under Engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. While driving 40 MPH, smoke appeared under the glove compartment. The contact stopped at a fuel station and the vehicle caught fire. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-05
Electronic door locks failed to unlock thus trapping myself in the car. No mechanical override exists to manually unlock the doors. I had to roll the window down and climb out through the window.
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-07-10
Engine
23% · 54 reportsEngine and engine cooling
14% · 34 reportsMost commonly citing crankcase (pcv) and emission control.
Fuel/propulsion system
5% · 13 reportsSafety timeline
5 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2008Complaint volume 239 complaints filed for this model year.
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2013-03-13Electrical system13V044000 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…
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…
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2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
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2018-06-29Electrical system17V676000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available.
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2020-03-11Air bags20V017000 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.
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2024-08-30Air bags24V513000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 BMW 328I — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 94 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 86 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 54 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V044000 · Electrical system
- Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 17V676000 · Electrical system
- Recall 20V017000 · Air bags
- Recall 24V513000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 BMW 328I reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 BMW 328I is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 328I?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 39% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 328I have?
- 5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.