2008 BMW 328I

◆ Worse than typical

2008 BMW 328I
BUILT 2026-08-02

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.

How is this computed?

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	395
2008	239
2009	193
2010	153
2011	572
2012	130
2013	255
2014	150
2015	121
2016	55

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

AIR BAGS 35%

35% of complaints: air bags — 83 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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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, 20171109

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 33%

33% of complaints: electrical system — 79 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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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, 20240409

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, 20171205

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, 20150710

ENGINE 23%

23% of complaints: engine — 54 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

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NHTSA ODI report, 20240409

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 11%

11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 27 distinct reports on file.

FIRE

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ON JULY 9, 2011, I WAS DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 30 MPH IN THE PROCESS OF EXITING THE PARKWAY, WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED OPERATING! THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS, AND NOTHING WORKED IN THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110729

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 5%

5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2008 — complaint volume: 239

R 20130313 — electrical system

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

R 20180618 — engine and engine cooling

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.

Campaign 17V683000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20180629 — electrical system

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.

Campaign 17V676000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200311 — air bags

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

R 20240830 — air bags

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.

Campaign 24V513000 — check if this car was fixed