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2008 BMW 3 Series: problems, recalls and fuel economy
NHTSA has 676 owner complaints on file for the 2008 BMW 3 Series, and the electrical system, engine and air bags lead the list[1][2][3][4]. There are 7 recalls on file, so check every one of them against the VIN before you buy or keep one[5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 676 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 15 mention a crash, 61 a fire, 25 injuries and 1 a death[1]. These are reports from owners and are not verified[1]. One complaint can name more than one part, so the group counts below do not add up to 676[1].
| Component group | Complaints | Fires | Median miles at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system[2] | 206 | 48 | 80,000 |
| Engine[3] | 198 | 26 | 75,000 |
| Air bags[4] | 157 | 4 | 74,000 |
| Fuel system, gasoline[7] | 73 | 1 | 19,500 |
| Fuel/propulsion system[8] | 53 | 0 | 86,188 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 44 | 7 | 84,500 |
| Power train[10] | 29 | 0 | 61,200 |
| Exterior lighting[11] | 25 | 5 | 72,000 |
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for four groups. It is too small to say how common anything is, but it shows what owners describe.
- Fuel system and engine. In a sample of 12 fuel system complaints, 9 name the fuel pump and 8 describe power loss or stalling while driving[7]. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 10 describe power loss, stalling or the engine cutting out, and 5 name the fuel pump[3]. The fuel system group has a low median of 19,500 miles at failure[7]. None of the recall summaries we have mention the fuel pump[12][13][14][15][16][17][18].
- Electrical system. In a sample of 12 electrical complaints, 4 describe the whole car losing power suddenly, 3 describe fire or smoke, and 3 describe doors that would not unlock or open[2].
- Air bags. In a sample of 12 air bag complaints, 7 describe air bag or passenger restraint warning lights and repeat dealer visits[4]. Three describe air bags that did not deploy in a crash[4].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this model year[5]. Newest first:
- Driver air bag inflator, steering wheel swap (24V513). Dated 2024-07-03[12]. A sport or M-sport steering wheel fitted in place of the original may have an inflator that can explode. Metal fragments could hurt the driver or passengers. Dealers inspect the driver air bag module and replace it as needed, free of charge[12].
- PCV valve heater (22V119). Dated 2022-03-02[13]. The heater for the crankcase ventilation valve can short circuit and overheat. That could cause a fire, either while you drive or shortly after you park. The fix is a wiring harness with fuse protection, but the remedy was still being developed when the recall record was written. This recall replaces and expands 17V683, and cars repaired under earlier recalls need to come back[13].
- Driver air bag inflator (20V017). Dated 2020-01-15[14]. The inflator can explode and send metal fragments at the driver or other occupants. Dealers replace the driver air bag, free of charge[14].
- PCV valve heater (17V683). Dated 2017-10-30[15]. The same kind of heater short can melt parts in the valve and raise the fire risk, even with the car off. The fix is a new heater. 22V119 later replaced and expanded this recall[13][15].
- Heating and A/C wiring (17V676). Dated 2017-10-25[16]. Wiring and connectors for the heating and air conditioning airflow system can overheat and melt, raising the fire risk even when the car is unattended. Dealers are to replace the wiring and connectors, free of charge. Owners were told to expect a second notice when the remedy becomes available, so do not assume it is available today[16].
- Battery cable connector (13V044). Dated 2013-02-07[17]. If electrical power is lost, the car may stall and raise the risk of a crash. Dealers swap in a new positive battery cable connector and fasten it more securely, free of charge[17].
- Side air bag and belt tensioner wiring (09V257). Dated 2009-07-08[18]. The recall covers 2,350 cars from the 2008 1 Series and 3 Series[18]. Wrong crimp connectors may have been used, so the side air bag or belt tensioner might not work in a crash. BMW repairs the cars free of charge[18].
Recalls cover certain vehicles only, Recalls cover certain vehicles only, so check the VIN to know if a specific car is included.
Fuel economy
EPA lists many versions for 2008, all on premium fuel. Combined ratings run from 19 to 22 MPG[6][19].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 328i, automatic, rear-wheel drive[20] | 19 / 28 / 22 | $3,750 |
| 328i, manual, rear-wheel drive[21] | 18 / 28 / 21 | $3,900 |
| 328xi, automatic, all-wheel drive[22] | 17 / 25 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 335i, automatic, rear-wheel drive[23] | 17 / 26 / 20 | $4,100 |
| 335xi, manual, all-wheel drive[24] | 16 / 25 / 19 | $4,350 |
| 328i Sport Wagon, automatic, rear-wheel drive[25] | 18 / 27 / 21 | $3,900 |
The 328ci is rated at 19 / 28 / 22 with the automatic[6]. The 335 versions use a 3.0L 6-cylinder turbo engine, and the 328 versions use a 3.0L 6-cylinder[23][20].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the four-door and wagon versions 4 stars for rollover, with a 10.3% rollover risk[26][27]. Two other body styles on NHTSA's list are not rated[28][29]. Our data has no other star ratings for this model year.
Engine and size
These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US cars[30].
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 323i/328i 4-door sedan[30] | 178 in | 72 in | 56 in | 109 in | 3,274 lb |
| 335i 4-door sedan[31] | 178 in | 72 in | 56 in | 109 in | 3,594 lb |
| 328i coupe[32] | 181 in | 70 in | 54 in | 109 in | 3,351 lb |
| 335i coupe[33] | 181 in | 70 in | 54 in | 109 in | 3,571 lb |
| 328i cabriolet[34] | 181 in | 70 in | 54 in | 109 in | 3,792 lb |
| 335i cabriolet[35] | 181 in | 70 in | 54 in | 109 in | 3,946 lb |
In each pairing the 335i is heavier than the 328i[30][31][34][35][32][33].
How 2008 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 44 | 2 |
| 1996 | 42 | 1 |
| 1997 | 36 | 1 |
| 1998 | 56 | 0 |
| 1999 | 243 | 7 |
| 2000 | 689 | 7 |
| 2001 | 477 | 7 |
| 2002 | 399 | 7 |
| 2003 | 461 | 7 |
| 2004 | 554 | 4 |
| 2005 | 227 | 4 |
| 2006 | 1,232 | 12 |
| 2007 | 1,023 | 7 |
| 2008 | 676 | 7 |
| 2009 | 365 | 7 |
| 2010 | 265 | 10 |
| 2011 | 829 | 12 |
| 2012 | 167 | 10 |
| 2013 | 377 | 8 |
| 2014 | 403 | 12 |
| 2015 | 212 | 8 |
| 2016 | 105 | 6 |
| 2017 | 79 | 4 |
| 2018 | 73 | 7 |
| 2019 | 41 | 9 |
| 2020 | 53 | 12 |
| 2021 | 33 | 9 |
| 2022 | 8 | 3 |
| 2023 | 13 | 4 |
| 2024 | 11 | 2 |
| 2025 | 6 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 | 0 |
NHTSA counts 676 complaints and 7 recalls for the 2008 model year[5]. Four model years have more complaints: 2006 with 1,232, 2007 with 1,023, 2011 with 829 and 2000 with 689[5]. That puts 2008 fifth highest of the years listed. The next one down is 2004 with 554[5].
The years on either side, 2007 and 2009, also have 7 recalls each, but 2009 has only 365 complaints[5]. 2010 has 265 complaints and 10 recalls[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so use them to compare 3 Series years with each other and nothing else[5].
Should you buy a used 2008 3 Series?
Owners filed 676 complaints, and the largest groups are electrical, engine and air bags[1][2][3][4]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe fuel pump trouble and power loss, so ask for service records on the fuel system[3][7]. Seven recalls apply to the model year, three of them involve fire risk, and two are air bag inflator recalls that can mean serious injury[5][13][15][16][12][14]. Run the VIN and confirm which recall repairs were done. Two of the fire-risk recalls (22V119 and 17V676) had remedies still pending in the records we read, so ask the seller what is open[13][16].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
- NHTSA's biggest complaint groups are the electrical system with 206, the engine with 198 and air bags with 157[2][3][4]. In the small samples we read, owners describe fuel pump trouble and power loss[3][7].
- Does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the model year, covering air bag inflators, a PCV valve heater, A/C wiring, a battery cable connector and side air bag wiring[5][12][13][16][17][18].
- How many miles per gallon does a 2008 BMW 3 Series get?
- EPA combined ratings run from 19 to 22 MPG depending on version[6][19]. A 328i automatic with rear-wheel drive is rated 19 city and 28 highway[20].
- Is the 2008 BMW 3 Series reliable?
- We can't rate reliability. We can say NHTSA has 676 complaints and 7 recalls for it, and 2008 has the fifth highest complaint count of the model years listed[1][5].
- Is 2008 a bad year for the 3 Series?
- Its 676 complaints are more than 2009 with 365 and 2010 with 265, but fewer than 2006 with 1,232 and 2007 with 1,023[5].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 676 owner complaints on file for the 2008 BMW 3 Series (15 mention a crash, 61 a fire, 25 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 206 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 48 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 198 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 26 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 75,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 157 complaints name the air bags component group (11 crashes, 4 fires, 15 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every BMW 3 Series model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 328ci, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- 73 complaints name the fuel system, gasoline component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 53 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 86,188). NHTSA vehicle records
- 44 complaints name the unknown or other component group (1 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 84,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 29 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 61,200). NHTSA vehicle records
- 25 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 5 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 72,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 24V513, filed July 3, 2024: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V119, filed March 2, 2022: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V017, filed January 15, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V683, filed October 30, 2017: Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv). NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V676, filed October 25, 2017: Electrical System › Wiring. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 13V044, filed February 7, 2013: Electrical System › Wiring › Fuses And Circuit Breakers. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 09V257, filed July 8, 2009: Seat Belts › Front. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for 335cxi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 328i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 328i, 3.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 328xi, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 335i, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 26 highway / 20 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,100. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 335xi, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 16 city / 25 highway / 19 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,350. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for 328i Sport Wagon, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 27 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4-DR W/SAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, WAGON W/SAB RWD/AWD: rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 10.3%. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, C RWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 2 DR RWD/AWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES 323i/328i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,274 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES 335i 4DR SEDAN RWD: length 178 in, width 72 in, height 56 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES COUPE 328i RWD: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,351 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES COUPE 335i RWD: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,571 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES CABRIOLET 328i RWD: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,792 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, 3 SERIES CABRIOLET 335i RWD: length 181 in, width 70 in, height 54 in, wheelbase 109 in, curb weight 3,946 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov