repaired · 2021 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2008 BMW 135iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 51 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW 135i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-071 the manufacturer reports only 47% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Joe Ross from Lansing, Michigan, CC BY-SA 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW 135i has problems
51 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
10Fuel system, gasoline
7Fuel/propulsion system
5Wheels
5Exterior lighting
4Engine
4Electrical system2 crash/fire/injury
2Seat belts
1Service brakes
77 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 13 | 2 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 10 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 0 |
| Wheels | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 2 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 7 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2008 BMW 135i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2021 Q1
Electrical system: wiring
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
repaired · 2018 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other…
no report yet
Electrical system
Risk. If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other 135i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 135i median. How we score
'08'09'10'11'12'13
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2008 BMW 135i, and the recalls they led to.
- Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpen
In owners' words
What 135i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 135I. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the passenger occupancy sensor mat to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon…
MY VEHICLE IS A LOW MILEAGE (36K) WELL MAINTAINED CAR. MY LOCAL DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVER AIR BAG UNDER A RECALL JUNE 29, 2020. SHORTLY AFTER WITHIN 250 MILES/2 MONTHS A SRS/AIR BAG SYSTEM FAULT/WARNING STARTED HAPPENING. IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAULTY PASS OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT THEY WANT $3600 TO…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW I35I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED KNEE AND SHOULDER INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE…
Own a 2008 135i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.