repaired · 2024 Q2
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
2008 BMW 3 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 68 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW 3 Series, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-119 the manufacturer reports only 27% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through March 2, 2022. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 BMW 3 Series has problems
68 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
19Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
13Engine
10Air bags
5Tires
5Fuel/propulsion system
5Engine and engine cooling
4Latches/locks/linkages
3Wheels
3Fuel system, gasoline
2113 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 19 | 4 |
| Engine | 13 | 0 |
| Air bags | 10 | 0 |
| Tires | 5 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 5 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 3 | 0 |
| 13 other systems | 21 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2008 BMW 3 Series 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.
no report yet
Air bags: frontal
Risk. IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN…
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 3 Series 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 3 Series median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 BMW 3 Series safety ratings
2008 BMW 3 Series Wagon w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
- Rollover: 4 stars (10.3% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What 3 Series owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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. CLEARLY THE FIRE STARTED UNDER THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA AND CONTINUED TO BURN UNTIL…
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. I HAVE JUST NOW RECENTLY RECIEVED THE SECOND RECALL LETTER MONTHS LATER NO. 17V-676
THE WIRES ON THE INSIDE OF MY HEADLIGHTS ARE CRACKED, AND HAVE A LOT OF BARE COPPER SHOWING. THE PLASTIC SHEATHING (CABLE JACKET) HAS BECOME BRITTLE FROM THE HEAT, AND IS FALLING APART, EXPOSING THE CONDUCTOR. THIS IS CREATING THE RISK OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE…
Own a 2008 3 Series?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.