Was driving on highway going 80 and the car just shut down, was unable to steer, left me and my 9 year old stranded for about 30 minutes untill it started back up, everyday everytime I drive it no matter what the speed it shuts down and have to pray that I don't get hit by a car or am able to glide to safety, very unsafe not knowing when the car will shut down on me, took to mechanic there were no codes no check engine light or anything, therefore couldn't be fixed, something is not right with car, car only started doing this from april 2019 to present,it doesn't matter if I'm on highway, street, stopped has always happened, like I said I don't know when it's going to happen.im going to get killed one of these days or seriously injured
The worst 2008 BMW 3 Series problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical19
- Engine18
- Airbags10
- Fuel system8
- Tires5
- Locks4
- Body3
- Brakes3
- Transmission3
- Wheels3
- Acceleration2
- Lights2
- Steering2
- Driver assistance1
- Seat belts1
- Seats1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2008 BMW 3 Series
Recalls 2
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
- 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.
- Remedy
- This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous the federal safety agency recalls 17V‑683 and 19V‑273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 22V119000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling 2,350 my 2008 1-series and 3- series passenger cars. Incorrect crimp connectors may have been used on the side air bag and belt tensioner wiring. As a result sufficient contact between the crimp connectors and the corresponding plug may not occur which could lead to an increase in the electrical resistance of that connection.
- 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 occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on september 16, 2009. Owners may contact bmw customer relations and services toll-free at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 09V257000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2008 BMW 3 Series 92
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The Footwell Module (FRM) limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been...
- The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner...
- SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition...
- Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been...
- Retractable hardtop status request supplement
- Bmw: selective catalyst reduction module (SCR) has a stored fault, pressure build up is low, causing...
2008 BMW 3 Series fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17-19 | 26-28 | 20-22 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 16-17 | 25 | 19-20 |
What 2008 BMW 3 Series owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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 the front of the car, windshield and interior was destroyed. Contents in my shop were destroyed and the interior of the building had to be gutted to the studs. Bmw offered nothing. Damages totalled more than $150,000. I received a recall letter from bmw 3 weeks after the fire. * (recall related incident)
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
I own a 2008 335i twin turbo bmw 3 series, while driving I started smelling a fresh gas smell in the back of my car inside and outside, really strong smell so much I have to keep my windows down and it gives me a headache and I feel like my car is going to catch on fire with any given spark and it could, the certified mechanic said my fuel pump assembly is faulty so I went online and there is a recall on the 2008 335i twin turbo but for some reason when I called bmw they said my car is not on the recall list so they wont fix it! My car has the problem, my car has apx 80,000 , eighty thousand miles oni it. Why is my car not covered when it has the problem of all the other cars? This is a very dangerous situation I have. Please help. Thank you for your time
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 right headlight and the angel lights of my car is not working it when off while the car was in motion - all it takes is to touch a cable with your fingers and the cooper will be expose. I'm requesting immediate recall from bmw - several cars are having the same electrical and fire hazard issues. Please fix this problem before somebody get's hurt.
A recall was issue for blower motor wiring. It has almost been a year and every time I inquire with the dealer they say they don't have the remedy available. Should I be concerned about the vehicle catching flames while in my garage?
Manufacturer has not remedy the safety recalls in a timely manner as it's been almost a year since the recalls and there are still no parts/fixes available. There are 2 recalls from oct 2017 and as of today aug 2018 there are no parts available to fix the issues: positive crankcase ventilation (pcv) valve heater and blower motor wiring. Safety risks: over time, it could deteriorate and, in rare cases, could lead to overheating. And connection between the wiring and this system could deteriorate and, in rare cases, could lead to overheating.
Unreasonable time to remedy
About a month ago, my 2008 bmw 3 series engine stalled while driving at speed 45 MPH. I received no warning before the engine stalled. It was a miracle that I was able to move over a lane and get off the road before an impact from other vehicles. This occurs every time I drive the vehicle, multiple times and at various speeds. It's very dangerous because I receive no warning before it happens. The vehicle is always in motion when it happens and at various speeds, on highways, streets, anywhere while driving straight, turning and any other maneuvers.
Blower motor wiring and pcv recall issued nov. 2017 remedy unavailable
Compare the 2008 BMW 3 Series
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Questions about the 2008 BMW 3 Series
Is the 2008 BMW 3 Series reliable?
Owners have filed 68 complaints about the 2008 BMW 3 Series, 1.9 times a typical 3 Series model year.
What is the 2008 BMW 3 Series year score?
The 2008 BMW 3 Series scores 52 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW 3 Series: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
Electrical system, with 19 complaints, typically around 63,247 miles. Next is engine (18).
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have?
2 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling and seat belts.
What year does the BMW 3 Series have the most electrical problems?
The BMW 3 Series model years with the most electrical complaints are 2006 (32 complaints), 2007 (31 complaints) and 2008 (19 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 3 Series get?
Official estimates for the 2008 BMW 3 Series range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17-19 city and 26-28 highway.
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