2008 BMW 328I engine problems

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · VA

RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V‑428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mode described in Recall 17V‑428. This defect has deactivated the front passenger airbag system, as indicated by the red SRS warning light. The manufacturer has refused to address this as a safety recall, despite the component failing in the identical manner described in the 2006 model year recall. This creates an immediate risk of injury or death to front-seat passengers in the event of a crash. 2. ENGINE STALL RISK (Recall 23V‑707): This vehicle utilizes the same aluminum VANOS housing bolts that are currently under Safety Recall 23V‑707 for 2010–2012 models. These bolts are known to loosen and shear, causing sudden engine stalling while in motion. Despite the high risk of a high-speed stall and loss of power steering/braking, the manufacturer is excluding 2008 models from the recall remedy. DEALER/MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: The vehicle was inspected by a dealer in October 2024 (Invoice #156201), but the safety warning light was not documented on the repair order. A subsequent formal request for assistance (Case #10683843) was denied verbally by the manufacturer's regional management, who stated the vehicle is excluded from the recall based on its VIN, regardless of the active safety system failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this Recall Omission to ensure these safety-critical repairs are provided to all affected vehicles.

Filed Jun 26, 2025 · Engine · CA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Sep 27, 2024 · Engine · MI

My vehicle was not included in BMW Recall "23V‑707: Replace Vanos Adjustment Unit Screw Connection" but has suffered the same failure described in this recall. My VANOS adjustment unit screws came loose and caused my engine to completely stall in the middle of traffic on a very busy road [XXX] ). I lost some braking ability and narrowly avoided a major collision. I've been having issues with misfires related to my VANOS system and today I found that despite being told my vehicle wasn't affected by the recall, it is experiencing the same issue as the recall above mentioned. My vanos adjustment unit bolts on both exhaust and intake sides of the engine were all much more loose than factory specification, so much so that I was able to remove 6 of them with my fingers alone. I think there should be a full safety recall on this issue as it seems to affect a much wider variety of cars than initially thought. I was able to re-tighten them to factory specs, but I have no confidence that it will stay that way. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 9, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · fire

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. Once we made it to a parking lot, i exited my vehicle to check on the other person, and realized there was smoke starting to come out from under my hood. My husband waited for me to pull the hood release and then proceeded to lift the hood, only to discover my car was on fire, and it was coming directly from the cooling fan. After almost a minute we were able to put the fire out, and discovered the whole electrical area for the fan was melted and destroyed. There was never any type of warning light or any information at all that would have told me a problem was imminent. Im thankful it wasn;t myself alone or with my kids just driving down the highway because it would have taken over the whole vehicle before i would have known it was having any issues at all. The part is still on the vehicle, which has become inoperable and now any attempts to check the vehicle out have realized that another issues with BMW's is also causing problems with my vehicle. It appears an actual recall was never issued for my actual VIN, rather a collection of years and makes. Any further information or remedy that might get me the ability to actually use my vehicle again would be greatly appreciated. I can also include photos and witness statements if needed,. Thank you for your time.

Filed Mar 27, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

The vehicle, stopped while driving, overheating, no heat/ ac. It's winter, car stopped at night in an unknown location fory safety. Had it inspected by 2 different auto shops and was confirmed of the issue. Warning lights came on right before the car failed.

Filed Oct 20, 2023 · Engine · AL

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An undisclosed dealer was contacted and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Jul 29, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

On all e90 series 3 (2008 bmw 328i), the pcv valve fails and is welded into the valve cover, thus if it leaks or gets cracks in the orange membrane, it will cause car to stall.. I almost crashed 2x and this part should be recalled..it affects the fuel air ratio in bmw e90, and the car will run lean and not receive enough gas as air is leaking from the broken membrane in the pvc valve. Bmw will throw engine codes with lit check engine light on dash. This should be a recall as the whole valve cover has to be replaced to replace a defective $10 pcv valve which is ludicrous...the dealer charges thousand dollars and up to replace a ten dollar part. The car has rough idle and will stall, creating a dangerous driving situation and fatal accident . Please recall to have bmw dealer fix these plastic pvc valves on e90s...I have enclosed pic of the valve ..it also has a spring but the plastic orange mebrane cracks, breaks and leaks air inside valve, causing check engine codes, rough idle and stalling of vehicle.. The valve is located on top of valve cover, welded into valve cover. Please help..thank you state florida p.s. Heat causes the pcv membrane to crack more~~pic enclosed of pcv valve its welded into top valve cover..no other car has a pcv valve mounted this way so whole valve cover needs to be replaced~ thank u

Filed May 12, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, she noticed an abnormally strong burning odor coming from under the hood. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic had previously repaired the vehicle for a similar failure. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) that she related to the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2023 · Engine · 170,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. There was smoke coming from the engine compartment while the vehicle was shuddering. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the PCV stem seals and cap needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and took the vehicle to a local dealer for the repair; however, the contact was informed he would be responsible for the cost of the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and advised the contact to seek legal advice to have the repair completed. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Engine · CA

2008 bmw 328i. Consumer writes in regard to loss of power and steam coming from the engine. The consumer had the vehicle towed to the nearest bmw to perform a recall. On march 13, 2023 the vehicle was picked up after repairs and the red warning light illuminated and engine was steaming once again.