2008 BMW 328I: sudden loss of power

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 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.

Filed Apr 5, 2020 · Engine · 10 miles · AZ

While driving and vehicle in motion even during acceleration, with no warnings vehicle just stalls. Engine shuts off and loss of power steering. Power to rest of vehicle still works fine and not interrupted. This has happened on city streets but luckily was able to muscle off the street into safety as car still glided. Unknown to components causing issue as check engine light goes off after being able to restart vehicle. Had vehicle scanned and nothing comes up. All recalls have been performed according to bmw website.

Filed Aug 15, 2016 · Electrical · 145,000 miles · FL

6 weeks ago my car lost all power. I had the car towed to a mechanic that has worked on and repaired my car before. They replaced the fuse box and all fuses ($678.00) which didnt fix the car. Because they were at an impasse with the repairs I had the car towed to bmw mercedes specialist ($110.00). My car has been at the second shop for a month....it still will not start. So, this weekend I got online and did some digging about the 2008 bmw 328i repair history. As it turns out there was a recall on the battery cable in march on 2013. I bought the car is jan. 2013. Did not receive or was I made aware of the recall. So now I am out $1000.00 not to mention what I owe the second repairs shop. And bmw USA informs me that I now have to have the car towed at my expense to a bmw dealership...and have the cable repaired there to have the repair covered by bmw. First of all bmw is liable to have informed me of the recall...which they did not. So, its my understanding by law I have to be completely remedied monetarily by bmw for all and any costs related to the recall. Bmw is trying to strong arm me into bringing my car to them. My car is already taken apart at the second mechanics shop....I have already been without my car for 6 weeks. Please review my situation and advise me of my rights. And the laws that apply to this recall

Filed Jan 29, 2016 · Brakes, Fuel system · 44,000 miles · NY

Attention: bmw customer relations on, saturday, 01/02/2016, at approximately 6:30pm my wife and I were driving on the fort hamilton pkwy in brooklyn, ny in my bmw 328i convertible. While driving at 55 miles per hour my car suddenly stop completely in the middle to traffic. In order to exit off the highway safely, I allowed the car to roll to reduce speed then use the hand brake it to stop the car completely at the nearest exit, ext # 5. After exiting I called the towing company. It appeared that this incident was the result a fuel pump failure on my 2008 bmw 328xi which according to the mechanic burnt the control module which caused the engine to shut down completely. Fuel tank failure is a hazardous condition and given the fact that a fuel pump failure results in an immediate loss of engine power, power steering, and power brakes and a potential design flaw. Due to this fuel tank failure my wife and I live were placed in danger. I called bmw customer relations. I informed them of what had happened and I expressed my concern for the safety of my wife and my life and explained the cause of the problem. The representative I spoke to today, 01/07/15, informed me that I should've gotten a warning light on the dash board and stated she could not give me any additional information unless the car was present. I informed her that at the time the car broke down their dealership was closed and I was forced to have it towed to g & j service auto repair shop located at 198 28th street, new york, ny 11232. She stated that there was nothing further she could do or assistance she could give without the car being present. A fuel pump is an integral part of any car. Given the responsibility of literally pumping a vehicle's fuel from its tank to the engine, a malfunctioning fuel pump will always lead to a total disaster. Driver's need to be aware of this common problem