2008 BMW 3 Series recalls and problems
The 2008 BMW 3 Series has 2 safety recalls and 68 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW 3 Series vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 BMW 3 Series recalls
Recall 22V-119: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: 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.
Fix: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA 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 NHTSA 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 09V-257: Seat Belts, Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2008 BMW 3 Series problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 19 | |
| Engine | 13 | |
| Air Bags | 10 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 | |
| Tires | 5 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Latches/Locks/Linkages | 4 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 3 | |
| Structure | 3 | |
| Power Train | 3 | |
| Wheels | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 1
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
- Structure › Body — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 55,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2008 BMW 3 Series complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other BMW 3 Series years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2008 BMW 3 Series: 22V-119 (engine and engine cooling), 09V-257 (seat belts, air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
Owners report electrical system problems most often (19 reports), followed by engine (13). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 55,000 miles.
Are BMW recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized BMW dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.