2008 BMW 328xi recalls and problems

The 2008 BMW 328xi has 3 safety recalls and 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any BMW dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
99
Crashes / fires
1 / 18
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2008 BMW 328xi vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2008 BMW 328xi recalls

Recall 24V-513: Air Bags

Reported Jul 3, 2024 · 394,029 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 20V-017: Air Bags

Reported Jan 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Recall 17V-676: Electrical System

Reported Oct 25, 2017 · 702,965 vehicles affected · BMW of North America, LLC

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Risk: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

2008 BMW 328xi problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System46
Engine32
Air Bags16
Unknown or Other12
Engine and Engine Cooling7
Power Train6
Fuel/Propulsion System6
Structure6
Exterior Lighting4
Fuel System, Gasoline3
Steering3
Latches/Locks/Linkages3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Electrical System › Wiring — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (Pcv) — 1
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 65,000 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 328xi complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Tires · reported Apr 27, 2025
225/40R18 the stoplight right down route 7 by stop and shop there is a rectangular hole in the street. I could not avoid it when driving Friday morning 4/25/25 and the dip in the ground blew my driver side front and rear tires and scratched the rims. I had to spend my day Friday getting my tires replaced and now I have scratches on my rims which are fairly new
Air Bags · at 162,000 miles · reported Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag deployed unintendedly. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated prior to the air bag deployment. The air bag deployed, and there was no occupant inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after the air bag had deployed, the air bag warning light was illuminated after the air bag had deployed. The vehicle was recently taken to the dealer and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made…
Visibility/Wiper · reported Jul 19, 2024
Wiring inside headlamp is not up to Standards. For the cost the replace the headlight the wiring should not be falling apart causing shorts. One night I was driving and got a warning on my dash for my headlights and noticed it was a bit harder to see. Pulled over and noticed the headlight was out. Went to replace the bulb and noticed the wires have zero protection on them and are all touching.. this is not safe as wire shorts can cause a fire and not to mention the visibility issues. The driver side is not the bright at all and flickers while I’m driving. Both sides are having this issue and…
Electrical System · reported Jan 27, 2023
BMW Bi Xenon Headlights wires harness. Insulation on wires peels off and start touching each other. Malfunction high beam, low beam, turning light.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 70,000 miles · reported Nov 4, 2022
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact's son was driving approximately 30 MPH when the son noticed that smoke had begun to issue from the dashboard vents. The son pulled over and stopped the vehicle and exited when the vehicle dashboard burst into flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames with water. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total…

Other BMW 328xi years

Compare all BMW 328xi years · All BMW models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2008 BMW 328xi have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2008 BMW 328xi: 24V-513 (air bags), 20V-017 (air bags), 17V-676 (electrical system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 BMW 328xi?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (46 reports), followed by engine (32). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 65,000 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.