2008 BMW 328I Complaints and Recall Information
The 2008 BMW 328I has 1 complaint and 8 recalls filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to the check engine warning light illuminating while driving. One owner reported a failure of the PCV heater, which an independent mechanic identified but did not repair.
Common Issues- Check engine light. The warning light illuminates during normal driving speeds around 40 MPH.
- PCV heater failure. Diagnosed as needing replacement by an independent mechanic, related to NHTSA Campaign 22V119000 though the VIN was not included in the recall.
There are eight NHTSA recalls affecting multiple systems on the vehicle, including electrical components, airbags, and engine emissions controls. The recalls address risks such as electrical power loss, airbag inflator explosions, wiring overheating, and PCV valve heater malfunctions.
Recalls- Battery cable connector (NHTSA 13V044000). Affected 516,791 vehicles including the 2008 328i. The positive battery cable connector may degrade and break due to heat and electrical resistance. This can cause loss of electrical power leading to unexpected stalling and crash risk. BMW replaces the connector free of charge. Owners are notified starting March 2013.
- Driver air bag inflator (NHTSA 24V513000). Affects 394,029 vehicles. Steering wheels replaced with sport or M-sport versions may contain inflators that can explode during deployment, causing metal fragments to injure occupants. Dealers inspect and replace the module if needed. Owner notifications began August 2024.
- Driver air bag inflator interim remedy (NHTSA 20V017000). Covers 59,965 vehicles including the 328i. Non-desiccated inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate may explode because of propellant degradation from heat and humidity. Dealers replace driver airbags or inflators free of charge since March 2020.
- HVAC wiring overheating (NHTSA 17V676000). Affects 702,965 vehicles including the 2008 328i. Wiring and electrical connectors controlling airflow may overheat and melt, increasing fire risk even when parked. BMW will replace wiring and connectors free of charge. Interim notices sent November 2017.
- PCV valve heater short circuit (NHTSA 17V683000). Affects 740,561 vehicles including the 2008 model. The PCV valve heater may short circuit and melt internal parts, raising fire risks when parked. BMW replaces the PCV heater free of charge. Notifications began November 2017 with a follow-up letter expected by late 2018.
BMW has multiple recalls involving critical safety systems and fire risks. Owners facing repeated repairs or unresolved recall issues may have protections under their state’s lemon law.
2008 BMW 328I Summary
2008
Model Year
1
Total Complaints
5
Total Recalls
2414311
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2008 BMW 328I
394029 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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.
2008 BMW 328I
59965 vehicles affected
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
2008 BMW 328I
702965 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
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.
2008 BMW 328I
740561 vehicles affected
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
2008 BMW 328I
516791 vehicles affected
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Risk: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2008 BMW 328I
ID: 2103846ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.