2008 BMW 135I: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 135I: 4 recalls, 51 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.
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Recalls
4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Electrical, Electrical Vehicle recall #13V044000 · 2013 · 516,791 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle May unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners May call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Airbags Vehicle recall #16V071000 · 2016 · 840,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure May cause the inflator to rupture.
Why it matters: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
Electrical Vehicle recall #19V579000 · 2019 · 41,981 vehicles
What's wrong: The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness May overheat.
Why it matters: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019.
Airbags Vehicle recall #20V017000 · 2020 · 59,965 vehicles
What's wrong: These inflators May explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Why it matters: An inflator explosion May result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 2 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (13): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Fuel system (10): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Fuel & propulsion (7): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (4).
- Wheels (5): the most common themes are tire tread / blowout (3).
The 2008 BMW 135I has 51 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 7 135I model years for complaints (2.3× the average 135I year). Complaints peaked in 2017 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 42,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (1 complaints, 0 recalls), 2009 (29 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 26 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2008 BMW 135I.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2008 BMW 135I have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 135I. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2008 BMW 135I problems?
Owners have filed 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (13), fuel system (10), fuel & propulsion (7).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 135I get?
EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 BMW 135I repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.