2008 BMW 3 Series: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 3 Series: 2 recalls, 68 owner complaints and up to 22 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer, plus 1 equipment/tire recall that can apply. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Seat belts, Airbags Vehicle recall #09V257000 · 2009 · 2,350 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Bmw will notify owners and repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on September 16, 2009.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #22V119000 · 2022 · 917,106 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The 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…
1 aftermarket equipment / tire recall replacement parts sold to fit this car, not the car itself
Engine & cooling Equipment recall #12E029000 · 2012 · 585 vehicles
What's wrong: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor May overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on…
Why it matters: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
The fix: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by valeo, not by BMW. For further information,
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Electrical (19): the most common themes are fire / smoke (9), electrical failure (9), door / lock issues (4).
- Engine (13): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
- Airbags (10): the most common themes are deploys unexpectedly / inflator (2).
- Engine & cooling (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2).
The 2008 BMW 3 Series has 68 owner complaints, ranking #6 of 21 3 Series model years for complaints (1.7× the average 3 Series year). Complaints peaked in 2018 (13 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (115 complaints, 1 recalls), 2009 (53 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 28 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 28 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 | 27 | 21 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 27 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 | 26 | 20 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 25 | 19 | 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 3 Series.
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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 3 Series have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 3 Series, plus 1 equipment or tire recalls that can apply. 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 3 Series problems?
Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are electrical (19), engine (13), airbags (10).
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA ratings run up to 22 mpg combined (3.0 L, Automatic (S6)), across 9 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2008 BMW 3 Series 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.