MotorDeets

2008 BMW 335I: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2008 BMW 335I: 4 recalls, 201 owner complaints and up to 20 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
201owner complaints
6mention a crash
20best combined mpg
2008 BMW 335I
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Electrical Vehicle recall #17V676000 · 2017 · 702,965 vehicles

What's wrong: The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system 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 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.

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.

Airbags, Airbags Vehicle recall #24V513000 · 2024 · 394,029 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

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: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 8 mention a fire, 7 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.

Fuel system50
Airbags43
Electrical35
Engine26
Fuel & propulsion20
Engine & cooling12
Transmission & drivetrain9
Seat belts9

What owners describe

The 2008 BMW 335I has 201 owner complaints, ranking #2 of 11 335I model years for complaints (2.7× the average 335I year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (42 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 42,771 miles. Neighboring years: 2007 (288 complaints, 5 recalls), 2009 (85 complaints, 4 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive172620Premium
3.0 L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S6)Rear-Wheel Drive172620Premium

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 335I.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2008 BMW 335I manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2008 BMW 335I manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2008 BMW 335I manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2008 BMW 335I manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

FAQ

Does the 2008 BMW 335I have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2008 BMW 335I. 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 335I problems?

Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are fuel system (50), airbags (43), electrical (35).

What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 335I get?

EPA ratings run up to 20 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2008 BMW 335I 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.

Other 335I years

20062007200820092010201120122013201420152016