IllustrationABS AND BREAK LIGHT IS ON AND BEEN ON SINCE 2016. A LOT OF BMW OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO. THERE IS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON WHEN THIS ABS LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO READS DBC MALFUNCTION.
2008 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
1925–50K
2550–75K
2075–100K
40100–150K
15150K+
129 reports with mileage · 110 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports22 fire reports9 injury reports
Service Brakes complaints
6 reportsTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE GRIP WAS DETERIORATING. ADDITIONALLY, A STICKY SUBSTANCE WAS GETTING ON THE OCCUPANT'S HANDS. ALSO, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CHATTANOOGA (6806 E BRAINERD RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 38…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE GRIP WAS DETERIORATING. ADDITIONALLY, A STICKY SUBSTANCE WAS GETTING ON THE OCCUPANT'S HANDS. ALSO, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CHATTANOOGA (6806 E BRAINERD RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 381-6419), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,016.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS WERE FLASHING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER IT WAS SHUT OFF. KOVACS MOTORS (707-996-4149, LOCATED AT 19190 SONOMA HWY, SONOMA, CA 95476) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
ATTENTION: BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS ON, SATURDAY, 01/02/2016, AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FORT HAMILTON PKWY IN BROOKLYN, NY IN MY BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR SUDDENLY STOP COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE TO TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY, I ALLOWED THE…
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ATTENTION: BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS ON, SATURDAY, 01/02/2016, AT APPROXIMATELY 6:30PM MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FORT HAMILTON PKWY IN BROOKLYN, NY IN MY BMW 328I CONVERTIBLE. WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MILES PER HOUR MY CAR SUDDENLY STOP COMPLETELY IN THE MIDDLE TO TRAFFIC. IN ORDER TO EXIT OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY, I ALLOWED THE CAR TO ROLL TO REDUCE SPEED THEN USE THE HAND BRAKE IT TO STOP THE CAR COMPLETELY AT THE NEAREST EXIT, EXT # 5. AFTER EXITING I CALLED THE TOWING COMPANY. IT APPEARED THAT THIS INCIDENT WAS THE RESULT A FUEL PUMP FAILURE ON MY 2008 BMW 328XI WHICH ACCORDING TO THE MECHANIC BURNT THE CONTROL MODULE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. FUEL TANK FAILURE IS A HAZARDOUS CONDITION AND GIVEN THE FACT THAT A FUEL PUMP FAILURE RESULTS IN AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, POWER STEERING, AND POWER BRAKES AND A POTENTIAL DESIGN FLAW. DUE TO THIS FUEL TANK FAILURE MY WIFE AND I LIVE WERE PLACED IN DANGER. I CALLED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS. I INFORMED THEM OF WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND I EXPRESSED MY CONCERN FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE AND MY LIFE AND EXPLAINED THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE REPRESENTATIVE I SPOKE TO TODAY, 01/07/15, INFORMED ME THAT I SHOULD'VE GOTTEN A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD AND STATED SHE COULD NOT GIVE ME ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION UNLESS THE CAR WAS PRESENT. I INFORMED HER THAT AT THE TIME THE CAR BROKE DOWN THEIR DEALERSHIP WAS CLOSED AND I WAS FORCED TO HAVE IT TOWED TO G & J SERVICE AUTO REPAIR SHOP LOCATED AT 198 28TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 11232. SHE STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING FURTHER SHE COULD DO OR ASSISTANCE SHE COULD GIVE WITHOUT THE CAR BEING PRESENT. A FUEL PUMP IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ANY CAR. GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LITERALLY PUMPING A VEHICLE'S FUEL FROM ITS TANK TO THE ENGINE, A MALFUNCTIONING FUEL PUMP WILL ALWAYS LEAD TO A TOTAL DISASTER. DRIVER'S NEED TO BE AWARE OF THIS COMMON PROBLEM
IN MAY OF 2012, WITH THE VEHICLE DISPLAYING APPROXIMATELY 15, 228 MILES, THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS) BECAME ACTIVATED AND REMAINS TO THIS DAY. BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED A NEW ABS SYSTEM WAS NEEDED, AND RECOMMENDED I NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CON…
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IN MAY OF 2012, WITH THE VEHICLE DISPLAYING APPROXIMATELY 15, 228 MILES, THE WARNING LIGHT FOR THE ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS (ABS) BECAME ACTIVATED AND REMAINS TO THIS DAY. BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED A NEW ABS SYSTEM WAS NEEDED, AND RECOMMENDED I NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE IN ITS CURRENT CONDITION. HOWEVER, THEY WOULD NOT INCUR THE COST BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY.
Official recalls
524V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 3, 2024
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 15, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: 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.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 30, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 25, 2017
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: 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.
13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
Feb 7, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
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.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
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.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 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.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.