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2008 BMW 335I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 335I years

Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 335I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 31.5.

About this comparison →
201Owner complaints

Model-year median: 31.5

4Recall campaigns

View recall details →

0Investigations

View investigation details →

How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

Other model years Selected year
0
2006288
2007201
200885
200941
201097
2011
Compare all 335I years →

Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

Fuel System, Gasoline
50Air Bags
43Electrical System
35Engine
26Fuel/propulsion System
20
All reported categories
Engine And Engine Cooling
12Exterior Lighting
9Power Train
9Seat Belts
9Service Brakes
7Fuel System, Other
6Latches/locks/linkages
6Unknown Or Other
6Vehicle Speed Control
6Steering
5Electronic Stability Control (esc)
4Seats
4Tires
4Visibility
4Structure
3Visibility/wiper
3Equipment
1Wheels
1

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

163 reports with mileage · 38 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.

  • Fuel System, Gasoline. Review the 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 43 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports8 fire reports4 injury reports

Steering complaints

5 reports
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92,000 miles · Aug 22, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion SystemSteering

I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER, AND THE POWER WAS GONE; IT WAS BARELY MOVING; AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH DIMINISHED SPEED. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME ON AN ACCESS ROAD; AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO GLOBAL BMW IN METRO ATLAN…

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I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER, AND THE POWER WAS GONE; IT WAS BARELY MOVING; AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH DIMINISHED SPEED. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME ON AN ACCESS ROAD; AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO GLOBAL BMW IN METRO ATLANTA; AND PAID CLOSE TO $3000 FOR REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER I HAD A PROBLEM AGAIN. THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION; REDUCED POWER, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. IN DOING RESEARCH THIS MORNING; I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I DID NOT KNOW IT; BUT GLOBAL BMW HAD TO KNOW IT. I CALLED BMW RECALL AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PARTS. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2010; SO THEY MUST HAVE THE PARTS. MOST OF THE LAWSUITS WERE SETTLED OUT OF COURT WITH A GAG ORDER; SO IT APPEARS THAT BMW DON'T RESPOND UNLESS THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT; AND THIS IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOUR OFFICE. I WILL APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU MAY PROVIDE.

NHTSA ODI #11121587

81,474 miles · Mar 14, 2016
EnginePower TrainSteering

THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. (VIDEO WAS TAKEN) THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. I ALMOST WREAKED. I CHECKED MY STEERING WHEEL FLUID AND IT WAS BROWN, AN INDICATION TO ME T…

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THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. (VIDEO WAS TAKEN) THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. I ALMOST WREAKED. I CHECKED MY STEERING WHEEL FLUID AND IT WAS BROWN, AN INDICATION TO ME THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. A BELT ALSO SNAPPED. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT BMW IS TELLING ME DOES NOT COVER THE A/C COMPRESSOR. I AM BEING TOLD THAT IN ORDER FOR BMW OF FRESNO TO MAKE A PROPER ASSESSMENT OF THE STEERING ISSUE I FIRST HAVE TO REPLACE THE A/C COMPRESSOR AT $2535.34. AS A FLEET MANAGER, I KNOW MY CHAIN IS BEING YANKED.

NHTSA ODI #10846503

86,335 miles · Jun 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION "REDUCED POWER " MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF , LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH ITS GOOD ON OIL , THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING WAS OK AFTER THAT. IT'S CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT…

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THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION "REDUCED POWER " MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF , LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH ITS GOOD ON OIL , THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING WAS OK AFTER THAT. IT'S CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT MY THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT ONLY 3 MONTHS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #10724891

59,000 miles · Mar 9, 2015
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

I JUST GOT BELT REPLACED. ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER THE BELT POPS. THE CAR LOST POWER STEERING AND THEN WOULD NOT START. I'VE RESEARCHED ONLINE N SAW THAT ITS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE 07- 08 335I'S BUT BMW IS REFUSING A RECALL. IMAGINE IF I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY N IT HAPPENED. ITS TERRIBLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10693108

65,000 miles · Jan 30, 2015
Electrical SystemSteering

AN OIL LEAK FROM THE TOP MOUNTED OIL FILTER HOUSING SPILLED ONTO THE RUBBER ACCESSORY BELT CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND DISINTEGRATE. THE RESULT WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWERS, MOST IMPORTANTLY THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL CHARGING AND POWER STEERING. THIS OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. THE L…

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AN OIL LEAK FROM THE TOP MOUNTED OIL FILTER HOUSING SPILLED ONTO THE RUBBER ACCESSORY BELT CAUSING IT TO OVERHEAT AND DISINTEGRATE. THE RESULT WAS A TOTAL LOSS OF ALL POWERS, MOST IMPORTANTLY THE LOSS OF ELECTRICAL CHARGING AND POWER STEERING. THIS OCCURRED AT HIGH SPEED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE. THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING CREATED A SITUATION WHERE THE AUTO WAS NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER. THE LOSS OF THE CHARGING SYSTEM, ALTERNATOR NOT CHARGING, CAUSED AN EVENTUAL COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF POWER AND SHUTDOWN OF THE ENGINE LEAVING ME ON THE SIDE OF A HIGHWAY. THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR, BUT FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO AVOID A COLLISION. THIS OCCURRED AT ONLY A 65,000 MILE ODOMETER READING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10679970

Official recalls

4

24V513000 · 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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.