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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.

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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

Unknown Or Other complaints

6 reports
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99,550 miles · Aug 25, 2020
Unknown Or Other

WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR OF MY CAR AND EXIT. I COULD NOT UNLOCK IT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THE UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAILED. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW AN REACH OUTSIDE TO THE DOOR HANDLE. EVIDENTLY THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT REPAIRED IT BY INS…

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WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION, I WAS UNABLE TO UNLOCK THE FRONT DOOR OF MY CAR AND EXIT. I COULD NOT UNLOCK IT EITHER MANUALLY OR ELECTRONICALLY. THE UNLOCKING MECHANISM FAILED. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOW AN REACH OUTSIDE TO THE DOOR HANDLE. EVIDENTLY THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE IT REPAIRED IT BY INSTALLING AN "UPDATED DOOR LATCH ON BOTH FRONT DOORS." I AM GRATETFULL THAT I DID NOT HAVE TO GET OUT OF THAT CAR BECAUSE OF AN EMERGENCY.

NHTSA ODI #11351274

90,000 miles · Jun 7, 2020
Air BagsStructureUnknown Or OtherCrashFireInjury

THIS CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED OUT BY MY INSURANCE COMPANY DUE TO THE FRAME BEING WAPED RADIATOR BUSTED SUSPENSION WARPED ELECTRICAL ISSUES WITH THE BLOWER MOTOR THIS WAS THE 1ST FIRST OF MY 4 BMWS TO LEAVE ME OWING MONEY ON A VEHICLE THAT ISN'T DRIVABLE LOCATION AND ISSUE UNKNOWN

NHTSA ODI #11327649

Mileage unknown · Feb 25, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE KEY FOBS IN THE 2008 BMWS ARE GLUED AND THE BATTERY SOLDERED INTO PLACE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR OWNERS TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES IN THE KEY FOBS WHEN THE BATTERY DIES. ONCE THE KEY FOB BATTERY DIES, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE. BMW SHOULD OFFER A REPLACEMENT KEY FOB FOR ALL MODEL YEARS WHERE THE BATTERY IS NOT ABLE TO BE CHA…

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THE KEY FOBS IN THE 2008 BMWS ARE GLUED AND THE BATTERY SOLDERED INTO PLACE, MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR OWNERS TO REPLACE THE BATTERIES IN THE KEY FOBS WHEN THE BATTERY DIES. ONCE THE KEY FOB BATTERY DIES, THE VEHICLE IS INOPERABLE. BMW SHOULD OFFER A REPLACEMENT KEY FOB FOR ALL MODEL YEARS WHERE THE BATTERY IS NOT ABLE TO BE CHANGED BY THE OWNER.

NHTSA ODI #11311460

85,000 miles · Aug 4, 2015
Unknown Or Other

PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY SHOULD THERE BE A CRASH. THIS VERY ISSUE IS A CAUSE OF A RECALL BY BMW IN 2008, BUT THIS MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THI…

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PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAIN SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS, WHEN A PASSENGER IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. THIS MEANS THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY SHOULD THERE BE A CRASH. THIS VERY ISSUE IS A CAUSE OF A RECALL BY BMW IN 2008, BUT THIS MODEL IS NOT CURRENTLY COVERED DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.

NHTSA ODI #10746200

124,600 miles · Jul 9, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

2008 BMW 335I COUPE PURCHASED ON JULY 15TH, 2013 FROM CARMAX. CURRENTLY DRIVABLE BUT HAS MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT IS STILL UNDER COVERAGE AND IS VALID AT THE BMW DEALER OR ANY CARMAX NATIONWIDE. WHEN CARMAX CAN'T FIX THE CAR IT'S HAULED OVER TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR AND A CHE…

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2008 BMW 335I COUPE PURCHASED ON JULY 15TH, 2013 FROM CARMAX. CURRENTLY DRIVABLE BUT HAS MAJOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS. THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT IS STILL UNDER COVERAGE AND IS VALID AT THE BMW DEALER OR ANY CARMAX NATIONWIDE. WHEN CARMAX CAN'T FIX THE CAR IT'S HAULED OVER TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP TO COMPLETE THE REPAIR AND A CHECK WOULD BE WRITTEN BY MAXCARE TO THE BMW DEALER. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT I'VE HAD TO TAKE THIS VEHICLE IN FOR MAJOR REPAIRS SEVERAL TIMES AND I'M NOT COUNTING MAINTENANCE VISITS. MOST OF THESE MAJOR REPAIRS WERE REPETITIVE MAJOR JOBS SUCH AS OIL LEAKS, FUEL PRESSURE SYSTEM, INJECTORS. AT ONE TIME MY CAR PING PONGED BETWEEN CARMAX AND BMW FOR CLOSE TO 2 MONTHS. CONSIDER THE TIME I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR AND HOW LONG AND HOW MANY TIMES IT'S BEEN OUT OF MY POSSESSION. I WAS PAYING A CAR NOTE FOR A BMW BUT DRIVING AROUND IN A A BASE MODEL RENTAL CAR MOST OF THE TIME. I'VE GOT INVOICES/ESTIMATES WHERE THE CAR WENT IN FOR MAJOR REPAIR OR DIAGNOSIS DURING THESE DATES: 07/22/2013 05/30/2014 06/13/2014 07/01/2014 11/05/2014 06/25/2015 THE REPAIR INVOICE/ESTIMATE ON 11/05/2014 WAS THE BIGGEST ONE. I WAS VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THE AMOUNT OF WORK BEING DONE ON THE VEHICLE SO I GOT THE CAR APPRAISED TO SELL BACK TO CARMAX AND THEY TOLD ME $10,000 WHICH I THOUGHT WAS RIDICULOUS. THE WORK DONE ON THAT CAR AMOUNTED TO ALMOST $7,000 OR MORE JUST ON THAT ONE INVOICE WHICH IS 70% OF THE CAR VALUE. ALSO, WHILE THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP I ACQUIRED THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE DIRECTLY FROM BMW. THE HISTORY STATED THAT THE CAR HAD OIL LEAK REPAIR AT THE PAN AND GASKET AND THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD A LEAK IN 03/06/2013 AND THE MILEAGE FOR THIS RECORD WAS COMPLETELY OFF. AS YOU CAN SEE THE DATE OF THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #10732961

55,820 miles · Sep 10, 2012
Unknown Or Other

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN EFFORT TO MAKE A FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE OCCURRING ON CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST, I HAD TAKEN MY CAR (2008, 335I) TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WHILE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, I NOTICED ALL MY SETTINGS WERE LOST. LATER, WITHIN T…

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I AM WRITING THIS LETTER IN EFFORT TO MAKE A FORMAL COMPLAINT REGARDING A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE OCCURRING ON CERTAIN BMW VEHICLES. ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST, I HAD TAKEN MY CAR (2008, 335I) TO THE DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE. WHILE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP, I NOTICED ALL MY SETTINGS WERE LOST. LATER, WITHIN THE HOUR, I NOTICED THAT I COULD NO LONGER UNLOCK THE DOORS WITH THE REMOTE DOOR OPENER OR FROM WITHIN THE VEHICLE. I COULD ONLY ENTER AND EXIT (VIA THE DRIVER DOOR) USING THE MANUAL KEY. IN ATTEMPTING TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM, I HAD REVIEWED NUMEROUS SITES/BLOGS AND DISCOVERED THIS IS KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE ACTUATOR CAUSING A FUSE TO CONTINUE TO BLOW. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP ON TUESDAY (9/4). THEY WERE TOO BUSY TO SCHEDULE ME THE NEXT DAY. ON TUESDAY, THE DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THE PROBLEM WITH THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR (AS MANY HAVE REPORTED). THE DEALERSHIP ALSO CONFIRMED THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS. I AM VERY SURPRISED THERE HAS NOT BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. THIS DEFECT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. INCASE OF AN ACCIDENT, WATER HAZARD AND/OR FIRE, ONLY THE DRIVER IS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. ALL OTHER PASSENGERS WOULD HAVE TO CLIMB OVER THE SEATS TO EXIT OUT THE DRIVER DOOR. IN CASE OF A FIRE, THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10474579

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.