IllustrationHEAD LIGHT WIRING SHEATHING IS DETERIORATING , IT IS FLAKING OFF CAUSING WIRES TO TOUCH, IT HAS CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT AND FRIED MY LIGHTING BALLAST AND BLOWN HEADLIGHT BULB.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 335I 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
490–25K
4425–50K
3150–75K
2375–100K
14100–150K
2150K+
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
What owners actually said
201 reportsTL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND THE WATERPUMP I CHANGED TWO TIMES, KEEP OVERHEATING AND ALMOST GETTING IN FIRE FLAMES, I NEED HELP PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP ME, IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO GET TO THIS LEVEL, I SPEND ALL MY MONEY MOST OF THE TIME ON MY CAR. THE WATERPUMP STOP WORKING SMOKE COMES OUT OF ENGINE,BECOME SO HOT THAT BURNED MY …
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I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE AND THE WATERPUMP I CHANGED TWO TIMES, KEEP OVERHEATING AND ALMOST GETTING IN FIRE FLAMES, I NEED HELP PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP ME, IT SHOULD NOT HAPPEN TO GET TO THIS LEVEL, I SPEND ALL MY MONEY MOST OF THE TIME ON MY CAR. THE WATERPUMP STOP WORKING SMOKE COMES OUT OF ENGINE,BECOME SO HOT THAT BURNED MY FACE TWO TIME,WHEN WATERPUMP WHEN WRONG,HIT MY OIL COOLER,RADIATOR,AND MUCH MORE STUFF ALONE.
WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONTAL WRECK COMING INTO CONTACT WITH A BOX TRUCK AT A DEAD STOP FROM 55MPH, THE DRIVER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, BECOMING PUNCTURED AND PARTICLES FLYING ALL OVER AND CUTTING UP MY ARM. THIS CAUSING THE AIRBAG TO BE COMPLETELY FLAT. THANK GOD FOR THE WORKING SEAT BELT.
AFTER RECEIVING THE AIRBAG RECALL LETTER FROM BMW, I DECIDED TO CALL THE NEAR BY DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS TOLD I WILL BE CONTACT BY BMW ONCE THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. I ASKED FOR A TIMELINE WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT A NOTIFICATION/EMAIL ETC FROM BMW. HE SAID MOSTLY LIKELY BY THE END OF 2017 BECAU…
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AFTER RECEIVING THE AIRBAG RECALL LETTER FROM BMW, I DECIDED TO CALL THE NEAR BY DEALERSHIP TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. I WAS TOLD I WILL BE CONTACT BY BMW ONCE THE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. I ASKED FOR A TIMELINE WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT A NOTIFICATION/EMAIL ETC FROM BMW. HE SAID MOSTLY LIKELY BY THE END OF 2017 BECAUSE THERE SHORTAGE ON THE PARTS AND CONTINUE GO SAY OPERATE THE VEHICLE AS USUAL. HE ALSO INDICATED THAT THERE HASN'T BE A SERIOUS INCIDENT WITH BMW VEHICLES INVOLVING THE AIRBAG. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL 2017 IF NOT LATER FOR HAVE THE DEADLY DEFECTIVE PART REPLACED. I AM BASICALLY TIME BOMB MACHINE UNTIL ONE OR TWO THINGS 1. FIXED BY 2017 OR 2. SERIOUS ACCIDENT? DOES ANYONE GOTTEN A DECENT RESPOND INQUIRING WITH YOUR BMW DEALERSHIP?
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I CONVERTIBLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS) WAS RECEIVED IN FEBRUARY OF 2016. AFTER RECEIVING THE NOTICE, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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.
PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAINT 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 FOR 2007 MODELS, BUT EARLY 2008 MODELS ARE NOT CURRENTLY COVERED DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY COMMON…
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PASSENGER SAFETY RESTRAINT 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 FOR 2007 MODELS, BUT EARLY 2008 MODELS ARE NOT CURRENTLY COVERED DESPITE THIS BEING A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL.
FAULTY HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP- LOSS OF POWER - ENGINE STALL IN TRAFFIC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE LEAK AND STRONG FUMES OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH PROGRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A PREMATURE LEAK AND STRONG FUMES OF FUEL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHICH PROGRESSED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED NO REMEDY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Official recalls
424V513000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.