VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW 335i problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 276 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median 335i year — the 2008 model ranks #2 of 12 335i years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 13 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 78 reports (28% of the total).

276

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

13

Fires reported

13

Injuries

3

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 335i years?

335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted388 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 388 complaints2008: 276 complaints2009: 127 complaints2010: 58 complaints2011: 136 complaints2012: 30 complaints2013: 69 complaints2014: 31 complaints2015: 16 complaints2016: 3 complaints2017: 0 complaints
335i NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335i years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW 335i problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System7828%
Airbags4416%
Electrical System3914%
Engine3814%
Seat Belts93%
Lighting93%
Transmission93%
Other73%
Brakes73%
Visibility & Wipers73%
Speed Control62%
Latches & Locks62%
Steering52%
Tires & Wheels52%
Seats41%
Body & Structure31%

Does the 2008 BMW 335i have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V513000AirbagsJuly 3, 2024 · 394,029 units

Defect

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.

20V017000AirbagsJanuary 15, 2020 · 59,965 units

Defect

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

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.

17V676000Electrical SystemOctober 25, 2017 · 702,965 units

Defect

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

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.

13V044000Electrical SystemFebruary 7, 2013 · 516,791 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR HAD FUEL PUMP INITIALLY REPLACED WHEN CAR STILL UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY. BMW NA WILL TRY TO AVOID THE ABSOLUTE TRUTH. NOTE INJECTORS FOR THE N54 ENGINE ARE ALSO ON A WORLD WIDE RECALL. NOW THE INJECTION PUMP FROM A RECALL IS BEING CALLED EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS OR 120,000. MILES WELL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · August 25, 2014 · crash

“ON 22ND OF SEPT 09 I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT WITH MY BMW 335I AND IT WAS A HEAD ON COLLISION AND ALL THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED EXCEPT MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG AND THAT IS WHERE I SLAMMED MY HEAD AGAINST AND RECEIVED A CONCUSSION, AND THIS WAS AFTER THIS RECALL AND I NOR ANYONE ELSE WHO HAS THE TYPE OF CAR AS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 22, 2009 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND OCCUPIED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND THROUGH THE AIR VENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT AND HIS FAMILY WERE ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURIES. THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 25, 2018 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO OVERHEAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE LOCATION OF THE SMOKE. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 19, 2017 · fire

“FOURTH INCIDENT - ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTICS INDICATE "MALFUNCTION PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM" IN ELEVEN MONTHS FOR SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE YET TO BE SCHEDULED WITH DEALER. I KNOW THERE WAS RECALL FOR SAME PROBLEM IN 2006 FOR BMW 3-SERIES. I THINK BMW IS INSTALLING FAULTY SEAT MATS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · July 21, 2012

2008 BMW 335i — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW 335i reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 276 complaints put the 2008 model at #2 of 12 335i years. It is one of the 335i years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 335i problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (78 complaints), airbags (44 complaints), electrical system (39 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW 335i have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 BMW 335i. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335i years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 335i years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2011, 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. The cleanest record among 335i years belongs to 2006.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.