VehicleVerdict

2008 BMW 335xi problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 81 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 6.2 times the median 335xi year — the 2008 model ranks #1 of 12 335xi years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 29 reports (36% of the total).

81

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

9

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other 335xi years?

335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted81 complaints2005: 0 complaints2006: 0 complaints2007: 26 complaints2008: 81 complaints2009: 24 complaints2010: 13 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 2 complaints2013: 13 complaints2014: 14 complaints2015: 3 complaints2016: 0 complaints
335xi NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all 335xi years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 BMW 335xi problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System2936%
Electrical System1620%
Engine1519%
Airbags67%
Transmission45%
Body & Structure22%
Latches & Locks22%
Brakes22%
Other22%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Lighting11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2008 BMW 335xi have recalls?

3 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“THREE FUEL PUMP FAILURES, BMW FACTORY REP LOOKED AT CAR AT BMW CLEVELAND, IN SOLON, OHIO. ONE WEEK LATER CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT AT WORK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · February 5, 2010 · fire

“THREE FUEL PUMP FAILURES, BMW FACTORY REP LOOKED AT CAR AT BMW CLEVELAND, IN SOLON, OHIO. ONE WEEK LATER CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE SITTING IN PARKING LOT AT WORK. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 5, 2010 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 335XI. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT OCCUPIED. NO INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 10, 2016 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335XI. 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 RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 24, 2016

“LONG CRANK, STUTTERING, ENGINE DYING AT IDLE (OR IN TRAFFIC), CHECK ENGINE LIGHT/LIMP MODE. BMW DEALERS DON'T KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO FIX IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. THEY JUST KEEP REPLACING THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 7, 2010

2008 BMW 335xi — common questions

Is the 2008 BMW 335xi reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 81 complaints put the 2008 model at #1 of 12 335xi years. It is one of the 335xi years to avoid.

What are the most common 2008 335xi problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (29 complaints), electrical system (16 complaints), engine (15 complaints).

Does the 2008 BMW 335xi have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 BMW 335xi. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which BMW 335xi years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the 335xi years to avoid are 2008, 2014, 2013, 2015, 2016. The cleanest record among 335xi 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.