2008 BMW 3 Series
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Electrical
Electrical leads by volume: 211 of 690 complaints (31%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (15) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 1,039 in 2007 to 690 in 2008.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | vs. 2008 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,700–4,100 | 3,500–3,900 | 3,500–4,100 | 3,300–4,100 | 3,300–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 19–21 | 20–22 | 19–22 | 19–27 | 19–27 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–18 / 23–28 | 17–18 / 25–28 | 16–19 / 25–28 | 16–23 / 25–36 | 16–23 / 25–36 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 423–468 | 404–444 | 404–468 | 377–468 | 377–468 | |
| Complaints filed | 1,243 | 1,039 | 690 | 388 | 274 | |
| Recalls issued | 15 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 12 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 29 | 29 | 15 | 15 | 8 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 40 | 61 | 63 | 19 | 12 | |
| Injuries reported | 23 | 24 | 25 | 17 | 5 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 9 | 10 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2008 BMW 3 Series have?
9 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
Electrical: 211 of 690 NHTSA complaints (31%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2008 BMW 3 Series get?
EPA rates it 19–22 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2008 BMW 3 Series?
EPA estimates $3,500–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (24)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 11 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 28 mpg (high) | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 19 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | 22 mpg (high) | $3,500 (low) | 404 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 15 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 19 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg (low) | 25 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 20 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 23 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 24 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 25 mpg (low) | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
Show 4 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 17 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 18 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 21 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 17 mpg | 27 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 22 | Automatic (S6) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Small Station Wagons | 18 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 423 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 203 | 2 | 27 | 6 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 29 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 137 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical | 211 | 1 | 50 | 8 | 0 |
| Brakes | 28 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 167 | 11 | 4 | 15 | 1 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 11 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 56 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 1 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 38 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Other | 47 | 1 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (9)
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 24V513000 · Jul 5, 2024
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · Campaign 22V119000 · Mar 3, 2022
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 20V017000 · Jan 15, 2020
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV) · Campaign 17V683000 · Oct 30, 2017
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING · Campaign 17V676000 · Oct 27, 2017
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · Campaign 16V071000 · Feb 8, 2016
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS · Campaign 13V044000 · Feb 12, 2013
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN · Campaign 12E029000 · Aug 14, 2012
Defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
Consequence: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
Remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; SEAT BELTS:FRONT · Campaign 09V257000 · Jul 8, 2009
Defect: BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
Consequence: IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.