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U.S. public vehicle records

2008 Bmw 128I: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

18 owner complaints analyzed

6 distinct recall campaigns

67,413 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2008 model year. Data snapshot: . 12 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 7 of 18 complaints (38.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues211.1%
Engine operation15.6%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Air Bags
7
Electrical System
2
Engine And Engine Cooling
2
Seat Belts
2
Engine
1
Exterior Lighting
1
Firerelated
1
Latches/Locks/Linkages
1
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Air Bags7
Electrical System2
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Seat Belts2
Engine1
Exterior Lighting1
Firerelated1
Latches/Locks/Linkages1

Air Bags: 7; Electrical System: 2; Engine And Engine Cooling: 2; Seat Belts: 2; Engine: 1; Exterior Lighting: 1; Firerelated: 1; Latches/Locks/Linkages: 1

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
0
25,000 to 49,999
3
50,000 to 74,999
4
75,000 to 99,999
2
100,000 to 149,999
3
150,000 and above
0
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0000
25,000 to 49,9993
50,000 to 74,9994
75,000 to 99,9992
100,000 to 149,9993
150,000 and above0

Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 4; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 3; 150,000 and above: 0

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (4). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2013
1
2014
2
2015
2
2016
3
2017
3
2018
1
2019
1
2020
1
2022
3
2023
1
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20131
20142
20152
20163
20173
20181
20191
20201
20223
20231

2013: 1; 2014: 2; 2015: 2; 2016: 3; 2017: 3; 2018: 1; 2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2022: 3; 2023: 1

Pattern summary

Air Bags leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10533329 · 2013-08-02 (August 2, 2013)

WARNING LIGHTS FOR SEATBELT TENSIONER AND AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON DASH. MANUAL SUGGEST THAT AIRBAG AND SEATBELT TENSIONER MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY IN A CRASH. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 51,235 miles reported. Look up ODI 10533329 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10643617 · 2014-10-09 (October 9, 2014)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REARVIEW MIRROR SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED TO REPAIR THE REARVIEW MIRROR. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT AN ORIGINAL EQIPMENT MANUFACTURER'S WINDSHIELD. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. P

Owner-reported narrative. 36,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10643617 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10667096 · 2014-12-18 (December 18, 2014)

I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO GO INTO LOWES. WHEN I LOCKED THE DOORS THE WINDOW WENT DOWN MAKE A POP NOISE. I TURNED AROUND AND WENT BACK TO THE CAR BECAUSE I NOTICED THE WINDOWS DOWN. ATTEMPTED TO LET THE WINDOW UP WITHOUT SUCCESS. THIS COULD HAVE CREATED A THEFT ISSUE IF I WOULD HAVE NOT NOTICED THE DEFICIENT WINDOW. WITH ONLY 26,000 MILES PURCHASED NEW THE VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE SUCH ISSUES. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 26,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10667096 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10669674 · 2015-01-02 (January 2, 2015)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNIT WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE AIR BAG LIGHT CONTINUED TO ILLUMINATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V044000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.

Owner-reported narrative. 79,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10669674 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10806552 · 2015-11-24 (November 24, 2015)

WARNING LIGHT SAYS SOS WITH A BAR THROUGH A TELEPHONE HANDSET. THE HANDS FREE FUNCTION STOPS WORKING AND THE GARAGE DOOR FUNCTION WILL NOT OPERATE.

Owner-reported narrative. 57,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10806552 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10899545 · 2016-08-30 (August 30, 2016)

RECEIVED LETTER FROM BMW MARCH 2016 GIVING DESCRIPTION OF RECALL DUE TO AIRBAGS. CALLED DEALERSHIP, MARCH, APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST, NO PARTS TO FIX IT, NO IDEA WHEN IT CAN BE FIXED. EMAILED BMW, CUSTOMER RELATIONS, TOLD PARTS WOULD BE IN END OF SUMMER, EMAILED AGAIN END OF AUGUST, TOLD PARTS WON'T BE IN UNTIL NEXT YEAR. UNSAFE TO DRIVE THIS CAR, CAN'T SELL THIS CAR, NO ONE CARES.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10899545 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10919342 · 2016-10-27 (October 27, 2016)

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 128I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). 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 NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10919342 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10933755 · 2016-12-07 (December 7, 2016)

TAKATA RECALL. I HAVEN'T HAD ANY SPECIFIC INCIDENT REGARDING THE RECALL- HOWEVER, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, BMW HAS MISSED THE DEADLINE SET BY THE NHTSA TO AMASS PARTS FOR AND REPAIR AFFECTED VEHICLES LIKE MINE. I OWN A 2008 BMW 128I. I CURRENTLY LIVE IN FLORIDA (A VERY HUMID STATE) AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER LEFT THE STATE OF FLORIDA. THIS SHOULD PLACE MY VEHICLE IN PRIORITY GROUP 1 FOR THE AIRBAG REPAIR- HOWEVER, I HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY INDICATION THAT THE REPAIR WILL TAKE PLACE ANY TIME SOON. MY LOCAL BMW SERVICE CENTER HAS SAID THAT I…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10933755 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

6 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

13V044000 · Electrical System:Wiring:Fuses And Circuit Breakers | Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery:Cables | Electrical System

Reported: 2013-02-07 (February 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: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
16V071000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2016-02-05 (February 5, 2016)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2017-10-30 (October 30, 2017)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
19V579000 · Electrical System:Wiring

Reported: 2019-08-06 (August 6, 2019)

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2012 BMW 128i, 135i, 135is Coupes and 128i, 135i Convertible vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors in the blower-regulator wiring harness 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 inspect the blower-regulator wiring harness, and replace it with a new part, free of charge. The recall began October 4, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of an earlier recall number 17V-676.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
20V017000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module

Reported: 2020-01-15 (January 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: 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Exhaust System:Emission Control:Crankcase (Pcv)

Reported: 2022-03-02 (March 2, 2022)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗