2008 Bmw 335I: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
201 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
42,843 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2008 model year. Data snapshot: . 163 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Fuel System, Gasoline is the most frequently named component, appearing in 47 of 201 complaints (23.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel system concerns | 59 | 29.4% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 25 | 12.4% |
| Engine operation | 24 | 11.9% |
| Braking behavior | 13 | 6.5% |
| Steering behavior | 11 | 5.5% |
| Transmission and shifting | 6 | 3.0% |
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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 47 |
| Air Bags | 41 |
| Electrical System | 34 |
| Engine | 26 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 |
| Exterior Lighting | 9 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 |
| Power Train | 8 |
Fuel System, Gasoline: 47; Air Bags: 41; Electrical System: 34; Engine: 26; Fuel/Propulsion System: 20; Exterior Lighting: 9; Engine And Engine Cooling: 8; Power Train: 8
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 49 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 44 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 31 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 23 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 14 |
| 150,000 and above | 2 |
Under 25,000: 49; 25,000 to 49,999: 44; 50,000 to 74,999: 31; 75,000 to 99,999: 23; 100,000 to 149,999: 14; 150,000 and above: 2
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (49). 38 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.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 42 |
| 2011 | 3 |
| 2012 | 13 |
| 2013 | 15 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 14 |
| 2016 | 17 |
| 2017 | 20 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 4 |
| 2020 | 7 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2008: 5; 2009: 22; 2010: 42; 2011: 3; 2012: 13; 2013: 15; 2014: 18; 2015: 14; 2016: 17; 2017: 20; 2018: 17; 2019: 4; 2020: 7; 2021: 1; 2022: 1; 2024: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Fuel System, Gasoline leads the component reports. Fuel system concerns appears in 59 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 25 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 24 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 10239718 · 2008-08-25 (August 25, 2008)
1) TRANSMISSION JERKS FORWARD WHEN LETTING FOOT OFF BRAKE INTERMITTENTLY 2) CAR HAS LONG STARTS; I BELIEVE IT TO BE A FUEL MANAGEMENT PROBLEM 3) CAR HAS REDUCED POWER INTERMITTENTLY PROBLEMS OCCURS ABOUT EVERY TWO DAYS; THE TRANSMISSION JERKING FORWARD AND REDUCE POWER IS UNSAFE. IT CAN'T BE FORECASTED DURING EVERYDAY DRIVING. I HAVE IN CONTACT WITH BMW NA AND MY LOCAL SERVICE CENTER FOR REPAIRS. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2000 MILES; BMW CLAIMS NO ISSUES WITH THE SYSTEM. FUEL/TRANSMISSION ISSUE MAKES THE CAR HARD TO PREDICT. BMW DEALER REC…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,920 miles reported. Look up ODI 10239718 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10243352 · 2008-09-24 (September 24, 2008)
I HAVE A 2008 BMW 335I CONVERTIBLE. ON TWO OCCASIONS, THE FUEL PUMP HAS MALFUNCTIONED COMING OFF OF THE FREEWAY IN LOS ANGELES, RESULTING IN COMPLETE LACK OF POWER. THIS HAS PUT ME AND MY FAMILY'S LIFE IN DANGER. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS OTHER REPORTS OF THIS OCCURRING. PLEASE MAKE BMW ISSUE A RECALL, ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 8,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10243352 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10244656 · 2008-10-07 (October 7, 2008)
1. USED REGULAR UNLEADED AS ATLANTA WAS OUT OF PREMIUM 2. DROVE VEHICLE ABOUT 20 MILES 3. ATTEMPTED TO START VEHICLE, ENGINE WOULD VIOLENT SHAKE THEN DIE, ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WOULD APPEAR 4. DEALER REPLACED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 5,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10244656 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10244669 · 2008-10-07 (October 7, 2008)
AT AROUND 2000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, THE CAR BEGAN HAVING LONG CRANK TIMES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10244669 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10246119 · 2008-10-20 (October 20, 2008)
335I GIVING TROUBLE AND CAUSING SAFETY ISSUES. CAR LOSES POWER WHILE DRIVING AND ENGINE GOES INTO CRISIS MODE. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 6,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10246119 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10254726 · 2009-01-12 (January 12, 2009)
WE HAVE TWO REMOTES FOR KEY-LESS ENTRY INTO OUR 2008 BMW 335I CONVERTIBLE. THE CAR HAS A PROXIMITY SENSOR AND CAN AUTOMATICALLY UNLOCK THE DOOR WHEN I PUT MY HAND ON THE DOOR HANDLE, WITHOUT REQUIRING ME TO PRESS ANY KEY ON THE REMOTE. BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAD A REMOTE EACH, AND IT SEEMS BOTH OF US PUT OUR HANDS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLES SIMULTANEOUSLY. THE DOORS UNLOCKED, WE BOTH GOT IN BUT APPARENTLY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DIDN'T SHUT AT ALL ON CLOSING. THERE WAS NO INDICATION ON THE DASHBOARD THAT THE DOOR IS OPEN. AS SOON AS…
Owner-reported narrative. 5,900 miles reported. Look up ODI 10254726 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10259776 · 2009-02-24 (February 24, 2009)
WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE FOR ~100 MILES AND THEN EXITED. AT THE FIRST RED LIGHT THE CAR STALLED AND REFUSED TO RUN NORMALLY. IT SPUTTERED AND STALLED REPEATEDLY. WE WERE FORTUNATE THAT A DEALER WAS WITHIN 1 MILE AND WAS ABLE TO EFFECT REPAIR. THE PROBLEM WAS FAILURE OF A PRESSURE PUMP WHICH WE WERE TOLD IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH CAR. BMW HAS NOT DESPITE THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM PUT OUT A SAFETY RECALL. THIS IS A VERY UNSAFE PROBLEM. HAD THE PUMP FAILED A FEW MINUTES EARLIER WE WOULD HAVE STALLED ON THE FL. TURNPIKE WHILE TRAVE…
Owner-reported narrative. 4,629 miles reported. Look up ODI 10259776 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10265659 · 2009-04-16 (April 16, 2009)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 335I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON AN INCLINE, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. THE ENGINE STALLED UNEXPECTEDLY AND THEN RESTARTED TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THE CONTACT REACHED HER DESTINATION. THE ENGINE FAILED TO RESTART AFTER THE FINAL OCCURRENCE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR INSPECTI…
Owner-reported narrative. 13,400 miles reported. Look up ODI 10265659 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 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 ↗17V676000 · Electrical System:Wiring
Reported: 2017-10-25 (October 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: 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.
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 ↗24V513000 · Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module | Air Bags:Frontal
Reported: 2024-07-03 (July 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: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗