IllustrationMy car will not start up to show ignition lights… blinks fast then shuts off / will not crank / after flashing lights on dash service engine light appears & car has smoking from under hood
2008 BMW 328I
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most 328I years
Owner complaints for the 2008 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all 328I years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
100–25K
1925–50K
2550–75K
2075–100K
40100–150K
15150K+
129 reports with mileage · 110 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Electrical System. Review the 85 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 54 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports22 fire reports9 injury reports
Engine complaints
54 reportsKeep getting the p0015 code changed all sensors that come with code and I keep getting a high pitched noise once car gets hot.
The contact owns a 2008 328i. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he smelled a burning odor and parked the vehicle. The contact looked under the hood and did not see any damage. The contact restarted the vehicle to drive home …
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The contact owns a 2008 328i. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle was making abnormal sounds. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he smelled a burning odor and parked the vehicle. The contact looked under the hood and did not see any damage. The contact restarted the vehicle to drive home and heard a loud noise coming from the engine and vehicle started overheating. After arriving home, the contact opened the hood and became aware that the hood insulation was missing, and the PCV hose was leaking oil. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 102,000.
The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated that he had parked and turned off the vehicle, but about 20 minutes later he saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that as he opened the hood of the vehicle he saw flames of fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguishe…
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The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328i. The contact stated that he had parked and turned off the vehicle, but about 20 minutes later he saw smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact stated that as he opened the hood of the vehicle he saw flames of fire and was able to extinguish the fire with a fire extinguisher. The contact stated that he removed the battery from the vehicle. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to their location for diagnosis. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle as the vehicle had caught fire. The dealer referred the contact to NHTSA. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
MY VEHICLE STARTED SHUTTING DOWN FROM THE RADIATOR WHERE IT CAN ONLY BE STARTED MANUALLY.
ENGINE CAMSHAFT(VANOS) ADJUSTMENT UNITS FAILING. BMW NA NEVER SENT OUT A RECALL WHEN KNEW OF IT IN 2018( SEE ATTACHED FEB 2018 SERVICE BULLETIN) . ON 8/27/20, TISHA OF BMW NJ OFFICE CLAIMS DEALER IS RESPONSIBLE BUT SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL OUTSTANDING. I TOOK IT TO DEALER CRITZ OF SAVANNAH, GA ON 8/27 WHO CLAIM THAT THERE WAS NO …
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ENGINE CAMSHAFT(VANOS) ADJUSTMENT UNITS FAILING. BMW NA NEVER SENT OUT A RECALL WHEN KNEW OF IT IN 2018( SEE ATTACHED FEB 2018 SERVICE BULLETIN) . ON 8/27/20, TISHA OF BMW NJ OFFICE CLAIMS DEALER IS RESPONSIBLE BUT SAYS THERE IS NO RECALL OUTSTANDING. I TOOK IT TO DEALER CRITZ OF SAVANNAH, GA ON 8/27 WHO CLAIM THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND THAT BMW ARE NOT BUILT TO LAST 12 YEARS. IT COST AT LEAST $4000 IF NOT MORE TO FIX A RECALL ITEM THAT BMW ISSUED FEB 2018 FOR THIS AND NEVER SENT TO US. IN 2018 , THEY RECALLED THIS CAR FOR OTHER SAFETY ISSUES (SEE ATTACHED) BUT HID THIS MAJOR DEFECT THEY KNEW ABOUT IN 2/2018. I AM ATTACHING A RECALL THAT MY AUTO REPAIR GAVE ME THAT WAS NEVER EVER GIVEN TO ME BY DEALER NOR SENT FROM BMW NA . I NEED YOUR HELP TO HAVE BMW NA EXTEND THE RECALL AND PAY FOR FOR THIS LIFE THREATENING MANUFACTURER DEFECT . THIS WAS HIDDEN FROM THE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY . I WAS TOLD BY CRITZ YESTERDAY PRIOR TO MY PLANNED TRIP ACROSS THE US ON 9/4 THAT THE ENGINE COULD DROP AT ANY TIME AS THE BOLTS COULD BE LOOSE BUT THERE IS NO WAY TO TELL WITHOUT SPENDING $1,500 WITH NO END IN SIGHT. THIS CAR IS NOT AN OUT OF TOWN CAR ANYMORE ACCORDING TO DAVID OF CRITZ AND WAS NEVER BUILT TO LAST UNTIL 2020. I NOW HAVE NO ASSURANCE THAT I AM DRIVING SAFELY IN THIS CAR AND HAVE TO ADD SEVERAL DAYS TO MY TRIP.
WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE IN MOTION EVEN DURING ACCELERATION, WITH NO WARNINGS VEHICLE JUST STALLS. ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. POWER TO REST OF VEHICLE STILL WORKS FINE AND NOT INTERRUPTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS BUT LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE OFF THE STREET INTO SAFETY AS CAR STILL GLIDED. UNKNOWN …
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WHILE DRIVING AND VEHICLE IN MOTION EVEN DURING ACCELERATION, WITH NO WARNINGS VEHICLE JUST STALLS. ENGINE SHUTS OFF AND LOSS OF POWER STEERING. POWER TO REST OF VEHICLE STILL WORKS FINE AND NOT INTERRUPTED. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON CITY STREETS BUT LUCKILY WAS ABLE TO MUSCLE OFF THE STREET INTO SAFETY AS CAR STILL GLIDED. UNKNOWN TO COMPONENTS CAUSING ISSUE AS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES OFF AFTER BEING ABLE TO RESTART VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE SCANNED AND NOTHING COMES UP. ALL RECALLS HAVE BEEN PERFORMED ACCORDING TO BMW WEBSITE.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE …
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PREVIOUS OWNER HAD NOT HAD THE RECALL REPAIRS PERFORMED PRIOR TO THE CONTACT PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS AND EMERGENCY BRAKE INDICATORS WERE FLASHING. IN ADDITION, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FLASHED AND THEN REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED MORE THAN ONCE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WOULD RESTART AFTER IT WAS SHUT OFF. KOVACS MOTORS (707-996-4149, LOCATED AT 19190 SONOMA HWY, SONOMA, CA 95476) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
MY CAR JERKED AND STALLED AND GIVE DIFFICULT START. TOOK IT TO MECHANIC SHOP AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH CRANK PCV VALVE PROBLEMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. LESS THAN AN HOUR AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY HAD TO BE MANUALLY USED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. LESS THAN AN HOUR AFTER THE CONTACT PARKED AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE CONTACT RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE, THE KEY FOB FAILED TO UNLOCK THE VEHICLE AND THE KEY HAD TO BE MANUALLY USED TO OPEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WAS FILLED WITH WHITE SMOKE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, IT WAS NOTICED THAT AN EXTENSIVE FIRE ERUPTED FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE NEAR THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES AND PROVIDED A FIRE INSPECTION REPORT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AFTER THE FAILURE, THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT SEND THE RECALL NOTICES CONCERNING NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT MENTIONED THAT THESE MODELS HAVE RECALLS. THE CONTACT VERIFIED THE RECALL INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM THE INTERNET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Official recalls
524V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jul 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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
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.
Air Bags:frontal
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.
20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Jan 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 & remedy
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.
17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)
Oct 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 & remedy
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.
17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring
Oct 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 & remedy
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.
13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
Feb 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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
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.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
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.
Electrical System
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.