2008 BMW 3 Series

Sold as 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Electric water pump and thermostat failures All years

What to check: Ask when the water pump and thermostat were last replaced, and plan to do both if there is no record. Watch the temperature gauge and look for coolant leaks; Turner says the coolant should still be BMW's blue.

Turner Motorsport says the pump and thermostat often fail around 80,000 to 90,000 miles, and AutoGuide calls the failures widespread. Six owners in two forum threads describe replacing the water pump or other cooling parts, some well before 100,000 miles.

Sources ^1,2,3,4
Oil leaks from the gaskets All years

What to check: Look for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and the oil pan, and under the car.

Turner Motorsport lists the valve cover, oil pan and oil filter housing gaskets, and AutoGuide says a leaking valve cover can lose oil unnoticed. Four owners in two forum threads describe leaks from these gaskets.

Sources ^1,2,3,4
High-pressure fuel pump failure All years

What to check: Ask whether the high-pressure fuel pump has been replaced, and watch for long starts, stumbling or a warning light.

Turner Motorsport lists a weak pump on the N54. AutoGuide says it is common on both engines, that most N54s had one replaced by about 60,000 miles, and that BMW extended its warranty on it.

Sources ^1,2
Wastegate rattle All years

What to check: Listen for a rattle from the turbos when lifting off the throttle, and watch for power loss or smoke.

Turner Motorsport and AutoGuide both list it on the N54, and Turner says BMW extended the warranty for it.

Sources ^1,2
Leaking fuel injectors All years

What to check: Ask about misfire codes and injector replacement. AutoGuide advises replacing all six together.

Turner Motorsport says leaking injectors can put the car in limp mode, and AutoGuide that they cause misfires.

Sources ^1,2
Starter motor failure All years One source so far

What to check: Listen to it start from cold, and ask if the starter has been replaced.

Three owners in one forum thread report starters failing, around 80,000 to 90,000 miles by one account. One adds that the intake must come off to reach it.

Sources ³
Air conditioning evaporator All years One source so far

What to check: Check the air conditioning blows cold.

AutoGuide says the evaporator mainly fails on the E90 sedan, and that the dash has to come out to replace it.

Sources ²
Hard ride on run-flat tyres All years One source so far

What to check: Note what tyres it is on, and judge the ride on a rough road.

Three owners in one forum thread found the ride stiff or choppy on the run-flat tyres, and two say they replaced them.

Sources ³

Recalls

13V044000 2007–2011
The positive battery cable's connector can wear, cutting power so the car may stall. The connector is replaced and secured.^5,6,7,8
17V676000 2006–2011
Wiring and connectors for the heating and air conditioning airflow control can overheat and melt, with a risk of fire even when the car is parked. They are replaced.^9,5,6,7,10,8
17V683000 2007–2011
The heater in the crankcase ventilation valve can short-circuit, with a risk of fire even when the car is parked.⁵
20V017000 2006–2013
Driver airbag inflators fitted as a stopgap Takata repair can burst as their propellant ages. The airbag is replaced.^9,5,6,7,10,8
24V513000 2006–2012
The driver airbag in a replacement sport steering wheel can burst when it goes off. The airbag is checked and replaced as needed.^9,5,6,7,10,8

Watch out for

Recalls

Sources