2008 BMW 3 Series Engine Problems
Owners filed 18 engine-related complaints for the 2008 BMW 3 Series, 26% of all complaints for that year, with median failure mileage of 68,000. A related recall (22V119000) covers engine wiring issues on this generation.
- Engine complaints
- 18
- 26% of 68 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 68
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 68,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Engine stalls or cuts out suddenly while driving, sometimes during turns or at highway speed, with rpm dropping without warning.
- Long or erratic cranking on startup, paired with reduced power, shaking, and a loud pumping noise from the engine.
- Aluminum engine mount bolts shear or break, causing the engine to drop and in one case snapping a drive shaft.
- Sudden loss of power accompanied by an overheat warning light that escalates within seconds, requiring a tow.
- Valve cover and oil filter housing gasket leaks recur after repair, affecting the eccentric shaft sensor.
- Hesitation or lag on acceleration followed by an abrupt surge of power, described as unpredictable in traffic.
When 2008 BMW 3 Series engine complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 14, 2008, latest Jun 14, 2019.
Engine recalls for the 2008 BMW 3 Series
- NHTSA 22V119000Mar 2, 2022Engine917,106 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:crankcase (pcv)
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.
Risk: 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.
Engine complaints by 3 Series model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are engine problems on the 2008 BMW 3 Series?
- NHTSA lists 18 engine-related complaints for the 2008 3 Series, which is 26% of all complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine complaints on the 2008 3 Series is 68,000 miles.
- Is there a recall for the 2008 BMW 3 Series engine?
- Yes, recall campaign 22V119000 covers engine wiring on 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe models including the 2008 328i, 328xi, and 328i xDrive.
- What kind of engine failures do owners report most?
- Owners describe stalling, hard starting, engine mount bolts shearing, and sudden power loss with overheat warnings.
- Did the engine recall involve crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this complaint area on the 2008 3 Series lists zero crashes, fires, or injuries.