2008 BMW 328 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 BMW 328 has a complaint index of 57, ranking 4th worst out of 8 model years, with a Caution verdict. NHTSA lists 8 complaints, 1 recall, and 1 fire report, with Airbags as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 57/100
- #4 of 8 328 years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 8
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Airbags
Top 2008 BMW 328 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags4 (50%)
- Electrical System3 (38%)
- Engine3 (38%)
- Structure & Body1 (13%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a passenger-side glovebox area catching fire, with flames spreading rapidly after a melted-plastic smell in the cabin at 100,000 miles.
- Multiple owners describe long waits for Takata airbag inflator replacement parts under recall 16V071000, some waiting well over a year.
- Dealers reportedly told owners the airbag replacement parts were unavailable, leaving vehicles unrepaired for extended periods.
- Owners report engine and cooling system recall repairs (campaign 17V683000) delayed due to unavailable parts.
- Some owners cite combined issues including the Takata airbag recall, a PCV valve recall, a blower motor recall, and ongoing electrical problems left unresolved.
2008 BMW 328 recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V071000Feb 5, 2016Airbags840,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
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.
Risk: 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.
2008 compared with other 328 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 BMW 328 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 57 for the 2008 BMW 328, ranking it 4th worst of 8 model years for this model, with a Caution verdict relative to other 328 years.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 BMW 328?
- Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 4 of 8 complaints (50%), tied to the Takata airbag recall.
- Does the 2008 BMW 328 have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall, campaign 16V071000, covering Takata driver frontal airbag inflators, with dealers replacing the airbag module or inflator.
- Did the 2008 BMW 328 have any fires reported?
- NHTSA records one fire complaint for the 2008 328, involving the electrical system near the glovebox area at 100,000 miles.
- How does the 2008 BMW 328 compare to other years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 57 is worse than 2007 (43, Good) and 2012 (29, Good) but better than 2009 (86, Avoid) and 2011 (100, Avoid).