2008 BMW 328i Electrical System Problems
The 2008 BMW 328i had 87 electrical system complaints, 36% of all 239 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 97,000. NHTSA lists two related recalls (17V676000 and 13V044000) covering wiring, electrical connectors, and battery cable connections that owners tie directly to fires.
- Electrical System complaints
- 87
- 36% of 239 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 239
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 16
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 97,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical electrical symptoms owners report
- Burning odor from wiring or melted plastic near the dashboard or glove compartment, sometimes followed by smoke or flames.
- Sudden engine stall at highway speed with warning lights flashing, followed by loss of air conditioning, headlights, and radio.
- Battery connector or terminal overheating and melting nearby plastic, producing a burning smell.
- Vehicle catching fire while parked or shortly after a short drive, in some cases becoming a total loss.
- Failure of the defroster or blower motor wiring linked to the recall, in one case leading to a rear-end crash after the windshield fogged over.
- Owners reporting recall repairs delayed due to unavailable parts even after receiving notification of campaign 17V676000.
When 2008 BMW 328i electrical complaints were filed
First complaint Feb 17, 2011, latest Apr 9, 2024.
Electrical System recalls for the 2008 BMW 328i
- NHTSA 17V676000Oct 25, 2017Electrical System702,965 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring
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.
Risk: 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 13V044000Feb 7, 2013Electrical System516,791 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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 [email protected].
Electrical System complaints by 328i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many electrical system complaints does the 2008 BMW 328i have?
- NHTSA lists 87 electrical system complaints for the 2008 328i, which is 36% of the 239 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2008 BMW 328i electrical system?
- Yes. Recall 17V676000 covers wiring and electrical connector replacement, and recall 13V044000 covers the positive battery cable connector, both tied to fire risk.
- At what mileage do electrical problems typically appear on the 2008 328i?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 97,000 miles.
- Did the electrical issues cause fires or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 16 fires, 3 injuries, and 1 crash associated with electrical system complaints on the 2008 328i.
- Is the 2008 328i worse than other years for electrical complaints?
- Its 36% share of complaints from the electrical system is among the higher shares in the model lineup, close to 2007 (34%) and 2009 (34%), and higher than years like 2012 (20%).