How many electrical complaints does the 2008 BMW 328xi have?

NHTSA lists 47 Electrical System complaints for the 2008 328xi, which is 47% of the 99 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2008 BMW 328xi electrical system?

Yes. Recall 17V676000, reported in 2017, covers wiring and electrical connectors on the 328xi and other BMW models; dealers replace the wiring and connectors free of charge.

Did the electrical problems cause fires?

NHTSA data shows 16 fires and 2 injuries linked to Electrical System complaints on the 2008 328xi, with a median mileage at failure of 80,000 miles.

What symptoms should I watch for before an electrical fire?

Owners reported burning odors from the vents, smoke near the instrument panel or glove box, and unexpected stalling before some fires occurred.

Which model years share this electrical issue?

NHTSA data shows electrical complaints across the 2006-2015 328xi range, with 2007 (64 complaints, 32% share) and 2008 (47 complaints, 47% share) among the highest.

2008 BMW 328xi Electrical System Problems

Owners filed 47 Electrical System complaints for the 2008 BMW 328xi, 47% of all 99 complaints that year, with 16 fires and 2 injuries reported. A related recall (17V676000) covers wiring and electrical connectors on this model.

Electrical System complaints: 47; 47% of 99 complaints
All complaints this year: 99
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 16
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 80,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners describe smoke or fire starting near the instrument panel, glove box, or dash area, sometimes while the vehicle was parked and not running.
Several complaints report engine compartment fires beginning near wiring underneath the intake manifold while the car was in use or just after a drive.
Multiple owners noticed a burning odor coming from the vents or air conditioning/heat system before other symptoms appeared.
Some fires happened while the car was stationary in a garage or driveway with no electrical devices in use.
Owners report vehicle stalling without warning alongside burning smells from the vents.
Several owners who received the recall notice said replacement wiring parts were unavailable, delaying repair.

When 2008 BMW 328xi electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 28, 2010, latest Jul 19, 2024.

47 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2010 to Jul 2024; peak Dec 2017 (4).

Electrical System recalls for the 2008 BMW 328xi

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.

Electrical System complaints by 328xi model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20061 (20%)
200764 (32%)
200847 (47%)
20095 (45%)
20107 (41%)
201118 (27%)
20120 (0%)
20133 (11%)
20144 (24%)
20154 (29%)
20160 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does the 2008 BMW 328xi have?: NHTSA lists 47 Electrical System complaints for the 2008 328xi, which is 47% of the 99 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2008 BMW 328xi electrical system?: Yes. Recall 17V676000, reported in 2017, covers wiring and electrical connectors on the 328xi and other BMW models; dealers replace the wiring and connectors free of charge.
Did the electrical problems cause fires?: NHTSA data shows 16 fires and 2 injuries linked to Electrical System complaints on the 2008 328xi, with a median mileage at failure of 80,000 miles.
What symptoms should I watch for before an electrical fire?: Owners reported burning odors from the vents, smoke near the instrument panel or glove box, and unexpected stalling before some fires occurred.
Which model years share this electrical issue?: NHTSA data shows electrical complaints across the 2006-2015 328xi range, with 2007 (64 complaints, 32% share) and 2008 (47 complaints, 47% share) among the highest.