What year BMW 335xi should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2008, 2009, and 2011 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 78, and 89 respectively, the highest across the 2006-2015 range.

Which BMW 335xi model years are best?

No 335xi year earns a Best verdict. The 2010 and 2014 model years are rated Good, with complaint index scores of 33 and 44.

What is the most common problem with the BMW 335xi?

Across all model years, fuel system issues are the top complaint category, making up 38% of the 154 total complaints, followed by engine problems at 25% and electrical system problems at 20%.

Does the 2008 BMW 335xi have fuel pump problems?

Yes. Fuel system complaints made up 47% of all 2008 model year complaints, with a median failure mileage of 35,700, the largest single problem area for that year.

How many recalls does the BMW 335xi have?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns across the 2006-2015 BMW 335xi, covering airbags, electrical wiring, and other components.

BMW 335xi Best and Worst Years (2006–2015)

Avoid the 2008, 2009, and 2011 BMW 335xi, which have the highest complaint index scores (100, 78, and 89) out of 154 total complaints across the 2006-2015 run. The 2010 and 2014 model years score lowest and earn Good verdicts.

Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.

Avoid 2008 Avoid 2009 Avoid 2011

Model years: 10; 2006–2015
NHTSA complaints: 154
Recall campaigns: 6
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 15
Top problem area: Fuel System

335xi Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

BMW 335xi problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2006	No verdict	0	0	0	0	3	—	—	—
2007	Caution	67	20	0	6	4	Electrical System	20	—
2008	Avoid	100	62	0	6	3	Fuel System	19.5	—
2009	Avoid	78	18	2	0	3	Fuel System	—	—
2010	Good	33	11	0	0	3	Fuel System	—	—
2011	Avoid	89	23	0	2	3	Airbags	—	—
2012	No verdict	11	2	0	0	1	Airbags	—	—
2013	Caution	56	9	2	0	1	Engine	—	—
2014	Good	44	7	2	1	2	Engine	—	—
2015	No verdict	22	2	0	0	1	Brakes	—	—

335xi years to avoid: what went wrong

2008 BMW 335xi Index 100 · 62 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2008 335xi has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, driven mainly by fuel system failures, which made up 47% of that year's complaints with a median failure mileage of 35,700. Electrical system problems accounted for another 29%, with a median mileage of 89,500. Owners describe fuel pump failures, some followed by fires, and separate reports of engine compartment fires and dashboard smoke. NHTSA recorded 6 fires and 1 injury for this model year, along with 3 recall campaigns covering airbags and wiring.

2008 fuel system problems →2008 electrical system problems →2008 engine problems →

2011 BMW 335xi Index 89 · 23 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2011 335xi has a complaint index of 89. Airbags are the top problem area at 22% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 52,000. Owners describe unintended airbag-related electrical faults, engine RPM surges while braking, and one report of interior smoke and fire tied to a wiring recall. Engine and fuel system complaints each made up 17% of the total, with median mileages of 61,500 and 75,000. NHTSA recorded 2 fires, 1 injury, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year.

2009 BMW 335xi Index 78 · 18 complaints · 3 recalls

The 2009 335xi carries a complaint index of 78. Fuel system issues dominate, at 61% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of just 18,432, pointing to early failures. Owners report high-pressure fuel pump replacements occurring repeatedly on the same vehicle, along with sudden power loss at highway speed. Engine complaints followed, with a median mileage of 56,000, including reports of abnormal noise and reduced power leading to loss of control. NHTSA logged 2 crashes for this year and 3 recall campaigns.

Most common BMW 335xi problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.

Fuel System59 (38%)
Engine39 (25%)
Electrical System31 (20%)
Airbags19 (12%)
Other11 (7%)
Structure & Body11 (7%)
Brakes10 (6%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires9 (6%)
Transmission & Powertrain7 (5%)
Steering3 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

Frequently asked questions

What year BMW 335xi should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA data, the 2008, 2009, and 2011 model years are rated Avoid, with complaint index scores of 100, 78, and 89 respectively, the highest across the 2006-2015 range.
Which BMW 335xi model years are best?: No 335xi year earns a Best verdict. The 2010 and 2014 model years are rated Good, with complaint index scores of 33 and 44.
What is the most common problem with the BMW 335xi?: Across all model years, fuel system issues are the top complaint category, making up 38% of the 154 total complaints, followed by engine problems at 25% and electrical system problems at 20%.
Does the 2008 BMW 335xi have fuel pump problems?: Yes. Fuel system complaints made up 47% of all 2008 model year complaints, with a median failure mileage of 35,700, the largest single problem area for that year.
How many recalls does the BMW 335xi have?: NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns across the 2006-2015 BMW 335xi, covering airbags, electrical wiring, and other components.