Are fuel system problems common on the 2008 BMW 335xi?

Yes. NHTSA shows 29 fuel system complaints for this year, 47% of the 62 total complaints filed, mostly centered on the high-pressure fuel pump.

Is there a recall for the 2008 335xi fuel pump?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this fuel system issue.

At what mileage do fuel pump failures typically happen?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 35,700 miles, though some owners reported failures well before that.

Did any fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?

NHTSA records one fire complaint tied to this fuel system issue and no crashes or injuries.

How does 2008 compare to other 335xi model years for this problem?

2008 has the highest complaint count in this area at 29, well above 2007's 5 and 2009's 11, making it the peak year for reported fuel system issues.

2008 BMW 335xi Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 29 fuel system complaints for the 2008 BMW 335xi, 47% of all 62 complaints filed for that year. High-pressure fuel pump failures dominate, with median mileage at failure of 35,700 and one fire reported. No related recalls are on file for this issue.

Fuel System complaints: 29; 47% of 62 complaints
All complaints this year: 62
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 35,700 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

High-pressure fuel pump fails repeatedly, sometimes replaced three or four times on the same car, putting the engine into limp mode and cutting fuel delivery.
Owners describe long cranks on startup before the pump eventually fails outright, often paired with an illuminated engine malfunction warning.
Sudden loss of engine power while driving at highway speed, forcing the driver to coast to the shoulder or a nearby dealer.
One owner reported the fuel pump failure was followed by burning gas smell and smoke from the tailpipe, and a separate car caught fire in a parking lot after repeated fuel pump replacements.
A dealer told one owner the failure was caused by using 15% ethanol gasoline, despite the owner following BMW's recommended fuel.

When 2008 BMW 335xi fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 7, 2009, latest Oct 15, 2024.

29 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2009 to Oct 2024; peak May 2009 (2).

Fuel System recalls for the 2008 BMW 335xi

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Fuel System complaints by 335xi model year

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

20060 (0%)
20075 (25%)
200829 (47%)
200911 (61%)
20107 (64%)
20114 (17%)
20120 (0%)
20131 (11%)
20142 (29%)
20150 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Are fuel system problems common on the 2008 BMW 335xi?: Yes. NHTSA shows 29 fuel system complaints for this year, 47% of the 62 total complaints filed, mostly centered on the high-pressure fuel pump.
Is there a recall for the 2008 335xi fuel pump?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this fuel system issue.
At what mileage do fuel pump failures typically happen?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 35,700 miles, though some owners reported failures well before that.
Did any fuel system complaints involve fires or crashes?: NHTSA records one fire complaint tied to this fuel system issue and no crashes or injuries.
How does 2008 compare to other 335xi model years for this problem?: 2008 has the highest complaint count in this area at 29, well above 2007's 5 and 2009's 11, making it the peak year for reported fuel system issues.