2008 BMW 328I Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 85 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the 2008 BMW 328I, 36% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 92,936 miles. The words owners use most often: “electrical engine engine” (19% of reports).
- 85electrical system complaints
- 92,936median miles at failure
- 1mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 18%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Electrical engine engine: mentioned in 16 of 85 complaints (19%)
- Burning odor: mentioned in 7 of 85 complaints (8%)
- Blower motor: mentioned in 6 of 85 complaints (7%)
- Pcv valve: mentioned in 5 of 85 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 45 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 85 complaints, 1 mention a crash, 16 a fire, 3 an injury.
BMW 328I electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 328I | 21 | 37% | 115,000 |
| 2015 328I | 56 | 45% | 100,000 |
| 2014 328I | 52 | 34% | 88,200 |
| 2013 328I | 61 | 24% | 89,565 |
| 2012 328I | 23 | 18% | 84,000 |
| 2011 328I | 129 | 22% | 91,500 |
| 2010 328I | 38 | 25% | 105,900 |
| 2009 328I | 61 | 32% | 77,000 |
| 2008 328I | 85 | 36% | 92,936 |
| 2007 328I | 129 | 32% | 97,000 |
| 2000 328I | 5 | 4% | 90,000 |
| 1999 328I | 7 | 7% | 84,500 |
| 1998 328I | 5 | 19% | 167,000 |
| 1997 328I | 7 | 28% | 50 |
| 1996 328I | 4 | 13% | 96,720 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Electrical system:wiring
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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:wiring:fuses and circuit breakers; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cables
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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].
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My vehicle engine cooling fan caught fire one evening while following behind someone to make sure they made it to a parking lot safely due to their own vehicle having problems requiring them to stay under around 20mph. Once we made it to a parking lot, i exited my vehicle to check on the other…
ON ALL E90 SERIES 3 (2008 BMW 328i), the PCV VALVE FAILS AND IS WELDED INTO THE VALVE COVER, THUS IF IT LEAKS OR GETS CRACKS IN THE ORANGE MEMBRANE, IT WILL CAUSE CAR TO STALL.. I ALMOST CRASHED 2x and this part should be recalled..IT AFFECTS THE FUEL AIR RATIO IN BMW E90, AND THE CAR WILL RUN LEAN…
The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at an undetermined speed, there was smoke coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring. The vehicle was…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2008 BMW 328Is have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 85 owner complaints about electrical system for the 2008 BMW 328I (36% of the 239 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW 328I electrical system?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do electrical system problems start?
The median reported mileage is 92,936 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about electrical system problems on the 2008 BMW 328I?
The most frequent phrase is “electrical engine engine”, in 16 of 85 complaints, followed by “burning odor” (7).
Other 2008 BMW 328I problems
- Air Bags problems (83)
- Engine problems (54)
See all 2008 BMW 328I problems or electrical system problems across all 328I years.