2008 BMW 335I Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Apr 26, 2026 · 201 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other 335I years
Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 12 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 201 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 BMW 335I. That ranks 2nd out of 12 335I model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is fuel system, gasoline (50 complaints, 25%), typically at around 17,804 miles. Complaints mention 6 crashes, 8 fires, 7 injuries. There are 4 safety recalls covering this model year.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

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Most common 2008 BMW 335I problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Fuel System, Gasoline50 · ~17,804 mi
Air Bags43 · ~63,000 mi
Electrical System35 · ~80,000 mi
Engine26 · ~70,569 mi
Fuel/propulsion System20 · ~83,447 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling12 · ~32,900 mi
Exterior Lighting9 · ~73,000 mi
Power Train9 · ~70,000 mi
Seat Belts9 · ~66,050 mi
Service Brakes7 · ~42,500 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Fuel System, Gasoline problems5025%17,804“fuel pump” (72%)—
Air Bags4321%63,000——
Electrical System3517%80,000——
Engine2613%70,569——
Fuel/propulsion System2010%83,447——
Engine and Engine Cooling126%32,900——
Exterior Lighting94%73,000——
Power Train94%70,000——
Seat Belts94%66,050——
Service Brakes73%42,500——
Fuel System, Other63%36,500——
Latches/locks/linkages63%49,760——
Unknown or Other63%90,000——
Vehicle Speed Control63%58,500——
Steering52%81,474——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)42%60,750——
Seats42%58,500——
Tires42%20,000——
Visibility42%53,250——
Structure31%52,000——
Visibility/wiper31%42,843——
Equipment10%———
Wheels10%30,732——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2010, with 42 complaints
2008: 5200852009: 22222010: 422010422011: 332012: 132012132013: 15152014: 182014182015: 14142016: 172016172017: 20202018: 172018172019: 442020: 7202072021: 112022: 1202212024: 112026: 120261

n = 201 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2008 BMW 335I recalls (4)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJul 3, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V513000 · 394,029 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator moduleJan 15, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V017000 · 59,965 vehicles

Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Electrical system:wiringOct 25, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V676000 · 702,965 vehicles

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:cablesFeb 7, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V044000 · 516,791 vehicles

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].

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

"I am reporting a failed safety remedy by BMW of Macon regarding Recall 13V-044 (Battery Cable Connector). Following the recall service, the vehicle suffered a systemic digital failure and a legal odometer discrepancy of approximately 20,000 miles 73,547 to around 53,000k (The 53k miles was seen on…

Electrical System · received Apr 26, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11733910

As of recently I've been smelling a gas smell after driving my vehicle. No matter the distance or time I smelled the odor of gas. I am a certified automotive technician, so I decided to diagnose the problem myself. I put my vehicle in the air and spotted a wet spot of gas on the bottom left side of…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Sep 29, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11617068

The engine and all electrical components including power steering spontaneously cutout while driving, usually while engine isnt being stressed at all, sometimes while idling. If the car is rolling, i have to restart the engine while driving and using manual power to steer. Obviously, this is a huge…

Engine · received Apr 11, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11460407

I am experiencing a know issue others have complained about related to the high pressure fuel injector failure in my vehicle. There have been previous recalls for this and my vehicle should fall within the recall dates and is showing all of the symptoms of this failure yet is it some how not part…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Dec 18, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11444214

When i arrived at my destination, i was unable to unlock the front door of my car and exit. I could not unlock it either manually or electronically. The unlocking mechanism failed. I had to roll down my window an reach outside to the door handle. Evidently the manufacturer was aware of this problem…

Unknown or Other · received Aug 25, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11351274

Other BMW 335I years

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW 335I?

Owners most often report fuel system, gasoline, air bags, electrical system problems. The top one, fuel system, gasoline, accounts for 50 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2008 BMW 335I?

Yes, 4 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2008 BMW 335I a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other 335I model years, the 2008 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.