RoadVitals

2008 BMW 1 Series

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
18
Latest May 1, 2019
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Aug 10, 2012
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

Overview

Our database contains 18 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 1 Series, most frequently naming the airbags, exterior lighting and interior & seats categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 54 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Airbags625.0%
  • Exterior lighting520.8%
  • Interior & seats312.5%
  • Fuel system312.5%
  • Engine28.3%
  • Electrical28.3%
  • Powertrain (other)14.2%
  • Seat belts14.2%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
12E029000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN

Aug 10, 2012
585 units potentially affected
The defect: This recall involves aftermarket parts sold by Valeo. Valeo is recalling certain engine cooling fans, part numbers 696121, 696273, and 696275, used as service replacement parts for model year 2008-2011 BMW 1-Series, 2006-2011 BMW 3-Series, 2000-2009 BMW 5-Series, 2004-2005 BMW 6-Series, and 2006-2007 BMW 7-Series vehicles. A metal-oxide semiconductor may overheat due to insufficient screwing of the semiconductor on the aluminum heat sink. This primary failure could cause adjacent components on the fan assembly motor circuit board to overheat and short.
The risk: This condition could cause the fan motor to become inoperative, or cause the motor circuit board in the assembly to overheat, potentially leading to a fire in the engine compartment.
The remedy: Valeo will notify owners and replace the fans free of charge. The safety recall began on August 22, 2012. This recall is being conducted by Valeo, not by BMW. For further information, owners may contact Valeo at 1-888-718-2536.
ValeoView on NHTSA.gov
10V254000

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Jun 10, 2010
31,935 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.
The risk: THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.
The remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov
09V257000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL; SEAT BELTS:FRONT

Jul 8, 2009
2,350 units potentially affected
The defect: BMW IS RECALLING 2,350 MY 2008 1-SERIES AND 3- SERIES PASSENGER CARS. INCORRECT CRIMP CONNECTORS MAY HAVE BEEN USED ON THE SIDE AIR BAG AND BELT TENSIONER WIRING. AS A RESULT SUFFICIENT CONTACT BETWEEN THE CRIMP CONNECTORS AND THE CORRESPONDING PLUG MAY NOT OCCUR WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE ELECTRICAL RESISTANCE OF THAT CONNECTION.
The risk: IF THAT HAPPENED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR THE SIDE AIR BAG AND/OR THE SAFETY BELT TENSIONER NOT TO DEPLOY AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
The remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-525-7417.
BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 18
Fuel system
Filed May 1, 2019

MAJOR FUELING ISSUES WITH MY CAR. SO FAR I'VE HAD TO REPLACE INJECTORS, LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP, FUEL CONTROL MODULE, AND NOW I'M BEING TOLD I NEED TO REPLACE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. FROM READING THE FORUMS ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE THAT ALL THESE PARTS ARE VERY FAULTY ON THE CAR ESPECIALLY THE INJECTORS AND HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP.

NHTSA ID
11205112
Incident
May 1, 2019
Mileage
140,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Mar 30, 2019

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT IS DEFECTIVE AND IS A QUITE COMMON OCCURRENCE ON ALL BMW VEHICLES. THE MAT WILL SEND A TROUBLE SIGNAL TO THE DASH THAT BRINGS UP THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL THAT WILL NOT GO OFF.

NHTSA ID
11192692
Incident
Jan 4, 2019
Mileage
145,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Nov 9, 2018

CAR GOES INTO LIMP MODE WHEN PASSING CAR AND GOES INTO LIMP GETTING ON INTERSTATE. THE CAR HAS SHOWN BAD HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP BUT BMW WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THERE BAD PUMPS.

NHTSA ID
11150285
Incident
May 7, 2018
Mileage
93,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Mar 22, 2018

THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT SENSOR BEGAN TO SOUND OFF TO SECURE THE SEAT BELT THOUGH NO ONE SAT THERE. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO BMW WHEN I GOT THE TAKATA AIRBAG REPLACED AND GOT A QUESTIONS ABOUT MY OPINION ON WHETHER I CONSIDERED IT A SAFETY ISSUE. I DECLINED TO SAY AND THEY JUST SENT ME AWAY. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER, I NOTICED THAT EVEN WHEN A PASSENGER SAT THERE THE AIRBAG ACTIVATION DID NOT TURN OFF AS IT SHOULD. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR A REPAIR ON THE SEAT AND TOLD THEM THAT THEY SHOULD REPAIR IT AT THEIR EXPENSE 11/17/2017. I TOLD THEM OF A RECALL FOR THE SEAT SENSOR ON A MINI COOPER(SI-D651013TSB) ANOTHER BMW PRODUCT AND THEY SAID WITHOUT SPECIFIC RECALL ON MY 128I, THEY WOULD DECLINE TO REPAIR IT AT THEIR EXPENSE. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE AIRBAG WOULD DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT DESPITE THE LIGHT NOT GOING OUT WITH SEAT OCCUPATION, YET DECLINED TO GIVE ME THAT STATEMENT IN WRITING. I THEN REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO BMW OF AMERICA IN LATE 2017 AND GOT A SIMILAR RESPONSE. COMPLAINT #36102215.

NHTSA ID
11080886
Incident
Nov 17, 2017
Mileage
113,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed May 16, 2017

"3RD BRAKELIGHT" LENS CONTINUES TO BREAK. I PURCHASED THE CAR IN JULY OF 2008 AND WILL SOON BE ON ITS 3RD LENS. THIS IS A BMW DEFECT AND IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT RE-REPLACING THIS DEFECTIVE PART OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND IF I CHOOSE NOT TO, OTHERS BEING ABLE TO SEE ME WHEN I APPLY THE BRAKES! THIS HAS HAPPENED TO NUMEROUS OWNERS WHO I'M SURE LIKE ME, HAVE HAD NO FAULT(LIKE AN ACCIDENT) IN THE BREAKAGE. NO SPECIFIC DATE ON WHEN IT BREAKS AS IT IS PROBABLY CAUSE BY NORMAL ROAD VIBRATIONS. LIGHT HAS BROKEN DUE TO NORMAL DRIVING A FEW OCCASIONS ALREADY.

NHTSA ID
10985925
Incident
May 1, 2017
Electrical
Filed Feb 1, 2017

WIRING INSULATION (IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT) TO HEADLIGHTS IS DETERIORATING. NOW, MANY EXPOSED AND UNINSULATED WIRES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. HEADLIGHTS ARE NOW RENDERED UNRELIABLE AND UNWORKING. I HAVE TRIED TO WRAP ELECTRICAL TAPE AROUND THE EXPOSED WIRES (SEE PHOTO). I WILL NEXT TRY LIQUID TAPE. SAFETY AND FIRE HAZARD.

NHTSA ID
10948849
Incident
Jan 1, 2017
Mileage
82,000 mi
Exterior lighting
Filed Jan 20, 2017

THIRD BRAKE LIGHT LENS CRACKS AND ALLOWS RAIN WATER INTO UNIT. AFTER HAVING THE DEALER REPLACE THE LENS TWICE I DECIDED TO DO IT MYSELF. THE SUPPLIER "ECS TUNING" FEATURES THE LENS ASSEMBLY WITH THE WORDS -- "REPLACE YOUR CRACKED LENS." THIS MADE ME THINK THE PROBLEM IS MORE THAN A COUPLE OF ASSEMBLIES. *TR

NHTSA ID
10946617
Incident
Jan 11, 2017
Mileage
60,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Nov 15, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. BMW IS PROVIDING REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS TO THEIR DEALERS AND THE DEALERS ARE USING THEM TO REPLACE AIR BAGS ON THEIR CARS BEING SOLD, NOT TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. I RECEIVED MY RECALL NOTICE MAY 27TH 2016 AND AM STILL WAITING FOR THE REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA ID
10926094
Incident
May 27, 2016

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

SB23-01

EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION

Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471

sb23-01TMS

EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION

This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.

SB 23-01

EQUIPMENT; STEERING; SUSPENSION

SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and highway. SB 23-01 adresses proper installation torque of cap bolt fasteners attaching SPL's aftermarket lower control arms, recurring inspection and confirmation of torque setting and removal and replacement of damaged or under torqued fasteners to reduce risk of premature failure and accident. SB-23-01 was mailed, emailed and posted on SPL website to known resellers, race teams and users of the affected parts and is being submitted here as required by part 579.5. Vehicle Applications include: BMW series 1,2,3,& 4, 2008-2023; Chevrolet Camaro 26-2023, Cadillac ATS, CTS 2016-2019; Ford Mustang 2015-2023; Toyota Supra 2020-2023.

B611305

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT; EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle "discharged battery" complaints. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.

SIB-12-14-12

ENGINE

BMW: EXPERIENCING LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, SERVICE ENGINE SOON LAMP IS ILLUMINATED, A NOISE, LIKE RATTLING, COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. *PE UPDATED 10/31/12. *PE MODELS 2010 E70, 71, 82, 88, 90, 92, 93, F07, 10, 12, 13, 25. UPDATED 1/18/13. *PE UPDATED 4/18/2013. *KB UPDATED 05/13/2013 *JS UPDATED 5/19/15. *PE

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

BMW 1 Series by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2012010—
2011333045.9
2010830—
2009182038.6
2008Viewing183043.5
2007600—
2006500—
2005300—
2004300—
2003100—
2002100—
2001100—
2000100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.