2008 BMW 328I Problems

RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V-428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mode described in Recall 17V-428. This defect has deactivated the front passenger airbag system, as indicated by the red SRS warning light. The manufacturer has refused to address this as a safety recall, despite the component failing in the identical manner described in the 2006 model year recall. This creates an immediate risk of injury or death to front-seat passengers in the event of a crash. 2. ENGINE STALL RISK (Recall 23V-707): This vehicle utilizes the same aluminum VANOS housing bolts that are currently under Safety Recall 23V-707 for 2010–2012 models. These bolts are known to loosen and shear, causing sudden engine stalling while in motion. Despite the high risk of a high-speed stall and loss of power steering/braking, the manufacturer is excluding 2008 models from the recall remedy. DEALER/MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: The vehicle was inspected by a dealer in October 2024 (Invoice #156201), but the safety warning light was not documented on the repair order. A subsequent formal request for assistance (Case #10683843) was denied verbally by the manufacturer's regional management, who stated the vehicle is excluded from the recall based on its VIN, regardless of the active safety system failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this Recall Omission to ensure these safety-critical repairs are provided to all affected vehicles.

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the PCV heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unavailable.

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 person, and realized there was smoke starting to come out from under my hood. My husband waited for me to pull the hood release and then proceeded to lift the hood, only to discover my car was on fire, and it was coming directly from the cooling fan. After almost a minute we were able to put the fire out, and discovered the whole electrical area for the fan was melted and destroyed. There was never any type of warning light or any information at all that would have told me a problem was imminent. Im thankful it wasn;t myself alone or with my kids just driving down the highway because it would have taken over the whole vehicle before i would have known it was having any issues at all. The part is still on the vehicle, which has become inoperable and now any attempts to check the vehicle out have realized that another issues with BMW's is also causing problems with my vehicle. It appears an actual recall was never issued for my actual VIN, rather a collection of years and makes. Any further information or remedy that might get me the ability to actually use my vehicle again would be greatly appreciated. I can also include photos and witness statements if needed,. Thank you for your time.

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 AND NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH GAS AS AIR IS LEAKING FROM THE BROKEN MEMBRANE IN THE PVC VALVE. BMW WILL THROW ENGINE CODES WITH LIT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DASH. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THE WHOLE VALVE COVER HAS TO BE REPLACED TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE $10 PCV VALVE WHICH IS LUDICROUS...THE DEALER CHARGES thousand dollars and up to replace a ten dollar part. THE CAR HAS ROUGH IDLE AND WILL STALL, CREATING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION AND FATAL ACCIDENT . PLEASE RECALL to HAVE BMW DEALER FIX ThESE PLASTIC PVC VALVES ON E90S...I HAVE ENCLOSED PIC OF THE VALVE ..IT ALSO HAS A SPRING BUT THE PLASTIC ORANGE MEBRANE CRACKS, BREAKS AND LEAKS AIR INSIDE VALVE, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE CODES, ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING OF VEHICLE.. THE VALVE IS LOCATED ON TOP OF VALVE COVER, WELDED INTO VALVE COVER. PLEASE HELP..THANK YOU STATE FLORIDA P.S. HEAT CAUSES THE PCV MEMBRANE TO CRACK MORE~~PIC ENCLOSED OF PCV VALVE ITS WELDED INTO TOP VALVE COVER..NO OTHER CAR HAS A PCV VALVE MOUNTED THIS WAY SO WHOLE VALVE COVER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED~ THANK U

RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V-428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mode described in Recall 17V-428. This defect has deactivated the front passenger airbag system, as indicated by the red SRS warning light. The manufacturer has refused to address this as a safety recall, despite the component failing in the identical manner described in the 2006 model year recall. This creates an immediate risk of injury or death to front-seat passengers in the event of a crash. 2. ENGINE STALL RISK (Recall 23V-707): This vehicle utilizes the same aluminum VANOS housing bolts that are currently under Safety Recall 23V-707 for 2010–2012 models. These bolts are known to loosen and shear, causing sudden engine stalling while in motion. Despite the high risk of a high-speed stall and loss of power steering/braking, the manufacturer is excluding 2008 models from the recall remedy. DEALER/MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: The vehicle was inspected by a dealer in October 2024 (Invoice #156201), but the safety warning light was not documented on the repair order. A subsequent formal request for assistance (Case #10683843) was denied verbally by the manufacturer's regional management, who stated the vehicle is excluded from the recall based on its VIN, regardless of the active safety system failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this Recall Omission to ensure these safety-critical repairs are provided to all affected vehicles.

The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Detector). This indicates a hardware failure of the OC3 internal seat sensor mat. Safety Risk: The failure of this sensor prevents the vehicle from correctly identifying if an adult is in the passenger seat. This compromises the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and may result in the passenger airbag failing to deploy during a collision, posing a significant risk of injury or death to the occupant. Confirmation of Problem: The fault was confirmed via a digital diagnostic system (Foxwell NT510) which identified the specific "Open Circuit" within the seat mat. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Connection to Existing Recalls: This failure is identical in symptoms and fault code to those described in NHTSA Safety Recall 17V-428. Although this vehicle is the same year and model (2008 BMW 3-Series) as those covered in the recall, the VIN was excluded from the initial recall range. This appears to be a recall omission of a known manufacturing defect, as the failure occurred despite minimal use of the passenger seat.

The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Detector). This indicates a hardware failure of the OC3 internal seat sensor mat. Safety Risk: The failure of this sensor prevents the vehicle from correctly identifying if an adult is in the passenger seat. This compromises the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and may result in the passenger airbag failing to deploy during a collision, posing a significant risk of injury or death to the occupant. Confirmation of Problem: The fault was confirmed via a digital diagnostic system (Foxwell NT510) which identified the specific "Open Circuit" within the seat mat. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Connection to Existing Recalls: This failure is identical in symptoms and fault code to those described in NHTSA Safety Recall 17V-428. Although this vehicle is the same year and model (2008 BMW 3-Series) as those covered in the recall, the VIN was excluded from the initial recall range. This appears to be a recall omission of a known manufacturing defect, as the failure occurred despite minimal use of the passenger seat.

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328I. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact stated that the manual door locks became inoperable. The contact had to climb out of the driver's side window to exit the vehicle. The contact was able to enter the vehicle by using the key fob. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

The vehicle, stopped while driving, overheating, no heat/ ac. It's winter, car stopped at night in an unknown location fory safety. Had it inspected by 2 different auto shops and was confirmed of the issue. Warning lights came on right before the car failed.

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 AND NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH GAS AS AIR IS LEAKING FROM THE BROKEN MEMBRANE IN THE PVC VALVE. BMW WILL THROW ENGINE CODES WITH LIT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON DASH. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THE WHOLE VALVE COVER HAS TO BE REPLACED TO REPLACE A DEFECTIVE $10 PCV VALVE WHICH IS LUDICROUS...THE DEALER CHARGES thousand dollars and up to replace a ten dollar part. THE CAR HAS ROUGH IDLE AND WILL STALL, CREATING A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION AND FATAL ACCIDENT . PLEASE RECALL to HAVE BMW DEALER FIX ThESE PLASTIC PVC VALVES ON E90S...I HAVE ENCLOSED PIC OF THE VALVE ..IT ALSO HAS A SPRING BUT THE PLASTIC ORANGE MEBRANE CRACKS, BREAKS AND LEAKS AIR INSIDE VALVE, CAUSING CHECK ENGINE CODES, ROUGH IDLE AND STALLING OF VEHICLE.. THE VALVE IS LOCATED ON TOP OF VALVE COVER, WELDED INTO VALVE COVER. PLEASE HELP..THANK YOU STATE FLORIDA P.S. HEAT CAUSES THE PCV MEMBRANE TO CRACK MORE~~PIC ENCLOSED OF PCV VALVE ITS WELDED INTO TOP VALVE COVER..NO OTHER CAR HAS A PCV VALVE MOUNTED THIS WAY SO WHOLE VALVE COVER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED~ THANK U

UNKNOWN since I have bought my 2008 bmw 328i I had one recalled fixed on my dash I have the air bag light and the brake light tire light service engine soon light on my door locks would work some times and then I had to open my car from the driver side manually then my drivers side window won't roll all the way up only half way then my car just wouldn't start out of the blue replace the starter ran for three weeks and wouldn't start again and has been sitting for a month now my passenger seat belt won't click in sometimes and my warranty is out but the recalls I have read are just what my car is doing I would like this matter to be looked in to and my car repaired at no cost its a safety issue an inconvenience and has cost me money wise extremely .

AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED A WARNING WILL POP UP FOR 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION' CAUSED BY THE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WARNING WILL STAY ON AND NOT GO AWAY. A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR SIMILAR YEAR MODELS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BUT IT DIDN'T COVER ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES DUE TO SIMILAR SENSORS BEING USED ACROSS ALL THESE YEAR MODELS. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE 1000+ DOLLARS FOR THIS SENSOR REPAIR DUE TO THEM SAYING THIS IS AN 'UNAFFECTED VEHICLE'. WITHOUT THIS SENSOR WORKING PROPERLY, IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COULD NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BMW REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS WITHOUT A RECALL ANNOUNCED, OR WITHOUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BEING SPENT JUST FOR THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS.

I have had continuous issues with the electrical system in the front drivers side headlight with burnt plastic housing to the main headlight and the plug for the blinker system. Sometimes it will work and most of the time it won't. I cant tell you the amount of times it has stopped working in the middle of using the blinker. Every time I attempt to change it out, the bulb ends up still in good shape after looking it over. I have always inserted a new one but the issue remains. I have had to replace the whole headlight unit because of the melted plastic not holding the plug any longer and the issue remains. The passenger side seatbelt light has been on for the past several years and will not go off. It shows a light stating the airbag is off. Every time I use the AC unit, I end up with a whole lot of AC condensation pouring out each side of my console soaking the floor of the vehicle and smelling horrible the next day. I don't understand how such a supposedly high quality car can have such stupid problems that cant seem to be fixed. I have had this car since 2013 and barely drive it as I have only put approx 9000 miles over the last 9 years.

Recently had to replace a failed bulb in my 2008 BMW 328i, during the replacement i noticed crumbling insulation within the plastic headlight compartment - basically all i had to do was touch the headlight wires lightly and insulation would crumble and flake off - this insulation is badly degraded, probably made out of improper materials and could potentially pose a hazard if the wires inside were to short out due to lack of insulation. I was able to carefully slip some insulative sleeves around the failed insulation wire to effect a temporary fix (which i don't really trust) BMW should recall and replace this dangerous wiring.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE GRIP WAS DETERIORATING. ADDITIONALLY, A STICKY SUBSTANCE WAS GETTING ON THE OCCUPANT'S HANDS. ALSO, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CHATTANOOGA (6806 E BRAINERD RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 381-6419), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,016.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, NONE OF THE DOORS (EXCEPT FOR THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR) WOULD UNLOCK OR OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

You guys have aluminum bolts that hold down the cylinder head they corrode or become loose thus pulling up the cylinder head and the head gasket is protruding out the front of the cylinder head causing oil and coolant to leak on to the belt causing the serpentine belt to slip off while it's raining and eventually causing a blown head gasket it's because of the aluminum bolts on the top of the engine that hold the cylinder head down the head gasket protrudes out the sides on the front where the camshaft sensors are and leaks onto the belt plus causing the belt to come off the track and possibly get sucked into the engine it's not something easy to get to or to fix for a person with low income

ABS AND BREAK LIGHT IS ON AND BEEN ON SINCE 2016. A LOT OF BMW OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO. THERE IS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON WHEN THIS ABS LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO READS DBC MALFUNCTION.

THE FOTWELL MODULES ON THESE CARS ARE DEFECTIVE..THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARAANTY COVERING THIS TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE FRM(OR FOOTWELL MODULE)BUT IT DOES NOT INCLUDE THIS CAR..THE CAR'S HEADLIGHTS, BRAKELIGHTS, DOMELITES STAY ON WITH CAR OFF, THUS DRAINIG THE BATTERY. THE CAR THEN LACKS POWER AND CAN SHUT OFF EVEN WHEN DRIVING CAUSING A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. IN THIS MODEL CAR, THESE ARE FMR2 MODULES THAT CAN'T BE REBUILT. BMW 328I HAS A SUPECEEDED PART AND I CALLED THEM AND THEY WONT COVER THE COST OR HONOR THE WARRANTY FOR THIS CAR. THUS I AM SUBMITTING THIS AS I HEARD SEVERAL OTHER BMW ONWNERS WITH SIMILAR MODELS HAVE EXPERIENCED DEFECTIVE FOOTWELL MODULES..I STRONGLY FEEL MY CAR SHOULD BE INCLUDED AS A RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS PART. YOU CANNOT REPLACE IT AS BMW PARTS NO LONGER CARRIES IT, THUS HOW TO YOU GET THIS CAR TO RUN WITH THE BATTERY DRAINING WITH LIGHTS ON?? THIS POSES A DANGER IF VEHICLE STALLS WITH BATTERY VOLTAGE DECLINING AS CAR WILL NO LONGER RUN,,EVEN WHEN DRIVING.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DRIVER DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT IT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED ARM INJURIES THAT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Keep getting the p0015 code changed all sensors that come with code and I keep getting a high pitched noise once car gets hot.

The driveshaft connection to the differntial has unusual movement that causes a clunking noise when changing low gears. This means the internal differential parts are subject to fail in the long term and can cause injuries to the driver if not fixed and vehicle gets out of control

ABS AND BREAK LIGHT IS ON AND BEEN ON SINCE 2016. A LOT OF BMW OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM ALSO. THERE IS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON WHEN THIS ABS LIGHT COMES ON. ALSO READS DBC MALFUNCTION.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR HANDLE GRIP WAS DETERIORATING. ADDITIONALLY, A STICKY SUBSTANCE WAS GETTING ON THE OCCUPANT'S HANDS. ALSO, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF CHATTANOOGA (6806 E BRAINERD RD, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37421, (423) 381-6419), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,016.

The wipers will wipe 5-6 times then stop. Sometimes mid windshield. Does not reset at any setting on the washer arm. Leads to an urgent stop on side of the road. It is available for inspection. I have tested while sitting in driveway and it does every time (of the 4 times I tested). Only way to reset is to turn off motor and remove key. No confirmation by mechanic. Reading online similar happenings and people replacing wiper relay. No inspection by dealer or others yet. No warning lights before.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE DEFROSTER FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT SEE THE ROAD PROPERLY. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF SAN ANTONIO (8434 AIRPORT BLVD, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78216) WHERE THE BLOWER WAS DISCONNECTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

REAR RIMS CRACKED WITH RUN FLAT TIRES. SECOND RIM TO CRACK

WHEN I WENT TO A TIRE STORE TO PURCHASE WINTER TREADS I DISCOVERED THE RIM ON THE BACK LEFT WHEEL WAS CRACKED. THE MECHANICS TOLD ME IF I CONTINUED DRIVING ON IT THE CRACKED RIM, THE WHEEL COULD COME OFF. I HAVE OWNED A NUMBER OF BMW'S AND NEVER SEEN A CRACKED RIM. (EVEN WHEN I LIVED IN THE POT HOLE LITTERED NE) THREE DAYS AGO I WENT TO THE SAME TIRE STORE BECAUSE THERE APPEARED TO BE A LEAK IN THE NEW, LEFT REAR TIRE. THE RIM WAS CRACKED IN 4 PLACES. THIS IS SCARY AND IT IS ALSO EXTREMELY COSTLY AS THE RIMS ARE ABOUT $300+. TO HAVE TWO OF THESE RIM FAILURES IN A MONTH IS A BIT SHOCKING. BMW SAYS PARTS FAIL THROUGH NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR (NOT ON ANY OF MY PREVIOUS BMW'S) THE TIRE STORE SAYS THE RIMS ARE A VERY THIN ALUMINUM TO MAKE THE CAR FASTER AND THEY SEE A NUMBER OF FAILURES. NOT SAFE. *TR