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2008 BMW 328XI Owner Complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full

Data refreshed

Complaints on fileComplaints 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.
99
Latest Apr 27, 2025
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.
19
Filed in the last 12 monthsReports filed with NHTSA in the trailing 365 days. Recent volume reflects attention and vehicle age as much as anything else.
0
Reports on file since Jul 15, 2009

What this page shows

Our database holds 99 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2008 BMW 328XI. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.

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

Complaints, most recent first

Showing 1–25 of 99 · page 1 of 4

Tires & wheels
Filed Apr 27, 2025

225/40R18 the stoplight right down route 7 by stop and shop there is a rectangular hole in the street. I could not avoid it when driving Friday morning 4/25/25 and the dip in the ground blew my driver side front and rear tires and scratched the rims. I had to spend my day Friday getting my tires replaced and now I have scratches on my rims which are fairly new

NHTSA ID
11657027
Incident
Apr 25, 2025
Airbags
Filed Apr 17, 2025

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag deployed unintendedly. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated prior to the air bag deployment. The air bag deployed, and there was no occupant inside the vehicle. The contact stated that after the air bag had deployed, the air bag warning light was illuminated after the air bag had deployed. The vehicle was recently taken to the dealer and the vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.

NHTSA ID
11655170
Incident
Mar 17, 2025
Mileage
162,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jan 12, 2025

Unknown

NHTSA ID
11635483
Incident
Jan 2, 2025
ElectricalExterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jul 19, 2024

Wiring inside headlamp is not up to Standards. For the cost the replace the headlight the wiring should not be falling apart causing shorts. One night I was driving and got a warning on my dash for my headlights and noticed it was a bit harder to see. Pulled over and noticed the headlight was out. Went to replace the bulb and noticed the wires have zero protection on them and are all touching.. this is not safe as wire shorts can cause a fire and not to mention the visibility issues. The driver side is not the bright at all and flickers while I’m driving. Both sides are having this issue and that’s unacceptable saying the headlights are over 800 dollars EACH and that’s used.. I do not feel safe driving this vehicle knowing that the wire short can cause a fire while I’m driving.

NHTSA ID
11603501
Incident
Jul 3, 2024
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jan 27, 2023

BMW Bi Xenon Headlights wires harness. Insulation on wires peels off and start touching each other. Malfunction high beam, low beam, turning light.

NHTSA ID
11504077
Incident
Jan 27, 2023
Engine
Filed Nov 4, 2022
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact's son was driving approximately 30 MPH when the son noticed that smoke had begun to issue from the dashboard vents. The son pulled over and stopped the vehicle and exited when the vehicle dashboard burst into flames. The fire department was called and extinguished the flames with water. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact's insurance provider declared the vehicle a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID
11492266
Incident
Feb 5, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Oct 3, 2022

The positive battery fuse cable under the glovebox is placed into a plastic space causing melting. This leads to the vehicle going dead and not even emergency lights will work. This recall has been placed on very few BMWs however it is affecting way more then they are saying. You can see in UK where a man was killed for the vehicle going dead in the middle of the road and emergency lights cannot be used to warn other drivers. How has their not been taken car of already. I am extremely disappointed in our system, and in BMW. My mind is completely blown that this is not cared about.

NHTSA ID
11487711
Incident
Oct 1, 2022
Engine
Filed Jul 1, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11471998
Incident
Mar 2, 2022
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 21, 2022

The car was over heating and not starting as well as fuel pump error on my dash. There is an open recall on my vehicle starting March of 2022 it is now June and BMW says they don’t know when they will have a remedy for this and it could be months but I need my car.

NHTSA ID
11470189
Incident
Apr 28, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer and BMW of Springfield Parts & Accessories (391 US-22, Springfield, NJ 07081: (908) 232-1466) were contacted and made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11457954
Incident
Mar 14, 2022
Engine
Filed Mar 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was notified about the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact was also informed that the vehicle was still safe to drive despite the parts for the recall not being available. The manufacturer was also notified of the issue and informed him that the vehicle was not safe to drive; he was instructed to leave the vehicle parked until parts for the recall were available. The contact was referred back to the dealer for a loaner vehicle; however, the dealer stated that there were no loaner vehicles available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11456771
Incident
Mar 3, 2022
Engine
Filed Feb 22, 2022

The contact owns a 2008 BMW 328XI. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH on the highway, the engine failed. The contact pulled over to the emergency lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove home safely. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure code was not able to be generated and another appointment was made for further testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was also informed that his vehicle could be related to a fuel injection issue. No further information was available. The approximate failure mileage was 147,675.

NHTSA ID
11453475
Incident
Feb 18, 2022
Mileage
147,675 mi
EngineFuel systemSuspension
Filed Oct 21, 2021

Mileage Rollback

NHTSA ID
11437624
Incident
Oct 14, 2020
Engine
Filed Jun 1, 2021
Fire reported

The contact owned a 2008 BMW 328xi. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, she saw smoke exiting the front passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact parked and exited the vehicle safely and called 911. The contact stated 25 seconds after exiting the vehicle, the vehicle exploded and caught on fire. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that there was no injury. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to a towing lot. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

NHTSA ID
11419176
Incident
May 28, 2021
Mileage
131,000 mi
Filed Sep 13, 2020

WHILE COMING TO A STOP OR TAKING A TURN THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF AT WHICH POINT I LOSE TOTAL CONTROL OVER THE CAR. AT THIS POINT I HAVE TO DO MY BEST TO COME TO A STOP SAFELY AND AVOID ANY POTENTIAL ACCIDENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL COME ON ONCE THE CAR SHUTS DOWN, BUT THE CAR WILL START RIGHT BACK UP AFTERWARDS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT GOES AWAY. THE CAR WILL DRIVE NORMAL, BUT THIS HAPPENS OFTEN AND SCARED AS THERE IS NO WARNING SIGN OF WHEN THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO ME; I HAVE BEEN LUCKY SO FAR NOT TO GET INTO A MAJOR ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ID
11354816
Incident
Sep 13, 2020
Mileage
120,000 mi
AirbagsElectrical
Filed Jul 4, 2020
Fire reported

CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED ON SMOKE CAME OUT FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS AND ALL DOORS LOCKED FROM INSIDE. THERE WERE 2 OCCUPANTS INSIDE THAT NEEDED ASSISTANCE TO GET OUT WHILE THE CAR WAS CATCHING FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED.

NHTSA ID
11337419
Incident
Jul 1, 2020
Mileage
250,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 24, 2020
Fire reported

VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT AND A FIRE STARTED UNDER THE DASHBOARD

NHTSA ID
11301519
Incident
Dec 29, 2019
Body & structureElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 28, 2019
Fire reported

WHILE CAR WAS PARKED IN A STRIP MALL PARKING LOT AND SHUT OFF, CAR IGNITED IN FLAMES AND IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS

NHTSA ID
11291770
Incident
Dec 27, 2019
Mileage
140,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Mar 27, 2019

MY VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING WILL SHUT OFF BUT WITH POWER AT LEAST TWO TIMES. ONCE I RESTART THE CAR AND CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR THEN SHUTS OFF COMPLETELY AND LOSES ALL POWER. THE VEHICLE THEN WILL NOT HAVE ANY HEAD LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS OR HAZARD LIGHTS WON'T WORK EITHER. TO TRY AND REMEDY THE PROBLEM, THE POWER ADAPTER HAD BEEN REPLACED ONLY FOR THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE SAME ISSUES.

NHTSA ID
11192030
Incident
Mar 27, 2019
Mileage
159,684 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. THE DEALER (HENDRICK BMW, 6950 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28227, (704)-321-4851) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED TO CONFIRM IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID
11154926
Incident
Oct 25, 2017
ElectricalEngine
Filed Nov 19, 2018
Fire reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT DETECTED A BURNING ODOR OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THE VEHICLE WHILE WAITING TO RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIRS. ORANGE COUNTY BMW (101 MAHER LN, HARRIMAN, NY 10926, 1-(845) 782-4269) STATED THAT THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE DATES TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIRS UNTIL MID FEBRUARY OF 2019. THE DEALER DID NOT MENTION IF THE PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11152464
Incident
Oct 5, 2018
Body & structureEngine
Filed Nov 16, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. EVER SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE FRONT END VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE MOUNT BRACKET BOLTS WERE FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS. *JS *BF *TR*JB

NHTSA ID
11151963
Incident
Aug 24, 2018
Mileage
62,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 30, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) AND 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, A STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR ENTERED INTO THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED A FUME-LIKE ODOR INTENSIFIED. TOWNE BMW (8215 MAIN STREET, WILLIAMSVILLE, NEW YORK, (716) 505-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE RECALLS VIA A VOICEMAIL MESSAGE BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECTS FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM).

NHTSA ID
11144012
Incident
Sep 30, 2018
Mileage
80,000 mi
ElectricalEngineSteering
Filed Oct 8, 2018

DRIVING MY CAR FOR SHORT DISTANCE MAKES ENGINE HOT AND SMELL ELECTRICAL WIRE BURNING. THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR WITH DIFFERENT VIN HAS RECALL OF PROBLEM DESCRIBED. ATTACHED PHOTO DESCRIBES SAME PROBLEM I HAVE. PLEASE PROVIDE A SOLUTION

NHTSA ID
11138952
Incident
Jul 11, 2018
Mileage
6 mi
Engine
Filed Oct 5, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V683000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (HILTON HEAD BMW, 1230 FORDING ISLAND RD, BLUFFTON, SC 29910, (843) 815-1501) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11133457
Incident
Oct 30, 2017

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.

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